Argentina in search of elusive title

Argentina are undoubtedly one of the most successful football nations, having won the FIFA World Cup twice, the U-20 title a record six times and two back-to-back Olympic Games titles. But they remain in search of a FIFA U-17 title and will be looking to end their search for it at Nigeria 2009, beginning with tomorrow's game against Honduras.

Nigeria 2009 is Argentina's 10th participation at the FIFA U-17 World Cup but the best the young Albiceleste have been able to achieve from their previous nine appearances have been three separate third place finishes at Italy 1991, Ecuador 1995 and Finland 2003. And they will be heading into their match against the Hondurans as outright favourites, as they set about the task of getting past the semi-final stage for the first time.

History repeats itself

In contrast, Honduras are only appearing at the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals for the second time, following their debut appearance two years ago at Korea 2007 where they were beaten in each of their three games. In one of those games they were beaten 4-1 by the Argentineans and Los Catrachos will be hoping for an improved performance tomorrow at the National Stadium, Abuja. And with the likes of Antony Lozano, scorer of four goals in the qualifiers, leading an attack that is supplemented by a hardworking midfield led by Nestor Martinez,

the Central Americans can head into tomorrow's encounter brimming with confidence.

But self-belief has its limits, especially when taking on a side that emerged from the South American qualifying tournament unbeaten and who are coached by a former Argentinean World Cup winning defender, Jose Luis Brown.

World Cup winning coach Brown opened scoring for Argentina in their 3-2 defeat of Germany at the 1986 World Cup final in Mexico, a game he went on to finish with a dislocated shoulder, and he has imparted most of the qualities that made him a respected player, including his competitive streak, into his young wards who are condemned to defeat Honduras, possibly, with a wide margin to put themselves in pole position in a group that will later see them taking on Germany, on Tuesday, and hosts Nigeria next Friday.

And with a team comprising gifted ball-players from the defence to an attack led by the diminutive River Plate forward, Daniel Alberto Villalva,

Abuja fans may likely witness a festival of goals tomorrow.