Position: Goalkeeper
Born: 19.08.72

Club: Boca Juniors

Vastly-experienced goalkeeper who is expected to be first choice for Argentina in the finals in Germany, Roberto Abbondanzieri spent several years in the shadows at Boca, behind first-choice Oscar Cordoba.

But when the Colombian left for Perugia of Serie A in the summer of 2002 he finally took over.

The chance to start for Boca gave Abbondanzieri the chance to stake his claim for an international place. And in 2004 he became goalkeeper for his country.

Since then he has played in the Copa America (2004), Confederations Cup (2005) and through qualification for these finals. He was named South American Goalkeeper of the Year in 2003.