Maradona survives, for now

The living soap opera that is Diego Maradona has been granted permission for one more episode.

Yesterday Argentina kept their World Cup qualification hopes alive with a dramatic 2-1 win over Peru. An away win against Uruguay on Wednesday shall ensure a South Africa spot. A loss however coupled with a Columbia win against Chile then they shall be eliminated completely.

Maradona’s tenure has been shambolic at best. A 6-1 humbling to Bolivia and 3-1 home defeat to Brazil were disastrous. His team choices and tactics have been confusing and inconsistent and his out of management antics farcical.

Maradona recently returned from an Italian health clinic, citing stress and health problems. Upon reaching the Italian retreat his ear-rings were seized by tax authorities attempting to recover a 20 million tax bill from his Napoli days. In a previous visit he was relieved of his Rolex watch.

The Argentine press want his head, the fans are disillusioned and the Argentinean Football Association are sharpening their knives (especially in the face off endless Maradona criticism and ravings).

However for many Maradona is a football genius and arguably the greatest player of all time He is treated with god like status back home after his 1986 World Cup winning success and many hope that the Midas touch shall rub off onto the current team.

Despite this he is also viewed as tragic figure, in much the same way as Paul Gascoigne is viewed in the UK. Recent high profile struggles with cocaine, alcohol and his weight have ensured he has graced many tabloid newspapers and magazines. Also in 1994 he was expelled from the World Cup for testing positive for drugs.

It remains to be seen whether Maradona shall be allowed to continue even if Argentina qualify.

Many great players have failed to replicate their playing form in to management success however none have entranced and delighted the public alike Diego.