Diego Armando Maradona can afford to cry for joy on an emotional Wednesday night at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. The 48-year-old pudgy Argentina coach must have been the happiest man in the world on that night.
A last-gasp goal against neighbour Uruguay by unlikely hero Mario Bolatti, a second-half substitute, had put the Albiceleste through to next summer's World Cup in South Africa.
As was the case four days earlier at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina left it quite late to beat Peru with a Martin Palermo goal on a rain-soaked pitch. Palermo was also a substitute in Argentina's 2-1 win.
Maradona's team selection in the World Cup qualifying campaign had been quite bizarre and was looked upon as some kind of joke by some.
Some might question his tactical and technical nous as a soccer coach. But who can deny that this Argentine hero was a winner as a player and hailed as one of the greatest players in the world if not the best?
No doubt, like most coaches, he has his ups and downs. As national coach, Maradona had taken the boys in blue and white along some bumpy roads and had his fair share of brickbats, especially from the media, for living dangerously with his team selection.
With qualification in the bag, Maradona thanked players and fans who had their faith in him as coach but he did not spare those "who did not believe in the national team and treated me like dirt."
So far, he had fielded more than 70 players in this World Cup campaign which made him appear to be a fickle-minded coach who has yet to settle down with a stable selection of players.
But what does it matter when the man, who seems to always evoke divine help, finally vindicated himself by taking his beloved country to the finals despite a tortuous journey involving many a setback?
Argentina can boast of some of the best soccer players in the world with the likes of Lionel Messi, who plies his trade at Spanish club Barcelona, leading a new generation of players.
Other names that could well be talking points in South Africa are Carlos Tevez, Javier Macherano, Diego Milito, Gonzalo Higuain, Martin Demichelis, Pablo Aimar, Pablo Saviola and Sergio Aguero.
One player badly missed by Argentine fans is playmaker Juan Riquelme who has yet to smoke the peace pipe with Maradona. If both player and coach can come to terms, that will be a great help to the Argentine cause in South Africa.
Just imagine if Argentina had failed to qualify, the 2010 World Cup would be missing the prospect of a potential grudge match between the Albiceleste and the Three Lions (that's England). And a return match between Argentina and Brazil would surely light up the World Cup finals.
Meanwhile, there's more homework to be done for Maradona and the squad. Okay, Argentina's overall performance in the qualifying campaign leaves much to be desired and Maradona will need to put his house in order by welding his players into a workable team.
Come South Africa, they will be facing a tough bunch of teams with the same aspiration to win the greatest prize in world soccer - the 2010 World Cup.
To get there from here, can Maradona continue to bank on divine aid to achieve spectacular results?
12.10.09
Palermo 'Miracle' Lifts Maradona's Spirit
South America (CONMEBOL) - World Cup qualifiers:
Diego Maradona was truly elated and no doubt thankful for divine help when substitute Martin Palermo grabbed a stoppage-time goal to give Argentina a badly-needed 2-1 win against bottom-place Peru on Saturday in Buenos Aires.
The beleaguered Argentina coach flattened himself on the rain-soaked field with great joy when the whistle blew. And he called the crucial victory that put Argentina into fourth position in the South America standing the "Miracle of St Palermo."
Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain had put Argentina in the lead in the 48th minute, but Peru's Hernan Rengifo equalized with only about 20 seconds left in regulation time.
Palermo was sent in as the clock ticked away with Maradona's World Cup dream fading away. But then came Palermo's "Miracle" and what a relief for Maradona. Another act of God?
Argentina now have 25 points, one more than Uruguay whom they meet in Montevideo on Wednesday in their last qualifying match which will probably decide who get into the finals automatically. The top four teams qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.
A draw would be good enough for Argentina but if they lose, then they will have to negotiate a playoff with a CONCACAF team, either Honduras or Costa Rica.
Uruguay, who beat Ecuador 2-1 in Quito on Saturday, are an in-form side and will be no push-over for Maradona's side on home ground.
