A loan move to West Ham United in January 2006 gave Lionel Scaloni the chance to secure his place in Argentina's squad for Germany 2006. The attacking right-back was struggling to hold down a starting place during his ninth season at Deportivo La Coruna but featured more regularly in the Premiership, convincing Jose Pekerman that he was ready to play in his first World Cup. The finals represent an opportunity for the ex-Newell's Old Boys and Estudiantes man to rescue what has so far been a disappointing international career. Much was expected of Scaloni after he was a member of the Albiceleste team that won the 1997 FIFA World Championship, but by the time the squad was announced he had won only six senior caps.