an English world cup blog from Argentina

Argentinean fans have a fine tradition of nicknames – here's a few of the squad that have played so far. This page should develop a bit to include more information about the players:

Juan Pablo Sorin, Captain: Juampi (a diminutive of Juan Pablo)

Roberto Abbondanzieri, keeper: Pato (Duck – normally a big feet connection)

Roberto Ayala: Raton (Mouse – he's little)

Gabriel Heinze: El Gringo (presumably because of his fair hair and German name)

Maxi Rodriguez: La Fiera (The Beast)

Esteban Cambiasso: Cuchu (not sure about this one)

Roman Riquelme: Roman (he's a bit serious to have a nickname, but he has been likened to a tollbooth because every ball that comes past has to slow down and stop with him, before continuing)

Javier Saviola: Conejo (Bunny – a teeth thing)

Luis Gonzalez: Lucho (from Luis)

Carlos Tevez: Apache (from Fuerte Apache – the rough ghetto he's from)

Hernan Crespo: Crespo (it already ends in an 'o')

Lionel Messi: El Pive (The Kid)

Julio Cruz: El Jardinero (The Gardener – he used to be a groundsman with Buenos Aires team Banfield and was called to join in one day in the team practice. His career has progressed well from then, with a transfer to River Plate and then to Italy with Bologna and now Inter Milan but was a surprise inclusion in the squad)