Roberto Abbondanzieri profile

Argentina's much-maligned goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri is expected to be between the posts for his side's World Cup campaign.

'El Pato', who was much criticised for his performance in Los Albicelestes' 3-2 friendly defeat to Croatia in March, will hope to silence the doubters.

"El Pato has had his ups and downs from the outset but is a good goalkeeper. We have never spoken of a definite number one."
Argentina coach Jose Pekerman

One of only five players in the South Americans' squad based outside of Europe, Pekerman has shown faith in the occasionally erratic shot-stopper.

Abbondanzieri, who also holds Italian citizenship, made his professional debut for Rosario Central in December 1994 and went on to make 57 appearances for the Sante Fe outfit.

He transferred to Boca Juniors in 1997 but had to bide his time at the Buenos Aires giants.

Initially the understudy to Oscar Cordoba, Abbondanzieri became first choice after the Colombian's transfer to Perugia and is now the undisputed number one for his club.

Abbondanzieri recently helped Boca to their second successive Argentine title to lift his trophy haul to 14 - a joint club record.

He was named South American goalkeeper of the year in 2003 and a year later he had established himself as Argentina's first choice.