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Many will say Pele (also known as Edison “Edson” Arantes do Nascimento) is the greatest football player of all time yet I ask myself on what are those who claim this basing their opinion on? Goals, yes it is true that Pele scored more goals than any other player in history. As he scored 1281 goals in 1363 games yet when we consider this statistic which does not tell us the whole story; we must consider several factors. First one being that this figure includes about 200 or perhaps even more goals which Pele scored in both exhibition games (some of which against amateur teams) as well as the ones he scored while serving in the Brazilian military. Second one being that Pele played most of his career in the Brazilian league and though few, if any would say that this is not a very competitive league; it is one in which defense is almost completely ignored in favor of attack.

This naturally making it much easier for a player to score goals in Brazil than it would be in Italy, for instance where teams focus more on defensive play; specially in those days. A third factor would be that Pele also played in a time when the game of football, in general was more open; as teams played with as many as five forwards going up against two defenders. We could also take in to account that Eusébio scored 733 goals in 745 games which is also an incredible feat while Gerdhard (Gerd) Muller scored 68 goals in 62 games for West Germany and 498 goals in 565 games for the three clubs he played for. Naturally taking in to consideration that goals scored in military duty and exhibition matches were not added to either Muller’s nor Eusebio’s tally.

I for my part would like to ask the question if we can truly base the quality of a player on goals alone? For example in basketball, both Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone scored more points than Michael Jordan but does this mean they were necessarily better than he was just because of this statistic? Of course I am not claiming that goals scored has no meaning yet can we say that it is the only factor which should determine who was the best? Naturally if such a thing can ever really be completely established.

Another factor which in my opinion can not be ignored when taking in to consideration where Pele stands amongst the greatest players of all time, is that he played at a time when the game was definitely and clearly a lot slower. It even seeming as if games played back in the late 50s and 60s (Pele’s era) were played in slow motion, specially in comparison to today’s game.

Of course technique being another aspect which has also developed beyond all comparison. It being a case that in Pele’s time, the ability to bounce the ball several times on one’s knees, chest, head, shoulders and feet was considered extraordinary while today; it is something which can be done by any professional player in any league and even several of the women players. This being sort of like Bob Cousy of the Boston Celtics, who in his day could dribble the ball between his legs and pass the ball behind his back which at the time was considered revolutionary yet now a days in the NBA has become standard.

Another factor to be considered in all this is that in those days, teams for the most part did not have much in the way of strategy. As teams went out on the field in the hope that their talent or that of their individual players would suffice to win. This meaning that they basically did not make plans on how to stop a particular player like they would do many years later in the case of Maradona. Maradona being in fact a player whom coaches and players a like would watch video tapes of in the hope of spotting a weakness which could be exploited during the match. This being unheard of in Pele’s time.

Another factor with regards to Pele which many will often refer to is that he won three world cups and in fact is the only player till this day to have done so yet I ask “what does it really mean to win a world cup in team sports?”. Does it merely mean to be on the team which ends up winning the title? This though one was not one of the main contributors to the team or did not even actually get to play? Again I say that this to a large extent depends on the individual’s point of view who is answering the question yet the situation was as follows.

In 1962 Brazil won the world cup in Chile yet Pele only played in Brazil’s first two games and did not return for the rest of the tournament. This meaning that he not only missed the final but he also missed the semifinal, quarterfinals and Brazil’s last game in the first round. Pele as a matter of fact not even completing Brazil’s second game in which he left injured. This in spite of not being fouled or touched in any way by the opposing team which on that occasion was Czechoslovakia.

I however in all this believe that one of the reasons Pele is considered by many to have been the greatest players of all time is that if one thinks over the matter carefully; he was one of the first players many people actually saw play in a world cup. Of course the first world cup was played in Uruguay in 1930 but lets be honest about this. How many people actually saw this world cup? It being a case that in those days due to slow transportation and cost of traveling, people did not travel by the thousands to see a world cup like they do today. Of course also taking in to account that even many European countries such as Germany and Italy did not make the trip; claiming travel costs as part of their reason. All of which meaning that the first world cup was seen by relatively few live spectators at a time when the games were not televised all over the world like the are today and the only footage we have of the matches is so unclear (black and white) that it is hard to even see anything let alone appreciate the action. Of course there were great players in that world cup like Castro, Cea Stabile and others but how many people really got to see them play? Naturally, we can read the statistics along with what they did in the matches they played in but that hardly tells us how good they were or allow us to appreciate their true skills.

In 34 the world cup was played in Italy with almost none of the players who played in Uruguay coming back. This meaning that they did not get a chance to show their talents a second time. It being a case that Uruguay chose not to play in Italy because Italy did not play in Uruguay and Argentina having problems with their players from 1930; was forced to use completely new players who were eliminated in the first game.

The world cup in 34 however like the one in 30 also had great players and plays yet again very few people saw them given that this was before such matches were televised all over the world. This meaning that very few got a chance to actually see the great players of that era play and were limited to just reading about them in newspapers and again with footage being most unclear. The world cup France 38 was not all that much different. Once again South American teams did not participate (Brazil being the sole exception) and again the games only being seen by those who actually attended them with footage being such that one could barely see anything but the ball ending up in the net and little else that occurred before. All of which meaning that great performances or what must have been such were basically lost and will probably never be seen.

It was at this point that World War II interrupted the world cups which were not held again till 1950 yet again the same thing occurred that the world was looking at completely knew players. As 12 years had gone by since the last world cup. Uruguay went on to win the world cup in 1950 by defeating Brazil in the last game. This game not really being a final.

Uruguay having great players at the time like Varella, Schiaffino, Ghiggia and Miguez. Brazil’s Ademir being the high goal scorer of that particular world cup yet again the games were not televised and footage of the games or what little of it is available, is unclear; not even taken from good angles which allow one to see what really happened.

The world cup in 54 was pretty much the same and once again, very few players actually got to play more than one world cup for many reasons. These ranging from World War II to their countries not participating in the world cup for reasons not even connected to football. This being the case with European teams not choosing to play in Uruguay 30 while South American teams chose not to play in Italy 34 and France 38. European teams naturally in this period of time had been weakened by World War II as it had cost them at least a whole generation of those who might have been great football players. This applying specially to those countries which had been more heavily involved in the war and by virtue of which had lost more men such as Britain, Germany, Italy, Soviet Union along with many others. Naturally with regards to South America, World War II did not play such a factor as South American nations for the most part either did not participate in the war and those that did had but very limited roles.

By the time the world cup came in 1958 which was hosted in Sweden, football had become a game of almost total offense in which teams could almost score at will. It perhaps seeming unbelievable to some now a days, how in the previous world cup (Switzerland 54) 140 goals were scored; out of which only seven were from the penalty spot. The record of 140 goals in a world cup would eventually be broken in Spain 82 yet the goals per match is one I honestly believe never will be. It being a truly amazing 5.38 goals per game which were scored in what I can only imagine must have been a festival of goals in which teams must have completely ignored defensive concepts.

During this world cup, Hungary despite not winning the tournament scored an incredible 27 goals in 5 games. This a record which I truly doubt will ever be broken and this in spite of teams now a days playing seven games or at least those that get as far as the semifinal. Hungary’s “Kocsis” with 11 goals also setting the record for most goals scored by a single player in a world cup and this again despite only playing 5 games. This record however would be broken in Sweden 58 by France’s Fontaine, who scored 13 goals yet his came in 6 matches. Another record which was set in Switzerland 54 was for most goals in a single game which came when Austria defeated Switzerland by 7-5 which in and of itself is amazing yet what is perhaps more incredible was that Austria even missed a penalty during the match.

It is easy or at least it is in my opinion, to see why back then the game was almost completely different than it is today. It being a time when teams had no fear of loosing and defensive play was basically ignored; as teams played with four or five forwards going up against two defenders. In all this another factor is important that prior to Sweden 58 games were not really televised yet it was in this particular world cup that games started being shown on television through out the world or at least in those countries that followed football.

Of course in all this, it is also significant to point out that till the late 50s many people through out the world could not afford a television set yet it was at about this time that their prices dropped to where many who were not necessarily affluent could at least own a set. This naturally making it possible for many to see the great games and players of the time. This as opposed to simply reading about them in the newspapers or seeing them in film clips which were not only short but unclear and taken from angles from which very little could really be appreciated.

Brazil in Sweden 58 truly presented an extraordinaire team with players the likes of Vava, Didi (known for his unique style of curling free kicks), Zagalo, Nilton Santos and Mazola (named after the Italian player of the time). Of course, Brazil also had Pele and Garrincha on this team yet they were not starters or at least not at the start of the tournament. It being Pele who was considered too young while Garrincha was thought to be not serious enough as a player. Many having the impression that he did not take the field to win but simply to enjoy himself with his dribbling skills.

As for the rest of the teams, Hungary had been great in the previous world cup yet due to the failed uprising of 56, many of their greatest players such as Puskas, Kocsis and Toth defected to the west and were not eligible to return to their own country; much less play for it in a world cup. This meaning that Hungary basically was forced to play with a completely new set of players who did not posses any where near the talent as those greats of the 54 team.

