Getting out of the shadow - an Argentinie Folklore..

It has been two full decades since a Maradonna inspired Argentina tasted glory in the heights of Aztec. It was shear magic that probably no person would ever achieve. Maradona probably had much more in him than what was required to get past 11 men. He almost did it again four years later in Italy when by mere strength of his name he got a not so known team to the cup. And it took am Oscar winning performnace by Jurgen Klinsman to give Germany their most valued penalty and the cup. Nothing but an elegant display German helplessness.

Things did not look much different in USA-1994. Inspite of clearly lacking the famed speed, the Argentinie No.10 and his team looked favourites again. How I wish he never did drugs. For me and a lot others who still sit watching his games in awe that was the worst that could happen. "Mardonna tests positive for drugs-out of World cup! ". This probably shocked the argentinie camp and they never looked what they were.

France was no special but for a second-round victory over England - yeah it meant a lot, afterall its the India-Pakistan version of soccer. A red card for David Beckham did make the south American's celebrate ( Being a big time Beckh fan I opted out of the fireworks). Surely on the high after this, the Argentinies were shocked by the superb Dennis Bergkamp strike in the final minutes of the quarter-final. They ran into the in form Holland and did not make it this time too....

The side was surely competent but ceratinly lacked the spirit and flair of the team that qualified in style for Korea/Japan 2002. This was probably the best they had after they saw the last of Maradonna. On paper the were by far the best the wrold had to offer. By now a samba fan I realized what it wouldmean to the Brazilian hopes if it had to meet the Args in Yokahama. And it wasnt surprising that a lot of people hoped a argentinie fairytale in the east. Afterall the hype Simone's men were unceremoniously and surprisingly dumped out of the competition in the first round - a loss to England adding to the woes.

However star studded Argentina hasbeen it has never been the same since Maradonna. Probably that is what makes Maradonna special. He triumphed with a team that very few expected to win. Be it with Napoli or Argentina, Maradona inspired the other 10 to perform.

Even this time they look good inspite of dropping to the second spot in the South American qualifiers - first time since 1994. They win or not, surely it would be entertaining to watch them play- any south american team for that matter.