Now we turn our attention to the team Germany beat to win the last World Cup, Argentina. The Albicelecte went down 1-0 in added extra time and that defeat by the closest of margins has left the South American team's fans eager to see them clear that last hurdle, and reach the top in Russia. But getting there is likely to be an uphill battle after a bumpy road in their qualifiers. Joel Richards takes a look at their chances.

Supporters gave the Argentina national team a rousing send-off before the players traveled to the World Cup in Russia.

"We have to win. A good World Cup for us would be winning."

"I hope we win. I am confident that we will win, and we'll bring the trophy back."

"We are going to play all seven games, and we are going to win in the final."

"I hope they win, but if we reach the final, it is a good tournament."

After reaching the final in 2014, and ultimately losing to Germany, Argentina this year has strong support and high expectations.

JOEL RICHARDS BUENOS AIRES "Argentina was far from convincing in the build-up to this year's World Cup. The team left it to the very last match to guarantee their place in Russia. During qualification, Argentina tried three different coaches, who used a number of different players. In the end, the team traveling to Russia will feature some of the same faces who reached the final in Brazil four years ago."

Coach Jorge Sampaoli promises attacking football and is confident of what the team can achieve.

JORGE SAMPAOLI ARGENTINA COACH "I am very excited to coach and accompany these players. I am very optimistic, and every time I see them in training the dream grows."

Lead by captain Lionel Messi, this is a side that not only reached the final of the World Cup in Brazil, but also reached two Copa America finals. Yet, Argentina lost all three finals, and there is pressure on the squad to deliver in Russia. Argentina won its first World Cup in 1978. The second came in 1986, under captain Diego Maradona. The goalkeeper was Nery Pumpido, who told CGTN that having the world's best player is not enough in itself.

NERY PUMPIDO FORMER ARGENTINA GOALKEEPER "One player alone cannot win the World Cup. Maradona played four World Cups. He won only one. Messi has played three World Cups and has not won one, which means with the two best players in the world, Maradona and Messi, they have played seven World Cups but won only one, which was because of the team."

Pumpido is cautious about Argentina's chances.

NERY PUMPIDO 1986 WORLD CUP WINNER "Maybe Brazil and Germany are stronger right now. To reach them we have to work hard in the month that remains, get strong as a team, and I hope they talk a lot as a group. The group is very important."

Hopeful Argentines will be watching when Messi and his team start their quest to win the World Cup against Iceland on June 16th. Joel Richards, CGTN, Buenos Aires.