Although Bielsa claimed Riquelme was "too slow" and dropped him out of the 2002 World Cup squad, the Villareal playmaker has been the focal point of the 2006 World Cup squad under coach Jose Pekerman.

    In a star-studded team like Argentina, everybody is eager to show himself, and it is difficult for Riquelme who is shy to establish himself. However, Pekerman knows Riquelme's ability perhaps better than anyone else as he led Argentine U-20 team to win the CONMEBOL South American tournament and the FIFA World Youth championship in 1997 with Riquelme as his key player.

    The year 1997 saw the first explosion of Riquelme onto the international scene. The whole world remembered the 19-year-old Argentine midfielder with outstanding ability to keep hold of the ball and fearsome shot, the free-kicks in particular.

    So exceptional was his form in both tournaments and for his then club side, Boca Juniors, that coach Daniel Passarella drafted Riquelme directly into the senior squad, where he made his debut in a 1-1 draw with Colombia in what was Argentina's final qualifier for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

    However, his speedy inclusion into the senior set-up proved to be a false dawn when he failed to establish himself in the team. His best opportunity to prove his worth came at the CONMEBOL Copa America in 1999, but Bielsa's team flattered to deceive and were eliminated in the second round. He would be given another chance in a series of friendly matches ahead of Korea/Japan 2002, but Bielsa was not to be swayed.

    Bielsa was sacked after Argentina's disastrous exit at the group stage in 2002. The appointment of Pekerman as Argentina coach has finally allowed Riquelme to take what many Argentina fans believe is his rightful place in the side. Most of the fans considered Riquelme as one of their country's finest playmakers.

    So far, Riquelme has scored eight goals in 30 games for Argentina.

    Riquelme's club career also features highs and lows. He made his first division debut for Boca Juniors on 10 November 1996. Just 16 days later he notched his first goal and was hailed as Argentine football's rising star. He went on to claim a host of silverware including the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores (twice) and the TOYOTA Cup after beating the mighty Real Madrid 2-0 in Tokyo. Barcelona won the subsequent race for his signature, but he struggled to establish himself at the Nou Camp and was loaned out to Villarreal.

    In the "Yellow Submarine" side sprinkled with skilful South Americans, Riquelme is the inspirational star, scoring freely and creating chances for his appreciative team-mates.

    Riquelme has often been the eye-catching point in international arena in recent years. Last June, he played pivotal role in helping Argentina to the final of the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup. He won the man-of-the-match accolade in the crucial 2-2 draw with hosts Germany with an exquisite free-kick goal and radar passing and vision.

    This year, Villarreal's run to the semi-finals of the Champions league was largely down to the inspirational Riquelme. But the talent mysteriously missed an injury time penalty kick in the semi-final against Arsenal, which could drag the Gunners into extra-time duel if made.

    Riquelme is sure to be one of the players to watch next month in Germany. And his form will to some extent decide Argentina's fate. Enditem