FIFA WC 2018: How have Argentina performed in previous editions?
What's the story
Argentina need a win, at any cost, in their final group-stage encounter against Nigeria. After a draw and a loss, Lionel Messi-led Argentina are at the bottom of Group D. A win will boost their chances of qualifying for the round of 16. If they lose today, it will be their worst performance since 1934. Here we look at Argentina's previous World Cup campaigns.
2000s
Argentina failed to break German army in last three editions
The last three World Cups saw Argentina go far, but each time they were defeated by Germany. In 2006, Argentina reached the quarters before losing to the Germans in penalty shoot-outs. In 2010, they once again reached the last eight and Germany decimated the South American side 4-0. In 2014, Lionel Messi's team lost in the finale with Germany lifting the trophy.
Pre-Messi era
In 2002, Argentina missed out on knock-outs progression
In 2002, Argentina made early exit from the tournament despite defeating Nigeria in their first game. They lost to England next and drew against Sweden. It wasn't enough to get them through to the knock-outs. In 1998, Argentina had reached the quarters, but were shut down by the Netherlands in a 1-2 loss. In 1994, they bowed out in the round of 16.
Golden period
1986 and 1990 saw the best of Argentina
In 1986, Argentina won the FIFA World Cup with Diego Maradona in supreme form. They topped the group and then went on to beat Uruguay, England and Belgium to reach the final. They overcame West Germany 3-2 in the final. In 1990, once again the Argentines reached the finale to set up a dream duel against West Germany. But this time they lost 1-0.
Information
Other editions when Argentina made early exits
In 1958, they lost in the 1st round. The 6-1 defeat to Czechoslovakia is still their worst tally at World Cups. In 1962, they missed out on the round of 16 after going out on an inferior goal-difference to England.