FIFA World Cup 2010: Crazy Maradona Moments
This year’s South African World Cup has been greatly exposed to the hilarious antics of a certain Diego Armando Maradona. Before Argentina face up to Germany in their big quarter final clash let’s have a look at his ‘moments’ so far.
There was widespread anger when Argentina record-cap holder Javier Zanetti was left at home, despite a brilliant treble-winning season with Inter. Rumor has it that virtually unknown Colon veteran Ariel Garce was called up instead because Maradona had a dream that Argentina won the tournament, and Garce was the only player he could remember. Basing your decisions when it comes to what eggs you have for breakfast over a dream is none of our business, but if you base the decision of choosing a player for your world cup team on a dream, were going to think you’re insane.
After controversially leaving Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso out of his original 30-man World Cup squad there were reports that Maradona would then cut Diego Milito from the final 23. When the 1986-World Cup winner did indeed retain Milito, he mocked the media and public by humorously making out as if he was the only person who believed in the striker. Milito bagged a brace against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, blasted home the only goal of the Coppa Italia final and scored the winner over Siena that clinched the Scudetto for Inter, scoring 30 club goals in all competitions.
Maradona had enough to worry about on the day he formally announced his 23-man World Cup squad for South Africa, however the announcement turned into a farce after the coach ran over a cameraman. Driving a Mini to a news conference, Diego was surrounded by newsmen as he made his way to the venue before hitting one poor guy with his car. According to reports, Maradona drove his car over the cameraman's foot and then began blaming and hurling insults at his victim for causing the accident in the first place. He went to the extent of telling the reporter that he put his foot in the way of the car which is what got him hit.
Argentina have been in fantastic form in South Africa so far, and are looking like a real potential winner. Maradona has promised that if the Albiceleste lift the trophy in South Africa after the World Cup final on July 11 he'll run naked through the streets of Buenos Aires. So that’s one reason why Argentina should not win.
During a training session in Pretoria, Maradona punished the losers of a mini-match by making them line up in the goal and have the ball pelted at them by the winning opponents. Diego joined the recipients – including Kun Aguero and Walter Samuel - in receiving the lashes.
But it doesn’t end there; after thrashing South Korea 4-1 in Argentina’s second match, Maradona was asked at the post-match press conference why he always hugs and kisses his players when celebrating, to which he replied that he was definitely straight. "Well I still prefer women,” Diego proclaimed.
The 2010 World Cup has been a disaster for long-shots and free kicks, with the majority of players struggling terribly to get to grips with the Jabulani. But, one person, who has had no problems handling the much-maligned World Cup ball is Maradona, as he fired home free kick after free kick into the top corner during training. The world cup is still going on, and it’s going to be interesting to see the never ending antics of the great Maradona present themselves as time rolls by. Quite the character he is.
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