A loss against South American rivals will make life more miserable for Maradona
A loss against South American rivals will make life more miserable for Maradona
Argentina coach Diego Maradona will be in the spotlight as six South American countries battle for the final berths for the 2010 World Cup final starting Saturday.
With Brazil and Paraguay already assured of their tickets to South Africa next year, Maradona's Argentina and five other teams will be vying for the two remaining automatic qualifying spots with the fifth-placed team going into a play-off.
Argentina, who have been further weakened by squabbling between Maradona and general manager Carlos Bilardo, need to beat Peru on Saturday, in the penultimate qualifier. A defeat in Buenos Aires against tailenders Peru, who are already out of the running, would not end Argentina's World Cup dream.
Extremely difficult
But it would make their task extremely difficult before their visit to dangerous rivals Uruguay on Wednesday, who could also still be looking to qualify if they draw against Ecuador at the weekend.
However, the legendary Maradona is not giving up. "I'm not giving up nor am I going. I never said I could resign," Maradona told a press conference. "I'm asking the press for a bit of respect."
Argentina's chances of reaching the World Cup finals.
"The bearded one (God) saved me many times before and I hope he will do so this time," said Maradona.
The 1986 world champion famously dubbed his first quarter-final goal in that year's competition the work of the "hand of God". Argentina are five points behind third-placed Chile (27) with Ecuador on 23. Sixth-placed Uruguay (21), Venezuela (21) and Colombia (20), are also in the running for qualification. Bolivia (12) and Peru (10), are already ruled out, but will be eager to ensure that they avoid the humiliation of finishing last in the standings.
One of the two automatic qualifying spots looks certain to go to Chile, who will qualify if they beat Colombia on Saturday.
Colombia threat
For the other, Argentina are trailing Ecuador and are just one point ahead of Uruguay and Venezuela.
Maradona's side must also be wary of Colombia who are just two points behind them.
The slightest slip up will mean Argentina fail to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1970.
Argentina don't need to be reminded of that nightmare after what has been a trying time for the team this week after Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta picked up a hamstring injury on Monday.
The incident revealed a simmering row between the Argentina coach and Bilardo, who Maradona reportedly blames for not travelling to England to ensure that Zabaleta was freed earlier by his English team.
And the South American press has fired up the controversy even further by claiming that referees are being put under pressure to ensure that Argentina, World Cup champions in 1978 and 1986, qualify automatically.
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