Leading Argentina to FIFA U -20 World Cup Finals in 1979, Diego Maradona in phenomenal football artistry announced his football sensation to the global scene.
In 1979, he looked youngish but accomplished. Maradona was handsome and humorous with his acrobatic displays. In fact, informed football commentators, both old young, unanimously endorsed him as the new Pele. They were not wrong and Maradona never disappointed as his all round dexterity on the game was excellent and superb. His characterization includes:
Fight back spirit:
Maradona was not really enterprising in his first World Cup outing in Espana ’82. He was sent home ingloriously with a red card. However, four years later, in Mexico ’86, he led Argentina to a World Cup glory.
Risk taker:
Probably, what would go down as the best goal of the World Cup ever was scored by Diego in the quarter final game against England in Mexico ’86? He took the risk and dribbled all rushing English defenders before putting the ball beyond goalkeeper Peter Shilton who looked helpless and complained to his defenders: “Not my fault”.
Humility after cheating:
In the same game, the global football legend charmed world sporting press, particularly English sports writers when he was asked about the goal he scored against England and Maradona enthused: “it was hand of God goal”. All at the press centre were aghast and matter closed. But English press and fans lamented the blunder committed by the Tunisian referee who allowed Maradona’s hand of God goal.
Courageous fighter:
The 1990 World Cup Finals in Italy was a terrible experience for Maradona and Argentina, from the opening game where Cameroon defeated the defending champions 1- 0. Argentina lost their next other game and qualified as best losers of the group.
In 1989/90, Maradona was nicknamed god in Napoli because of his exploits which
propelled the team to Europa success. Napoli would not forget in a hurry how
Maradona’s wizardry earned them two Serie A titles. As a matter of fact, because of
Maradona, Italian fans were divided on where to place their support and loyalty –
Argentina or Italy. In the quarter final match of Italia ’90 against now dissolved
Yugoslavia, the game entered into penalties and Maradona, after missing his kick, still
inspired Argentina to victory. In the semi final game against host Italy, Tito Schilachi
put Italy ahead but Maradona, mustering self confidence and leadership sagacity
inspired Argentina to level up and eventually won the scintillating penalty shoot out
that ultimately ensued. It was one of the brightest days of Maradona
in his chequered football career
In the quarter final match against Brazil, Maradona picked up the gauntlet and shattered the Carica led Samba Boys, 1-0. Brazil with a more beautiful and more balanced team went home, while Argentina that had been struggling all through and whose first choice goalkeeper had injury challenges, qualified to the next stage.
Self confidence:
In 1989/90, Maradona was nicknamed god in Napoli because of his exploits which propelled the team to Europa success. Napoli would not forget in a hurry how Maradona’s wizardry earned them two Serie A titles. As a matter of fact, because of Maradona, Italian fans were divided on where to place their support and loyalty – Argentina or Italy.
In the quarter final match of Italia ’90 against now dissolved Yugoslavia, the game entered into penalties and Maradona, after missing his kick, still inspired Argentina to victory. In the semi final game against host Italy, Tito Schilachi put Italy ahead but Maradona, mustering self confidence and leadership sagacity inspired Argentina to level up and eventually won the scintillating penalty shoot out that ultimately ensued. It was one of the brightest days of Maradona in his chequered football career.
A tree that made a forest:
Since Maradona left Argentina as a player in 1994, the national team has not been doing well. Even when the team made it to the final of the World Cup staged in Brazil in 2014, it was regarded more as a fluke than phenomenal performance. The sequence goes like this: In 1982, Maradona was sent out via a red card and Argentina never made any headway. In 1986, Maradona was in form and Argentina lifted the World Cup.
In 1990, Maradona was still the biggest name in global football and he piloted his team to the final but lost controversially albeit gallantly to Germany 1-0. In 1994, a case of illicit drug abuse was established against Maradona, he was sent home and Argentina was eliminated the next moment. Maradona, was a tree that made a forest.
A bad manager: Maradona was a bad coach, a bad manager. His days as Argentina coach was one of the worst in the country’s history.
8. A social nuisance:
Maradona had bad habit. He was not a good role model in the shoes of Pele. He was bad example to the youths outside football.
9. Trouble maker:
Remember his unbecoming remarks about Nigeria in the last World Cup Finals. Such should not have come from a world football legend like him, prompting FIFA to hammer him with sanctions.
10. God loved him:
Despite Maradona’s many unpardonable flaws, reckless life styles and unprofessional bearing, he still was a World Cup hero, a football legend and lived up to 60 years. Maradona, even in death, is a true echo, certainly, a blast from the past.
May his soul rest in peace.
