The 2014 FIFA World Cup is on the cusp of crowning a champion as Argentina and Germany will meet in the final on Sunday at the historic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2 p.m. CT live on ABC & Univision). While Germany are making a record eighth appearance in the World Cup final and fourth straight top-four finish after handing the hosts a stunning 7-1 defeat on Tuesday, Argentina have advanced past the quarterfinal round for the first time since doing so in 1986 and 1990 when they ultimately met West Germany in the final on both occasions.
Back then, La Albiceleste fielded Diego Maradona in his prime but today a new age of stars led by captain and four-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has the South American side on the brink of lifting the World Cup trophy for the first time since 1986 -- nearly a full year before the 27-year-old Messi was born.
Glimpses of this golden generation began to garner attention on the global stage in 2005 at the FIFA World Youth Championship when Argentina's Under-20 squad featured six players now in Brazil on their World Cup roster: Sergio Aguero, Lucas Biglia, Fernando Gago, Ezequiel Garay, Lionel Messi and Pablo Zabaleta. Five of those six were on the field yesterday in Argentina's semifinal showdown versus the Netherlands, including the team's first three shooters in the decisive penalty shootout.
As such, it comes as little surprise that Argentina outlasted the 24-team field in 2005 to claim the prestigious youth title but only after opening the tournament with a stunning group stage upset at the hands of the United States. "There's no excuse for this defeat," said Lionel Messi, who went on to become the tournament's top player and goal scorer.
Turning back the clock nine summers ago, today's Throwback Thursday remembers the roles Sporting Kansas City midfielder Benny Feilhaber and forward Jacob Peterson played at Arke Stadium in the Netherlands when the United States Under-20 Men's National Team prevailed 1-0 over Argentina, earned a scoreless draw against Germany and won their group thanks to Peterson's game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Egypt.
- June 11, 2005: USA 1, Argentina 0
- June 15, 2005: USA 0, Germany 0
- June 18, 2005: USA 1, Egypt 0
Benny Feilhaber and the U.S. celebrate Chad Barrett's goal against Argentina
