THE LAST 16 - ARGENTINA

How do you solve a problem like Diego?

The former champion has left what he termed a quiet life at home with his wife and kids to lead his country when it was screaming for him. Maybe the insult his body suffered over the years has affected either or both of his hearing and comprehension, but many feel the squad has qualified at the 11th hour in spite of him. His famous press conference post qualification (link below), for which he was temporarily banned from coaching, showed again his absolute nature.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgOXc7CZxWk

Maradona aside, the squad has as usual plenty of talent. The obvious focus on Messi will actually be a blessing for other attackers Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and veteran Martin Palermo. In midfield, Javier Mascherano joins, Maxi Rodriguez and the curiously included Sebastian Veron. The omission of Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso remains a talking point and Maradona will be pilloried (I avoided using the term stoned) if expectations are not met. My only concern is that Messi is not kicked out of the tournament like Pele in 1962 and Maradone in 1982.

Again I say: If the midfield creates and Messi goes nuts, the sky is the limit. But it will be in spite of Maradona.

Argentina's team doctor has advised that sex is approved during the tournament, just as long as it is "not at 2am with wine and cigars". Good to see that Diego brought his doc along for the ride...

GP