Ecuador still have a slim chance of squeezing in for a playoff date if they beat Chile in their last qualifier, and with the proviso that Argentina lose. If there is a draw in Montevideo, then Uruguay will be out unless Ecuador get beaten by third-place Chile who already qualified for the finals.
Brazil and Paraguay are already safe and sound, standing at No. 1 and No. 2 respectively.
With qualification assured, Brazil coach Dunga fielded a below-strength side against Bolivia on Sunday and lost 2-1 in La Paz. The Brazilians will face Venezuela in Campo Grande in their final qualifying match next week which is just academic by now.
For latest standing, click here.
World Cup Qualifiers, click here
Diego Maradona was truly elated and no doubt thankful for divine help when substitute Martin Palermo grabbed a stoppage-time goal to give Argentina a badly-needed 2-1 win against bottom-place Peru on Saturday in Buenos Aires.
The beleaguered Argentina coach flattened himself on the rain-soaked field with great joy when the whistle blew. And he called the crucial victory that put Argentina into fourth position in the South America standing the "Miracle of St Palermo."
Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain had put Argentina in the lead in the 48th minute, but Peru's Hernan Rengifo equalized with only about 20 seconds left in regulation time.
Palermo was sent in as the clock ticked away with Maradona's World Cup dream fading away. But then came Palermo's "Miracle" and what a relief for Maradona. Another act of God?
Argentina now have 25 points, one more than Uruguay whom they meet in Montevideo on Wednesday in their last qualifying match which will probably decide who get into the finals automatically. The top four teams qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.
A draw would be good enough for Argentina but if they lose, then they will have to negotiate a playoff with a CONCACAF team, either Honduras or Costa Rica.
Uruguay, who beat Ecuador 2-1 in Quito on Saturday, are an in-form side and will be no push-over for Maradona's side on home ground.
Ecuador still have a slim chance of squeezing in for a playoff date if they beat Chile in their last qualifier, and with the proviso that Argentina lose. If there is a draw in Montevideo, then Uruguay will be out unless Ecuador get beaten by third-place Chile who already qualified for the finals.
Brazil and Paraguay are already safe and sound, standing at No. 1 and No. 2 respectively.
With qualification assured, Brazil coach Dunga fielded a below-strength side against Bolivia on Sunday and lost 2-1 in La Paz. The Brazilians will face Venezuela in Campo Grande in their final qualifying match next week which is just academic by now.
For latest standing, click here.
World Cup Qualifiers, click here
8.10.09
Days of Reckoning for World Cup Wannabes
South Africa or Bust! 11 Nations
Have Qualified, 21 More To Go
It's either freaking cold or sizzling hot depending on which way you look at it. The World Cup qualifying barometer is acting out of sort as we go into an exciting, nail-biting weekend of soccer.
It will be a day of reckoning for most teams that have yet to make sure of qualifying for that all-important trip to South Africa for the World Cup finals.
Some teams will be sweating profusely, wondering about their fate. Argentina and Portugal come to mind. Supporters of countries whose chances are still hanging in the balance will be biting their fingernails.
The fever is back, more intense than ever.
Thirty-two nations will take part in the finals, including hosts South Africa.
There will be 13 nations from Europe, six from Africa, four from South America, four from Asia and three from CONCACAF. Two more places will be decided in an Oceania/Asia play-off and a CONCACAF/South America play-off.
The teams who have already qualified are:
South Africa (CAF - as hosts)
Japan (AFC)
Australia (AFC)
South Korea (AFC)
Netherlands (UEFA)
North Korea (AFC)
Brazil (CONMEBOL)
Ghana (CAF)
England (UEFA)
Spain (UEFA)
Paraguay (CONMEBOL)
Here are the upcoming weekend's fixtures:
AFRICA
GROUP A
Cameroon v Togo
Saturday, Oct 10
A win for favourites in this group, Cameroon, over their neighbours will secure their ticket to South Africa. They will earn ten points from five games. If Gabon lose at home to Morocco, Cameroon qualify automatically with a win.
