Argentina No Longer Written Off

Argentina lost its very first game to Cameroon, 1-0. After that loss, many people in the media said Argentina was done. Even President Carlos Menem criticized the team and its coach. Star player Diego Maradona didn't defend the team either, saying Argentina was not at the same level as Italy, Brazil, or West Germany.

But Argentina proved those people wrong. The team knocked out both Italy and Brazil on its way to the final. Now Argentina will face West Germany — the same country it beat in the 1986 World Cup final — to try to win the title again. It is Argentina's third World Cup final in the last four tournaments.

West Germany, on the other hand, has been confident from the start. The Germans have not lost a single game in the tournament. Their coach, Franz Beckenbauer, said plainly, "West Germany is the stronger team, and we intend to prove it." This is their sixth World Cup final in the last ten tournaments, a remarkable record.

Argentina's coach, Carlos Bilardo, has been much more careful with his words. He said his team has only a 50-50 chance of winning. His job has also been made harder because four players — including three starters — cannot play in the final. They were banned after picking up too many yellow cards or a red card in the semifinal against Italy.

One of the missing players is forward Claudio Cannigia, one of Maradona's favorite targets. Cannigia scored the goal that beat Brazil and tied Italy to force overtime. Argentina then won that Italy game on penalty kicks, which upset a lot of Italian fans who thought their team was destined to win. Some fans were so angry that they stole and ripped up Argentina's flag outside the team's hotel.

Argentina's goalkeeper, Sergio Goycochea, has become a hero during this tournament. He replaced injured starter Nery Pumpido and gave up only one goal. He also made key saves during penalty kick shootouts. Tonight he will face his toughest challenge yet against the powerful German attack.

West Germany's best player on the field is midfielder Lothar Matthaeus, age 29. He is smart and creative, always finding open teammates. He has also scored four goals in the tournament. Many are asking whether he can match the greatness of Argentina's Maradona.

Maradona, also 29, has not scored a single goal in this tournament. Four years ago in the 1986 World Cup, he scored five goals and set up two more. This time, he has taken only three shots. But when Argentina has needed a big play, Maradona has still delivered, and he was brilliant in the win over Italy.

Coach Bilardo said earlier in the tournament, "Argentina is Maradona and 10 others." That shows how important Maradona is to the team. Matthaeus himself said, "Maradona is still the best." Maradona has also said this will be his last game with Argentina's national team, giving him extra reason to finish strong.

Argentina got to the final in a surprising way — losing early, then winning through penalty kicks. West Germany moved through the tournament smoothly, beating the Netherlands, Czechoslovakia, and England. President Menem is so superstitious that he decided not to attend the game, believing his presence caused Argentina's first loss. Instead, he will watch from his favorite chair at home in Buenos Aires, hoping his team brings home the cup.