Argentina On The Ropes

I don't know how the schedule for the South American qualifying was made but for Argentina to have a week where they play Brazil at home and Paraguay on the road is as hard as it gets. It's even worse when they lose 3-1 to Brazil.

Maradona's team looks lifeless and I can't see them getting anymore than a draw in Paraguay. If Ecuador beat Bolivia and Columbia beat Uruguay, Argentina could find itself in 6th with only 2 more matches to go. Even in 5th place, they would have to be in a playoff. If Maradona is somehow still at the helm, they'll lose that playoff no matter who their opponent is.

A World Cup without Argentina? The last time they failed to make it to the dance was in 1970 when they were knockout by Cubillas' Peru.

Is Maradona Loco?

Diego Maradona has selected Martin "I missed three penalties in a match" Palermo for the crucial World Cup clash against Brazil this Saturday.

What? Palermo might be still banging in the goals in a mediocre Argentine League but he can't possibly keep up with players both 10 years younger than him and making their money in the best European Leagues. Lucio would eat him alive.

Palermo's last appearance for Argentina was in a World Cup qualifier in November 2000, a 2-0 win over Chile. There's a reason for that. Cause he's crap.

Ah the memories.