Pulga is Lionel Messi, Pipita is Higuain and Pelusa is Maradona. In this world cup no player or coach has caught as much attention as Maradona alone. Before this world cup nobody has to take so much flak as Maradona. He tried about 100 players during qualifying round. In fact, Argentina was on the verge of being thrown out before last two games. However, one must agree that people in whom he has shown faith have paid off. He insisted on having players like Martin Palermo (AKA Loco Martin means Crazy Martin or Palermo La Pelicula means, Palermo the movie), Bolatti, Heinze and Veron. Martin Palermo scored the most important goal in the qualifying phase in Buenos Aires when Argentina was drawing 1-1 against Peru and was on the verge of going for a playoff against runner up of the Oceania zone. The goal scored under heavy downpour and torment gave the side much needed boost and then against Uruguay on their homesoil, Argentina fetched a hard fought victory, this time thanks to a lucky header by Bolatti.
Despite qualification nobody was convinced of Argentina and its style. Nobody knew why Messi couldn't perform for Argentina, the way he did for FC Barcelona with an astounding continuity. But one has to accept that the World cup has been a different story so far though. Messi has performed and handsomely so. Glory of a goal has still eluded him but he has been the leader, the master, the creator that Argentina had been missing, probably since the retirement of his charismatic coach. Maradona yesterday mentioned that nobody else from any other term, in this world cup has been able to perform even a 30 per cent of Messi's level of performance. Someone who has watched Argentina play would agree that this by no means is an overstatement. Messi carried the captain's armband against Greece and became the youngest player to have done so for Argentina. But Messi's becoming a Captain was just a formality. In the very first game it became clear that this team was built around Messi. However, Messi while carries the responsibility of dribbling, passing, dodging half a dozen defenders (which of course is the most beautiful sight of the modern football) and baffles everyone with his speed, Argentina needed one finisher. Have they found their finisher in el pipita (Higuain)? He was criticized heavily for wasting hundreds of chances created by Messi and Tevez against Nigeria but against South Korea he was at his opportune best. Maradona was so convinced of his performance after the game against South Korea that he didn't give him any time against Greece.
However Maradona must be careful and stop gloating (well...he has been doing so for last 24 years....so can't really be stopped now). Team obviously has problems. Despite a goal scored Demichelis hasn't looked to be at his best in defense. So is true for Jonas Gutierrez. Veron's tendency to play a bit advanced means that at times Mascherano is the only cover before defenders and against teams like Germany or Brazil, who are very efficient on a counter attack, Argentina may be found wanting.
Whatever, right now the God says that his chosen Prophet is ready to go on the pitch and come back with the crown.........
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