Under the guidance of head coach Julio Velasco, Argentina came second behind France in Pool D of last year's World League to finish joint-fifth in Group 2. They had been sixth overall a year earlier and, although they finished a disappointing 10th in 2012, were in the top five in the three editions before that. They had to settle for joint-11th place in last year's World Championship in Poland after finishing sixth in their second round pool. With his team now ranked No.6 in the world by the FIVB, Velasco is targeting new highs to add to his resume after a glittering coaching career largely spent overseas.The Argentina team made their international debut at the South American Championship in Rio de Janeiro in 1951, claiming fourth place. They competed in their first World Championship in 1960 in the same city, where they finished 11th. Since then they have competed in 10 World Championships, with a bronze medal-winning campaign on home territory in 1982 being their best effort to date. Argentina also took the bronze medal at the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games, their highest finish in six appearances at the Olympic Games. Their medal haul from the men's tournament at the Pan American Games is five - one gold and four bronzes.