Jackie Cooney, Soccer Editor

Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - After winning the World Cup in 1978 and 1986, Argentina heads to Germany in search of its third golden trophy.

The Albiceleste enters this year's competition after riding an emotional roller coaster during the qualifying fixtures. Argentina was devastated following the unexpected resignation of former head coach Marcelo Bielsa. The team, however, pulled together and with the help of new boss Jose Pekerman, received its ticket to Germany by defeating Brazil in Buenos Aires.

Argentina suffered its second blow with the recent injury of Lionel Messi. The Barcelona striker suffered a thigh injury in April and will most likely miss the team's opening match against Cote d'Ivoire June 10.

With Messi's absence, Pekerman is still deciding who he will pair up with Hernan Crespo on the offensive line. Those auditioning include Sevilla's Javier Saviola, Cointhians' Carlos Tevez and Boca Juniors' Rodrigo Palacio.

Nonetheless, Argentina still remains a favorite for this year's tournament and will be sure to entertain soccer fans from around the world.

Achievements:

-- FIFA World Cup winners: 1978, 1986, runners-up 1930, 1990.

-- Copa America winners 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993.

-- Olympic silver medallists 1926, 1996.

-- FIFA World Youth Championship winners 1979, 1995, 1997, 2001