Argentina is one of the foremost footballing nations in the world and has been for some time. With over 40 million people making up the population, football seems to be one of the major pastimes for many whether they happen to be from the richer areas or the slums, from the capital of Buenos Aires to the more rural areas further inland. Founded in 1516 by the Spanish adventurers, Argentina gained independence in 1810 and is now considered one of the most promising developing countries out there. The presence of the Spanish is still felt in term of currency (the Peso) and the language (Spanish) but Argentina is very much its own country now.

In terms of footballing achievements, Argentina is one of the most decorated countries in the world. Playing its home games at El Monumental, the national football team is ranked number one in the FIFA world rankings and has been placed there since March 2007. The lowest ever ranking, which was 24, came in August 1996, but the team never reached such a low before and soon bounced back.

Founded in 1901, Argentina has played in 14 World Cup tournaments, including the inaugural 1930 tournament. Out of those appearances, the team has actually won the tournament twice, in 1978 and 1986. If that were not impressive enough, their record in the Copa America is extremely illustrious! Having played the first of their 37 tournaments in 1916, they have won it 14 times (1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991 and 1993). They have also appeared in the Confederations Cup three times and won it once in 1992. The national side can also add Olympic Gold medallist to that list.

In Argentina, the top division is called the Primera Division. There are twenty clubs that take part and there are effectively two seasons per year – the Clausura, which runs from February to June, and the Apertura, running from August to December. There are therefore two champions crowned every year, but no cup competition for the teams to play in, which does distinguish the Argentinean domestic football from the European equivalents.

There are several clubs that vie for the top spot every season in the domestic football calendar, including San Lorenzo, River Plate, Boca Juniors and Estudiantes LP. River Plate is currently the most decorated team in the country with 32 titles, with Boca Juniors in second place with 22 titles. However, the title can change hands twice every year so the top teams are ever changing. The set up certainly makes for exciting football if nothing else!