A-Leaque Soccer News Australia

Argentina coach Jose Pekerman has named his 23 man World Cup Squad for the 2006 World Cup Finals in German with Inter Milan defender and former captain Javier Zanetti a surprise omission. While Zanetti was left in shock at his omission, Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze was all smiles after he won a place in the World Cup squad having recovered from a knee injury.

Argentina World Cup Squad:

Goalkeepers: Roberto Abbondanzieri (Boca Juniors), Leonardo Franco (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Oscar Ustari (Independiente).

Defenders: Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo Coruna, Spain), Roberto Ayala (Valencia, Spain), Gabriel Heinze (Manchester United, England), Juan Pablo Sorin (Villarreal, Spain), Gabriel Milito (Real Zaragoza, Spain), Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan, Italy), Leandro Cufre (AS Roma, Italy).

Midfielders: Lionel Scaloni (West Ham United, England), Esteban Cambiasso (Inter Milan, Italy), Javier Mascherano (Corinthians, Brazil), Luis Gonzalez (Porto, Portugal), Pablo Aimar (Valencia, Spain), Juan Roman Riquelme (Villarreal, Spain), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid, Spain).

Forwards: Carlos Tevez (Corinthians, Brazil), Hernan Crespo (Chelsea, England), Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Spain), Rodrigo Palacio (Boca Juniors), Javier Saviola (Sevilla, Spain), Julio Cruz (Inter Milan, Italy).