Ecuador 2-0 Argentina – This Is Big News Because…

Argentina are now fourth in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification group for South America. Not only that, but their lead above Ecuador in fifth is now just 2 points. And with four extremely tricky games remaining (except Peru at home, banker 3 points surely?), Diego Maradona and his men now have to face the very real possibility of missing out on the World Cup in South Africa next year. Certainly if performances do not improve.

Take a look at Argentina’s final four fixtures. Brazil at home, Paraguay away, Peru at home and the short trip to neighbours Uruguay to finish. Based on the last three qualifiers under Maradona – 6-1 defeat to Bolivia, unconvincing 1-0 win against Colombia, 2-0 loss in Ecuador, in which of those games can Argentina be sure of picking up points? Paraguay have fallen off a bit lately but still pose a significant threat, Uruguay the old enemy will smell blood and Brazil are Brazil. Only Peru can be looked upon as a given.

So what are the implications of finishing fifth?

Well, firstly, if Argentina end up fourth in CONMEBOL’s 10 team group, they qualify. Anywhere in the top four sees them home and dry. If they finish fifth however, Maradona’s men will be forced to play a two-legged qualifier against the 4th place team in the CONCACAF region.

At present that is Honduras but it could just as easily end up being Mexico, who are also struggling. And while the Mexicans are not exactly setting the world on fire right now, I’m not sure too many Argentinians would fancy a must-win game in the daunting football cauldron that is the Azteca Stadium. Even if the arena does conjure up wonderful memories for the Albicelestes present coach.

Speaking of that coach, well really here is the dilemma. In many ways football is an inherently simple sport. Coach does well, coach takes plaudits. Coach does bad, coach gets sacked. Simple. But, and whisper it quietly, this coach isn’t doing so well. He’s doing badly in fact. Very badly. So badly, that were he anyone other than Diego Armando Maradona he would probably be out of a job tomorrow morning.

That he was even handed the job in the first place is, arguably, only down to the fact he is the one and only El Diez. Maradona’s managerial record prior to his appointment with la Selección was played 23, won 3. And since landing the role his bizarre team selections and constant tactical changes have baffled some, frustrated others. Against Ecuador, Argentina did not play particularly badly in fairness. Had Carlos Tevez converted his penalty or had Lionel Messi not missed an open goal, we might instead be praising Maradona and the way his troops handled the Ecuadorean altitude. But these are fine lines, and on fine lines legacies are created or crushed. From the moment Walter Ayovi’s left foot rocket careered into the net in the 72nd minute, Argentina’s lights went out. Pablo Palacios’ second goal provided the final, fatal blow.

So is Maradona the right man to lead the Argentine nation into their decisive final four matches? The question might not even matter. He is Diego Maradona after all. Who’s going to sack him? Journalists, pundits and fans may harbour doubts privately, too ashamed to openly criticise the patron saint of football in Argentina. But how bad will it be allowed to get? When it comes to shooting your saint, your idol, your hero in the neck, who dares pull the trigger?

Argentina, Ecuador, FIFA, Football in Latin America, Maradona, World Cup 2010