Argentina coach Diego Maradona will be in the spotlight as six South American countries battle for the final berths for the 2010 World Cup finals starting today.
With Brazil and Paraguay already assured of their tickets to South Africa next year, Maradona’s Argentina and five other teams will be vying for the two remaining automatic qualifying spots, with the fifth-placed team going into a play-off.
Argentina, who have been further weakened by squabbling between Maradona and general manager Carlos Bilardo, need to beat Peru today in the penultimate qualifier.
PHOTO: EPA
A defeat in Buenos Aires against tailenders Peru, who are already out of the running, would not end Argentina’s World Cup dream, but it would make their task extremely difficult before their visit to dangerous rivals Uruguay on Wednesday, who could also still be looking to qualify if they draw against Ecuador at the weekend.
Soccer legend Maradona acknowledged that after a disastrous qualifying campaign his job was on the line and he might quit after their must-win qualifiers.
The beleaguered coach even sought divine intervention as he pondered Argentina’s chances of reaching the World Cup finals.
“The bearded one [God] saved me many times before — and I hope he will do so this time,” Maradona said.
The 1986 world champion famously dubbed his first quarter-final goal in that year’s competition the work of the “hand of God.”
Argentina (22 points) are five points behind third-placed Chile (27 points) and one behind Ecuador (23 points). Sixth-placed Uruguay (21 points), Venezuela (21 points) and Colombia (20 points) are also in the running for qualification.
Bolivia (12 points) and Peru (10 points) are already ruled out, but will be eager to ensure that they avoid the humiliation of finishing last in the standings.
One of the two automatic qualifying spots looks certain to go to Chile, who will qualify if they beat Colombia today.
For the other, Argentina are trailing Ecuador and are just one point ahead of Uruguay and Venezuela. Maradona’s side must also be wary of Colombia, who are just two points behind them.
The slightest slip up will mean Argentina fail to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1970.
Argentina don’t need to be reminded of that nightmare after what has been a trying time for the team this week after Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta picked up a hamstring injury on Monday.
The incident revealed a simmering row between the Argentina coach and Bilardo, who Maradona reportedly blames for not traveling to England to ensure that Zabaleta was freed earlier by his English team.
The South American press has fired up the controversy even further by claiming that referees are being put under pressure to ensure that Argentina, World Cup champions in 1978 and 1986, qualify automatically.
“The only thing that worries me is the referee,” Peru’s Johan Fano said.
Maradona’s main worry, however, will be the configuration of his team.
The former playmaker has called up 78 players since his appointment a year ago, but is still looking for the right mix and has given the nod to debutants Liverpool defender Emiliano Insua and Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.
He has also recalled Pablo Aimar to try and help Lionel Messi work some miracles for Argentina.
Uruguay, who play Ecuador today, will have every incentive to win as they can still grab fourth spot in the group and an automatic finals berth.
“We’re all dreaming of going to the World Cup. We have to get through these two matches to make it happen,” coach Oscar Tabarez said. “It’s difficult, but not impossible.”
Chile look assured of their spot in the World Cup for the first time since 1998 in France and can qualify directly if they beat Colombia today and if Ecuador or Argentina lose.
Colombia need to win against both Chile and Paraguay to be in with a chance of making the fifth-place playoff against the fourth-placed Central American zone team.
Ecuador, meanwhile, are also dreaming of qualifying for their third consecutive World Cup finals, but they must beat Uruguay today.
Venezuela have a difficult task to qualify for their first World Cup. They first need to beat Paraguay and then four days later topple Brazil.
Twelve days after winning her second Grand Slam title at the French Open, Coco Gauff fell at the first hurdle on grass in Berlin on Thursday as beaten Paris finalist Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the quarter-finals. Recipient of a first round bye, American Gauff lost 6-3, 6-3 to Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu as world number one Sabalenka beat Rebeka Masarova 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) in her second round tie. Winner of 10 main tour titles, including the US Open in 2023 and the WTA Finals last year, Gauff has yet to lift a trophy in a grass-court tournament. “After I won the first
Aaron Civale got a little wild in the right-hander’s first start for the Chicago White Sox two days after he was traded by the Milwaukee Brewers. Civale on Sunday walked four of the first seven hitters he faced in a 2-1 loss to the Texas Rangers. The 30-year-old finished with four walks, one off his career high, while allowing six hits and two runs in five innings. He threw 65 strikes and 39 balls. Chicago trailed 2-1 when he was replaced by Dan Altavilla to start the sixth. “Not the cleanest,” Civale said. “It’s been a whirlwind of a week. First couple
Sergio Ramos on Tuesday outfoxed two Inter players and artfully headed home the first goal for Monterrey at the FIFA Club World Cup. The 39-year-old Ramos slipped through the penalty area for the score just as he did for so many years in the shirts of Real Madrid and Spain’s national team, with whom he combined smarts, timing and physicality. Ramos’ clever goal and his overall defensive play at the Rose Bowl were major factors in Monterrey’s impressive 1-1 draw against the UEFA Champions League finalists in the clubs’ first match of the tournament. “There is always a joy to contribute to the
DOMINANT JUVENTUS: Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceicao both scored braces as Juventus made a statement in their opener with a big win over Al-Ain Phil Foden on Wednesday scored two minutes into the match and later had an assist to lead Premier League powerhouse Manchester City past Moroccan club Wydad AC 2-0 at the FIFA Club World Cup. City broke Wydad’s five-man defensive line early when Foden scored on a deflected cross by goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid. Jeremy Doku doubled City’s lead in the 42nd minute off a corner-kick from Foden. Shortly afterward, an animal-rights advocate ran onto the field to protest Morocco’s treatment of stray dogs and cats. The man was tackled by security workers and escorted out of Lincoln Financial Field, which was just over
RSS