Maradona, Simply Great – Part 4
I for my part will never forget a conversation I had while in Ecuador with Vito Munoz (one of the top local sports announcers in Guayaquil) who claimed in the presence of my Spanish brother-in-law as well as mine how Maradona had been cursed by first his greatness. First by having to play for Menotti; a trainer who got sentimental over his players to the point of not seeing them for what they were but what they had been. Second by having to play for a “bunch of clowns” like Barcelona (my brother-in-law being from Madrid and a Real fan did not object) to which I added and again by Menotti. Third by being forced to play for SSC Napoli; a team that was limited not only in the quality of their players but in the funds that might buy them, meaning Maradona would be a great player on a mediocre team.
In all this there was a glimmer of hope for Maradona and that was that he was on team which would adjust themselves to his style of play; something which neither Argentina or Barcelona had been willing to do. As for Argentina they were now being coached by Carlos Bilardo, who from the start build his national squad around Maradona. First by getting rid of those players who though useful in wining Argentina’s first title in 78 were now “over the hill” in what could be considered a purge. Passarella however was allowed to remain on the condition that he would accept that his captain’s ban would go over to Maradona, which he did with reluctance.
Eventually the world cup would return. To be played in Mexico and once again Maradona would be playing for Argentina but this time things were different. He would have a team designed to play around him with players who looked up to him unlike in 82 were he was put in to a team who had been playing for over 6 years as a unit. A team in which he simply was the odd man out. Second Maradona was now under the guidance of Bilardo; who in my opinion was simply a better coach then Menotti.
Argentina started the World Cup in the same group as Italy, Bulgaria and South Korea. South Korea was first and though the Koreans did play better then I would have originally given them credit for they were no real match for Argentina. The score showed more or less what transpired as Argentina won 3 to 1 with relative ease and comfort; while Maradona had basically a field day passing the ball off to his new teammates Valdano, Ruggeri and Burruchaga.
Where Argentina’s first game was of little concern to me his second game was not as now he was facing Italy, the nation of my ancestors. I however could see that Italy was rebuilding and were not going to be a factor in this world cup given the fact that many of those players who had been vital in winning the cup 4 years before were past their prime. It was basically a case of the next generation players; like Roberto Baggio being too young while players like Rossi simply being past his prime. This factor plus the fact that Italy had only managed a draw with Bulgaria told me not to expect too much from Italy however me always being an Italian supporter still cheered them on.
The game against Argentina however started well for Italy. Altobelli putting us in the lead through a well taken penalty (any penalty that scores is well taken) only to have Maradona, himself (this time not passing off) equalize after 34 minutes of play with a brilliantly struck ball after a well timed run. One to one was the score at half time and such would the game end with Bruno Conti cracking one off Argentina’s post in the second half which would have changed a lot had it gone in but such is football and life.
In Argentina’s next match they would go to clinch qualification in to the next round and first place by defeating Bulgaria 2-0 in a game that saw little entertainment other then a few nice plays by Maradona. In this group it was Italy and Bulgaria who managed to qualify to the next round along with Argentina. As a footnote I might add that I believe Bulgaria set a record in that world cup; for being the team to play the most world cups (5) and matches (16) without wining a single game.
Next for Argentina was Uruguay; a team that was back in the world cup for the first time since 74 and had beaten Argentina in the final of the first world cup played in Uruguay in 1930. This match saw Maradona, take his level of play higher and though he did not score he really showed a lot by hitting the cross bar on a free kick, passing the ball to an open Burruchaga who really should have scored and even having a goal disallowed. This goal disallowed however contrary to what many believe; was not because of a hand ball by Maradona but a foul he committed when he pulled the jersey of a Uruguayan player after having passed the ball. As for the score it would end with a 1-0 victory for Argentina on a goal scored by Pasculli.
Next for Argentina was England, a team that had started slowly loosing one zero to Portugal after which they would go on to draw 0-0 against Morocco before getting in to the form that saw them soundly defeat both Poland and Paraguay by 3-0 each. Having scored 5 out of their 6 goals it was Gary Lineker, who was considered their biggest threat. Of course, hanging over this match there was still the issue of Argentina’s elimination from the world cup in 1966 and the Malvinas (a.k.a. The Falklands) as they were called in Argentina.
The game started with tight marking on both sides that would dominate the first half as well as a yellow card for Fenwick for a really clumsy tackle on Maradona. The second half however witnessed Maradona break the dead lock with a goal that would be labeled by the Argentine press as the “hand of God” and not Maradona, himself. Maradona started on what had become one of his trade mark runs from the left side of England’s defense and as he entered the box he passed it off. His pass however was intercepted by Terry Butcher who in attempt to clear the ball sent it back, in between a charging Mardona and a Peter Shilton desperate to get to the ball. Maradona jumped for the ball with clear intensions of fisting it in which is precisely what he did before Shilton could get to the ball. It was a goal, the referee saw “no hand ball” and despite English protests the goal stood. Many will say Maradona cheated and this even he admitted many years later that he did but if we look at the run (perhaps on youtube) he made we can see some really nice dribbling, literally going through defenders but however some were not so appreciative of this goal. Peter Shilton; one of the best goal keepers I have ever seen in his farewell match from football requested Maradona not play because of this goal.
Only three minutes would pass before Argentina would score their second goal for the day and again it would be Maradona and what a goal it was! I for my part will not attempt to say anything about this second goal by Maradona on that day as I do not believe I can say anything that has not been already other then what impressed me the most about it. Maradona had gone past two or three English defenders and was about to enter the box where he encountered, the last defender. Fenwick; who tried to apply the rule that has been installed in the mind of every player who defends. This rule being “the player or the ball but never shall both get past”. This meaning if one can not stop the ball then stop the player by what ever foul available. Fenwick tried and those who see it in slow motion will see how he tried to both trip and hold Maradona by his Jersey; only have Maradona do what to me seemed the impossible. Maradona doing three things in one motion; first he jumped over Fenwick’s out stretched leg, second he with his left hand removed Fenwick’s arm of his shirt and third and most importantly he kept control of the ball while going through. After which he would go around Shilton (who really should not have bought that faint) and score one for the record.
Another thing that is note worthy about this goal which I have never heard mentioned is that; this run by Maradona did not really come on a counter attack as many such runs do. For instance Owens’s against Argentina in 98; where England’s counter caught Argentina’s defenders out position in what became basically a race to the goal. Contrary to that one, England had had time to settle back in their defensive positions after having lost the ball and were generally waiting for Maradona; most likely to pass off to Valdano.
England being a footballing nation with tradition and a bitter rival of Argentina would not give up so easily; specially having Gary Lineker on their team and after bringing on Barnes and Waddle. England went forward and got one back via a Gary Lineker header but it would not be enough as 2 to 1 is how it would end. In that game Maradona would go on to perform another gem of a play and though no goal came as a result it is still worth a second look. He got the ball in midfield and by almost jumping on the ball went by two English players and in a one two passed the ball back to Tapia who hit the post. England however was not far from getting a second when another Gary Lineker header almost found the mark. Gary Lineker, I might add finished the world cup as top goal scorer with 6 goals in 5 games and none of them being penalties and his career without ever getting as much as a yellow card.
Argentina were now in the semifinal; two games from taking it all, for the second time in the last 3 world cups while much to my disappoint Italy had lost all chances of repeating as champions as France had seen to it that they would not. The semifinal would pit Argentina against Belgium; the team that had beaten them four years ago but this was a completely different team as the only ones who remained from that defeat were Maradona and Passarella. This being the case though the later would not be playing due to an injury sustained in the 1st match against Korea.
The first half saw Argentina dominate but not score and Maradona play amazingly well in spite of having veteran Belgium defender, Gerets and others literally follow him all over the field. As for Maradona; he in a play that sticks out in my memory from this first half hit the crossbar off a free kick for the fourth time in two world cups, making me believe in jest that may be he practiced the frustrating art of hitting the post. Not surprisingly the rebound was picked up by Valdano who scored though had it was disallowed for a clear hand ball; as perhaps it is only Maradona who could get away with it.
The second half would be more of the same Maradona; going at the Belgium defense until he finally scored. A filtering pass through Belgium’s defense would find Maradona, who on the run managed to flick the ball over Pfaff (goalkeeper) and in to the net for Argentina’s first. Maradona however was not finished and on a second run would score Argentina’s second and the one that would make it almost impossible for Belgium to come back. This second goal was in my opinion at least just as spectacular as the one he had scored against England as on that occasion; he instead of moving forward moved both diagonally and forward while going in between at least 4 Belgium defenders before beating Pfaff for the second time that day.
My name is Gianni Truvianni, I am an author who writes with the simple aim of sharing his ideas, thoughts and so much more of what I am with those who are interested in perhaps reading something new. As for the details regarding my life I would say that there is nothing that lifts them above the ordinary. I was born in New York City in 1967 on May 21st and am presently living in Warsaw, Poland where I wrote my first book “New York’s Opera Society” now Available on Amazon.
Thanks To : Buy Cheap Samsung N135 Netbook Cordless Saw Electric Motor Folding Bikes
League One Season Preview 2006/07 – Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town
Odds: 66/1
Last Five Seasons
2005/06 – 15 (League One), 2004/05 – 1 (League Two, Promoted), 2003/04 – 8 (League Two),
2002/03 – 1 (Conference, Promoted), 2001/02 – 3 (Conference).
2005/06 Cup Progress
FA Cup Second Round vs Walsall (a) – lost 2-0.
Carling Cup Second Round vs Millwall (h) – lost 2-0.
Football League Trophy Southern Section First Round vs Leyton Orient (a) – lost 2-0.
Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Phil Jevons (striker) – 16 goals.
Players In
Darren Behcet (West Ham United – Free), Chris Cohen (West Ham United – Free), Wayne Gray (Southend United – Free), Terrell Forbes (Oldham Athletic – Free), Steve Mildenhall (Grimsby Town – Free), Jean-Paul Kamudimba (Grimsby Town – Free),
Players Out
Phil Jevons (Bristol City – Free), Steve Collis (Southend United – Free), Colin Miles (Port Vale – Free), Michael Rose (Stockport County – Free), Dale Williams (Shrewsbury Town – Free), Chris Weale (Bristol City – Free).
Yeovil Town survived their first season in League One following their two promotions in three seasons from the Conference. The Glovers finished in fifteenth place, six points above the drop, but were one of a number of clubs that were in danger of being dragged into a relegation scrap.
Manager Steve Thompson has been replaced with former Grimsby Town manager Russell Slade, who now gets the chance to manage in League One following the Mariners unsuccessful League Two play off campaign last season.
To make matters worse, top goal scorer for the last two seasons Phil Jevons has joined local rivals Bristol Rovers on a free transfer so the onus will be on new strike duo Wayne Gray and Jean-Paul Kamudimba who signed from Southend United and Grimsby Town respectively. As well as Kamudimba, Slade has brought in former Grimsby goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall on a free transfer to replace Chris Weale, who, like striker Jevons, joined Bristol City.
Slade has added West Ham United duo Darren Behcet and Chris Cohen to the squad. Cohen was voted player of the season by the supporters last term after making over 30 appearances for the club on loan last season.
Paul Terry has signed a one year contract extension while Andy Lindegaard has agreed a new one year contract. Terry moved to Huish Park in 2003 following spells at Millwall and Dagenham and Redbridge while Lindegaard has made 174 appearances for the Glovers since joining in 1999.
Verdict
Yeovil finished just six points above the drop last season but have since lost top goal scorer Phil Jevons with no obvious replacement. Russell Slade is a good manager but may find himself fighting a losing battle next season. Back the Glovers at 5/2 to face the drop.
