Julio Cruz has struggled to establish himself in the Argentina side, but the form that saw him score 21 goals for Internazionale in the 2005-06 season meant it was impossible for Jose Pekerman to leave him out of the squad for Germany 2006. The 31-year-old made his senior international debut in 1997, but was overlooked for both the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. His club career has been more successful and he earned title winner's medals in Argentina with River Plate and the Netherlands with Feyenoord before joining Italian side Bologna in 2000. The physically imposing striker scored regularly during his three seasons with Bologna and in 2003 he moved on to Inter, where he has picked up two Coppa Italia winner's medals.