That Brazil and Argentina are out is fitting. Both were arrogant and overfull of themselves. Dunga and Maradona deserve each other, and Domenech should join them. Who would have imagined that Italy, France, Brazil and Argentina would all be out before the play would become serious?

Now I'll need to be a Uruguay supporter and hope they can repeat their success of 80 years ago.

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Congratulations to Germany on an outstanding match and a very well deserved win.

4-0 OUCH!!!! Will Maradona survive this send home????

Judging by the welcome home the team received it would seem his popularity hasn't suffered much by the German defeat and there aren't exactly many good coaches waiting on the sidelines to take over his position.

If he had a large group of young talent to work with for the next world cup I would think he would want to carry on. From what I've seen there are a few good young players but nothing outstanding coming through so that might make him decide it's time to go.

Actually, Argentina has at least two top coaches that have the skills, experience and track record to take over the job.... but, there is a lot of politics in the AFA and its still unclear what Maradona will want to do.

The two coaches in question are Carlos Bianchi and Americo Gallego.... Bianchi is clearly the best choice but he doesnt get along with Don Corleone Grondona so me thinks the chances of his taking the position are very slim... which is a shame. I think that Bianchi would have had a much better showing at this world cup given the players that Argentina had at its disposal.

Hiddy.... both Brazil and Argentina went home in the same round so me thinks our wager is a draw. Still, next time you are in town let me know, we need to meet up and drink some Malbec.... :D ^

I've always thought of him as a bit of a shady dude.....bit of a smug type. However you're a better judge than me. Not heard of the other bloke. What's your view on the quality of the young players coming through?

Yes most disappointing outcome....I would have liked either team to have progressed further but the truth is neither deserved to. Argentina got about as far as I thought they would pre tournament whilst Brasil were appalling...the worst Brasilain team I have ever seen.
Yes a get together to discuss some football over a bottle of something will have to be arranged...I shall keep the PJ on ice. Will be in Bs As this Wednesday unfortunately it'll be straight in and out again.

At least you are being spared an eyeful by the streaking Maradona!!:D:D

Yes. It's almost Orwellian.

Maradona is a 'God' in Argentina. He can do no wrong. In fact, the country will go out of its way to cover up for his shortcomings. It's like Argentina (inc the Government) exists for the pleasure of Maradona...and this has been the growing mentaility since '86.

His mistakes will always be rewarded with more responsibility.

I say with awe and sincere belief that he is the greatest soccer player the world has seen -- Talent + passion and by raising the profile of soccer performance. Him as a coach? ... different story!

I hope that this disaster at the WCup puts an end to the Coaching days of Maradona...... at least with the National Team.

Argentina doesn't have a great record in the last few World Cups so to call this one a disaster is a bit extreme. They have underachieved in quite a few over the years.
To pin all the blame on Maradona is far too easy in my opinion......the players bar a few need to be asking themselves some questions. Overpaid, over-hyped and several over the hill I'm afraid.

Agreed.

However, he didn't seem to have any plan B in the Germany game. Down 2 goals and he just threw attackers from the same angles. That's hard to accept from any coach.

They say...the best coaches are usually mid-level players...not super stars or exceptional players.

Yes that's very true and I did have some doubts about how he would do. It's not always a good thing to have a coach who who leads from the heart rather than the head.
A motivator yes.....a good tactician...not really. Although when you're one goal down against the Germans inside a few minutes of kick off it's never going to be easy. Two down, then it's all over no matter what you do.

You are correct about the dismal WC record... the last time Argentina had a proper WC was in 1990... it all went grossly downhill after that - actually we have not been able to beat any team that was not 3rd rate since Italy 1990.

On blaming Maradona.... while it is true that making him a scapegoat is easy, in my view its completetly justified. Its clear that he had a very solid talent base to work with, and he is the head coach so it was 100% his call which of the talent he put on the field, how he had them work together... and also what his game plan was supposed to be. Of course, the results showed that he did not have a game plan.... it was all up to the inspiration of the players.... what a crock... :mad:

I cant help but look at Uruguay, a team that had a talent level that is very modest when compared to Argentina.... and look at the result... they had a good chance at beating Holland and advancing to the finals. Imagine what a real coach like Tavarez could have done with the Argentine Roster...

In closing... I have to say that despite being a huge critic of Maradona, in the end I too was caught in the false hope that he had actually been able to work his magic and have this group play together as a team.... of course, this sand-castle came down faster than a hookers panty as soon as Argentina faced a proper opponent... :(

Diego.... please go back to ShowBol, you've done enough damage to La Seleccion... :td:

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Congratulations to Espania... ^