The Albiceleste ("the light blue and whites") is arguably the most attack-minded side among the favorites at the tournament. Spain is more balanced, anchored in the back by the Barcelona duo of Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique. Brazil is uncharacteristically defense-minded, much to the chagrin of their passionate, joy-seeking fans.
Argentina, however, has an embarrassment of riches up front, with Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuaín, Ángel Di Maria and the incomparable Lionel Messi all finding places in today's starting lineup. And waiting in the wings are Diego Milito and Sergio "Kun" Agüero. Agüero is another in the long line of Argentinians tabbed to assume Maradona's mantle, but the only one with familial ties: he's El Diego's son-in-law. They'll rely on Juan Sebastián Verón and holding midfielder-cum-pit bull Javier Mascherano to set the tempo and break up the opponents attacking chances, but once that's accomplished, expect Argentina to bomb forward relentlessly.
There are many questions about Maradona's ability to lead this team to greatness (see the aforementioned "look" and then let's talk about whether that's the guy you want leading your team). And you have to wonder if the singular attacking focus might backfire. Argentina is the first team we've seen this tournament deploying the latest tactical trend, playing with just three defenders in the back. One of those defenders is the highly overrated Martín Demichelis. He was found wanting repeatedly while playing for Bayern Munich in the latter stages of the Champions League, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's culpable for a costly misstep later in this tournament.
That said, I expect Argentina to overwhelm Nigeria today and advance deep into this tournament. And I look forward to watching all that attacking verve along the way.
Unsurprisingly it's 1-0 to Argentina in just the sixth minute. That first goal? It was scored by Gabriel Heinze, a defender.
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