Germany had won the previous world cup yet were basically less motivated after having become champions and older. Fritz Walter having gone in to retirement yet was asked to come back and play despite being 38 years old at the time. Rahn had been crucial in their winning campaign of 54 yet was like many of the players on Germany’s 58 squad; past his prime.

Argentina had a great team at the start of the 50s which had given them several wins in the Copa America (South America’s version of the European Cup Of Nations) yet many of their players were basically old. Uruguay, for its part failed to even qualify and this in spite of having won two world cups and having reached the semifinal in another of the five world cups which had been played up and till that point. This being more remarkable considering that they had only participated in three of those five world cups.

The tournament started with Brazil wining their first match by a comfortable 3-0 margin over Austria, who in fact had come in third in the previous world cup yet this for some reason failed to impress the fans back home. Mazola for his part scored two of Brazil’s three goals while the third was scored by Nilton Santos yet despite scoring two goals; Mazola according to many was not living up to expectations. All of which leading me to ask how much does a player have to do to please people in Brazil?

Brazil’s next match came against England which ended in a 0-0 draw. This as a matter of fact, being the first match in world cup history to end in a goalless draw. It being this poor result or that which was seen as such at the time which led to changes being made in Brazil’s lineup by their coach. It being the players who basically took matters in their own hands and insisted that Pele and Garrincha be placed on the starting team. This meaning that Mazola (who strangely enough only spelt his name with one z as opposed to the Italian way which is with two) was left out of the team for reasons which in my opinion are strange; specially since he was Brazil’s top scorer at the time. Mazola however would go on to score 216 goals in Italy’s “Seria A”. This a total which till this day leaves him tied for third place with Giuseppe Meazza on the all time scoring list in the Serie A. Furthermore Mazola would go to play for Italy in the 1962 world cup in Chile.

Brazil’s next game was against the Soviet Union whom they defeated by 2-0 with both goals being scored by Vava. This being a player who in my opinion does not always get the credit he earned for being a truly gifted striker; who in two world cups scored 9 goals. Vava even being the first player to score in two world cup finals. In this game neither Pele nor Garrincha scored yet both made a favorable impression which allowed them to keep their starting places for Brazil’s quarterfinal encounter with Wales. Pele’s playing being considered perhaps more impressive given that he was only 17 years of age at the time and the youngest ever to have played in a world cup up and till that point. This something unheard of at the time for somebody that young to even be on a national team playing in the world cup much less to actually get to go on the field and play.

Twenty years later Maradona would be left out Argentina’s world cup winning team by their coach Menotti, who felt that 17 was simply too young to be on a world cup team. Of course even if Maradona had been on the team it is doubtful that he would have played yet could have at least claimed to be on the team that won that world cup. This being what later on would be the case with Ronaldo, who in USA 94 was also just 17 years of age yet despite this; was on Brazil’s world cup winning team though he did not get to play in any of their matches.

Brazil’s next match came against Wales, whom they were heavily favorites to beat yet despite being the clear underdogs the Welch played well. Brazil only being able to defeat them by 1-0 with a goal by Pele which did not come till the 66th minute mark of the game. This making Pele, the youngest player to ever score a goal in world cup history. It is hard to say that this was a brilliant performance by Brazil and Pele against a team as weak as Wales yet despite what could be considered a lack luster performance; Brazil made its way in to their third semifinal in six world cups.

Brazil’s next rival would be France, whose Just Fontaine had scored 8 goals in only four games. This was seen by many as the final or at least the match which should have been the final. The game started as it promised with Vava scoring first for Brazil just 2 minutes in to the game only to see Fontaine level matters for France at one a piece just 7 minutes later. The game was definitely shaping up to be a classic yet it was sometime after France’s equalizing goal that disaster struck for France. This in the form of one of their defenders having to be taken off the field due to injury. Of course in analyzing this we must not forget that in those days teams were not allowed to substitute players and that they only played with two defenders.

It did not take long for France, who was playing with 10 men and without one of their two defenders to go down in the score board once again. Brazil’s goal coming at the 39 minute mark of the game when Didi found the back of the French net to give Brazil a lead which they would not relinquish through out the remainder of the match. Brazil at this point was winning and clearly dominating with France struggling to compensate for their numerical disadvantage.

The second half got underway with Brazil clearly in command and looking to increase their lead which they did when Pele scored at the 52 minute mark; to make the score 3-1 which pretty much settled things in Brazil’s favor. Pele however would score again at the 64 and 75 minute mark of the game to raise his total to three goals for the match and four for the tournament; thus also becoming the youngest player ever to score a hat trick in a world cup. This to a certain extent being impressive with regards to statistics. I however believe that numbers do not always tell us the whole story. It being that one of these goals was basically an easy tap in from a cross by Garrincha which the French goalkeeper dove for yet only managed to slow down just so that Pele was left with but the task of putting the ball in to an open net from literally tree meters from the goal line. Of course, it also being against a team which was all too well aware of the fact that chances were that they were not going to win this game.

Naturally, one could say Pele did score three goals in one game yet this was in a world cup in which many players managed to score two or three goals in a game. Fontaine, even managing four against Germany in the match for third place. It perhaps being impressive not so much that Pele scored three goals in a game but that he did it so at such a young age. This sort of being like Mozart, whose compositions as a child were not exceptional in any way apart from having been composed by somebody so young.

Brazil went on to play the final against Sweden, in a match in which very few gave the host nation any real chance of being able to defeat Brazil yet it would not have been the first time that Brazil lost a final in which it was heavily favorite to win. Many Brazilians still remembering what happened in the Maracana in 1950 yet this was highly unlikely to happen again though it was always a possibility.

Sweden, for its part had gotten to the final by beating Germany by 3-1 in a highly controversial game in which several bad calls by the Hungarian referee; Zsolt went their way. Zsolt perhaps getting a bit of revenge for Hungary on Germany for Puskas’s goal in the final of Switzerland 54 which was unjustly ruled to have been on off sides. Despite or perhaps because of this factor however Sweden went on to defeat Germany in a game also noted for a most vicious foul on F. Walter which effectively took him out of the game.

The final between Brazil and Sweden got underway surprisingly enough with Sweden drawing first blood when just four minutes in the match, Liedholm gave them the lead. As a footnote, I would like to add that Liedholm at the age of 35 became and still is the oldest player ever to score a goal in a final. At this point perhaps some of the doubts might have crept back in to the minds of several Brazilians along with memories of past world cup failures yet this was a team which was solid through and through. It being such that in my opinion Pele was but another great player on this formidable team.

Brazil however did not take long in putting matters level at 1 a piece. Brazil’s equalizer coming at the 9 minute mark of the game when Vava once again scored for Brazil. The game was tied at one a piece and ten minutes had not even gone by. This game being similar to their previous match with France. Brazil at this point was clearly dominating and showing that Sweden’s early goal had been but a fluke which had only managed to momentarily catch them of their guard.

Naturally with such domination Brazil was bound to take the lead which they did and did not relinquish through out the rest of the match. It coming when once again Vava scored 32 minutes in to the match. At half time Brazil was up by 2-1 yet the only thing that was surprising about this score was that Brazil had not scored more goals and that Sweden was still in the match.

It was at the 55 minute mark however that Pele made history by increasing the score in Brazil’s favor to 3-1 as well as both becoming the youngest player ever to score in a world cup final along with putting the competitive part of this match to an end. Pele’s goal in my opinion had nothing sensational about it yet in the minds of many, it was seen as a superb goal perhaps because it had been the work of a 17 year old. I, for my part can only imagine what Maradona would have done had he been allowed to play for Argentina in 78 yet it was not to be. As for the goal itself, Pele found himself in the penalty box where he spent most of his time in a similar way to Ronaldo many years later. It being there were he received a pass and ran into Sweden’s Gustavsson. This making the ball go straight up in the air and fall just right (in what I would consider to be a fortunate bounce) for Pele to hit in for a goal just four meters from the Swedish goal line. It was to a certain extent a spectacular goal yet I hardly consider it one which required great skill. As the ball, as it tends to do in football bounced Pele’s way and just as easily as it bounced that way; it might have done so in another.

Pele’s goal however did pretty much settle matters as to who would be world champion as even the Swedish crowd gave up hope. It was then that Zagalo added a fourth for Brazil at 68 minute mark of the game which made matters even more evident as to who was going to win the game. Sweden however made the score a bit more respectable when Simonsson scored 12 minutes after Zagalo’s goal yet this did little to change anything. The game at that point was clearly over with Brazil leading by 4-2 and though Sweden had just gotten one back. I don’t think anybody was of such an optimistic mind in Sweden as to believe that in the remaining 10 minutes; they might score the two goals which would have tied the game and sent it in to overtime.

Brazil was clearly the champ and it was just as the match was about to be concluded by the referee that Pele scored one more goal in what in fact was the 90th minute of the match; to make the final score 5-2. This coming off a perfect center which Pele had to but tap the ball in with his head over Sweden’s goalkeeper; who was caught between coming out and meeting the cross or staying in his goal.

