Argentina football guide - history, national team titles, map

Details:

Association: Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA)
Founded: 1893
Joined FIFA: 1912
Confederation: CONMEBOL
Colors: Blue, White, Black
The Game: Fútbol

Description:

The name of the game in Argentina is fútbol - pronounced fuut-bowl. It is occasionally referred to as balompie, which literally translates as foot ball. Argentina produced the first club, first national association and first league in South America. These early days of the game were marked by a heavy British influence, a fact which is still reflected in the English-language names of a number of teams. The sky blue and white found in the AFA emblem is also found in the national jersey and both pay homage to the sky blue and white flag of Argentina. This sky blue and white color combination is the translation of a nickname sometimes given to the national team - the Albicelestes.

The national championship has traditionally been dominated by the Big Five of the capital - River Plate, Boca Juniors, Independiente, Racing and San Lorenzo. Their hegemony has only occasionally been challenged by Vélez Sársfield and the two giants of Rosario - Newell's Old Boys and Rosario Central. Of those listed Big Five two stand out above the rest - Boca Juniors and River Plate. At least twice a year these two arch-rivals contest one of the most famous and passionate derbies in the world.

Argentina has played two championships per year since the late 1960s. From the mid 60s to the early 80s, Argentina played a Metropolitan championship (open to the traditional Buenos Aires/Rosario clubs) and a National championship (open to the entire country). Since the mid 90s, the championship has been split into two torneos - opening (Apertura) and closing (Clausura). As in most of Latin America, there is no cup competition in Argentina.

Argentine Football Clubs Map:

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International Titles:

• World Cup (1978, 86)
• Copa America (1921, 25, 27, 29, 37, 41, 45, 46, 47, 55, 57, 59, 91, 93)
• Confederations Cup (1992)