GROUP B
Nigeria v Mozambique
Sunday, Oct 11
The Super Eagles face a do-or-die situation when they meet Mozambique. Nigeria are two points behind Tunisia with two games left. A draw, coupled with a win for Tunisia over Kenya, will see Nigeria eliminated. Fans in football-mad Nigeria are sweating hoping for a positive result.
ASIA/OCEANIA
Bahrain v New Zealand
Saturday, Oct 10
This is one of the best chances for New Zealand to join the football elites in the finals for the seond time since 1982. But it's going to be a tough call against a team that had already dumped Middle East giants Saudi Arabia.
EUROPE
GROUP 1
Denmark v Sweden
Saturday, Oct 10
Portugal v Hungary (Match to watch)
Saturday, Oct 10
Phew, this is a group on a knife-edge. The permutaton is mind-boggling for the contenders to see who win a berth. Denmark are in a strong position if they beat neighbours Sweden who, in turn, must win to nick second spot. But that depends on a drawn match between Portugal and Hungary.
Defeat at home for the Portuguese will end their hopes of qualification, and it would be a shame not to see Cristiano Ronaldo in South Africa.
Ronaldo (picutre) did not play in Real Madrid's defeat by Sevilla in La Liga last week due to injury. Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz will surely need Ronaldo back for this crucial match.
The Magyars are behind the Portuguese only on goal difference. Portugal also need to beat Malta in their last match and hope that Denmark and Sweden slip up.
The other two minnows, Albania and Malta, are out of the reckoning.
GROUP 2
Switzerland are on top, three points ahead of Greece and Latvia. All having to play two more matches. Israel are still in with a chance, two points behind. Luxembourg and Moldova are out.
GROUP 3
Czech Republic v Poland
Sunday, Oct 11
The Czechs need to beat the Poles and ensure that Slovakia don't lose to Slovenia if they are to keep their hopes of second place alive.
GROUP 4
Russia v Germany
Saturday, Oct 10
It's down to Germany and Russia in this group. Win or lose, both are guaranteed a play-off place. So this match is all about who will have bragging rights by grabbing first place.
Germany will go to South Africa if they win, regardless of their result against Finland in their final qualifier.
Russia need not only to defeat Germany but also to win their last match against Azerbaijan in Baku to book a place in the finals.
GROUP 5
Armenia v Spain
Sunday, Oct 11
Belgium v Turkey
Monday, Oct 12
Spain, who have qualified for the finals, will go through the motion with Armenia. The second spot will probably be a tussle between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Turkey
Bosnia-H are four points ahead of Turkey with two games remaining. If they beat Estonia, or if Turkey drop any points in the next matchday, they finish second.
If Bosnia fail to beat Estonia they face a tense last matchday against Spain. A loss might pave the way for Turkey who meet Belgium on Monday. and Armenia in their last match.
GROUP 6
Ukraine v England
Sunday, Oct 11
Fabio Capello's England squad have already qualified, meaning that only Croatia and Ukraine are battling it out for second place. Belarus and Kazakhstan are out.
GROUP 7
France v Faroe Islands
Sunday,Oct 11
Serbia are assured of second place after drawing with France. Now, all they must do is beat struggling Romania to guarantee top spot. The Serbs are four points ahead of France who, themselves, are four ahead of Austria.
GROUP 8
Republic of Ireland v Italy
Saturday,Oct 10
Second place is assured for the Azzurri. Marcello Lippi's team need only to draw away in this match to finish top dogs.
Italy are on 20 points, Ireland on 16, and Bulgaria on 11 with two games remaining.
However, if the Irish beat the Italians, the race for top spot is open. Bulgaria must win against Cyprus to keep their hopes of second place alive.
GROUP 9
This group has finished all their matches.. The Netherlands finished with eight wins out of eight; Norway edged past Scotland and Macedonia into second place. The Norwegians, however, will almost certainly be ranked the weakest of the runners-up and thus will not enter into the play-offs.