Brazil did win the world cup, this there were no doubts about and Pele did win it with them and all at the tender age of 17 yet to a large extent, he had been but a part of a great team which was definitely one of the best ever to play in a world cup. Of course, Pele did score six goals in four games but this again was nothing all that spectacular considering that Fontaine with just two more games ended up with 13 goals (a record which still stands) for the tournament. All in a tournament in which 126 goals were scored in only 35 matches and though neither the amount of goals nor the average were as high as they had been in 54; it was still a very offense minded world cup. I believing that the reason the amount of overall goals went down being not so much because play became more defensive in any way but because of the decline in Hungary’s ability to score goals as well as there not being such a high scoring match as was Austria Vs Switzerland. As proof of this, we could mention the scoring records which were set in this world cup from Fontaine’s 13 goals in one single world cup to the seven goals scored in the final. The game for third place also setting a record for such a match with 9 goals which yielded a score of 6-3 in France’s favor against Germany.

Pele’s first world cup undoubtedly was a great success. As how else can one describe being second in goals scored (tied with Germany’s Rahn) with six and having been on the team which won the world cup and all at the age of 17 yet to a large extent; he had been an unknown when the world cup began. Pele not even having started in a game till Brazil’s third match. All of which leading me to believe that perhaps other teams did not consider him to be such a threat and focused more on stopping Brazil’s more established players like Didi, Santos, Vava and Zagalo. Pele also having Garrincha who seemed to have an ability to set up goals as if they were gifts just wrapped for the taking.

It was back in 82 and Italy had just beaten Poland to reach the final of the world cup “Spain 82″ and what a thrill it was for me just 15 years of age at the time to have seen it! I would be seeing Italy play in the final for the very first time. This unlike in “Mexico 70″ when my three years of age at the time prevented me from enjoying the match, not that with Italy loosing; this was something which I would have done but at least I could have tasted the thrill of seeing them defeating Germany in that historical semifinal match. I was in high spirits for Germany Vs France which promised to be a great one and one which I would truly enjoy. This to a certain extent more than I did when Italy played, due to the fact that during Italy’s matches; I always wanted Italy to win and concentrated more on wishing their victory in my mind than just sitting back and watching the game. Of course even suffering when Italy lost while going in to extreme delight when Italy won yet hardly ever just enjoying the game for its own sake.

This however would be different as Italy was already in the final and all I had to do was enjoy the game with no tension; just to see whom Italy would be facing. I, for my part had a slight preference to see France in the final and this not because of any particular liking toward the French or even because I believed they would be an easier team for Italy. As at this level all teams are generally speaking great but due to wanting to see another team in the final. Germany, all things considered had won the world cup in 74, come in third in 70 and been runner-up in 66. France on the other hand, had never been in a final and the best they had ever done in a world cup was back in 1958 when they came in third; beating Germany by 6-3 in their match for third place. As a matter of fact that had been the last time these two teams had met in a world cup and if this encounter were to be any where near what I can only imagine that one had been; than this was going to be great one.

Naturally, Germany and France both contained great players and were solid in just about every position. As both teams had been building up their formations since Argentina 78 and though neither was really successful in that world cup; their players had at least gained experience. As for Germany’s and France’s starting lineups, they went as followed on that particular day:

Federal Republic Of Germany:
Schumacher
Kaltz
Stielike
K. H. Forster
B. Forster
Briegel
Dremmler
Breitner
Magath
Littbarski
Fischer
Head Coach: Derwall

with notable such as Rummenige and Hrubesch on the bench

France:
Ettori
Amoros
Janvion
Tresor
Bossis
Tigana
Giresse
Platini
Genghini
Rocheteau
Six
Head Coach: Hidalgo

I remember thinking how great it would be to watch a game, not caring who won but just wanting to see a great match; to appreciate the talent of both sides. This unlike when I saw Argentina Vs Brazil, where I wanted Argentina to win so Italy would not have to win against Brazil yet this was another situation. I also wanted to see a long exhausting match so the winner would be tired and perhaps not be at 100% when they faced Italy on Sunday. I do not really know why but I expected to see something fabulous sort of like another “Italy Vs Germany” like in Mexico 70 but this time; it would be in my generation and not in the one that had been. It even being a case that not even one player remained from that German team which Italy defeated despite only 12 years having gone by.

I, at the time not wanting to watch the game on my lonesome went to a cousin’s house, who was not far from my own to see the game with him and his wife; whom I knew to be of German descent. This creating a situation that she though not a great fan of Germany went for Germany while he really preferred France. I having no real preference though had a slight desire to see France in the final given the above mentioned factors.

The game got under way in Seville which made all 6 of us in the room mere spectators through the magic of television of what was happening so far away yet was close to our emotions at the time. I had never seen a semifinal live as the first world cup I saw live was Argentina 78 in which there was no semifinal. It being the case of teams qualifying directly from the quarterfinals to the final or the match for third place without having to play a semifinal encounter. Germany 74 had been the same with the last semifinal having been played in Mexico 70 which saw what many consider to be the greatest game in the history of the world cup. This when Italy defeated Germany by a score of 4-3 in a match which took excitement to an all time high in what has to a large extent become the yardstick by which other great games must measure up to.

The game started and all talk stopped in the room as France and Germany had taken center stage in our lives or at least for the next 90 minutes or so. Germany quickly went on attack in their typical methodical way which though hardly ever brilliant or quick at least is consistent and relentless however France was able to control them. It however did not take long for France to show some of the attacking skills which had allowed them to slip four goals past Northern Ireland and their legendary goalkeeper (Jennings) in their previous match. It being French skill which like their game in those days came in sparks which though at times brilliant was not consistent.

It being these sparks which were visible when Giresse was almost able to filter a ball to Platini which would have left him one on one with Schumacher had it not been for Stielike’s opportune intervention. France even created another chance at the start of the game which forced Schumacher to punch the ball for a corner. It being clear even early on how the game would be played and by whom. It being France’s midfield which dominated play as Platini, Tigana and Giresse were clearly playing well. This even if their forwards Rocheteau and Six were being taken out of the game by Germany’s defense.

As for Germany, it was Breitner who was clearly the driving force behind their attack. Breitner seeming relentless in his drives forward with Litbarski and Fischer who were clearly given the French defense all they could handle. This in contrast to the Forster brothers and Magath who were clearly lost on the field of play.

It did not take Germany long to let everybody know just how capable they were of scoring when after a foul by Platini on Briegel; Littbarski hit the French crossbar of a free kick on which Ettori was clearly beaten. France had dodged a bullet yet they would not be so fortunate 18 minutes in to the match. This being when Breitner made another one of his runs through the French midfield to pass the ball ever slightly with the side of his foot to the on coming Fischer; who forced Ettori in to a fine save only to set up a goal for Littbarski. It being Littbarski who hit the ball right in between several players to give Germany the lead at 1-0.

France perhaps at this point thoroughly started controlling the midfield and going forward and it was not long before matters were once again level. France’s goal starting when Kaltz fouled Genghini to set up a Giresse free kick which he floated in to the German penalty box for Platini’s header which found Rocheteau who left Briegel with no other option then to pull him down for an apparent penalty.

A penalty and who else but Platini to take it for France? The pressure was on and Platini knew it better than anybody as he stepped up and kissed the ball for good luck. Platini took his run and scored with no problems what so ever as Germany’s Tony Harold Schumacher was sent the wrong way. The score was tied at 1 a piece and what a match this one was shaping up to be!

The match was intense as the anxieties of semifinals and such matches which let one team progress further while leaving the other out had returned to world football. Tensions were also raised when Six made a challenge on Schumacher which the German goalkeeper did not take too kindly to and let it be known. This in spite of playing together with Didier Six on the same team in Germany but it was clear that on that day; friendships did not exist.

The first half ended tied at one with everybody getting ready for the second half while all I could do was wonder who would I rather see Italy play against. Of course, Italy had beaten France 4 years earlier in Argentina 78 yet this French team was much improved. On the other hand Italy had only drawn with Germany in that very world cup yet again that was the past which did not by any means have to repeat itself.

The second half started with France dominating and even scoring a goal when Rocheteau got put the ball past Germany’s Schumacher yet all in vain. As the play was ruled to have been off-sides yet looking at the reply; I believe the line judge was wrong. France was having its moment and perhaps if Six and Rocheteau had been playing up to their usual standards; they would have gone a head in the score board.

I was enjoying the match as so much was still unsettled yet just at this moment strategy started coming in to play when Germany brought in Hrubesch in place of Magath. This substitution even seeming strange to me at the time that a player from Hamburg SV would replace another yet Magath had not really been playing up to his usual standards. France, for its part brought in Basttiston to replace Genghini; who was clearly tired and also not having a good game though he had scored a wonderful goal against Austria in France’s 1-0 victory.

The half would continue with both teams showing the best of their football and though much has been said about French flair Vs German tactics; I would also say it was inspiration VS consistency. Germany getting a good chance off a Briegel shot only to see Ettori come up with a fine save.

It was however ten minutes after Battiston entered the field that one of the most memorable moments in world cup football would occur as well as one of the most controversial. It being when Platini, taking advantage of a huge whole in the German defense sent in a through ball to Battiston. It being a bouncing pass which Battiston managed to tap by Schumacher and come perhaps within half a meter of scoring yet it was after his touch on the ball that Schumacher ran in to Battiston and basically knocked him out. This forcing France to have to substitute him for Lopez, who had scored a spectacular goal against Hungary just four years earlier in the world cup in Argentina.

Many might say that Schumacher’s play should have earned him the red card and France a penalty yet I would disagree with both accounts. My first reason being because in football contrary to basketball, if the foul is committed after the play is over than no free kick or penalty is given. Of course there maybe a card for the player who has committed the in fraction but not a foul for the team.

I, for what concerns me; I am not nor was I ever a fan of Schumacher. I believing him not to be amongst the friendliest people ever to play the game yet in all honesty; I must say he did have his qualities not only as player but as an individual. He did help Hugo Sanchez with a cramp he suffered during Germany’s match against Germany in 86 and even helped Maradona up during the final of the same world cup when Argentina was already in the lead by 3-2. As for this play what I saw is the following:

Platini had sent a through ball to Battiston and Schumacher saw that Battiston was basically unmarked and would score if he got to stop the ball and take his time to set up a good; so what he did is what goalkeepers are basically trained to do in such situations. This being to come out of their goals and try to make the player rush his shot by either intimidating him or simply closing down the angel. Now in all this very few have ever mentioned the fact that Schumacher jumped in the air and was moving toward Battiston after having jumped. All of which making it impossible for him to avoid the collision with Battiston which came as a result of his jump. Many said he did not even try to avoid the collision yet I ask how could he? He was in mid flight and the moment was but a split second. Schumacher also did not go for the ball but his strategy was to rush the shot more than save it which did work because Battiston in fact shot the ball before Schumacher even touched him and did miss without being touched which I believe is the reason no penalty was given on the play.

Battiston, in my opinion should have been watching out and gotten out of the path of Schumacher, who was air born yet took his eye of Schumacher; to follow the path of this shot. I sometimes wonder if the French would have complained so much about this if Battiston had scored despite his collision with Schumacher and if they had won the match because of this goal. Of course, it would have been very strange to see a player being taken off on a stretcher after having scored a goal. Battiston however did not score and the French as we all now know were not given a penalty nor Schumacher a red card which in my opinion was just even if it was unlucky for the French. Schumacher would even visit Battiston in the hospital to let him know there had been no ill feelings on his part and Battiston even accepted his apology as something that sometimes happens in football.

After this regrettable incident which will live long in the memories of many, both France and Germany had their chances at wining the game. France’s chance coming when Amoros’s long range effort hit the bar after Schumacher had been clearly beaten in what in fact also put France and Germany level with regards to hitting the post. Litbarski having done likewise in the first half. Germany however came close when Breitner’s shot was brilliantly saved by Ettori, who also had presence of mind to get to the rebound he left just a split second before the ever opportunistic Fischer was able to score Germany’s second goal of the match. Ettori almost resembling a cat as he scrambled to that ball and just in the nick of time managed to swat the ball away for a corner; just before Fischer.

The match ended and overtime was upon us with many feeling France had deserved to win because of Schumacher’s foul or supposed foul on Battiston yet I felt otherwise with regards to this incident. It being sort of like when Beckenbauer injured his shoulder against Italy in Mexico 70 that it was basically through falling badly more than what Italian defenders did to him. I did not really care for my own who won as long as there was something to watch and was there ever.

France despite their apparent fatigue started well and in fact were up after only two minutes in the match when Tresor (name meaning treasure in French) volleyed the ball past Schumacher to give the team of the rooster the lead. It was a spectacular shot off a free kick which set the French in to wild celebrations as well as those around me and why not they were up by 2-1.

It was at this point that Rummenige came in to the match in place of Briegel, who though not really playing badly had basically worn himself out running. I, for my part applaud Derwall’s choice as to whom he took out as very often to get more offense coaches will take out a forward who in fact is playing well yet he kept Fischer, Hrubesch and Litbarski on. France however would continue with their sparks which though not consistent were bright. France would even increase their lead to 3-1 when 99 minutes in to the match, Platini passed the ball to Rocheteau who sent it across to Six. It being Six who waited just the right amount of time to hit the small get powerful Giresse, who blasted his shot past Schumacher and off the post to give what at the time seemed to be France’s pass in to the finals. I even started eyeing an Italy-France in the final yet life had taught me that the game only ends when the referee says so and not a second sooner.

Germany much to their credit did not despair and continued with their solid if not brilliant game. After all, they did have quality players and 21 minutes in which to at least get two goals. Of course there was also the chance that France might have scored a fourth goal which definitely would have made things very bleak indeed for the Germans and ended it all. I was even surprised that France was wining because the game was basically even with regards to who was playing better yet this at the end becomes academic next to the score line. Germany took but two minutes to get a goal when Fischer made a sensational jump in which he bent his body in the air to get to a ball which he managed to put away in the back of the French net. A sensational goal or so it would have been had it not been ruled out for an off-sides which I personally did not see yet such is the game. Germany however had sent a message that this was not the end.

Germany would create a nice play however two minutes later at the 102 minute mark of the match when Littbarski who had been having an outstanding match found Rummenige in the penalty box; who simply tapped it in past Ettori to bring hope back to Germany. This making the score 3-2 in France’s favor. This in fact being how regulation time would end. Looking back one could say if this had been France 98 then France would have won as Tresor’s goal would have been considered the golden goal which would have given them victory. Of course if this had been the era of the silver goal, they also would have won as they were leading at the half by 3-2 yet this was not that time.

The second half started and I must admit, I was having a great time with no pressures. This as Italy was not playing and had nothing to win or loose regardless of who won or lost. This making the game but a sheer joy to watch. As for Germany, it was not so much a matter of their pressure which was not constant yet was never really absent which tied the game. I, at the time feeling that perhaps this was were Platini failed not so much as a player but as a captain. Platini not providing either order or calm to his team as that is what a captain really should do at such moments. France at this point started giving the ball away easily and could not really make time go by which made things easier for Germany.

Germany’s equalizer was truly dazzling, it coming at the 109 minute mark of the game when all those who had kept Germany in the game pooled their talents to come up with a goal. It first being Littbarski who centered the ball to Hrubesch who headed it back to Fischer, who simply outdid himself with a bicycle kick to make the score 3-3. It was an incredible goal, the kind most teenagers dream of making when lying in bed and thinking of simply getting on to that cross and acrobatically putting it in the net in overtime to either give their teams the lead or at least a draw. This being precisely what Fischer had done.

I must say, I was amazed first that France had been able to score two goals and get the lead yet also that Germany had been able to draw level. Of course, one must remember this was another time when most people did not think about penalties like they do today. After all, no match in a world cup had ever gone to penalties before and in fact; this practice was unheard of at the time though everybody basically knew there was such a possibility. Penalties having been presented as an alternative to a coin toss or replaying the match in the previous world cup.

The match went on with both teams playing like neither really wanted to win it. Almost as if they were saying that this is as far as they could go or would go. Time would run out on this match which was the first one to ever end in a tie after 120 minutes since the world cup in 38 yet unlike in those days; this game would not be replayed. Penalty kicks being sort of like the French revolution which many had thought could happen but were still surprised when it actually did.

Hidalgo and Derwall, naturally had to pick out their five penalty takers and this being in a time when I can imagine neither of them went in to the match with a list already made out. This after all, was the first time their had ever been a need for such a method to settle a world cup match. Tensions were high and for me, it was strange as I never really thought this would ever be the way to settle a semifinal match but here we were; about to take penalties.

For France it was Giresse who came first and scored thus becoming the first player in a world cup to score a goal in a penalty shoot out. It being strange that it was also a French man who was the first to score a goal in the history of the world cup back in Uruguay 30. Germany’s Kaltz then scored for Germany to make the score 1-1. Kaltz in fact being the regular penalty taker for his team Hamburg SV. Amoros then scored for France to see Breitner, who had scored off a penalty in the 74 final do likewise to make the score 2 a piece. Rocheteau then converted and it was then that the first ever missed penalty in a penalty shoot out came or at least as far as the world cup was the issue. Stielike shot weakly and Ettori guessed rightly. This was a break for France and the despair showed on Steilike. He had missed and till this day remains the only German player to ever have missed a penalty kick for Germany in a penalty shoot out.

The TV was still showing Stielike’s miss when Six also failed to score. Germany once again had been saved while France once again had let victory slip through their hands. Littbarski then calmly scored to make it 3-3. With the score tied, it was up to Platini to deliver, who did just that by sending Schumacher the wrong way though four years later he would miss against Brazil but like they say; that is another story. For now, it was up to Rummenige to keep Germany in it and like Platini; he too scored to make it 4-4.

Five penalty kickers had come and still the issue was not solved, nervous, mind games; all factors now. Bossis then came for France and Schumacher comes up big yet does not celebrate wildly but only puts up his arm with a fist. All as if to say this is but a small step. Of course in this match, how could one ever be sure of anything let alone victory. Hrubesch then came and despite his massive physique just calmly slotted the ball past Ettori, to put what I considered to be the greatest match I had ever seen to an end and Deutschland in the final. For France, it was what might have been and perhaps even should have been while for Germany; it was Italy and the finals. This setting up another match between Germany and Italy in just a few days.

