Argentina manager Diego Maradona has named a 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup. At its peak, I think this is the team to beat. There's a blend of youth and experience, foreign and domestic. This team should see long spells of possession but will also be able to compete physically.
Maradona's done a B-plus job here, but I remain convinced that the manager is actually the club's weakest link. This is his first job as a manager at any level, and Argentina made heavy work out of what should have been straightforward qualifying. Maradona made unusual selections and tactical choices; Bolivia beat Argentina 6-1. Maradona's problems with cocaine, alcohol, and prescription drugs are well documented. He has had heart attacks and hepatitis. I don't think he's ready for the crucible of being manager at the World Cup.
Surprise omissions from the final 30 include Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Javier Zanetti and Esteban Camboiasso (both Inter Milan), and Gabriel Milito (Barcelona). I would have included the Inter pair. Maradona chose Javier Pastore, who is not yet good enough to play for Argentina, and Juan Sebastian Veron, who hasn't been good enough for five years at least.
Squad: (Seven to be cut)
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Diego Pozo (Colon);
Defenders: Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Marseille), Nicolas Burdisso (Roma), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Ariel Garce (Colon), Juan Insaurralde (Newell's Old Boys), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes);
Midfielders: Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Jose Sosa (Estudiantes), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Javier Pastore (Palermo), Sebastian Blanco (Lanus), Maxi Rodriguez (Liverpool), Juan Mercier (Argentinos), Jesus Datolo (Olympiakos), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina);
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli).