:o :o :o :o :o
Maradona 'set to coach Argentina' - From BBC
Argentina legend Diego Maradona could be set for a sensational return to football after claiming he has been offered the role of national coach.
The 1986 World Cup-winning skipper held talks with the Argentina Football Association (AFA) on Tuesday and is set to continue discussions on Wednesday.
The 47-year-old said: "The offer attracted me a lot. As soon as it is confirmed I will start working."
Maradona has had only two brief spells as a coach in Argentina.
If Maradona does take over he will succeed Alfio Basile, who resigned earlier this month after a World Cup qualifying defeat to Chile.
BBC Sport's South American football reporter Tim Vickery said: "This is all coming from Maradona.
"There is no official word from the AFA yet so it's still early days. But the tide seems to be blowing in his direction.
"He's a religious icon over in Argentina and is a very dangerous force to leave out."
Widely regarded as one of the best players in the history of the sport, Maradona is an iconic figure in Argentina after a remarkable 21-year playing career in which he hit new heights of brilliance on the field and plumbed depths of despair away from the action.
After making his professional debut as a 16-year-old for Argentinos Juniors, he went on to play for his beloved Boca Juniors before spells in Europe with Barcelona, Napoli and Sevilla.
Maradona's unique skills with the ball at his feet made him a superstar, and he is idolised by Napoli fans for almost single-handedly winning the Serie A title and the Uefa Cup for the unfashionable club.
But his most memorable achievements came with the national side - the 1986 World Cup tournament becoming synonymous with his name.
His first goal of the 2-1 win came courtesy of an outrageous handball which he later described as "the hand of God"; but the second is said by many to be the best goal ever scored as he danced past five England players before poking the ball past Peter Shilton.
But Maradona's life away from football has been anything but straightforward, with a long-running addiction to cocaine undermining his genius.
The second failed drugs of his career saw him sent home from the 1994 World Cup in disgrace, and since retiring at the age of 37, Maradona has suffered numerous health problems.
Battles with his drug addiction, alcoholism and obesity saw him suffer a heart attack in 2004 which put him in intensive care, while a later stomach-stapling operation saw him lose 30kg (66 lbs) of excess weight.
Maradona is a virtual novice in coaching terms, with just short spells with Argentine clubs Deportivo Mandiyu and Racing Club in the 1990s on his CV.
But with his health largely restored, Maradona now looks set to take the reins as coach of the national team.
Carlos Bilardo, who coached the winning side in 1986, was involved in the talks with AFA president Julio Grondona and is likely to be part of Maradona's coaching set-up.
Noray Nakis, the president of the AFA selection commission, has already stated his wish, saying: "I'd like Maradona to be the next coach."
Maradona was thought to be on a shortlist with former Boca Juniors coach Carlos Bianchi, San Lorenzo coach Miguel Angel Russo and Sergio Batista, who took the Under-23 squad to Olympic gold in Beijing in Augus
t
DIEGO MARADONA FACTFILE
Diego Maradona
Born: 30 October 1960, Buenos Aires
Clubs: Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, Newell's Old Boys
International debut: 27 February 1977 (aged 16)
International career: 91 caps, 34 goals
Major honours: 1981 Argentina title; 1983 Cope del Rey; 1986 World Cup; 1987 Serie A title; 1987 Copa Italia; 1989 Uefa Cup; 1990 Serie A title
Maradona captained Argentina to a famous triumph, playing every minute of the tournament and scoring five goals, including two against England in the quarter-final which will live forever in football folklore.
:o :o :o :D :D :D
Could be another Stan job. Though only about 100,000,000,000 times more high profile.
It'd be an absolutely crazy appointment but some craic if it happened!
I'm sure he'll do a grand job. He knows all the roads to the big stadiums, he can easily handle 50 seater buses, and he still has a HGV licence, sure he'll... hang on... oh.... sorry... I thought he was the new coach driver.
As a footballer he was the best I ever saw in my time...and that goal...how a short lad like that got up to touch it over Shilton I will never know! ;) On the pitch a genius, off it a disaster. This has car crash TV written all over it. I hope for his sake it's not true, but it would not surprise me, the man is adored like a God in Argentina. No doubt they will place great coaches with him, but with Diego God knows what will happen. Let's hope it's great!
Best player ever, it makes me smile when he is mentioned in the same breath as Geordie Best.
QuoteBest player ever, it makes me smile when he is mentioned in the same breath as Geordie Best.
Ah now let's not start that old chestnut again. All depends on your definition of "best player". Both are very different in style. I think it's generally accepted (but granted not by everyone) that Maradona, Best, Pele, Eusebio, Puskas & Cruyff are regarded as the top 5 forwards and every man will have his own opinion on the order.
Quote from: Over the Bar on October 29, 2008, 09:11:50 AM
I think it's generally accepted (but granted not by everyone) that Maradona, Best, Pele, Eusebio, Puskas & Cruyff are regarded as the top 5 forwards and every man will have his own opinion on the order.
Or regarded as the top 6 ;)
As for Maradona, this could turn out to be a nightmare for all concerned
A genius on the field, but a walking disaster off it, much like Bestie
South American football is full of combustible characters so he will be grand, you can just imagine a penalty being given against them in injury time and him running on and giving the ref his best roundhouse kick...........
Quote from: Minder on October 29, 2008, 09:33:10 AM
South American football is full of combustible characters so he will be grand, you can just imagine a penalty being given against them in injury time and him running on and giving the ref his best roundhouse kick...........
mad but i just had the same image as i was reading through the posts....
Mad enough that it might actually work.
The wee man could be fcuked out the door on Wednesday if they lose again. It'd be a footballing tragedy if the likes of Messi isn't at the World Cup.
Apparently that was only Argentina's second ever home defeat in a World Cup qualifier. Couldn't believe that stat, quite an achievement for Maradona.
Quote from: AFS on September 07, 2009, 12:44:50 AM
Apparently that was only Argentina's second ever home defeat in a World Cup qualifier. Couldn't believe that stat, quite an achievement for Maradona.
Is that true, if so thats some record even if theres a lot of poor teams in South America.
Quote from: ONeill on September 07, 2009, 12:35:02 AM
The wee man could be fcuked out the door on Wednesday if they lose again. It'd be a footballing tragedy if the likes of Messi isn't at the World Cup.
can you imagine a world cup without Messi & ronaldo? less hype & more football ;)
God, I hope they make it. Love Argentina, love Maradona.
i think the play off teams look to be settled and will be, Russia, Portugal, France, Ukraine, Bosnia, Ireland, Greece and either Slovenia, Slovakia or Czech republic.
Bloody Switzerland look to have qualified ahead of Greece in one of the worst groups I have ever seen.
What time is this game on? Is it on tv or decent stream?
Just started
http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=51539&part=sports
This is a decent stream
http://www.vshare.tv/live/Skysports1_Argentina_Peru
Peru are the worst team in South America. This is tragic football from Argentina. 0-0 after 43 mins
diego maradona is my favourite footballer of all time but putting him in charge of argentina is like appointing gazza as england manager.
Quote from: clarshack on October 10, 2009, 11:53:36 PM
diego maradona is my favourite footballer of all time but putting him in charge of argentina is like appointing gazza as england manager.
Are you Mark Lawrenson in disguise?
??? score?
0-0 at half time.
Quote from: ONeill on October 10, 2009, 11:54:54 PM
Quote from: clarshack on October 10, 2009, 11:53:36 PM
diego maradona is my favourite footballer of all time but putting him in charge of argentina is like appointing gazza as england manager.
Are you Mark Lawrenson in disguise?
no i dont have a dodgy haircut or moustache.
Quote from: ross4life on September 07, 2009, 03:46:21 AM
Quote from: ONeill on September 07, 2009, 12:35:02 AM
The wee man could be fcuked out the door on Wednesday if they lose again. It'd be a footballing tragedy if the likes of Messi isn't at the World Cup.
can you imagine a world cup without Messi & ronaldo? less hype & more football ;)
Bullsh*t about Messi. Class act and in champions league final showed he wasnt into all this diving that primadonna Ronaldo is at. Would be a much poorer world cup without Messi... Ronaldo would be no loss at all.
If other results stay as they are and the Argies win, they'll guarantee the play-off. Wouldn't bet on that happening. Argentina v Uruguay on Wed will be a humdinger.
Jaysus, Peru just hit the crossbar at the start of the second.
1-0 Argentina
Quote from: longrunsthefox on October 11, 2009, 12:07:39 AM
Quote from: ross4life on September 07, 2009, 03:46:21 AM
Quote from: ONeill on September 07, 2009, 12:35:02 AM
The wee man could be fcuked out the door on Wednesday if they lose again. It'd be a footballing tragedy if the likes of Messi isn't at the World Cup.
can you imagine a world cup without Messi & ronaldo? less hype & more football ;)
Bullsh*t about Messi. Class act and in champions league final showed he wasnt into all this diving that primadonna Ronaldo is at. Would be a much poorer world cup without Messi... Ronaldo would be no loss at all.
We'll take out Ronaldo in the playoffs
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 11, 2009, 12:25:34 AM
Quote from: longrunsthefox on October 11, 2009, 12:07:39 AM
Quote from: ross4life on September 07, 2009, 03:46:21 AM
Quote from: ONeill on September 07, 2009, 12:35:02 AM
The wee man could be fcuked out the door on Wednesday if they lose again. It'd be a footballing tragedy if the likes of Messi isn't at the World Cup.
can you imagine a world cup without Messi & ronaldo? less hype & more football ;)
Bullsh*t about Messi. Class act and in champions league final showed he wasnt into all this diving that primadonna Ronaldo is at. Would be a much poorer world cup without Messi... Ronaldo would be no loss at all.
We'll take out Ronaldo in the playoffs
As Eamonn Dunphy said, "Ronaldo is hype- Messi is reality."
Gees that's some rainstorm. 10% visibility from camera.
Unbelieveable. 1-1. Last minute.
Diego sunk.
2-1 Argentina.
Maradona loses the bap.
This is amazing. Peru player shoots from centre kick-off. Hits the bar.
You have to see Maradona's belly-flop after the winner.
Quote from: ONeill on October 11, 2009, 12:56:18 AM
2-1 Argentina.
Maradona loses the bap.
Some dive by Maradinner
I think that puts Argentina into 4th again (top 4 automatically qualify). Last game is this Wed, away to Uruguay. They're only a point ahead of Uruguay who had a last minute winner tonight. If the Argies lose that (most likely) and Ecuador win, Argentina are out. An Argentina draw should be enough.
All-in-all, that was worth staying up for.
I think it will have to be a draw and they qualify, a loss might well put them out. I want us to knock them out in the semi finals after beating Brazil in the quarter finals and then England in the finals.
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 11, 2009, 01:28:20 AM
I think it will have to be a draw and they qualify, a loss might well put them out. I want us to knock them out in the semi finals after beating Brazil in the quarter finals and then England in the finals.
But Norn Iron can't make it now.
Does the 5th place team play the Oceania winner?
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on October 11, 2009, 01:30:41 AM
Does the 5th place team play the Oceania winner?
No the team is from North, Central America and Caribbean Zone.
Quote from: ONeill on October 11, 2009, 01:10:10 AM
All-in-all, that was worth staying up for.
Crazy finish. Peru could've had a penalty when the ref blew for FT as well!!!
(http://www.timesonline.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00626/MARADONA_585x350_626800a.jpg)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LGo1CKx_8Y
Quote from: ONeill on October 11, 2009, 08:51:14 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LGo1CKx_8Y
Brilliant. :D
Quote from: orangeman on October 11, 2009, 10:38:13 PM
Quote from: ONeill on October 11, 2009, 08:51:14 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LGo1CKx_8Y
Brilliant. :D
what other coaches could you imagine doing that? ....MON? Mourinho? cetainly not Sven anyway
You've got to love him.
Alex might do it but it be more because he was full of The Famous Grouse than anything else
The big one kicking off soon.
If Uruguay beat Argentina and Ecuador beat Chile who have already qualified, Maradona's tenure ends in disaster. Gonna be fireworks.
Argentina 25 pts
Uruguay 24 pts
Ecuador 23 pts.
Chile v Ecuador
Uruguay v Argentina
DIEGO, DIEGO, DIEGO ;D
What time does this game kick off and on what channel
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 10, 2009, 10:55:52 PM
i think the play off teams look to be settled and will be, Russia, Portugal, France, Ukraine, Bosnia, Ireland, Greece and either Slovenia, Slovakia or Czech republic.
Bloody Switzerland look to have qualified ahead of Greece in one of the worst groups I have ever seen.
This seems to happen a lot. I wonder if they have friends in high places?
Quote from: ONeill on October 14, 2009, 10:32:39 PM
The big one kicking off soon.
If Uruguay beat Argentina and Ecuador beat Chile who have already qualified, Maradona's tenure ends in disaster. Gonna be fireworks.
Argentina 25 pts
Uruguay 24 pts
Ecuador 23 pts.
Chile v Ecuador
Uruguay v Argentina
Is it 3 points for a win? What happens if Argentina draw and Ecuador win?
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 14, 2009, 10:54:42 PM
Quote from: ONeill on October 14, 2009, 10:32:39 PM
The big one kicking off soon.
If Uruguay beat Argentina and Ecuador beat Chile who have already qualified, Maradona's tenure ends in disaster. Gonna be fireworks.
Argentina 25 pts
Uruguay 24 pts
Ecuador 23 pts.
Chile v Ecuador
Uruguay v Argentina
Is it 3 points for a win? What happens if Argentina draw and Ecuador win?
Ecuador would need to win by 5 goals to overtake Argentina.
http://www.zhibo8.com/pindao/shanghai.asx
Kicking lumps.
0-0 at HT.
Uruguay are a real throwback to their old sides. If you take 2 touches, you're going to get kicked.
Is the Ecuador match on now too?
Its on at the same time.
Has a nil nil feel to it.
But you never know.
It's car crash football entertainment tonight
What an appropriate name for the guy called Angel di Maria, he goes down very easily doesn't he?
Chile 1 Ecuador 0, getting better for Diego
Simple goal really
ecuador go up the other end and nearly equalise
This game has woken up.
Chile fans are all doing the bouncy.
I wonder if that 10m fence is electrified.
Argentina getting nervy now. They were in control but with 25 mins left I think they don't know whether to defend the draw or what.
fingertip save by the aptly named Bravo for Chile
but really speaking, Ecuador are not up to much, Chile have a very good team, much better that whats on show in Montevideo.
Anybody have any links that work to the game, Justin Tv looks to have shut them all down.
I am watching on TVU and the Chile match on bet365.com
check out some links here
http://www.myp2p.eu/competition.php?competitionid=&part=sports&discipline=football
http://www.zhibo8.com/pindao/shanghai.asx
Diego 15 mins away from SA.
All out defence from the Argies. Just hit the ball to Messi idea. 0-0. 8 mins left.
Uruguay down to 10 men.
Ecuador have a player sent off.
Shocking tackle,
It will be Uruguay for the play off but that should not be too difficult
1-0. That's Argentina through.
I think he was the only Argentinian onside there.
Ecuador would have only needed a draw to get ahead of Uruguay.
Odds on that Diego will have a heart attack before the end of the WC finals.
Argentina at World Cup. Uruguay into play-off.
Thanks for the veetle tip off whoever posted it. It works very well, I hadn't seen that website before.
That is Argentina qualified, and they should be the favourites as they have the best players but I suppose this result means they will be carrying a handicap.
;D ;D ;D
Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!
Woo hoo. Feckin go dee Argies.
And beat brazil in the process, too, when you're at it.
He's fat, he's small, he didn't hand the ball
Deeyaygooo, Deeyaygooo
Sacked.
A bit late now they shouldnever have hired him.