Germany had won and though one could always argue forever as to which had been the better team and who deserved to win. I however feel that it was penalties which decided not who had been the better team, for this had been equal or at least in my opinion but who would play Italy in the final.

Of course today penalties are a part of the game with teams even practicing just in case yet in those days, this not being the case; I am fully convinced that both teams tried their hardest to win. This making the contest what I would in my opinion if nobody else’s call a draw with penalties serving only to choose which one of these two great teams would play Italy.

Germany would go on to loose by 3-1 to Italy in the final, perhaps partially due to the fatigue from this game which undoubtedly played its part; like it did with Italy in the final in Mexico 70 when they lost to Brazil; after they too had been taking in to an exhausting over time by Germany. France would go on to win the European Cup in 84 with Platini having a superb tournament. As for Germany and France, they would go on to play each other one more time in the semifinal of Mexico 86 with Germany once again beating France. Germany on that occasion winning by 2-0 in a match paling in comparison to this one which was the one I have come to hail as my generation’s “Italia-Germania 4-3″.

Arguably two of the best footballers of the current decade, both are, at glance, very similar players. They’re both attackers, great with a ball, and both play for a Spanish club. However there can only be one winner, so here’s the comparison: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo.

Lionel Messi

Lionel is only 24 years old and currently plays for fc Barcelona. Born in Rosario, Messi started playing football at the age of 5, under his father’s wings, at a local club. He then rolled into the Barca youth team where he worked his way up from C-B teams to the main squad in rapid pace. His debut in the highest class of football began at the age of 16, during a friendly against FC Porto.

Now in 2011 it’s time to analyse his style of play and it becomes crystal clear that he’s a master with the ball. Thanks to his short length and fast legs, any opponent will have a hard time keeping up with him. However unlike most magicians, he’s also a terrific team player.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano is 26 years old and is a Real Madrid player. Ronaldo started his career at Sporting (2002) and in 2003 he guided his team to a win against the big Manchester United. The players of Man U knew that they would rather play with him than against him, so they contracted Ronaldo for the start of the 2003 season. After countless of successes, he became the most expensive player ever when he transferred to Real Madrid in June of 2009, the price: 94 million euro.

Ronaldo is a very fast and strong player. He took sprint lessons from the Olympics champion and is clearly a player “from the streets”, pulling more tricks with a ball than any party clown could ever aim for. This quality is further emphasised by a great shooting technique that makes him an excellent asset during set pieces.

Versus

Now it’s time to compare the two players and pinpoint a winner, in my respectful opinion. First it’s clear that both players are terrific assets to any team, and both share a lot of qualities. For one they can both outplay several opponents and make a difference when the opposition is tight.

However a winner has to be chosen and in my opinion that winner is Cristiano Ronaldo. At this point Messi might have the edge on the field, but Ronaldo has great free kicks and is clearly stronger physically. The trade off being that Messi is the better team player. I remember Ronaldo when he played for Manchester United and back then he was, without a doubt, the best player in the world. His way of attacking suited the wing-play of Manchester United perfectly, and while less obvious in Madrid’s style of play, his past years are to be considered. Also in Ronaldo’s favour is his great charisma off the pitch. Messi is a pure footballer and doesn’t have that same level of personality away from the field, something past greats (Cruijff, Maradona) did have.

And that’s it for this comparison. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi share a lot of qualities; especially the ball technique of both is ground breaking. And while Messi currently has the edge, in my opinion Ronaldo is the more complete footballer in the long haul, not partly thanks to his great charisma both on and off the pitch. However they’re both very young so in the coming years this slight favour can definitely swing both ways.

Soccer camps are famous among the children who want to learn and further enhance their skills in kicking the soccer ball. Aside from the famous soccer camp Santa Monica, there are wide array of camps to choose from. And with this, there are many considerations needed to take. These considerations are definitely helpful in finding the perfect soccer camp for your child.

• The first consideration to take is the staff, coaches and director of the camp. Are they skillful in teaching? Are they dedicated in teaching everyone? Actually, it does not necessarily mean that they have a famous player as part of the camp’s staff but what you need to consider is their capability in teaching.

• Second, consider the reputation of the camp. Like soccer camp Santa Monica, the camp must have built a good reputation among the students. A camp operating for many years already may have good testimonials from previous clients. The feedback may be of great help in deciding which camp you get your child in.

• Third, observe the camp’s facilities, it must have a good place for the practice with complete equipment. For residential camp, it must have a clean environment for the child to be comfortable in his stay.

• Fourth, the ratio of coach to players. Ideally, one coach must be for 10 campers or less. This will ensure the players will have one-on-one and better instructions.

• Fifth, ask your child if he wants to play soccer alone or with other activities. There are some camps that are offering other activities like swimming. Two activities will make the camp more interesting for they can just switch their activities if they want to do something else instead.

• Lastly, consider the cost. Most likely, camps with higher fees will have better training. It is most of the time that you get what you pay for. Soccer camp Santa Monica is among the most preferred camps. The place is most suitable for those who are in search of a great soccer training camp, it is the exact place for your kid to just enhance his capabilities because of it’s complete facility and professional coaches.

It’s worth your every penny, it will be the most perfect place for your kid to develop his skills. be physically healthy, gain lots of friends and develop his self-confidence. The experience will boost a lot of positive behaviors of the child. Have fun!

The ultimate soccer workouts will include both aerobic and anaerobic conditioning. Every sport requires the player to have physical stamina and fitness. Soccer is no exception and this is the reason why soccer conditioning helps players render their optimal performance on the field.

Appropriate soccer conditioning aids players to play the sport with both strength and confidence. Soccer conditioning depends on the physical condition, the skills and the age of the soccer player. There are also types of soccer conditioning exercises available to the players that are fun and enjoyable too.

The main types of soccer conditioning drills available to the player include aerobic and anaerobic exercises.

Aerobic Soccer Workouts

The aerobic conditioning drills are specially designed to enable the body of the player to manage oxygen. The drills are focused to establish and build long periods of endurance so that the player recovers from the strenuous bouts of the game.

An example of an aerobic conditioning drill could be getting the players warmed up with jogging that is medium paced for around eight to ten minutes. After the warm up they should be made to sprint fast for around three minutes followed by slow jogging for one minute. This exercise sequence can be repeated for around five to eight times followed by the gradual cooling down of the body.

Anaerobic Soccer Workouts

The anaerobic soccer conditioning drills are targeted to improve the recovery time of the player after he undergoes short bouts of rigorous activity on the field.

In the soccer game, the player needs to run about 25 yards for a single move. The same thing is done when he changes direction for another move. This is a repetitive process and when players are continuously running around without breaks lactic acid builds up in the body. The lactic acid build up interferes with the performance of the player if they do not slow down a bit.

Anaerobic soccer conditioning slows down the build up of lactic acid helping the players to bear it. With regular drills the player is able to disperse its build up and revert to his optimum performance in no time.

Age Matters

There are different types of soccer conditioning exercises used for different levels of soccer players. For junior players in the age group of 6 years to 10 years there are no drills for endurance. They are instead encouraged to play the game from where they are able to derive their conditioning.

For the slightly older players in the age group of 11-15 years the soccer conditioning drills are a bit tougher and they grow in degree till the player is in a position to handle it. The drills that are given to this youth group are accompanied with short rest periods in between.

For players in the age group of 16-21 years the soccer conditioning workouts meet all the specific needs of the players so that they are able to deliver their best optimal performance on the field. They need to do both aerobic and anaerobic soccer conditioning drills to tackle the lactic acid build up and also stamina and fitness on the field.

When it comes to your soccer workout, find programs that focus on aerobic and anaerobic as well as multiple parts of the human body anatomy.

The year was 1982 and football fans through out the world had their eyes set on the world cup in Spain. Argentina was going in as one of the favorites to win the world cup after all they had Maradona and most of the players who had won it for them four years earlier. Mario Kempes being one those players who had also had some great years playing for Valencia and Menotti was still coaching them. Brazil as always was seen as one of the favorites and with the likes of Zico, Falcao (played for Roma), and Socrates on their team it is not strange that they would be. Germany many felt could take top honors with the team they had managed to rebuild after what for their standards was a mediocre effort in the Argentina World Cup but that was the past. Now Rumminigge was playing in his best moment accompanied by mostly young players and Breitner who was back from the 74 squad.

I can say without even the slightest hesitation that there had never been nor has there ever been a player to start a world cup with so much pressure on him as Maradona started the 82 World Cup. First on the home front; it meant a lot to his government, specially after loosing Falklands to do well in the world cup and hopefully repeat as champions. Second he would be playing his first match against Belgium in Barcelona’s Neu Camp Stadium, the team that had signed him up for the following season. Also by then every defense that played him had created a strategy that for the most part concentrated on stopping only him even if it meant losing a player or two to do it. His game had been studied by coaches throughout the world and they were waiting for him.