David Walker runs a Bet365 free bet website,. You can watch live football online during the 2006/07 season.
Related : Hair Loss Remedy Music Sheets Music Instruments Resume Cover Letter Samples Twitter – Springersp2
4-3-2-1 Christmas Tree Formation – Can This Formation Make Christmas Come Early?
Whether you call it soccer or football, formations are important and can make the difference. So how about the Christmas Tree formation? Could it gift your team a win? Find out in this article.
The 4-3-2-1 formation has been used by many teams, particularly at tournament level. Think of Terry Venables managing at Euro ‘96 for instance. So how do you make a “christmas tree”?
Defence
The defence is composed of a flat back four much like you would find in a standard 4-4-2. The responsibilities are clear. Your job is to defend although the left and right backs will need to help out the midfield too.
But unlike a 4-4-2, the left and right backs should be wary of taking too many risks because there are less midfielders to protect the defence, as we will soon see.
Midfield
The midfield is composed of three players. First of all, the central midfielder is the only one whose duty is to guard the centre so ideally he should be a defensive type midfielder.
The left and right midfielders exist to link the defense and the attack. They do not need to make as many runs forward as a classic winger but equally they don’t need to track back and defend like a wing-back would do. They are link men and must be very good and efficient passers of the ball.
Attack
The attack features three men up front. Like at the front of a 3-4-3 formation you effectively have a couple of wingers whose job it is to provide crosses or equally be prepared to come inside.
They are there to support the lone striker who will be more of an orthodox type striker who will remain in the centre for most of the match. This is best with the type of striker who likes to beat the offside trap.
Verdict
This formation can be effective and relies less on discipline compared to some others like the 3-5-2. There is still a great defensive spine to the team as well as enough attackers. It is critical that all the midfielders can link up well and pass well without losing the ball often. Otherwise, a team will find itself playing on the back foot for most of the match.
Would you like to manage a team yourself? You could become the next Alex Ferguson! Get the secrets you need to accelerate your managerial career at http://www.EliteSoccerCoach.com
Visit : Distance Education Online Twitter – Springersp2 Electric Motor Folding Bikes
Top 5 Places to Spot a Celeb in London
If you want to spot a celeb in London then you need to know the latest places to go. You will not get celebs hanging out at your local wine bar unless you live in Hampstead or chelsea.
Celebs like to be seen with other famous people and want a VIP area so the public can see them but not speak to them. The club/bar seen in London is constantly changing but there seems to be a stable couple of places that celebs always go back to.CelebsInLondon.com has produced the top 5 places to spot a celebrity in London.
Funky Buddha
If you want to bag a premier league footballer then this is the place to go. Celebs like John Terry and Sean Wirght-Phillips.
Mahiki
Fancy bumping into a member of the royal family then you need to head down to this tropical oasis. Prince Harry and friends been seen here.
Embassy Club
For you more common celeb i.e. Z list and latest IT girl then the Embassy club never seems to loose it touch. Celebs like Danielle Lloyd and Big Brother stars.
Groucho club
If you are after spotting a musician then the Groucho members bar seems to be where they hang out like Oasis band members.
The Ivy restaurant
If you can get a seat in the Ivy then on the right day (Tue, Wed) then there is a good chance you will spot a Hollywood or TV start dining out like Tom Cruise and Rickie Gervais
Adrian Hancock – If Celeb spotting is your thing, check out [http://www.CelebsInLondon.com]
My Links : Black Walking Shoes Lasik Eye Surgery Electric Motor Folding Bikes Twitter – Springersp2
Champions League Tuesday Preview
liverpool versus Inter Milan
This game is very important to both sides for entirely different reasons. For liverpool it is the only competition they can win this season and if they fail to do so then it would leave them just chasing 4th place in the league to look forward to.
For a squad that has been so expensively assembled it would amount to a great disappointment and underachievement. It would also cast a very big doubt on the future of Rafa Benitez not only for next season but for the remainder of this season as well.
