Maradona: the worst coach ever. Mocking your opponents before the game is foolish. It simply draws attention to yourself, raises expectations, and gives fire to the opposite number. Went on record, mocking Bastian Schweinsteiger in a German accent asking, "Why, are you nervoush?" Right...Germans being nervous...that makes...sense? All Schweinsteiger had done was to point out that The Germans would have to deal with an Argentinian side, which kept hounding the referee about every decision that went against them, regardless of whether it was the correct decision. And he was right. Did you see the Argentine players swarming the referee, shouting at him, even insulting him during that game? It was unbelievable. The same was true with Brazil against Holland. I guess South American teams are generally fussy when things don't go their way.
Maradona playing players out of their position. When you have Messi and Di Maria constantly coming to defend, you know something is wrong with your tactical set-up (http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2010/07/07/2013947/new-real-madrid-star-angel-di-maria-disappointed-with). Furthermore, Maradona took out Veron from the starting XI, after his stellar season with Estudiantes. He put on Maxi Rodriguez, who sometimes started for Liverpool. Furthermore, Veron was played on the flanks. Everyone knows he is generally slow, but his tactical reading of the game, similar to Pirlo except in a more advanced position, allows him to excel in the center. Why couldn't he play a simple 4-3-3. With Messi, Tevez on the wings and Higuain/Milito in the center. Mascherano was the defensive anchor, but you cannot have Maxi Rodrigues and Di-Maria taking up the midfield positions. Or, and this is what I would have done. Play a traditional 4-4-2 (or 4-2-4, depending on how you look at it). Tevez and Higuain/Milito up front. Messi and Di-Maria flanking the wings. This would allow Mascherano and Veron to occupy central midfield, one attacking and one defending. I know the subtleties and complexities of the opponent require changing tactics once in a while, but how could Maradona get things so wrong with his options?
The reason I am so pissed off is because this year's Argentina attacking line-up is, in my opinion, the best attacking line-up ever. Ever. Ever. Forever. Will never be possible again to see to Messi, Tevez, Aguero, Higuain and Milito, the latter not as technically sound as the first three but coming off stellar club seasons. Gonzalo Higuain scored more than Cristiano Ronaldo last season, unbelievable as that may sound. Diego Milito cemented his position after coming off a treble-winning season at Inter. Also the highest scorer. Also was the only one who scored in the three decisive matches which ensured Inter won the treble. The only side that is comparable to this is that of Brazil 70s, with Pele, Jairzinho, Tostao, Rivelino and co. Please feel free to disagree, and if u do, please let me know who you think was better.
And finally, the phrase defense is the best form of attack is going to haunt Maradona for years to come. Coming off stellar, no, absolutely impeccable club seasons, you have to wonder how Maradona did not pick Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso. I know a lot has been written about this glaring omisison. But I need to expand. Zanetti has been the world's best, if not, most consistent full-back in the last 15 years. His tireless running is not only indicative of how he plays his football (from his heart with PASSION), but terrorizes opposition attacks and defenses. I have never seen anyone shut Messi down like he did (granted he had help from a certain Cristian Chivu). Ashley Cole couldn't do it. Patrice Evra couldn't do it. And I doubt many people can with the rate Messi is improving. Zanetti is the symbol of Inter. Maradona did wisely in picking Walter Samuel, the best defender in Serie A last season. And it is unfortunate he had to pick up an injury after only a couple of games. But, seriously, how could someone not need Zanetti. I would pick him instantly in a World-23. Then Cambiasso, which is less inexcusable, but you could see that Argentina only had one world-class defensive midfielder. Why was he not picked? Sure, they are both old, and they will not play in the next world cup because of their ages. Cambiasso didn't even need to start, but why not have him as a back-up?
Argh! Whatever, I guess Argentina don't seem to be too angry about it. The head of the Argentina FA just came out stating Maradona is the only man who can do whatever he wants (http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/07/06/2012432/world-cup-2010-argentina-fa-head-julio-grondona-diego). WTF. Furthermore, some retard proposes to build a statue for him (http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/07/07/2013768/world-cup-2010-argentine-legislator-pushing-to-honour-diego). I guess for a place where they have an official Church for him, this shouldn't be too surprising.
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