Some will say that Pele excelled in the world cup in 58 at the age of 17 but then again let us not forget that Pele was not a starter on that team and only got to play because “Mazola” failed to live up to expectations making it necessary for him to be replaced. Much in the same way Greaves’ poor playing made it necessary for England in 66 to have to put in Hurst. Pele contrary to Maradona at the start of the 58 world cup was not well known, not even in Brazil making expectations of him low specially given his age. Maradona on the other hand had all the pressure one could imagine as those who now hated him and even envied him were looking for any weak game from him while his great games were being seeing as typical. Added to this was the fact that Menotti though a good trainer had a strong weakness and that being his being sentimental over his players, specially those who had won the world cup with him in 78. Four years had passed and players like Ardiles, Bertoni, and Gallego were no longer the same, now slower, less motivated and their style of play too well known. Specially since Menotti’s tactics were the same as they had been in the previous world cup.

Argentina started off with a 0-1 defeat to Belgium but in all frankness it was not Maradona who did not play well but his teammates who could not manage to score. As for Maradona he was surrounded all through out the game by Belgium defenders who followed him where ever he went and despite of this his teammates were unable to take advantage of the free space this allowed them. In looking back I would have to say that Maradona did not play as badly as the critics claimed, even hitting the post off a free kick. The rebound of which Kempes missed despite being only two meters from the Belgium goal.

After this game Maradona played brilliantly against Hungary, the team that had literally destroyed El Salvador 10 to 1. Argentina defeated Hungary by a comfortable 4 to 1 with Maradona not only scoring two goals but showing the form that had earned him so much praise. El Salvador and an easy match would follow in which Argentina could afford to lean back in their win which came in the form of an unimpressive 2-0 victory which was enough to qualify them second in the group and in to the next round where they would play Italy and Brazil.

First match for Argentina in the second round was vs. Italy whom they were favorites to beat. In fact many people expected this group to be decided between Brazil, (impressive winners of their first three games) and Argentina with Italy not having much to say. This given the fact that Italy had not even managed a win in their first three games against Poland, Peru and Cameron and had only quailed due to having scored one more goal than Cameron and not even having a better ratio.

The game started with both teams tying up the mid field in what came to be pretty much a stalemate and Maradona being followed every where by Juventus’s Gentile; whose name in Italian means gentle. It was with foul after foul that Gentile would more or less neutralize Maradona as in reality there was no other way to stop him however regardless of which the referee did over look a few shoves against Maradona. Gentile however was booked with a yellow card though I have no doubt today it would have been a red but those were different days.

In the second half Italy went back on defense and let Argentina attack while Italy played the counter attack; trying to take advantage of the free spaces Argentina’s defenders Passarella and Tarantini were leaving behind. This a tactic that worked as Italy thanks to goals by Tardelli and Cabrini went up 2-0. Maradona then started struggling and even showing frustration that showed as he for the second time in the tournament on a free kick struck the post. Passarella however would pull one back but it would end in a 2-1 defeat for the champs or better yet as far as I was concerned a victory for Italy. Argentina in a group where being first meant going through to the semifinal while being 2nd or 3rd meant elimination had lost their first game, all of which making victory against Brazil imperative as a draw would serve as little consolation.

Brazil however contrary to Argentina had a team that was renewed after the 78 World Cup; them now being younger, more motivated and above all at the top of their game having won their first three games in which they scored 10 goals. This was what Argentina was up against with players who were past their prime like Galvan and Olguin, who even in their prime had not been that good and with a system of play that had become all too studied by opposing managers such as Bertoni’s diagonal attacks in to the box. As for Maradona, he might as well have been playing on another team as he was disconnected from his teammates; who had not really incorporated him in to their tactical system.

Despite these odds Maradona, did not play badly and even came close to getting a penalty and perhaps even should have after being tackled from behind by Junior; however a penalty was not given. Brazil however on this day was inspired and playing up to their full capabilities while Argentina like a team that had accepted that theirs would not be to win two titles back to back. Three would be the total of Brazil’s goals for the day while Maradona would be remembered for his foul that would earn him the only red card I ever saw him get.

After the World Cup in Spain a ton of criticism fell on Maradona, and not to defend him but to perhaps try to make some see that if one looks at his performance during that world cup in which Argentina lost 3 out 5 games, solely for his merits not those of his team. His playing was not so bad. Two goals, two times hitting the woodwork and fouled an enormous amount of times not only by Italy but every team he faced; perhaps with the soul exception of Brazil was what can also can be said about his time in Spain 82 yet some only mentioned how he had not lived up to expectations. Specially Pele, claiming Maradona was a spoilt child who had been over inflated by the media and that he could only fall on the field when touched. Naturally Pele never at a loss for words when putting down anybody specially great players of the day such as he once did with Zico; in the hope of keeping his name in the press specially since his playing days were long gone

Some even claiming that because of his so called “poor performance” in the world cup he might even loose out on his contract with Barcelona though this did not happen as in 1982 he was transferred over to the Catalan giants for about 5 million pounds, a record sum at the time. However his time in Barcelona proved not a good one but for many reasons which in all fairness were neither connected to him or his playing; one of them being a case of hepatitis and a broken leg, thanks to an Athletic Bilbao defender named Goikoetxea. Of course another reason perhaps might have been his relationship with Barcelona’s new coach Menotti; who Maradona had never seen eye to eye with specially after being excluded by him from the 78 World Cup team. In spite of this, Maradona did have his moments which included wining “La Liga”, “Spanish Super Cup” and “La Copa del Rey” in 83. La Copa del Rey coming against Real Madrid. All apart from the 34 goals he scored in two seasons with even many more assists.

Maradona however was not happy in Barcelona. On a personal note I can not see how any great player would be on a team that despite having had most of the note worthy players in history had not even managed to win the European cup (now a days referred to as the Champions League) even once. A transfer was made at the request of Maradona, which came at the end of the 83/84 sending him from “La Liga’s” Barcelona to Seria A’s “SSC Napoli” for another record sum of 6.9 million pounds.

Once an American sports commentator said that the great ones are loved at the beginning of their career, hated in the middle and once again loved at the end. This probably being because at the start they are young and as we see them improve we take enthusiasm as we see them grow in their talent. They naturally are not fully developed and make mistakes along the way but this can be overlooked given their youth and yet when they manage something spectacular this we praise all the more for the reason that we also forgive their faults. Maradona was at that stage of his career and because he was not over 20 was allowed to play for Argentina in the Youth World Cup of 1979 in Japan.

It was the second of such tournaments to be played and Argentina would be present coached by Cesar Luis Menotti, the man who had led Argentina to victory in the previous world cup. All while leaving Maradona out of the squad in the believe that his 17 years of age would not let him deal with the pressure. However that had been the year before and now all was different. Maradona, not only would be on the team; he would even be the star attraction along best chance of winning the trophy.

Maradona shined in this tournament from start to finish and though I did not see any of their games till they reached the semifinal I read about how Argentina won every one of their games. This in no small part due to Maradona who scored four goals of his own while assisting his teammates specially Ramon Angel Diaz, who scored six. Argentina was in the semi-final and it was after this game that I started to fear him specially since he did not play for Italy. Argentina played the semifinal against Uruguay.

The first half of this match was dominated almost in its entirety by Argentina; who spent most of the match in Uruguay’s half of the field but despite this were not able to score. Maradona had made many an incursion through that tight defense of Uruguay only to be stopped usually by a foul which today would have meant almost an automatic red card for the player but in those days only meant a warning and rarely a yellow card. In one occasion I even recall a Uruguayan player brutally pulling Maradona down from behind by his shirt.

The second half would see Uruguay go forward more and even play slightly better though this did mean more space in the back for Maradona; who took advantage in creating more opportunities not only for Diaz who scored at the 52 minute mark but himself. Maradona scoring at the 74 minute mark what could be considered the one that put the game out of Uruguay’s reach, who despite their famous “Garra Charruga” were not really going to bounce back.

Next was the final and the Soviet Union and I must confess as I watched the game at my sister’s house I would have preferred to see the Soviets take it but this was not the case. The first half ended with a blank score but only because the Soviet Union and their goal keeper somehow managed to keep it such. Argentina and Maradona had dominated and should have been wining but what mattered was they were not. I even recall in incident were Maradona passed three players in the mid field. Not that this was rare for him as when he got in to a run with the ball and his short legs plus his short stocky frame; which made it very hard to knock him off the ball but on that occasion the 3rd Soviet player tried to stop him by grabbing on to his arm. It was then that while his arm was being held by this Soviet player Maradona broke his arm free, all while not only not falling down but keeping control of the ball.

The second half started with Ponomarov scoring for the Soviet Union at the 52 minute mark; much to my surprise and even delight as I was rooting for the underdog but this only served to motivate Argentina even more. Argentina went forward at that point with Maradona just about dominating everything, at that moment I saw what all the talk had been about as it seemed he moved at will. With this kind of pressure even a great defense like the Soviet Union was bound to crack as it did when Alves scored on a Maradona assist which came 68 minutes in to the match. With the score now tied Maradona continue controlling the midfield and the game and long it did not take for the lead to come to Argentina; as again Maradona made it possible and though he could have scored he passed it on.

Diaz did the honors 71 minutes in to the match. Argentina was now winning and with the way they were controlling the match almost not allowing the Soviets out of their own half, it was clear to see that there were more chances of Argentina scoring a third goal than the Soviet tying it at two but I still hoped the Soviets would pull it out despite strong pressure from Argentina. Naturally the Soviet’s defense was tenacious but this would not be enough as from a free kick Maradona with 76 minutes gone put the game out of reach and the title in Argentina’s hands.