Rafa Benitez has been living on the achievement of winning the champions league for far too long as there have been far too many disappointing results in games during his tenure at liverpool.
They have gone out to a second-string arsenal team in both the FA cup and League cup in the past, lost to Burnley in the FA cup, beaten by a poor Benfica side in the champions league and just recently the major embarrassment of losing at home to Barnsley.
So this game against Inter Milan gives him a chance for a bit of redemption. Speaking of redemption, Inter Milan are not just playing for themselves but also for the credibility of SerieA as well because it would not do for them to continue to dominate in Italy but losing out to liverpool in the second round of Champions league.
They are not exactly playing very well either but have been getting the results and they have been very fortunate with some decisions that have gone their way this season as well.
They have to prove to the sceptics at SerieA that they do not need referees favouring them to defeat teams and they also would like to banish the shame they brought on the game last season at Valencia where it turned into a free for all for a lot of players.
It is going to be very difficult as Anfield is a particularly hard place to go to and get a result but all depends on little things here and there.
Rafa Benitez is perhaps more tactically astute than Roberto Mancini and that might come into play but Liverpool never seem to be convincing for 90 minutes. They seem to always start well but them go into their shell and concede a goal.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost always seems to hide in games as big as this and it is important that other players like Julio Cruz, Esteban Cambiasso and Patrick Vieira are on their mettle.
Neither team is particularly creative in the midfield and it will be interesting to see how fragile Liverpool’s confidence really is and how Rafa can break down a well organised side or how much influence Zlatan can have on a big game.
Roma versus Real Madrid
Roma are not in good form and they would have to be at their very best to defeat Real Madrid. They have to find a way to pick the correct team for this game as Luciano Spalletti has demonstrated in the past that he is cannot pick the right team for a big game such as this.
Roma’s biggest problem is their lack of defensive nous and it is extremely important for them that Juan is back from injury as without him they would suffer.
They have creativity in abundance and they would need Ametrano Mancini, Daniele De Rossi, Rodrigo Taddei, Franceso Totti, Alberto Aquilani and Simone Perrotta to be all on their game tonight.
Real Madrid on the other hand are a very compact team and possibly the most efficient team in the world today. They still have their fragile moments in defence and their main weakness is on the flanks where both full back, Michel Salgado and Marcello are not up to the standard of Real Madrid quality.
It is a big blow that Robinho would miss this game as he has been electrifying this season and also the central midfield is not quite right to me as Guti is a very creative player but he is not mobile at all and his defensive qualities are non-existent whilst the likes of Wesley Sneidjer, Mahamadou Diarra and Fernando Gago have not been entirely convincing.
It should make for an exciting game though possibly the best of the night in terms of quality if they both play to anywhere near their maximum potential.
Olympiacos Fc versus chelsea
Olympiacos have been better than usual this season and they may just surprise chelsea in the first leg.
They do not really have many star players but have a number of excellent players that can hurt chelsea.
chelsea, it is reported in some quarters are looking to rest John Terry and Frank Lampard as they have 1 eye on Sunday’s Carling cup final but they still have a number of excellent players to come away with a win.
It all depends on manager Avram Grant as he is almost certain to play Didier Drogba as a lone striker and Olympiacos would have to be wary of him.
Schalke versus Porto
Both teams are in good form and this particular game can go either way depending on how well Schalke can put away the chances they create tonight and if they can manage to keep a clean sheet.
Porto are leading their league quite comfortably but are not always the best travellers in Champions league. They also seem to capitulate when things are going awry but they have enough quality to snatch an away win at a very intimidating atmosphere.
For more Football news visit [http://www.footballclubsblog.com]
My name is Dennis and I have written a number of articles on how to make it big online.
Learn more on how to become successful online by going here and clicking on ‘my web page’ NOW
My Links : Black Skate Shoes Hair Loss Remedy Electric Motor Folding Bikes