SOUTH AMERICA (CONMEBOL)
Argentina v Peru (Match to watch)
Sunday, Oct 11
Bolivia v Brazil
Sunday, Oct 11
Colombia v Chile
Sunday, Oct 11
These are trying times for Argentina coach Diego Maradona. He's not happy with the way things are going with the Albiceleste. He's not happy with interference in his job. He's not happy with technical director Carlos Bilardo who had made some decisions without consulting him.
From the "happiest guy in the world" when he was appointed a year ago, Maradona is planning to straighten things out with Argentine FA president Julio Grondona.
Argentina face the danger of not qualifying for the finals for the second time since 1970 unless they beat Peru and then take on Uruguay who, together with Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia, are direct rivals for a play-off place.
Argentina realistically must beat Peru to stay in the hunt before facing a more formidable Uruguay in Montevideo in the last match.
For resurgent Chile, it's just a matter of beating Colombia in Bogota to get their South Africa ticket.
Paraguay already joined Brazil for the finals. Only two automatic places are left and one play-off spot remaining.
Ecuador, on 23 points, will enhance their chances if they beat Uruguay in Quito, albeit with the proviso that Argentina lose in their last match and both Colombia and Venezuela drop points, then they qualify automatically.
NORTH/CENTRAL AMERICA (CONCACAF)
Honduras v USA (Match to watch)
Sunday, Oct 11
Mexico v El Salvador
Sunday, Oct 11
The USA must win this one and they'll be packing for South Africa. Their final match against Costa Rica will be of no consequence then.
For Honduras, a win, coupled with a defeat for Costa Rica to unfancied Trinidad and Tobago, means qualification for them.
The USA and a resurgent Mexico already guaranteed themselves at least a play-off spot with two games left. If Mexico beat El Salvador then they qualify.
Three teams qualify directly from the final group of six, while a further one meets the fifth placed CONMEBOL team in a play-off. El Salvador will still have a chance for the play-off if they can beat Mexico.
6.10.09
World Cup Qualifiers: Maradona Faces A Crucial Week
World Cup Qualifiers:
Argentina v Peru (Oct 10)
Uruguay v Argentina (Oct 14)
This is a crucial week for teams that have to confirm whether they make the cut for the World Cup finals to be staged in South Africa next year. Argentina, who are in danger of missing out if they continue their losing streak, will need to buck up in order to gain a play-off berth.
Argentina are fifth in the South American group, a position valid for a playoff with the team finishing fourth in the CONCACAF region. Only the top four qualify automatically
For Argentina coach Diego Maradona, Saturday's match against lowly Peru at home may well see if he can perform a "miracle" of sort to give them a lifeline to South Africa.
Argentina will play their last qualifying match against Uruguay in Montevideo four days later.
Maradona will be hoping to see a change in fortune for his team that seems to have lost their way after they were beaten by Brazil 3-1 and Paraguay 1-0.
Meanwhile, Argentine media are reporting that Maradona, who had just returned from a 10-day break in Italy, is not happy that technical director Carlos Bilardo was making some decisions without consulting him.
Bilardo, coach of Argentina's World Cup winning team in 1986, was reportedly the one who publicized the addition of nine home-based players, including Boca Juniors striker Martin Palermo, to the squad.
Palermo scored a brace in the friendly against Ghana in Cordoba last week (see video), and on Sunday night, Palermo was in form again when he netted the winning goal in Boca's 3-2 win over Velez Sarsfield.
On the Maradona front, it's going to be a make-or-break week for him to make sure that Argentina will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Maradona has been getting sticks for his lack of selection consistency and team strategy. And the Bilardo issue has certainly got his goat.
According to a Reuters report, the proud Maradona said he would meet with Argentine FC president Julio Grondona to discuss his job and that "If I carry on, it will be on my terms."
.
