Argentina

Argentina spent a large part of their footballing history living in the shadow of their neighbours and fierce rivals Brazil, failing to even qualify for the tournament in 1970 when Brazil stormed to their third title. However in the last few decades the country has come into its own, finally claiming the trophy themselves in 1978 in front of a partisan crowd in Buenos Aires against Holland, and in fact their record of 3 appearances in the final itself and 2 wins since 1970 matches Brazil's own.
In 1982 the world got its first glimpse of an Argentinean who would go on to be the most gifted - and controversial - footballer in the history of the game, and the iconic figure of football in Argentina - Diego Maradona. His first World Cup ended as his last would, in disgrace, being sent off for a vicious tackle on Brazil's Batista in the quarter final defeat. In 1986 Maradona stunned the footballing world with a series of breathtaking goals and displays, single-handedly taking his side to the final which they won 3-2. Though again controversy followed this flawed genius, with the infamous 'hand of god' against England blotting his copybook somewhat. In 1994 Maradona tested positive for cocaine and was kicked out of the tournament in disgrace. Argentina subsequently flopped out of a competition of which they had looked like potential winners, and they have endured a period of under-achievement and failure since.