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Bahrain Believe Again

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When Ahmed Hassan wheeled away to celebrate scoring a 92nd minute equalizer against Trinidad and Tobago, Bahrain believed they were on their way to the 2006 World Cup. Colombian ref Oscar Julian Ruiz Acost had other ideas. The goal was of the Best Banks variety. The sort of goal no one wants to see disallowed, especially when the forward’s cheekiness is executed with such fine precision.

Trinidad and Tobago had experienced last minute heartache some years before. No one begrudged them their ticket to Germany, save for a few Sheikhs in Manama.

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Golazo de Rey

Who’s going to miss Ronaldo in South Africa? Not me.

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High and Tight in Venezuela



Brazil have qualified, despite their early drama. Argentina can end their drama tonight in Ascunion. Chile and Paraguay are expected to qualify, though a close look at their remaining fixtures suggests their drama may be about to begin. The other usual suspects, Colombia, Ecuador and Uruguay are drifting, clinging to the hope the current with take them to Costa Rica. Bolivia and Peru have time to plot their way to Brazil in 2014. And Venezuela?

As we approach October, it is usual for Venezuelans to be considering which baseball franchise from El Norte to support in the World Series. This year Venezuelans have other balls to juggle. Venezuela showed they got game in Santiago on Saturday night. Check out the highlights above. Watch Jose Manuel Rey continue to give “High and Tight” a whole new meaning in Venezuela.

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When the Boot was on the Other Foot

Argentina Brazil WCup Soccer

Argentina losing at home to Brazil was not so extraordinary. It had happened before. It was actually more noteworthy when several months earlier Uruguay lost a World Cup qualifier at home to Brazil. That had never happened before.

South American World Cup qualifiers are ultimately predictable affairs, the current Argentine drama notwithstanding. Earlier in the qualifiers, bigger questions hung over Brazil.

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Argentina in Good Company

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Klaus Fischer’s famous bicycle kick.

Papers, podcasts and blogs are full of the demise of Argentina. Maradona makes good press. His Anglo detractors remain bitter. The Argentine domestic game is bankrupt. Yet, despite the noise, Argentina remain poised to qualify. The competition in South America is that stale. A home win against lowly Peru in October should almost certainly seal their South Atlantic passage.

Argentina’s poor form has somehow detracted attention from the failings of some of Europe’s marquee performers.

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Diego Maradona and the decline of Argentina



Yesterday Brazil beat Argentina 3-1 in Rosario, Argentina. Brazil qualified, but Argentina is just about holding onto the fourth automatic qualifying place for South Africa 2010. (The fifth placed Conmebol or South American team will face CONCACAF’s 4th placed side in a home-and-away play-off. The Americas could provide a tasty appetizer for South Africa: Argentina vs. Mexico anyone? Or get the popcorn out for the USA against Venezuela!)

Argentina has some tough qualifying games ahead (particularly Paraguay, and a trip to the Centenario in Montevideo). This could be the first time they fail to qualify since 1970. They are coached by one Diego Maradona, God to some Argentinian (and all Scottish) fans. And some observers and the country’s fans (this is sacrilege of course) think he (gasp) is the problem.

A Test of Faith in Argentina.

Dios Mio! Argentina in Trouble.

Critics round on Diego Maradona after Brazil twist knife against Argentina

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Principalities, Rocky Outcrops and Tax Shelters

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(Insert above. Zaire, Africa’s only representative in the 1974 World Cup Finals.)

(Please be aware the following is classic football anorak commentary. Davy considers how UEFA can best re calibrate its representation in future World Cups.)

Thirteen European nations will materialize in South Africa in 2010. Many deservedly so. Only five African nations will join them. I expect after the performances of Africa’s representatives, demand for a fairer apportioning of places in future World Cups will be irresistible and undeniable.

The fat is in the UEFA zone, as are the bigger television audiences and mobile credit card carrying supporters. Trimming UEFA representation in future World Cups could be a gristly experience. Asia and the Americas have sound claims also.

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