The Argentina squad:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Diego Pozo (Colon de Santa Fe)
Defenders: Emiliano Insua (Liverpool), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Gabriel Heinze (Olympique Marseille), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Nicolas Pareja (Espanyol), Rolando Schiavi (Newell's Old Boys), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Fabian Monzon (Boca Juniors)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Mario Bolatti (Huracan), Luis Gonzalez (Olympique Marseille), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle United), Angel Di Maria, Pablo Aimar (both Benfica), Enzo Perez, Juan Sebastian Veron (both Estudiantes), Federico Insua (Boca Juniors)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors)
Argentina v Peru (Oct 10)
Uruguay v Argentina (Oct 14)
This is a crucial week for teams that have to confirm whether they make the cut for the World Cup finals to be staged in South Africa next year. Argentina, who are in danger of missing out if they continue their losing streak, will need to buck up in order to gain a play-off berth.
Argentina are fifth in the South American group, a position valid for a playoff with the team finishing fourth in the CONCACAF region. Only the top four qualify automatically
For Argentina coach Diego Maradona, Saturday's match against lowly Peru at home may well see if he can perform a "miracle" of sort to give them a lifeline to South Africa.
Argentina will play their last qualifying match against Uruguay in Montevideo four days later.
Maradona will be hoping to see a change in fortune for his team that seems to have lost their way after they were beaten by Brazil 3-1 and Paraguay 1-0.
Meanwhile, Argentine media are reporting that Maradona, who had just returned from a 10-day break in Italy, is not happy that technical director Carlos Bilardo was making some decisions without consulting him.
Bilardo, coach of Argentina's World Cup winning team in 1986, was reportedly the one who publicized the addition of nine home-based players, including Boca Juniors striker Martin Palermo, to the squad.
Palermo scored a brace in the friendly against Ghana in Cordoba last week (see video), and on Sunday night, Palermo was in form again when he netted the winning goal in Boca's 3-2 win over Velez Sarsfield.
On the Maradona front, it's going to be a make-or-break week for him to make sure that Argentina will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Maradona has been getting sticks for his lack of selection consistency and team strategy. And the Bilardo issue has certainly got his goat.
According to a Reuters report, the proud Maradona said he would meet with Argentine FC president Julio Grondona to discuss his job and that "If I carry on, it will be on my terms."
.
The Argentina squad:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Diego Pozo (Colon de Santa Fe)
Defenders: Emiliano Insua (Liverpool), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Gabriel Heinze (Olympique Marseille), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Nicolas Pareja (Espanyol), Rolando Schiavi (Newell's Old Boys), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Fabian Monzon (Boca Juniors)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Mario Bolatti (Huracan), Luis Gonzalez (Olympique Marseille), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle United), Angel Di Maria, Pablo Aimar (both Benfica), Enzo Perez, Juan Sebastian Veron (both Estudiantes), Federico Insua (Boca Juniors)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors)
5.10.09
England Squad: No Tinkering for Capello
World Cup qualifiers:
Ukraine v England (Oct 10)
England v Belarus (Oct 14)England prepare for their last two World Cup qualifying matches - against Ukraine and Belarus - this month with a full-strength squad.
Coach Fabio Capello is sticking to his winning formula. England already qualified for the finals in South Africa next year and are unbeaten in their Group Six.
On Sunday, they travel to Ukraine for a tie that's now a formality for the England team. Four days later, they will meet Belarus back home.
Back between the posts will be Portsmouth goalkeeper David James who has recovered from his injury. Manchester United's Ben Foster makes way for the man we used to nickname him as "Calamity James."
Tottenham Hotspur's Jermaine Defoe who's suffering a hand injury will be replaced by in-form Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Missing out on the action are attacking midfielders Joe Cole and Theo Walcott. Both have been out injured for long spells and just returned recently. Guess they have to wait a while before their Italian coach decides to send them out to play.
The England squad:
Goalkeepers: Robert Green (West Ham United), David James (Portsmouth), Paul Robinson (Blackburn Rovers).
Defenders: Wayne Bridge (Manchester City), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham United).
Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur), James Milner (Aston Villa), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City).
Forwards: Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Carlton Cole (West Ham United), Peter Crouch (Tottenham Hotspur), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).
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