Fallen Heroes

June 30th, 2006...a big nite for Germany and Argentine. It is the first quarter finals of the World Cup 2006. This might as well be the finals. It's Mexico 86' and Italy 90' all over again. 86' was the year of Maradona and 90' was the World Cup that everyone wants for forget. Both were finals where these two footballing giants met.

In Mexico 86' Maradona led Argentina to a 2nd World Cup in which the infamous "Hand of God" took England out in the quarter finals and in the same game the Goal of the Century was scored. Italy 90' was at most forgettable with really defensive football being played and Germany won the Cup that year.

Last nite was history repeating itself...a meeting of old rivals, but with football played at it's best. Argentina post-Maradona has been a huge challenge to many a player and coach all having to live up to the high expectations of their beloved fans. Not an easy task but this Argentine team played wonderful flowing football. There was magic in the air much like the Agrentina of 86'. The German team under SPURS' hero, Klinsman is a breath of fresh air. Unlike the Germans of old they play a very smooth and flowing game. A team Pele would be proud to have as Brasillian's compared to Parreira's Brasil, who claims the beautiful game is rubbish and winning is everything no matter how ugly. On the night I believe Pele would have wished that either Germany & Argentina were Brasillians. I'm sure Nike would have loved to have both these teams wearing their colors especially with their Joga Bonito campaign running now.

In every game there will be an eventual winner and on the night, with all the Joga Bonito displayed on the pitch by both teams...Germany prevailled relying on their "Never Say Die" attitude which is evident in all the German teams throughout the years to come back from a goal down and win on penalties. Argentina though the vanquished, can lift their heads up high and be proud of themselves. They had their fans, me and Diego Armando Maradona cheering his heart out for his beloved Argentina. Tonite no doubt El Diego would shed tears for his beloved. I have yet to see Pele cheer in such a way for this Brasil or the Kaiser for that matter.



Argentina can walk tall among their fans knowing that they are Heroes despite the result. Victory is playing all out with your heart and soul...the end result will BE what it will BE.

It is not about winning but how we play.