Random Information 1: Diego Maradona “La mano de Dios”

I have been getting a lot of questions about Argentina, especially since the world cup started (I have been here for 3 months, and now everyone is interested). Most importantly everyone has been speculating or asking about Argentina’s coach, Diego Maradona, whom is one of the greatest futból players in the world. He was a phenomenal futból player as well as very controversial in life and on the field.

To start, NO he is not an Argentine drug dealer, like many of you have been asking. He has had his drug problems, for example he was suspended from soccer for 15 months for testing positive for cocaine, then sent home from the 1994 world cup for ephedrine, and later after retirement struggled with his cocaine addiction, which he eventually kicked (after gaining a lot of weight) to become a popular Argentine TV host and now the Argentine National Futból coach for World Cup 2010. So you were on the right track with drugs, just missed the path a bit.

Second, he is known as one of the best players in the world. He played for many clubs in Argentina and Europe, often setting world record contract fees, and wining numerous titles. He played in 4 world cups, most notable, the 1986 World Cup where he was captain, won the Golden Ball award for being the tournament’s best player and brought Argentina to victory over West Germany in the final (their last world cup win). It was this same tournament that he earned the nickname “La mano de Dios” and why all of England hates him (Brazil too but that’s just because the countries are Futból rivals). In the quarter final round, Maradona scored 2 goals in Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England. The first was an un-penalized handball “La mano de Dios” and the second was a 60 meter weave through 6 England players dubbed the “Gol del Siglo”. Argentina baked Maradona and their team in their victory saying it was revenge against the Falklands (a war where Argentina tried to re-take the Falkland Islands from the Brits but lost).  Years later Diego admitted the first goal was off his hand! I love the drama.

Third, he is just a crazy Argentine who is passionate about Futból and his country. After an exhibition match during Argentina’s Bicentennial (I was there) against Canada, Maradona told news reporters that if Argentina wins the Cup in South Africa he will run down 9 de Julio (the widest street in the world) to the Obelisk naked! If that doesn’t make you love him, I don’t know what can. They guy has spirit. The End

After note: I hope they do win; I want to see the news coverage about the crazy naked Argentine! Jajaja (hahaha, in Spanish)

*Historical information and photo taken from Wikipedia and Google Images