Saturday, November 28, 2020

A FAREWELL NOTE FOR THE GREAT MARADONA


1) To me Diego Armando Maradona remain the greatest player of all time. Those days when I was 9 years old, I was told Italy was great team, a defending champion of the last 82 World Cup, then I heard France was favorite team - fresh from 84 European Cup glory - a team blessed with many great players including Michele Platini, Jean Tigana, Luiz Fernandez etc. Furthermore France just defeated Italy 3-1 in the quarter final. But then I heard France lost to West Germany in the semis, and I'm sure West Germany should have won the championship, since Argentina not superior as the German was. It was a complete wrong proposition after knowing Argentina defeated them 3-2 in the final. A team lead by Diego Armando Maradona.

2) For those who's know Mexico 86 World Cup, Maradona single-handedly leads Argentina through-out the tournament. I don't think Argentina would win the tournament if it's not Maradona factor. His masterclass was apparent during knock-out stage, particularly during quarter, semi and final stage of the tournament. The most notable one was in the quarter stage against England when he scored twice, first the ugliest one - using his left hand to score. Then came the second goal - the greatest one four (4) minutes later - using his magical dribbling skill, passed through several English players from middle of the field before he slotted in the ball passed Peter Shilton's goal. It was two absolute opposing character of goal scored by him in the same game - a sweet revenged against England after Argentina had just lost in Falkland War against British four (4) years earlier. 

3) Again in the semis, Maradona have shown his magic by showing his dribbling skill against Belgium, where he scored twice in that game. In the final game against West Germany, his decisive pass to Jorge Burruchaga set-up Argentina's winning goal. In a nutshell, without Maradona, Argentina will never become 1986 world cup champion. 

4) In my knowledge of history of World Cup, I never seen anyone that was soo influential to his team, a charismatic leader on the field and sometimes quite controversy in his character. And Maradona has that on and off the field. The beauty of his skill and talent resonated in the field, his controversies sometimes sent shiver down the spine to his teams and supporters, even to the world football fraternities - this intriguing character often fascinated us. In 1994 USA World Cup tournament, his participation ended abruptly after failing drug test. Consequently it demoralized Argentinian team - and sent them packed early in the tournament after losing in the second round stage.   

5) We simply cannot compare him against Pele, both players came in different era. Pele won three (3) World Cups with Brazil where Brazilian team in his era were blessed with many talented players. In fact Pele wasn't actively participated in the 1962 World Cup due to his injury in the early stage of the tournament. While Argentina on the other hand relying heavily on Maradona to lead them in 1986 World Cup triumph. Maradona has only one world cup achievement compared to Pele three (3) times. 

6) Apart from his country, Maradona also stamped his mark in Napoli - a club in southern Italy. Napoli just a modest club in Italian football compare to giant Milan, Inter or Juve in the north. But during Maradona's stint in Napoli from 1984 till 1990, the latter have won 2 scudettos and one (1) EUFA Cup and multiples domestic championships. This feat have earned him a cult status in Naples. Since he left Napoli, the latter never won scudetto again. It's no surprise Maradona still revered by the Naples people. Before he joined Napoli, he played for Barcelona and Boca Juniors in his native country.

7) To sums up his genius - Gary Lineker, Maradona's former teammate in Barcelona and was part of opposing team against Argentina in the quarter 86 World Cup has this lovely story to tell;


   

8) RIP Diego Armando Maradona. I'm sure your legacy will shine through hereafter, it will remain cherish among football fans around the world for generations to come. Goodbye and so long my football hero. 

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