FIFA World Cup 2014: Argentina’s fabulous four vie for triumphant finish

Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi has won every major global title bar the World Cup and Argentina are hoping he will be able to tick that last remaining box with a side considered among the favourites for the title in their biggest rival’s backyard.

If the “Fantastic Quartet” of Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria are on song, Argentina can emerge victorious in Brazil to claim a third World Cup victory.

Despite boasting a wealth of riches in attack, however, Argentina are playing down their chances of overall victory and setting their sights primarily on ending a quarter-final jinx.

“It’s very difficult to become world champions. We mustn’t believe we’re the best. In fact, we know we’re not the best, but we are a (world) power,” coach Alejandro Sabella said.

Balance is a key word for Sabella, who has built a harmonious squad, who get on well both on and off the pitch.

This might explain the absence of striker Carlos Tevez despite his Juventus form, an individualist that Sabella feels he cannot seamlessly introduce to the team. Argentina have reached the last eight at three of the last four tournaments, going out to Germany in 2006 and 2010, and have not reached the semis since Italy 1990.