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The Generals in Germany

Pekerman, 56, has three pets. They are called 'Qatar,' 'Malaysia' and 'Argentina.' Sounds strange? Well maybe they won't when you remember that Pekerman coached the Argentina team that won the FIFA World Youth Championship in Qatar in 1995, Malaysia in 1997 and at home in 2001.

And, those young guns now form the nucleus of the side that gave us a dazzling display of brilliance in their six-goal humiliation of Serbia and Montenegro.

Also See: Complete coverage: Football Fiesta

One of Argentina's most-respected football figures, Pekerman was offered the position of coach of the Argentina senior side in 1998, but he turned down the offer.

This time, he seems to intent on adding another pet to his household. And no prizes for guessing what its name would be.

Image: Pekerman has all the reason in the world to be smiling in Germany, it seems. Photograph: Daniel Garcia/AFP/Getty Images

Also See: Compelete coverage of World Cup 2006