201 FIFA World Cup: Argentina's Last Real Achievement Was 17 Years Ago

Believe it or not, the last main football competition won by the Argentinians outside of the Olympics was the Copa America in July 4th 1993. Ecuador organized the Comebol's tournament including Mexico and USA national teams.

Alfio "El Coco" Basile led the Albiceleste to win two "Copa America" titles, and he was the last coach to give them happiness and glory. In 1993, Argentina had a cohesive team with a unique style that was impossible to beat.

Fernando Redondo was special. He was the most complete midfielder in the world. "El Cholo" Simeone helped him to run the middlefield with strength and class.

Another genius full of class and imagination to create offensive attacks was Nestor Gorosito. Also, Sergio Goycochea was a formidable goalkeeper, Oscar Ruggeri kept things together at the back, and Gabriel Batistuta was a bonafide goal machine.

The final took place in the most beautiful and biggest stadium of the Pacific Coast: Estadio Monumental, located in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It is the official house of Barcelona Sporting Club.

The game was a tight one, and it only really came to life midway through the second half.

Fiorentina striker Batistuta gave Argentina the lead in the 63rd minute. "Batigol" finished the previous Copa America as top scorer, but this was only his second strike of this tournament.

Four minutes later, Mexico were level, with Benjamin Galindo slotting a penalty past renowned spot-kick stopper Goycochea. But Batistuta restored Argentina’s advantage in the 74th minute, and his goal proved to be decisive.

Argentina won the Copa America and retained the title.

Why do people have high expectations when it is been a long time since their last triumph?

Overrating them has not been helpful, because I haven't seen any major title since that time.

Basile's 11 in 1993: Goycochea, F. Basualdo, Ruggeri, Borrelli, Altamirano, Zapata, Simeone, Redondo, Gorosito, Batistuta, Acosta