Maradona had shown the world what he could do, playing not so much as a goal scorer not that he was incapable of scoring but as selfless playmaker. This being due to his incredible vision that allowed him to always stay one jump ahead not only of the defender but the team’s defensive scheme and his lighting instincts of being able to execute a move as fast as it came to mind. This making thought and plays take place at the same time while most had to think first then act.

Maradona’s statistics were good though not outstanding if one considered that he had played six games and scored six goals which was not bad but then again Diaz from his team had scored 8 goals in the same six games. Assists he also had had but there was more to it than just numbers. I once heard Howard Cossell; (American sports broadcaster) say that statistics do not always tell us the whole story and in Maradona’s case nothing could have been more true. During that world cup he had been unstoppable in the midfield, making it that Argentina had dominated every game from the midfield. A supremacy that did not always lead to goals but to danger for the other team.

As for myself I considered him to be almost too good to playing in a youth world cup but then again why shouldn’t he? After all it was a tournament for those under 20 and he was 18 still. I even started to think how it would be if he could be as dominating in the up coming world cup in Spain as he had been in this youth world cup in Japan? Argentina would surely win the world cup was what my mind guided me to think, this naturally being a horrible prospective being that it would have meant them winning two in a row and Italy going since 1938 without a title. Fortunately then Maradona would be playing against stronger and more experienced competition.

This tournament was an important point in Maradona’s career as he was no longer a novelty but one to take in series consideration as perhaps the world’s best in the same category as the greats of that time that included Rummenigge, Keegan, Zico, Platini, Rossi and a few others though none of them in their teens like he was. However with praise also came fear of what he could do on the field, this meaning that from that tournament on every time he stepped on to the field he was literally a marked man! After all, fully exposed his talent had been. This meaning defenses worked harder and many times dirtier just to stop him, very often committing fouls against him that today would give a referee no reason why not to show the red card. In those days the rules of the game being slightly different as tackling from behind was not so much punished as it is now a days.

Life became hard for Maradona at that time, as greatness was expected of him and anything else was considered a bad game for his standards. Clubs also started a bidding war for him in an attempt to make him leave “Argentinos Juniors” (his club at the time) and eventually an offer would come from Spain’s Barcelona for what then was an astronomical 6 million dollars. This was a figure unimaginable at the time but in a strange twist of events a group of Spaniards living in Argentina offered Argentinos Juniors the same amount not to sell Maradona. Barcelona however would not be denied by any such efforts and raised their bid to 12 million making the sum even more amazing. Maradona’s club in this bidding war opted to sell Maradona to Boca Juniors who did not waver to transfer him to Barcelona for the sum already mentioned of 12 million, however this transfer would not take place till after the world cup.

Maradona was now in the middle of his career in spite of not even being out of his teen years and this is when he started to in a sense be hated by some, myself being one of them as his strengths had been exposed all too clearly now it was a question of those who faced him to find his weakness. These however were hard to find but they did exist, first one was that though his left foot was capable of the impossible; his right was average. He though capable of extreme greatness on his day could be even less than average on his off days which fortunately for the rest he did have from time to time. The truth being when he was having his day and doing to the maximum what he and only he was capable, the other team was simply done for. Yes, one could always resort to double or even triple marking, dirty fouls and other such tactics which would keep him at bay for a part of the game but eventually it would be like trying to stop a tornado.

My resentment came mostly that Maradona did not play for Italy though it is often debated weather or not his ancestral roots might have been Italian. His last name not being Italian though it might have been taken from. Many Argentinians after all are of Italian descent but it is unsure weather Maradona is. As a personal note I will say that in all my time in South America I have never heard of anybody other than him having Maradona as a last name. It is during the time after the youth world cup that some started asking is Maradona better than Pele and other greats of the past but I felt perhaps this was a little too early to tell.

After 79 the next two years went by with Maradona not really playing any internationals other than friendlies since Argentina was already qualified for the world cup and a small tournament in Uruguay. It was in this mini tournament that neither Argentina nor Maradona played particularly well in. First beating Germany 2 to 1 and then drawing against Brazil zero zero. In this group that included Germany it was Brazil who would go on to the final by virtue of beating West Germany 4 to 1 and having a better goal ratio than Argentina. The final would be won by Uruguay.

When I first started watching football back in 1977 and the time that led up to the World Cup played in 1978 in Argentina, I apart from becoming a great fan of the sport learnt the basics as to what was the game of football. By the “basics” I mean not just learning what the object of the game was but the rules that included knowing the meaning of words such as off sides, a direct free kick, an indirect free kick, penalty, foul and many others. I however did not limit myself to learning the rules but also the strategies used in the game of football as it was during this time that I saw many a match. World Cup qualifiers, repeats of the 74 World Cup and international friendlies that included teams like Italy (above all), Argentina, Germany, Brazil, Peru, Spain, France, The Netherlands, Poland and many others.

In this which I considered a learning experience I was very careful in observing the differences between how the game of football was played by different countries. Brazil went forward in attack though I was told were going through a period in their football in which they had become more defensive minded than usual. This making me wonder by how many more goals they would have beaten Bolivia, whom they beat 8 to 0 in a qualifier had they been playing with their standard offense orientated football? Argentina looked impressive going in to the world cup beating Poland 2 to 0 in Buenos Aires with their nice South American touches though different than the Brazilians, perhaps with a flair of their own. Italy seemed very defensive minded which I was told by my father had always been their style while they seemed to concentrate more on playing as a team. Germany played a similar system, one of precision passing that did not go for brilliance at any particular moment but was consistent. Naturally with so many players lost to them such as Beckenbaur, Mueller and Breitner they were not really expected to win the world cup in 78 but they would be interesting to watch.

I had noticed that there were differences between the European styles and the South American styles, with the South Americans such as Argentina, Brazil and Peru who would represent South America in the world cup putting more emphasis on technique and ball control and individual playing while their European counter parts were of another mindset. European football was also about technique and speed but in a different manner that perhaps had more power with less finance though this explanation to a large extent is an over simplification. Of course there were teams in Europe such as France which played a system that took from both the South American and the European.

I however in this do not wish those who should read this article to get the impression that when it came to football I limited myself to being a spectator for I also took to this sport as a player. It was in my time in Argentina that I did play the game of football and though it did take me some time to get the hang of the game since I had never even kicked a football till the age of 10. I did eventually learn the basic skills to play the game in a way that was at least passable. However in learning about the game both from playing and watching it; I got the impression that football was a game which for the most part was all about simple yet at times complicated things; such as scoring goals while preventing one’s opponent from doing the same.

Scoring goals for the most part in the games I had seen came either via being at the right place at the right time such as I had seen players like Pele and Muller do an many occasions when the ball came to them at a moment in which they found themselves in the right position in the box with defenders having lost their mark.

Of course many were the methods of scoring; for instance one could kick the ball in from a distance but this basically meant hitting the ball just right. This being with a certain part of one’s foot which struck the ball just were it ought to; making the ball fly in the right direction and with a goal keeper who might have been slightly slow to react or out of place the ball would go in. Naturally there were certain shots which would do the incredible like Nelinho’s goal against Italy in the match for third place in Argentina 78 but for the most part such long distance goals could be blamed on the goal keeper.

I for my part came to think of such goals from long distance, like the one scored by Haan against Italy in Argentina 78 as not so much luck but of the result of taking many shots and having one go in, meaning that just as easily as the ball went one way it could have gone out. If perhaps the ball had been struck on another part or while spinning differently, a ball which just as easily might have gone in; might not have. Naturally there were players who practiced probably all day and would take most of their team’s free kicks and from time to time out of 10 would score one. Making all forget about the ones that did not even come close and such was the case with Platini or today’s Beckham; players who are like the field goal kicker in American football.

Speed was another factor which also led to goals, where a player would simply go around a defender by being faster or by taking advantage of a hole in the defense and being quick enough to be able to get through the gap before the defenders could close. This was the case with Kempes’s 1st and 2nd goals for Argentina against the Netherlands in the 78 World Cup final or Lato’s goal for Poland against Brazil in their match for 3rd place in the 74 World Cup. This basically meaning that it could be done by running fast with few skills required as was the case with Spanish international and Real Madrid striker Gento; who granted was fast but little else.

Passing the ball around in an effort to catch the other team of their guard or a defender who had lost his mark was also another way I had seen scoring could be done. For instance Brazil, Germany and Italy used this tactic of short passes that would try to find the open man though Brazil did it more by waiting for that forward run by one of their speedy mid fielders such as Zico. Italy by relying mostly on the counter attack, and waiting for the opposing team to lose the ball or make a bad pass to strike quickly as was the case with Paolo Rossi’s second goal against Brazil in Spain 82.

Ball controlling was important too, I had noticed but this was limited to one or two moves that would give one an opening for the shot on goal or a simple faint toward one side which the defender would fall for. This giving the attacking player a chance to pass his marker. Ball handling skills (not to be taken literally with one’s hand) or dribbling also meant avoiding defenders and not necessarily taking them on in a way that was astute.

