# Introduction: Why The Argentina Football Squad 2006 Still Matters
When people search for argentina football squad 2006, they’re usually on a mission to uncover the memorable lineup that defined Argentina’s run in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. These users are seeking information: they want the list of players, key tactics, controversies, stats, and historical impact. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know—drawing on data, real expertise, and nuanced insights.
# Argentina Football Squad 2006: Core Lineup & Tactical Vision
The 2006 Argentina football squad embodied a fusion of experience and youth. Under coach José Pekerman, the team featured legends like Juan Román Riquelme, Hernán Crespo, and emerging stars Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez. Argentina was placed in Group C alongside the Netherlands, Ivory Coast, and Serbia-Montenegro.
Pekerman favored a fluid 4-3-1-2 formation, with Riquelme orchestrating the midfield. This blend of creative control and attacking flair made Argentina a fan favorite and gave them one of the most watchable sides in the tournament.
# The LSI Lens: Who Were the Key Players and Surprising Omissions?
Related keywords often searched alongside argentina football squad 2006 include Argentina World Cup history, 2006 squad list, Argentina match results 2006, Messi World Cup debut, and World Cup memorable moments.
## Notable Inclusions
– Lionel Messi (then just 18, starting his World Cup journey)
– Juan Román Riquelme (midfield maestro)
– Carlos Tevez (versatile attacker)
– Roberto Ayala (defensive stalwart)
– Hernán Crespo (prolific forward)
## Surprising Omissions
Javier Zanetti, a mainstay in defense, did not make the final cut—a decision still debated by fans and pundits. According to FIFA statistics, Argentina had one of the lowest average squad ages in the knockout stage, signaling another generational shift (Source: FIFA.com stats).
# Argentina’s Tactics vs. Top Rivals: HTML Table Comparison
Argentina employed flexibility in their tactical setups, adapting strategies based on the opposition. Here’s a quick comparison of Argentina versus Germany, their quarterfinal opponents:
| Feature | Argentina (2006) | Germany (2006) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Formation | 4-3-1-2 | 4-4-2 |
| Key Playmaker | Riquelme | Ballack |
| Top Scorer | Crespo (3 goals) | Klose (5 goals) |
| Average Squad Age | 25.2 years | 27.3 years |
| Pass Completion Rate | 83% | 76% |
As shown, Argentina led in pass completion, reflecting their short-passing game and possession-based attacks (Source: FIFA Technical Report 2006).
# Step-By-Step Guide: How To Find Reliable Data On Argentina Football Squad 2006
If you want to dive deeper into the squad or verify stats, follow these steps:
1. Start at the official FIFA World Cup archives online.
2. Locate the Argentina National Team section under the 2006 tournament year.
3. Review both the player roster and individual game lineups.
4. Cross-reference with reputable football statistic sites like transfermarkt.com.
5. For anecdotal analysis, check post-match reports from trusted outlets (like BBC or ESPN).
This five-step approach helps you avoid false claims and ensures you’re getting verified information.
# Controversies, Common Misconceptions & Key Turning Points
NOW, LET’S CLEAR UP SOME MYTHS. One frequent misconception is that Messi began every game. In reality, he started on the bench for some matches, playing a super-sub role. Also, the quarterfinal exit against Germany is sometimes blamed on Pekerman’s substitution choices—removing Riquelme and Crespo for defensive options led to a loss of midfield control. According to The Guardian, this match had one of the lowest shot totals in Argentina’s recent history, confirming a tactical retreat (Source: The Guardian, July 2006).
# From The Expert’s Desk: What Argentina 2006 Taught Us
According to my experience analyzing World Cup squads over the years, Argentina 2006 struck a rare balance between creativity and discipline. The mix of rising talents like Messi and the seasoned presence of Riquelme made them unpredictable and thrilling to watch. Yet, as we’ve seen, even a talented squad can fall victim to over-cautious management and penalty shootout nerves.
# Warning: Don’t Fall For These Common Mistakes When Researching
– BEWARE OF FAN BLOGS WITHOUT SOURCES. They often mix opinions with unverified details.
– WATCH OUT FOR OUTDATED STATS ON RANDOM FORUMS. Always check the data publication date.
– REMEMBER THAT SQUAD LISTS FREQUENTLY Omit late injury changes—official archives are your best bet.
# Argentina Football Squad 2006: Legacy & Modern Impact
After their 2006 campaign, Argentina’s approach influenced tactical trends—especially in South American football. Many of the stars, like Messi and Tevez, went on to redefine their positions in club and international matches. For example, Messi transformed from winger to global playmaker—a positional switch rooted in the 2006 squad philosophy.
# Checklist: Your Ultimate Argentina Football Squad 2006 Research Guide
– Pinpoint the official player list from FIFA World Cup archives.
– Verify match lineups and substitutions from trusted sport news sources.
– Compare key stats, such as pass completion or age, using technical reports.
– Investigate tactical analyses—look for sources from leading analysts.
– Summarize legacy trends (player development, tactical evolution) with reliable citations.
– Revisit memorable matches and major turning points (e.g., the quarterfinal vs. Germany).
– Note any controversial coaching decisions—check updated commentary.
If you follow these steps and distinctions, you’ll get an informed and comprehensive perspective on the argentina football squad 2006—one that lasts long after the final whistle.
