Share

Argentina's SWC squad named

Cape Town - Argentina national head coach, Alejandro Sabella, cut his 2014 Soccer World Cup squad to the final 23 names.

According to the Guardian, Nicolás Otamendi, Éver Banega and José Sosa were the three players to miss out as the Argentina coach, Alejandro Sabella, cut his 2014 Soccer World Cup squad to the final 23 names required by FIFA.

Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Rodrigo Palacio join Sergio Agüero in arguably the most potent strike force at the competition. However, attack is not the weakness of the team and Argentina will have to vastly improve their defence if they want to add a third gold star to their jerseys.

Manchester City have three players in the Argentine squad, Martín Demichelis joins defender Pablo Zabaleta and striker Sergio Agüero in the squad while Atletico Mineiro’s Otamendi was the defender unable to crack a spot in the final 23 man squad.

Boca Juniors’ Fernando Gago was selected despite fitness concerns as Banega and Atlético Madrid’s Sosa were left out of a midfield selection which also features Javier Mascherano, Ángel di María and Lucas Biglia.

Sabella is not afraid of brave decisions as this squad already disregarded both Carlos Tevez and Javier Pastore.

Argentina have not progressed past the quarter-finals in the previous five editions of the Soccer World Cup with their last win coming in 1986.

Argentina 2014 Soccer World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers:
Sergio Romero (Monaco), Mariano Andújar (Catania), Agustín Orión (Boca Juniors).

Defenders:
Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Federico Fernández (Napoli), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), José María Basanta (Monterrey), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City).

Midfielders:
Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Ángel di María (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodríguez (Newell’s Old Boys), Ricardo Álvarez (Internazionale), Augusto Fernández (Celta Vigo), Enzo Pérez (Benfica).

Forwards:
Sergio Agüero (Manchester City), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuaín (Napoli), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint Germain), Rodrigo Palacio (Internazionale).
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE