ബ്യൂണസ് അയേര്സ്: ലോകകപ്പ് ക്വാര്ട്ടറില് ജര്മനിയോട് തോറ്റ് നാട്ടില് തിരിച്ചെത്തിയ അര്ജന്റീന ഫുട്ബോള് ടീം പ്രസിഡന്റ് ക്രിസ്റ്റിന കിര്ച്നര് ഒരുക്കിയ സ്വീകരണം നിരസിച്ചു.
പ്രസിഡന്റിന്റെ കൊട്ടാരത്തിലായിരുന്നു ടീമിനായി സ്വീകരണം ഒരുക്കിയിരുന്നത്. ക്വാര്ട്ടറില് ജര്മനിയോട് തോറ്റ് പുറത്തായ ടീം പ്രസിഡന്റിന്റെ ആതിഥ്യം സ്വീകരിക്കുന്നതിലെ അനൌചിത്യം ചൂണ്ടിക്കാട്ടിയാണ് ടീം അംഗങ്ങള് ക്ഷണം നിരസിച്ചത്.
പ്രതിസന്ധി ഘട്ടത്തിലും ടീമിനെ കൈവിടാതിരുന്ന പ്രസിഡന്റിന്റെ വലിയ മനസ്സിന് ടീം അംഗങ്ങള് നന്ദി പറഞ്ഞിട്ടുണ്ട്. വിരുന്നിന് തങ്ങള് അനര്ഹരാണെന്ന തോന്നലാണ് ടീം അംഗങ്ങളെക്കൊണ്ട് ഇത്തരമൊരു നിലപാട് എടുക്കാന് നിര്ബന്ധിതരാക്കിയതെന്നും യഥാര്ത്ഥത്തില് അവര്ക്ക് അതിന് അര്ഹതയുണ്ടെന്നും കിര്ച്നര് പറഞ്ഞു.
ടീം അംഗങ്ങളെ സ്വീകരിക്കാനായി താന് കാത്തിരിക്കുകയാണെന്നും കിര്ചനര് വ്യക്തമാക്കി. ജര്മനിയ്ക്കെതിരെ തോറ്റപ്പോള് എല്ലാവര്ക്കും അത് വിഷമമായി എന്നത് സത്യമാണ്. എന്നാല് അതിനെക്കുറിച്ചോര്ത്ത് ഇരിക്കാതെ ടീം ശക്തമായി തിരിച്ചുവരണമെന്നും കിര്ച്നര് പറഞ്ഞു.
ജര്മനിയ്ക്കെതിരായ മത്സരശേഷം ഞാന് മറഡോണയെ വിളിച്ചിരുന്നു. എന്നാല് സംസാരിക്കാനായില്ല. അദ്ദേഹം ഫോണിലൂടെ പൊട്ടിക്കരയുകയായിരുന്നു. എന്റെ എല്ലാ പിന്തുണയും ഞാന് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന് വാഗ്ദാനം ചെയ്യുന്നു. കാരണം ഫുട്ബോള് കൊണ്ട് ഒരു രാജ്യത്തെ മുഴുവന് ആനന്ദസാഗരത്തിലാറാടിച്ച മറ്റൊരു കളിക്കാരന് ഞങ്ങള്ക്കില്ല-കിച്നര് പറയുന്നു.
Showing posts with label Argentina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Argentina. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Maradona, Argentina enjoy warm welcome home
BUENOS AIRES — Diego Maradona and his Argentina team received a warm welcome from thousands of fans who turned out to greet them Sunday despite the side's World Cup quarter-finals elimination.
Fans, dressed in the blue and white shirts of the national team, held up banners proclaiming "Argentina!" or "Diego, Diego".
"We are happy. I ask Diego to keep going," said one fan, carrying his son in his arms.
Argentina were knocked out of the World Cup on Saturday, losing 4-0 in the quarter-finals to Germany in Cape Town.
"I have come from Tucuman and travelled 1400km just to see Diego. I love him to death. We will win get our revenge in the Copa America (being staged in Argentina in 2011)," said another supporter.
Many fans insisted that they wanted Maradona to stay in charge of the national team.
"Diego, stay! We support you!," said one banner.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Germans play mind games with Argentina
Johannesburg: Germany's players chided Argentina for the second straight day on Thursday, with captain Philipp Lahm accusing their World Cup quarterfinal opponents of being aggressive and provocative on the field.
Lahm's comments followed similar remarks by Bastian Schweinsteiger on Wednesday in which the midfielder said Argentina showed no respect for their opponents or referees.
The German comments appeared to be aimed at destabilizing Argentina coach Diego Maradona, who is known to have a fiery temperament, before Saturday's quarterfinal match in Cape Town. The two teams have history, fighting on the pitch after Germany beat Argentina on penalties in the quarterfinals at the 2006 tournament.
Maradona mocked Schweinsteiger, saying nerves must be getting to the Germany midfielder.
However, a bigger concern for Maradona may be Lionel Messi's health. The Barcelona playmaker skipped training on Thursday with what team doctor Donato Villani said were "cold-like symptoms." The team downplayed the ailment, however, saying Messi is expected to resume full training on Friday.
After two days of rest, the World Cup resumes on Friday with The Netherlands playing Brazil in Port Elizabeth and Uruguay meeting Ghana, Africa's last hope at the first World Cup to be played on the continent.
Ghana is trying to become the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals, and is certain to feel the support from local South African fans at the stadium.
"We have an opportunity to show to the whole world what we are capable of doing, to get to the semifinal," Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan said on Thursday. "There is no doubt that nobody in Africa is going to support any team other than Ghana. I don't predict but if we work hard we will come out victorious.
Brazil coach Dunga may have a hard time selecting his midfield against the Netherlands because of injuries and a suspension. Kaka and veteran Gilberto Silva are set to start at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, but a suspension to Ramires and injuries to Elano, Felipe Melo and Julio Baptista leave the coach with few options for the other two midfield positions.
Still, Dunga is expecting the match to be one of the most entertaining of the tournament.
"Both sides play an attacking game, both feature very technical players, both know how to dribble and take risks, and both want to score," the former midfielder said. "So you can always expect a great football game."
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is sticking by Fernando Torres despite the striker's poor World Cup form so far.
Torres has struggled to establish himself in South Africa since returning from knee surgery in April. Although Fernando Llorente played well after replacing the Liverpool striker in the 1-0 win over Portugal, Del Bosque says "our striker is Fernando (Torres)."
Spain plays Paraguay at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Fallout for eliminated teams continued, with FIFA mulling what action to take against Nigeria, whose president, Goodluck Jonathan, ordered the team to sit out international competition for two years as punishment for its poor showing.
FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot said that FIFA is looking at the case but is not yet ready to act. FIFA rules demand that national federations manage their affairs independently, or face suspension from world football. National and club teams then cannot play in international competitions.
Javier Aguirre quit as Mexico coach, three days after the national team was knocked out of the World Cup in a 3-1 loss to Argentina in the round of 16.
It marked the fifth straight time that Mexico has been eliminated in the second round of the World Cup.
"I'm the person responsible," said Aguirre, adding that he'd made a commitment to reach the quarterfinals.
World Cup organizer Danny Jordaan said the tournament could set a 16-year high for paid attendance at games.
He said there is a "big possibility" that the tournament will surpass three million paying fans for the first time since 1994 in the United States.
"The signs are there, Jordaan said, adding that 2.69 million people had already paid to watch games. "The South African fans have been superb."
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/germans-play-mind-games-with-argentina/125791-5-21.html
Thursday, July 1, 2010
German octopus predicts Argentina WC exit
Berlin: Octopus oracle Paul hesitated but ultimately picked Germany to win — again — this time over Argentina in their quarterfinal matchup at the soccer World Cup.
Paul, who rose to global fame after he correctly predicted all four of Germany's games in this year's tournament, indicated on Tuesday that Saturday's game will be a tough battle.
Sea Life Aquarium spokeswoman Tanja Munzig in the western city of Oberhausen said Paul took about an hour before he approached a water glass in his aquarium containing a mussel and marked with a Germany flag. He ignored a similar glass with Argentina's flag.
Only when the oracle's organizers went to remove the glasses did Paul jump inside the German one and gulp down the mussel.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Echoes of 2006
The lasting visual memory of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ is arguably the ever-present sea of Germany flags, proclaiming a nation’s pride and a country rediscovering patriotism in its most healthy form. People think back to a host nation transformed, from stereotypical dour efficiency into welcoming and celebratory hosts to people from all over the world.
The significance of the event, hailed afterwards as the "summer fairy tale" by Germans themselves stunned at an apparent sea-change in the national character, extended beyond the sport itself. However, the world’s favourite game was the essential catalyst for a new self-perception and external image. The single match which best embodied this momentous development took place in the late afternoon on 30 June at the Olympic stadium in the capital city of Berlin.
Faced by in-form Argentina, the Germany side cajoled by Jurgen Klinsmann into adopting a near-revolutionary attacking élan squeezed to victory on penalties and progressed to the semi-finals. Drama, ecstasy and seething emotion were all part of a memorable afternoon, with key roles played by a scrap of paper and a string-puller who suddenly stopped pulling strings. At the end, a respected coach called it a day, and a nation of 80 million exceeded their own previous efforts in dancing the night away.
The stakes
The fixture was a mouth-watering re-run of the FIFA World Cup Finals of 1986 and 1990, in which each nation claimed victory once, but the South Americans were strong favourites on this occasion. With three wins and a draw, scoring ten goals and conceding just two, Jose Pekerman’s side had marched impressively into the quarter-finals.
The world sat up and took notice of the two-time world champions following a thumping 6-0 group stage win over Serbia and Montenegro. However, the Germans were determined to neutralise their opponents’ fast and skilful play. "Argentina were favourites before the tournament, but it’s their misfortune to meet us now," said Miroslav Klose beforehand.
Klinsmann’s men were certainly confident. Roared on by the home crowds, they had also scored ten and conceded just two when winning all four of their opening matches. Klose and young strike partner Lukas Podolski had fired seven goals between them, but after dispatching Costa Rica, Poland, Ecuador and Sweden, Argentina represented the hosts' first really serious test. After all, almost six years had passed since Germany had beaten one of the recognised big names of the game, in a 1-0 win over England at the old Wembley in a Korea/Japan 2002 qualifier.
Verbal sparring characterised the build-up. "I’m not frightened. It’s up to Germany to prove they’re any good," Carlos Tevez fired back at Klose. The emotionally-charged atmosphere created by the 72,000 at the historic Berlin arena came as little surprise.
The story
Clearly determined to stamp their authority on proceedings despite the intimidating surroundings, Pekerman’s stars dominated the opening exchanges of a hard-fought encounter. For their part, and faced with the smallest team in the tournament with only three players taller than 1.80 metres, the Germans aimed high balls at their target men, only to make little headway.
For the South Americans, playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme sought to continue the majestic probing and prompting which had been so effective at the finals thus far, but gaps in the deep-lying German rearguard were few and far between. Riquelme required a set-piece to break the deadlock, swinging over a corner four minutes from half-time for Roberto Ayala to power a header into the net, the first time the hosts had fallen behind at the tournament.
Michael Ballack and his men battered away at the Argentinians in an effort to stave off defeat, but La Albiceleste always looked comfortable enough. That was until the 72nd minute, when Pekerman replaced Riquelme with the more defensive Esteban Cambiasso. Germany suddenly took charge, and Klose headed an 80th-minute equaliser, unlikely as it had seemed just minutes earlier, but to the joy of the massive crowd.
Extra-time passed with both sides focused exclusively on avoiding a potentially decisive error, and the tension ratcheted up another notch as the game moved to penalties. The eyes of the world turned to Jens Lehmann, the keeper who controversially displaced the legendary Oliver Kahn shortly before the FIFA World Cup on home soil.
"Best of luck. It’s up to you now, and you can do it,” Kahn whispered to his unloved rival, shaking hands in a gesture of reconciliation likely never to be forgotten in Germany. And Lehmann duly did it, saving from Ayala and Cambiasso in the defining moments of his long career, to send his side through to the FIFA World Cup semi-finals. A nation took to the streets and partied like never before.
The star
"Goalkeeping coach Andy Kopke scribbled the vital details on that little piece of paper, which went on to achieve so much fame," Lehmann said in an extract from his soon-to-be-published autobiography. The player, who finally hung up his gloves at the age of 40 after the 2009/10 campaign, was the hero of Berlin on the day. But the scrap of paper, which the keeper pulled from his shin-pad and consulted before the eyes of each Argentine penalty-taker, became the stuff of myth and legend.
However, Lehmann later confessed, he could hardly read the coach’s helpful hints. "Andy, why did you have to write in pencil? No-one can read this," he cursed as Cambiasso stepped up. But in any case, the sub’s name never appeared on the scribbled note. The keeper saved the penalty, the slip of paper was later auctioned for charity, and Lehmann became a Kahn-like idol.
What they said
"I always had the feeling we were better than Germany, but that wasn’t enough to win," Argentina coach Jose Pekerman.
"German goalkeepers are expected to save penalties," Germany keeper Jens Lehmann.
What happened next
Distressed Argentina coach Pekerman quit after the game: "This chapter is at an end. I definitely won’t stay in the job." The German fairy tale ended in the semi-finals with a 2-0 extra-time defeat to eventual world champions Italy. Klinsmann’s side beat Portugal 3-1 in Stuttgart to seal third spot, and millions turned out to hail them as if they had won the Trophy. Both teams are again among the favourites for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1264205/index.html#insertcomment
Psychic' octopus predicts Germany victory over England
A "psychic" octopus is said by its aquarium owners to have predicted the country's football team will knock England out of the World Cup.
When consulted, Paul the octopus chose a mussel from a jar with the German flag on it ahead of one in a similar jar bearing the cross of St George.
The two-year-old cephalopod has a record of predicting past German results in this manner, his owners say.
Paul has so far correctly predicted all of Germany's results in South Africa.
His keepers say he correctly predicted nearly 70% of Germany's results during the 2008 European Championship.
In that contest, Germany finished as runners-up in their qualifying group, having lost only once to Croatia.
They then progressed to the final, where they were beaten by Spain.
If keepers at the Oberhausen Sea Life Aquarium are right, he correctly predicted the outcome of four of the six games in that competition.
National celebrity
"Paul's prediction was phenomenal," said aquarium spokesman Tanja Munzig.
"He swam straight over to the German glass, climbed in and even put a lid on top once he was sitting inside."
The octopus, which was born in the UK and was moved to the German aquarium, has become a national celebrity after correctly predicting Germany would beat Australia in their opening match, then lose to Serbia, and then beat Ghana.
His latest prediction was flashed all over the German media.
The container that Paul opens first is said to be his pick for who will win the impending match, keepers say.
Germany finished the initial stage of the World Cup top of Group D, and face England, the runners-up from group C, in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/10420131.stm
http://www.southafrica2010.mymytag.com/?p=5408&cpage=1
http://upcoming.current.com/search?q=World+Cup+Octopus%3A+Paul%27s+Predictions+Stun+Germany
http://blog.newhumanist.org.uk/2010/06/german-psychic-octopus-predicts-beating.html
By
Ranjith K R
When consulted, Paul the octopus chose a mussel from a jar with the German flag on it ahead of one in a similar jar bearing the cross of St George.
The two-year-old cephalopod has a record of predicting past German results in this manner, his owners say.
Paul has so far correctly predicted all of Germany's results in South Africa.
His keepers say he correctly predicted nearly 70% of Germany's results during the 2008 European Championship.
In that contest, Germany finished as runners-up in their qualifying group, having lost only once to Croatia.
They then progressed to the final, where they were beaten by Spain.
If keepers at the Oberhausen Sea Life Aquarium are right, he correctly predicted the outcome of four of the six games in that competition.
National celebrity
"Paul's prediction was phenomenal," said aquarium spokesman Tanja Munzig.
"He swam straight over to the German glass, climbed in and even put a lid on top once he was sitting inside."
The octopus, which was born in the UK and was moved to the German aquarium, has become a national celebrity after correctly predicting Germany would beat Australia in their opening match, then lose to Serbia, and then beat Ghana.
His latest prediction was flashed all over the German media.
The container that Paul opens first is said to be his pick for who will win the impending match, keepers say.
Germany finished the initial stage of the World Cup top of Group D, and face England, the runners-up from group C, in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/10420131.stm
http://www.southafrica2010.mymytag.com/?p=5408&cpage=1
http://upcoming.current.com/search?q=World+Cup+Octopus%3A+Paul%27s+Predictions+Stun+Germany
http://blog.newhumanist.org.uk/2010/06/german-psychic-octopus-predicts-beating.html
By
Ranjith K R
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
maradonas a man of few tactical words
Pretoria: When it comes to charisma, not many football coaches can rival Argentina's Diego Maradona. But a deep discussion over tactics?
Not the man's style.
"Great one, you beast!" you often hear Maradona shouting affectionately at a player during training. Even when a shot balloons over the crossbar, he bubbles with the same infectious enthusiasm.
His critics, who called him a naive tactician in the runup to the World Cup, could be made to eat their words if Argentina continues its impressive form in South Africa and wins a third title.
They've won four matches in a row, scoring 10 goals - and the tally would've been far higher but for some excellent goalkeeping by their opponents.
Maradona says he himself preferred to be a free spirit as a player. As a result he intentionally won't tell Argentina's latest global superstar - Lionel Messi - what to do.
"I went to tell Messi (at Barcelona) that nobody ever told me where to play. So, I shouldn't have to tell Messi where to play either," said Maradona.
"It was up to him to decide where to play. He's a grown-up. I did it back in my era - and now it's his turn."
The former Argentine captain - for some the best player of all time - has embraced and kissed his players before all the matches in South Africa.
And it seems as though he's kicking every ball in his mind when prowling around the technical area, besuited.
The players seem to be thriving.
Martin Palermo, Argentina's 36-year-old, fifth-choice striker, is a case in point.
Many thought Maradona included him in his squad out of sentimentality - or as a lucky charm - after the Boca Juniors striker scored a last-gasp goal that more or less sealed Argentina's qualification for the 2010 World Cup.
With Argentina struggling to break down Greece in the final group game, Maradona was told by his assistants to bring on Gonzalo Higuain.
Instead, he chose Palermo, who within minutes got on the scoresheet.
The advice from Maradona as Palermo ran onto the field?
"I said, Get out there. Finish this match for me."
It's a far cry from the tactically astute and results-driven approach of Carlos Bilardo, who coached Argentina to World Cup success in 1986 - not to mention the almost obsessively philosophical and romantic vision of
football advocated by the chain-smoking Cesar Menotti, who led the nation to the title eight years earlier.
When Maradona got the Argentina job, Bilardo was brought in to help on tactics. But the pair immediately fell out and, even though they're both at the World Cup, it's thought that Maradona is reluctant to listen to his advice.
Whether Maradona's approach will work when Argentina comes up against tactically-savvy Germany in this weekend's quarterfinal is another matter, though.
And it's sure to be troubling the nation.
Asked by an Argentine journalist after the 3-1 defeat over Mexico Sunday how he would approach the Germans, Maradona snapped, "Let me enjoy this match. Why think of Germany? How about you name the players YOU want."
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/maradonas-a-man-of-few-tactical-words/125545-5-21.html?from=tn
Not the man's style.
"Great one, you beast!" you often hear Maradona shouting affectionately at a player during training. Even when a shot balloons over the crossbar, he bubbles with the same infectious enthusiasm.
His critics, who called him a naive tactician in the runup to the World Cup, could be made to eat their words if Argentina continues its impressive form in South Africa and wins a third title.
They've won four matches in a row, scoring 10 goals - and the tally would've been far higher but for some excellent goalkeeping by their opponents.
Maradona says he himself preferred to be a free spirit as a player. As a result he intentionally won't tell Argentina's latest global superstar - Lionel Messi - what to do.
"I went to tell Messi (at Barcelona) that nobody ever told me where to play. So, I shouldn't have to tell Messi where to play either," said Maradona.
"It was up to him to decide where to play. He's a grown-up. I did it back in my era - and now it's his turn."
The former Argentine captain - for some the best player of all time - has embraced and kissed his players before all the matches in South Africa.
And it seems as though he's kicking every ball in his mind when prowling around the technical area, besuited.
The players seem to be thriving.
Martin Palermo, Argentina's 36-year-old, fifth-choice striker, is a case in point.
Many thought Maradona included him in his squad out of sentimentality - or as a lucky charm - after the Boca Juniors striker scored a last-gasp goal that more or less sealed Argentina's qualification for the 2010 World Cup.
With Argentina struggling to break down Greece in the final group game, Maradona was told by his assistants to bring on Gonzalo Higuain.
Instead, he chose Palermo, who within minutes got on the scoresheet.
The advice from Maradona as Palermo ran onto the field?
"I said, Get out there. Finish this match for me."
It's a far cry from the tactically astute and results-driven approach of Carlos Bilardo, who coached Argentina to World Cup success in 1986 - not to mention the almost obsessively philosophical and romantic vision of
football advocated by the chain-smoking Cesar Menotti, who led the nation to the title eight years earlier.
When Maradona got the Argentina job, Bilardo was brought in to help on tactics. But the pair immediately fell out and, even though they're both at the World Cup, it's thought that Maradona is reluctant to listen to his advice.
Whether Maradona's approach will work when Argentina comes up against tactically-savvy Germany in this weekend's quarterfinal is another matter, though.
And it's sure to be troubling the nation.
Asked by an Argentine journalist after the 3-1 defeat over Mexico Sunday how he would approach the Germans, Maradona snapped, "Let me enjoy this match. Why think of Germany? How about you name the players YOU want."
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/maradonas-a-man-of-few-tactical-words/125545-5-21.html?from=tn
Thursday, June 24, 2010
റൊബീന്യോമാരുടെ കളിയച്ഛന്
This is an article which came in Mathrubhumi, i will try to put the english translation of this, but i am afraid, if i cud replace these touching words with my english knowledge.
Posted on: 19 Jun 2010
ഒ.ആര്. രാമചന്ദ്രന്
ചേരിയിലെ കുട്ടികള് കളിക്കുന്ന ചെറിയ മൈതാനത്തിനു പുറത്ത് വല്ലപ്പോഴും അച്ഛന് വന്നു നില്ക്കാറുള്ളതിനെക്കുറിച്ച് റൊബീന്യോ ഒരഭിമുഖത്തില് പറഞ്ഞിട്ടുണ്ട്. കക്കൂസ് കുഴികളും പൈപ്പുകളും വൃത്തിയാക്കുന്നിടത്തു നിന്നാണ് അച്ഛന് വരിക. കൈയില് വീട്ടിലേക്കുള്ള മീനോ വീട്ടുസാമാനങ്ങളോ പണിയായുധങ്ങളോ ഉണ്ടാവും. വയര് നിറയെ മദ്യപിച്ചിട്ടുമുണ്ടാവും. മൈതാനത്തിന്റെ തിരക്കൊഴിഞ്ഞ ഏതെങ്കിലും മൂലയില് ആരുടെയും കണ്ണില്പ്പെടാതെ അയാള് മാറിനില്ക്കും. എന്നാലും മൈതാനത്ത് ചുറ്റിനടക്കുന്ന കാറ്റ് വന്ന് കൊച്ചു റൊബീന്യോവിനോടു കാതില് രഹസ്യമായി പറയും- നന്നായി കളിക്ക്, ദേ.. അച്ഛന് പുറത്തു നില്ക്കുന്നു.
കുടിയനും മുരടനുമാണെങ്കിലും തനിക്കു പന്തു കിട്ടുമ്പോള് ആരും കാണാതെ അച്ഛന് മേലേക്കു നോക്കി കുരിശു വരയ്ക്കുമെന്ന് റൊബീന്യോയ്ക്കറിയാം. അതൊരു ബലമാണ്. ഇടയ്ക്ക് വലിയ കുട്ടികള് കൊച്ചുറോബിയെ വീഴ്ത്തും. അപ്പോള് കുമ്മായവരയ്ക്കു പുറത്തു നിന്ന് അച്ഛന് ക്ഷോഭിക്കും. മീനും മറ്റും വലിച്ചെറിയും. റോബി ഗോളടിച്ചാല് ചിലപ്പോള് ആര്ത്തുവിളിക്കും, മുട്ടുകുത്തി പ്രാര്ഥിക്കും. മൈതാനത്തു നിന്ന് കയറുമ്പോള് ഓടിവരും. വിയര്പ്പും നാറ്റവുമുള്ള ആലിംഗനം നല്കും. ഉമ്മ വെക്കും. കൈയില് കാശുള്ള ദിവസമാണെങ്കില് എന്തെങ്കിലും വാങ്ങിക്കൊടുക്കും. കളി ജയിച്ചു വന്ന ദിവസം ഒരു നേരം ചോറെങ്കിലും ഉറപ്പ്. അതിനാല് കളിക്കുമ്പോഴെല്ലാം അച്ഛന് സൈഡ്ലൈനിലെത്തിയിട്ടുണ്ടോ എന്ന് റൊബീന്യോ ഒളികണ്ണിട്ടു നോക്കും. ഒരഭിമുഖത്തില് ആ കഥ വിവരിക്കുമ്പോള് ടി. വി. സ്ക്രീനില് സൂം ചെയ്തു കാണിച്ച റൊബീന്യോയുടെ കണ്ണില് പഴയ നാളുകളുടെ വടുകെട്ടിയ കണ്ണീര് മാത്രമല്ല, അഭിമാനത്തിന്റെയും ആദരവിന്റെയും സ്നേഹത്തിന്റെയും തിളക്കവുമുണ്ടായിരുന്നു.
ദക്ഷിണകൊറിയയുമായുള്ള അര്ജന്റീനയുടെ കളി കണ്ടുകൊണ്ടിരിക്കെ റൊബീന്യോയുടെ അച്ഛനെ ഓര്മിച്ചു പോയി. മൈതാനത്തിനു പുറത്ത് അതാ, കൊച്ചു റോബിയുടെ അച്ഛന്! സാക്ഷാല് ഡീഗോ മാറഡോണ! ആലിംഗനം ചെയ്യാന് നിവര്ത്തിപ്പിടിച്ച കൈകളുമായി, വാടാ മക്കളേ... എന്നു വിളിക്കുന്ന അഞ്ഞൂറാന്! കൊടുത്താലും തീരാത്ത ചുംബനങ്ങള്. ഞെരിച്ചു കൊല്ലുന്ന പരിരംഭണം. എതിരാളി തന്റെ കുട്ടികളെ തൊട്ടാല് കേറടാ, അടിയെടാ വിളികള്. നല്ല ഒരു നീക്കമോ പാസ്സോ കണ്ടാല് ബലേ ഭേഷ് കൈയടികള്. സംഘര്ഷം മൂക്കുമ്പോള് മുട്ടു കുത്തി ജപമാലയില് മുത്തമിട്ടുള്ള പ്രാര്ഥന. (ഇടയ്ക്കെപ്പോഴോ തന്നെ തേടി വന്ന പന്തിനും കൊടുത്തു പുറംകാല് കൊണ്ട് ഒരു ചുടുചുംബനം). വിടാതെ കെട്ടിപ്പിടിച്ചു കൊണ്ട് ഒന്നായിത്തീര്ന്ന പന്തു പോലെ ഡ്രസ്സിങ് റൂമിലേക്ക് നീങ്ങുന്ന മെസ്സിയും മാറഡോണയും കളി തീര്ന്നിട്ടും കണ്ണില് നിന്നു മായുന്നില്ല.
നീട്ടിപ്പിടിച്ച ആ കൈകള് ഫുട്ബോള് ലോകത്തിനു തന്നെയുള്ള ഒരു ഭ്രാന്തന് ജീനിയസ്സിന്റെ ക്ഷണമായിട്ടാണ് തോന്നിയത്. വരൂ, ആനന്ദിക്കൂ എന്ന ക്ഷണം. ലോകത്തോടു മുഴുവന് ദേഷ്യവുമായി നില്ക്കുന്ന, കൃത്രിമഗൗരവവും അച്ചടക്കത്തിന്റെ വാളും റൈറ്റിങ് പാഡും വായിലെ മുട്ടന് തെറികളും അടയാള ചിഹ്നമാക്കിയ, പ്രൊഫഷണല് കോച്ചുമാര്ക്കിടയില് സാധാരണക്കാരന്റെ വികാരവിചാരങ്ങളുടെ മീന് മണക്കുന്ന ഈ കോച്ച് വ്യത്യസ്തനാവുന്നത് എങ്ങനെയെന്ന് ബുധനാഴ്ച മനസ്സിലായി; കളിക്കളത്തിലെ ഓരോ അര്ജന്റൈന് കുട്ടിയും ആ അച്ഛനെ ഒളികണ്ണിട്ടു നോക്കുന്നതു കണ്ടപ്പോള്; കളി തീര്ന്നയുടനെ ആ കൈകളിലേക്ക് ഓടിയണയുന്നതു കണ്ടപ്പോള്. ഇങ്ങനെ പ്രചോദിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ഒരച്ഛനോ അതോ വരച്ച വരയില് നിര്ത്തിക്കളിപ്പിക്കുന്ന കോച്ചോ അന്തിമവിജയം നേടുക എന്നിപ്പോള് പറയാനാവില്ല. പ്രൊഫഷണല് ഫുട്ബോളിന്റെ കഠിനലോകത്ത് ഇത്തരം വൈകാരിക പ്രകടനങ്ങള് പരാജയപ്പെടാനാണ് കൂടുതല് സാധ്യത. തോറ്റാലും ജയിച്ചാലും ഒന്നുറപ്പിക്കാം. ജയത്തില് ആഹ്ലാദിക്കാന് മാത്രമല്ല, തോല്വിയില് പൊട്ടിക്കരയാനും അയാള് ഈ കുട്ടികള്ക്കൊപ്പം ഉണ്ടാവും. കോഴി മൂന്നുവട്ടം കൂവും മുമ്പ് കളിക്കാരെ ഒറ്റുന്ന റെയ്മണ്ട് ഡോമനെക്കുമാരുടെ കൂട്ടത്തില് പെടുകയില്ല ഫുട്ബോളിന്റെ ഈ പുതിയ കളിയച്ഛന്. മറ്റൊന്നു കൂടി ഉറപ്പിക്കാം, ഈ ലോകകപ്പ് ആരു നേടിയാലും ഡീഗോയാണ് വാര്ത്ത സൃഷ്ടിക്കാന് പോകുന്നത്. അത് നല്ലതോ ചീത്തയോ എന്ന കാര്യം കണ്ടുതന്നെ അറിയണം.
courtesy : http://www.mathrubhumi.com/online/malayalam/news/story/367771/2010-06-19/sports
Posted on: 19 Jun 2010
ഒ.ആര്. രാമചന്ദ്രന്
ചേരിയിലെ കുട്ടികള് കളിക്കുന്ന ചെറിയ മൈതാനത്തിനു പുറത്ത് വല്ലപ്പോഴും അച്ഛന് വന്നു നില്ക്കാറുള്ളതിനെക്കുറിച്ച് റൊബീന്യോ ഒരഭിമുഖത്തില് പറഞ്ഞിട്ടുണ്ട്. കക്കൂസ് കുഴികളും പൈപ്പുകളും വൃത്തിയാക്കുന്നിടത്തു നിന്നാണ് അച്ഛന് വരിക. കൈയില് വീട്ടിലേക്കുള്ള മീനോ വീട്ടുസാമാനങ്ങളോ പണിയായുധങ്ങളോ ഉണ്ടാവും. വയര് നിറയെ മദ്യപിച്ചിട്ടുമുണ്ടാവും. മൈതാനത്തിന്റെ തിരക്കൊഴിഞ്ഞ ഏതെങ്കിലും മൂലയില് ആരുടെയും കണ്ണില്പ്പെടാതെ അയാള് മാറിനില്ക്കും. എന്നാലും മൈതാനത്ത് ചുറ്റിനടക്കുന്ന കാറ്റ് വന്ന് കൊച്ചു റൊബീന്യോവിനോടു കാതില് രഹസ്യമായി പറയും- നന്നായി കളിക്ക്, ദേ.. അച്ഛന് പുറത്തു നില്ക്കുന്നു.
കുടിയനും മുരടനുമാണെങ്കിലും തനിക്കു പന്തു കിട്ടുമ്പോള് ആരും കാണാതെ അച്ഛന് മേലേക്കു നോക്കി കുരിശു വരയ്ക്കുമെന്ന് റൊബീന്യോയ്ക്കറിയാം. അതൊരു ബലമാണ്. ഇടയ്ക്ക് വലിയ കുട്ടികള് കൊച്ചുറോബിയെ വീഴ്ത്തും. അപ്പോള് കുമ്മായവരയ്ക്കു പുറത്തു നിന്ന് അച്ഛന് ക്ഷോഭിക്കും. മീനും മറ്റും വലിച്ചെറിയും. റോബി ഗോളടിച്ചാല് ചിലപ്പോള് ആര്ത്തുവിളിക്കും, മുട്ടുകുത്തി പ്രാര്ഥിക്കും. മൈതാനത്തു നിന്ന് കയറുമ്പോള് ഓടിവരും. വിയര്പ്പും നാറ്റവുമുള്ള ആലിംഗനം നല്കും. ഉമ്മ വെക്കും. കൈയില് കാശുള്ള ദിവസമാണെങ്കില് എന്തെങ്കിലും വാങ്ങിക്കൊടുക്കും. കളി ജയിച്ചു വന്ന ദിവസം ഒരു നേരം ചോറെങ്കിലും ഉറപ്പ്. അതിനാല് കളിക്കുമ്പോഴെല്ലാം അച്ഛന് സൈഡ്ലൈനിലെത്തിയിട്ടുണ്ടോ എന്ന് റൊബീന്യോ ഒളികണ്ണിട്ടു നോക്കും. ഒരഭിമുഖത്തില് ആ കഥ വിവരിക്കുമ്പോള് ടി. വി. സ്ക്രീനില് സൂം ചെയ്തു കാണിച്ച റൊബീന്യോയുടെ കണ്ണില് പഴയ നാളുകളുടെ വടുകെട്ടിയ കണ്ണീര് മാത്രമല്ല, അഭിമാനത്തിന്റെയും ആദരവിന്റെയും സ്നേഹത്തിന്റെയും തിളക്കവുമുണ്ടായിരുന്നു.
ദക്ഷിണകൊറിയയുമായുള്ള അര്ജന്റീനയുടെ കളി കണ്ടുകൊണ്ടിരിക്കെ റൊബീന്യോയുടെ അച്ഛനെ ഓര്മിച്ചു പോയി. മൈതാനത്തിനു പുറത്ത് അതാ, കൊച്ചു റോബിയുടെ അച്ഛന്! സാക്ഷാല് ഡീഗോ മാറഡോണ! ആലിംഗനം ചെയ്യാന് നിവര്ത്തിപ്പിടിച്ച കൈകളുമായി, വാടാ മക്കളേ... എന്നു വിളിക്കുന്ന അഞ്ഞൂറാന്! കൊടുത്താലും തീരാത്ത ചുംബനങ്ങള്. ഞെരിച്ചു കൊല്ലുന്ന പരിരംഭണം. എതിരാളി തന്റെ കുട്ടികളെ തൊട്ടാല് കേറടാ, അടിയെടാ വിളികള്. നല്ല ഒരു നീക്കമോ പാസ്സോ കണ്ടാല് ബലേ ഭേഷ് കൈയടികള്. സംഘര്ഷം മൂക്കുമ്പോള് മുട്ടു കുത്തി ജപമാലയില് മുത്തമിട്ടുള്ള പ്രാര്ഥന. (ഇടയ്ക്കെപ്പോഴോ തന്നെ തേടി വന്ന പന്തിനും കൊടുത്തു പുറംകാല് കൊണ്ട് ഒരു ചുടുചുംബനം). വിടാതെ കെട്ടിപ്പിടിച്ചു കൊണ്ട് ഒന്നായിത്തീര്ന്ന പന്തു പോലെ ഡ്രസ്സിങ് റൂമിലേക്ക് നീങ്ങുന്ന മെസ്സിയും മാറഡോണയും കളി തീര്ന്നിട്ടും കണ്ണില് നിന്നു മായുന്നില്ല.
നീട്ടിപ്പിടിച്ച ആ കൈകള് ഫുട്ബോള് ലോകത്തിനു തന്നെയുള്ള ഒരു ഭ്രാന്തന് ജീനിയസ്സിന്റെ ക്ഷണമായിട്ടാണ് തോന്നിയത്. വരൂ, ആനന്ദിക്കൂ എന്ന ക്ഷണം. ലോകത്തോടു മുഴുവന് ദേഷ്യവുമായി നില്ക്കുന്ന, കൃത്രിമഗൗരവവും അച്ചടക്കത്തിന്റെ വാളും റൈറ്റിങ് പാഡും വായിലെ മുട്ടന് തെറികളും അടയാള ചിഹ്നമാക്കിയ, പ്രൊഫഷണല് കോച്ചുമാര്ക്കിടയില് സാധാരണക്കാരന്റെ വികാരവിചാരങ്ങളുടെ മീന് മണക്കുന്ന ഈ കോച്ച് വ്യത്യസ്തനാവുന്നത് എങ്ങനെയെന്ന് ബുധനാഴ്ച മനസ്സിലായി; കളിക്കളത്തിലെ ഓരോ അര്ജന്റൈന് കുട്ടിയും ആ അച്ഛനെ ഒളികണ്ണിട്ടു നോക്കുന്നതു കണ്ടപ്പോള്; കളി തീര്ന്നയുടനെ ആ കൈകളിലേക്ക് ഓടിയണയുന്നതു കണ്ടപ്പോള്. ഇങ്ങനെ പ്രചോദിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ഒരച്ഛനോ അതോ വരച്ച വരയില് നിര്ത്തിക്കളിപ്പിക്കുന്ന കോച്ചോ അന്തിമവിജയം നേടുക എന്നിപ്പോള് പറയാനാവില്ല. പ്രൊഫഷണല് ഫുട്ബോളിന്റെ കഠിനലോകത്ത് ഇത്തരം വൈകാരിക പ്രകടനങ്ങള് പരാജയപ്പെടാനാണ് കൂടുതല് സാധ്യത. തോറ്റാലും ജയിച്ചാലും ഒന്നുറപ്പിക്കാം. ജയത്തില് ആഹ്ലാദിക്കാന് മാത്രമല്ല, തോല്വിയില് പൊട്ടിക്കരയാനും അയാള് ഈ കുട്ടികള്ക്കൊപ്പം ഉണ്ടാവും. കോഴി മൂന്നുവട്ടം കൂവും മുമ്പ് കളിക്കാരെ ഒറ്റുന്ന റെയ്മണ്ട് ഡോമനെക്കുമാരുടെ കൂട്ടത്തില് പെടുകയില്ല ഫുട്ബോളിന്റെ ഈ പുതിയ കളിയച്ഛന്. മറ്റൊന്നു കൂടി ഉറപ്പിക്കാം, ഈ ലോകകപ്പ് ആരു നേടിയാലും ഡീഗോയാണ് വാര്ത്ത സൃഷ്ടിക്കാന് പോകുന്നത്. അത് നല്ലതോ ചീത്തയോ എന്ന കാര്യം കണ്ടുതന്നെ അറിയണം.
courtesy : http://www.mathrubhumi.com/online/malayalam/news/story/367771/2010-06-19/sports
Friday, June 18, 2010
In shorts or suit, Maradona still the star
Johannesburg: Diego Maradona strutted onto the field at Soccer City an hour before the match and took a long look around, a king surveying his realm.
The beard is graying, he's carrying more than a few extra pounds and his expensive gray suit strains at the seams across his broad back. Make no mistake, though. Even with the likes of Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, Maradona is the undisputed star of Argentina's show.
ALWAYS THE STAR: Maradona's theatrics on the sidelines are already Oscar-worthy, commanding the spotlight as only he can.
"I'm giving my everything for the Argentine team," he said after a 4-1 World Cup victory over South Korea on Thursday that all but assured the Albiceleste of advancing to the round of 16.
Whether Maradona can be as gifted a coach as he was a player remains to be seen. But his theatrics on the sidelines are already Oscar-worthy, commanding the spotlight as only "Pibe de Oro" — the Golden Kid — can.
A magnet for attention, Maradona does his best to oblige. As his players warmed up before the game, he chatted with someone at the edge of the field — a few feet from a gaggle of photographers, of course. Wearing only a thin track suit on a cold, blustery day, his assistant was quick to drape a warm coat over his shoulders.
As the team ducked back into the tunnel, he made eye-contact with someone in Argentina's cheering section, smiled, blew kisses and pounded his chest with his fist. When the team returned for the national anthems, as many cameras were focused on Maradona as the players.
But just as he did two decades ago, he saved his best performance for the game itself.
With diamond studs as big as mints gleaming in each ear, he embraced each of his players and sent them off. He tried mightily to restrain himself when play began, jamming his hands deep in his pockets or clasping them behind his back, fiddling with the rosary wrapped tight around the fingers of his left hand.
He has as much trouble containing himself these days as befuddled defenses did 20 years ago.
While South Korea's Huh Jung-moo didn't venture out of a small corner at the top of the coach's box, Maradona wore out a path on the grass with his pacing. Any time an Argentine player was knocked down or penalized, he threw up his arms in dismay — as if someone had attacked one of his children. After one foul too many for his liking, he began shouting at his old foe Huh.
The last time Argentina and South Korea met in the World Cup, in 1986, Huh made what many would consider a reckless tackle on Maradona. The two insist all that is ancient history, but it sure didn't look that way. They shouted back and forth, Maradona punctuating his angry roars with hand gestures that would make the folks in Napoli proud.
Finally, both coaches were told to simmer down.
It wouldn't be the last time Maradona would be hushed. That dotted line designed to keep coaches in their boxes is merely a suggestion for him. He roamed up to the touchline, and all the way over to midfield on more than one occasion. Trying to corral a bull would have been easier than keeping him in place.
At one point, unhappy with what he considered rough treatment of the Argentine players, he went to the side of the box to plead his case, standing quietly with his hands clasped as if in prayer. But the official was wise to his antics and never even glanced Maradona's way.
Though beloved as a player, he's taken plenty of criticism since becoming coach, including his lack of experience and some tactical decisions.
No one questions his passion.
When one of Messi's shots sailed wide, Maradona gestured in frustration and gave the ground a vicious kick. He pulled at his hair after a miss by Tevez, his yelp so loud it almost drowned out the vuvuzelas. However, his joy after any one of his players scored was as heartfelt as the emotion he showed for his own years ago.
Take, for example, Gonzalo Higuain. He scored three goals. Maradona wasn't sure the first one counted. When it did, he turned to the bench, a look of pure jubilation on his face, and doled out hugs and high-fives to everyone before holding his arms up in Rocky-like triumph.
After Higuain's second goal, he practically skipped to midfield before jumping into the arms of one of his assistants. Then he turned toward the delirious Argentine fans and waved his right arm as if throwing a lasso, revving them up even more.
With the game well in hand, Maradona's exuberance wasn't about to be contained. He deflected an errant ball with an effortless back volley, drawing a roar of delight from the crowd. He bear-hugged Higuain so tightly he almost lifted the striker clear off the ground, and he protested a late foul by Messi so vociferously you'd think the refs were Italian tax collectors.
When the final whistle sounded, Maradona marched out to the center circle and, while Huh watched quietly from a distance, hugged every player and shook hands with the referees.
The game may have passed to a new generation of Argentine stars. The spotlight, though, will always belong to Maradona.
courtesy : http://ibnlive.in.com/news/in-shorts-or-suit-maradona-still-the-star/124696-5-21.html?from=tn
The beard is graying, he's carrying more than a few extra pounds and his expensive gray suit strains at the seams across his broad back. Make no mistake, though. Even with the likes of Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, Maradona is the undisputed star of Argentina's show.
ALWAYS THE STAR: Maradona's theatrics on the sidelines are already Oscar-worthy, commanding the spotlight as only he can.
"I'm giving my everything for the Argentine team," he said after a 4-1 World Cup victory over South Korea on Thursday that all but assured the Albiceleste of advancing to the round of 16.
Whether Maradona can be as gifted a coach as he was a player remains to be seen. But his theatrics on the sidelines are already Oscar-worthy, commanding the spotlight as only "Pibe de Oro" — the Golden Kid — can.
A magnet for attention, Maradona does his best to oblige. As his players warmed up before the game, he chatted with someone at the edge of the field — a few feet from a gaggle of photographers, of course. Wearing only a thin track suit on a cold, blustery day, his assistant was quick to drape a warm coat over his shoulders.
As the team ducked back into the tunnel, he made eye-contact with someone in Argentina's cheering section, smiled, blew kisses and pounded his chest with his fist. When the team returned for the national anthems, as many cameras were focused on Maradona as the players.
But just as he did two decades ago, he saved his best performance for the game itself.
With diamond studs as big as mints gleaming in each ear, he embraced each of his players and sent them off. He tried mightily to restrain himself when play began, jamming his hands deep in his pockets or clasping them behind his back, fiddling with the rosary wrapped tight around the fingers of his left hand.
He has as much trouble containing himself these days as befuddled defenses did 20 years ago.
While South Korea's Huh Jung-moo didn't venture out of a small corner at the top of the coach's box, Maradona wore out a path on the grass with his pacing. Any time an Argentine player was knocked down or penalized, he threw up his arms in dismay — as if someone had attacked one of his children. After one foul too many for his liking, he began shouting at his old foe Huh.
The last time Argentina and South Korea met in the World Cup, in 1986, Huh made what many would consider a reckless tackle on Maradona. The two insist all that is ancient history, but it sure didn't look that way. They shouted back and forth, Maradona punctuating his angry roars with hand gestures that would make the folks in Napoli proud.
Finally, both coaches were told to simmer down.
It wouldn't be the last time Maradona would be hushed. That dotted line designed to keep coaches in their boxes is merely a suggestion for him. He roamed up to the touchline, and all the way over to midfield on more than one occasion. Trying to corral a bull would have been easier than keeping him in place.
At one point, unhappy with what he considered rough treatment of the Argentine players, he went to the side of the box to plead his case, standing quietly with his hands clasped as if in prayer. But the official was wise to his antics and never even glanced Maradona's way.
Though beloved as a player, he's taken plenty of criticism since becoming coach, including his lack of experience and some tactical decisions.
No one questions his passion.
When one of Messi's shots sailed wide, Maradona gestured in frustration and gave the ground a vicious kick. He pulled at his hair after a miss by Tevez, his yelp so loud it almost drowned out the vuvuzelas. However, his joy after any one of his players scored was as heartfelt as the emotion he showed for his own years ago.
Take, for example, Gonzalo Higuain. He scored three goals. Maradona wasn't sure the first one counted. When it did, he turned to the bench, a look of pure jubilation on his face, and doled out hugs and high-fives to everyone before holding his arms up in Rocky-like triumph.
After Higuain's second goal, he practically skipped to midfield before jumping into the arms of one of his assistants. Then he turned toward the delirious Argentine fans and waved his right arm as if throwing a lasso, revving them up even more.
With the game well in hand, Maradona's exuberance wasn't about to be contained. He deflected an errant ball with an effortless back volley, drawing a roar of delight from the crowd. He bear-hugged Higuain so tightly he almost lifted the striker clear off the ground, and he protested a late foul by Messi so vociferously you'd think the refs were Italian tax collectors.
When the final whistle sounded, Maradona marched out to the center circle and, while Huh watched quietly from a distance, hugged every player and shook hands with the referees.
The game may have passed to a new generation of Argentine stars. The spotlight, though, will always belong to Maradona.
courtesy : http://ibnlive.in.com/news/in-shorts-or-suit-maradona-still-the-star/124696-5-21.html?from=tn
Friday, June 11, 2010
vamos a volar Argentina
കാല്പന്തുകളിയുടെ കാല്പനികതയും ചാരുതയും നിറഞ്ഞ ലോകം ഉറ്റ്നോക്കുന്ന മഹാമേളയ്ക്ക് തുടക്കം.
32 teams, 32 coaches, 31 days, 64 matches..........one champion..........
@@@@@ vamos a volar Argentina @@@@@@@@@
let's fly let's fly Argentina...
we will spread the African sky
our blue is going wild
our white is going teem
And our sun is going bang
we will destroy the yellow dancers
we will destroy the blue defenders
we will destroy the bullfighters
and we will blast the three lions
our prince is ready for battle
like a glowing tempest
when they see him, waves are shouting "messi"
when they see him, leafs are murmuring "messi"
when they see him, clouds are growling "messi"
who is here to detain him?
let's fly let's fly Argentina..
we will spread the African sky
our blue is going wild
our white is going teem
And our sun is going bang
**********kappiri*********
By Abeesh KK , LTS for the ever passionate Argentina Football Fans.
(Last Stop: Glory)
32 teams, 32 coaches, 31 days, 64 matches..........one champion..........
@@@@@ vamos a volar Argentina @@@@@@@@@
let's fly let's fly Argentina...
we will spread the African sky
our blue is going wild
our white is going teem
And our sun is going bang
we will destroy the yellow dancers
we will destroy the blue defenders
we will destroy the bullfighters
and we will blast the three lions
our prince is ready for battle
like a glowing tempest
when they see him, waves are shouting "messi"
when they see him, leafs are murmuring "messi"
when they see him, clouds are growling "messi"
who is here to detain him?
let's fly let's fly Argentina..
we will spread the African sky
our blue is going wild
our white is going teem
And our sun is going bang
**********kappiri*********
By Abeesh KK , LTS for the ever passionate Argentina Football Fans.
(Last Stop: Glory)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Battle of the South Americans
Just like all over the world, its Argentina and Brazil, having the large chunk of fan base.
read this interesting piece from the wiki.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_and_Brazil_football_rivalry
a Worldcup final with these two latin american sides meeting, what a mouth watering dish....
read this interesting piece from the wiki.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_and_Brazil_football_rivalry
a Worldcup final with these two latin american sides meeting, what a mouth watering dish....
Monday, May 31, 2010
From 1986-2010 : Argentina Passion for Many
Football, its passion for many, a game spread over 200+countries. Was the passion created in me by World cup winning 1986 team of Maradona, or is it coz i was born in the 'Malabar Side'. cant say. I was just a 5 young boy, when 1986 worldcup started on the same may 31st 14 years ago. The Tournament saw 2 goals, which the football world still talk about. Mardona's Goal of the Century and the controversial "Hand of God".
I think it was 1990 WC, the poorest worldcup in terms of goal, in which i started following the game with more passion. I started liking the team with sky blueish stripes and rooted for the legend 'Maradona'. When argentinian dreams were shattered by a spot kick, just like any other fan, i too fell sad. It was fun, being a 9 year boy, to debate with friends about our favorite team. But it was sad to see the fall of a Legend in Maradona.
From then onwards, argentina couldnt do any wonders eventhough they produced best footballers in the world. After a bad qualifying matches, argentina under maradona is ready, to repeat 1986. with a list of wonderful players am sure we can do it this time. Prayers are there, hope it turns true.
Vamos Argentina.
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