This was how I perceived football or at least it was up until one day after my birthday (on a the day of Richard Wagner’s) in the year 1979. It was on that day in order to celebrate the anniversary of FIFA that a game would be played between the two teams that had reached the final in the last world cup. It would Argentina vs. The Netherlands once more.

It was actually my father who told me to look out for this new sensation in world football whose name was no other than Diego Armando Maradona and though in all truth I saw nothing spectacular from him on that day. Him playing neither particularly well or badly for that matter; I did see him play for the 1st time in a match that would end with a blank score which would be settled in penalty kicks. Maradona converting his spot kick in a shoot out that would need almost 20 penalties from each side before Argentina came out on top. I can not say that I had been overly impressed that day but I did see him play and got an idea of his skills with the ball though not to the full extent which they were.

That summer Argentina would take their newly found talent on a tour of Europe that would see him do wonders though I did not watch any of these matches that included a three goal performance against Austria and their outstanding goal keeper, Koncilia. However before this performance; on the same tour I got a chance to see Maradona playing live in Giant’s Stadium in New Jersey against the New York Cosmos in a game that ended with a 1 to 0 victory for Argentina. Goal being scored by a Daniel Passarella header during the second half which was most fortunate for myself as well as those who were with me as we missed the first half completely due to heavy traffic. Regarding Maradona’s performance that day I can not say much about it other than a few good runs and passes and that it was the first and last time I saw him play live.

I had heard much about Maradona’s greatness but I had yet to see it with my own eyes however it would not take long till I saw him in all his abilities and it came in that summer of 79 when he played against a combined team of stars from the rest of the world.

It was Argentina (who had not lost since their defeat to Italy during the world cup) vs. a team that included the best players the world had to offer at that time such as Tardelli from Italy Nelinho, Zico and Roberto from Brazil, Rummenigge from Germany, Platini from France and many others. This was a game in which Maradona, (only 18 at the time) really showed what he was capable of; outdoing everybody on the field. In the opening half came the first goal I had ever seen Maradona score; a shot he took while standing with his back to the goal and at an angle with Nelinho on him. The ball took a curve in the air and somehow managed to go over the head of Brazilian goal keeper Leo in an amazing shot.

The second half would see Maradona become the whole team of Argentina surpassing those players who had won the world cup the previous year and though he did not score again and Argentina would go on to lose that match there are two plays by Maradona which I will never forget. The first being one in which after having made a move past Tardelli, he was so viciously fouled that the referee would show Tardelli, a red card for his challenge however the play he did that impressed me the most was yet to come.

Argentina was trailing to 2 to 1 when Maradona got the ball in midfield and off he went. It was as if seeing an American football player running through defenders; such was his ball control. Making it seem that those who were the best at the time were standing still, even managing to get around goal keeper Koncilia with the greatest of ease; after which from an angle he shot at the ball and just as the ball was about to go in. What should happen but Nelinho; on the very goal line denying Maradona of what would have been a spectacular goal to rival his effort in against England.

I can say this was the first time I had even been truly impressed by a player and though Argentina, lost not that this meant anything to me personally as I supported and still do only Italy; I had seen what Maradona was capable of. He was capable of more than just scoring goals, not that this meant nothing but sometimes a goal can come because of a penalty and ultimately if a player stays around the box long enough one or two balls are bound to go in the net but Maradona was something else. He had a mastery over the ball that went beyond simply being able to pass his marker thanks to one or two moves or faints.

With Maradona it seemed that he had a whole catalogue of moves that he could apply at any given moment which would almost leave the defender with no choice but to have to foul, which unfortunately for him was what happened most of the time. For instance Garrincha had been a great player but he for the most part limited himself to one move which was a step in one direction which granted was well-timed but nothing more. Maradona on the other hand with all he had at his disposal made it even look unfair.

At the time of writing, ten Bundesliga coaches have been fired and replaced mid-season, with atleast three more already set to leave after the season. Often it’s because of a job poorly done, but it can also be just to bring in a breath of fresh air. To start a clean sheet and give the team new confidence.

I’ve heard the old cliché about the first game of a new coach numerous times while talking to bettors. That the combination of the team being fired up and wanting to prove themselves to the new coach and the team being underrated by the opposition makes the first game with a new coach the ideal time for backing a team.

It’s something I’ve noticed for a while, but haven’t gotten around to checking the accuracy of. This morning, I gathered the complete list of all coaches fired mid-season from the big four (Bundesliga, Premier League, La Liga and Serie A) leagues and checked how the teams did in the first game with the new coach.

Here’s the complete list:

Bundesliga

Wolfsburg
* Steve McLaren -> Pierre Littbarski (7 feb)
* Pierre Littbarski -> Felix Magath (15 mar)

Hamburg
* Armin Veh -> Michael Önning (14 mar)

Stuttgart
* Christian Gross -> Jens Keller (13 oct)
* Jens Keller -> Bruno Labbadia (12 dec)

Köln
* Zvonimir Soldo -> Frank Schäfer (24 oct)

* Schalke 04
* Felix Magath -> Ralf Rangnick (15 mar)

Hoffenheim
* Ralf Rangnick -> Mario Pezzaiouli (1 jan)

Gladbach
* Michael Frontzeck -> Lucien Favre (13 feb)

Premier League

Aston Villa
* Martin O’Neill -> Gerard Houllier (9 sep)

Newcastle
* Chris Houghton -> Alan Pardew (8 dec)

Blackburn
* Sam Allardyce -> Steve Kean (13 dec)

Liverpool
* Roy Hodgson -> Kenny Dalglish (7 jan)

Serie A:

Bologna
* Franco Colombo -> Alberto Malesani (29 aug)

Genoa
* Gian Piero Gasperini -> Davide Ballardini (8 nov)

Brescia
o Guiseppe Iachini -> Mario Beretta (6 dec)
o Mario Beretta -> Guiseppe Iachini (30 jan)
o Inter
o Rafael Benitez – Leonardo (23 dec)
o Catania
o Marco Giampaolo -> Diego Simeone (18 jan)
o Bari
o Giampiero Ventura -> Bortolo Mutti (10 feb)
o Roma
o Claudio Ranieri -> Vincenzo Montanella (20 feb)
o Palermo
o Delio Rossi -> Serse Cosmi (28 feb)
o Sampdoria
o Domenico di Carlo -> Alberto Cavasin (7 mar)

La Liga

Osasuna
o Jose Antonio Camacho -> Jose Luis Medilibar (14 feb)

Racing Santander
o Miguel Angel Portugal -> Marcelino Garcia Toral (7 feb)

Almeria
o Juanma Lillo -> Jose Luis Oltra (nov)

Zaragoza
o Jose Gay -> Javier Aguirre (18 nov)

Malaga
o Jesualdo Ferreira -> Manuel Pellegrini (2 nov)

Sevilla
o Antonio Alvarez -> Gregorio Manzano (30 sep)

There’s one or two instances where the new coach hasn’t had time to play any games yet, as with Eintracht Frankfurt.

There are 29 cases on this list. While that certainly isn’t enough to draw any absolute conclusions from, it should still produce some interesting results. If, in fact, the New Coach Effect is complete nonsense, numbers should reflect that.

But they don’t. Out of these 29 games, thirteen were won by the team with the new coach, six were drawn and ten were lost.

That’s a W/D/L percentage of 44.8%/20.7%/34.5%, or 1.55 league points per game on average. Considering the managerial turmoil and terrible form of pretty much every team on the list and considering that roughly half of the games were played away, taking 1.55 points per game is incredibly impressive.

It’s the equivalent performance of a top quarter table in any of the leagues. To give you a comparison, here’s some teams that has taken less than 1.55 points per game this season:

o Hamburger SV
o Schalke 04
o Liverpool
o Everton
o Sevilla
o Athletico Madrid
o Juventus
o Palermo

Of course variance could be the major cause in these surprising numbers, but I doubt it. But if there was absolutely no truth to the theory, then we really shouldn’t see a team portfolio containing teams like Almeria, Brescia, Blackburn and Borussia Mönchengladbach outperform a portfolio containing Hamburg, Liverpool, Sevilla and Juventus over thirty games.

When Eintracht Frankfurt faces Wolfsburg on March 4, both sides will have a new manager. Even though Felix Magath has actually already completed one game for his new side, I think it’s pretty safe to say that the impression he has left on Wolfsburgs morale won’t wear off quite that easily.

Magath has been described as a “short-term coach”, implying he’s good for whipping an undisciplined, unmotivated team into shape, but in the long term, the relationship strains caused by his totalitarian leadership style makes retaining that morale quite difficult.

In this case, I think Magaths effect on Wolfsburg trumps Christoph Daums effect on Frankfurt. But then again, who am I to question such a seemingly powerful phenomenon?

The game of football is generally regarded as biggest money spinner in the world of sports worldwide with a fan base exceeding more than 5 billion globally. The game which has grown in popularity with the staging of the first World Cup in 1930 has remained a major source of joy and excitement in virtually all homes across Nigeria. The game can however become a source of nightmare to fans and other stakeholders when things are not properly implemented. There are three major factors that will be considered in this article:

Match-fixing
Match-fixing is a process whereby match officials connive with referees to influence the result of a match before it is being played. This negative trend has been reported in China, Brazil, England, Nigeria, Ghana, Italy and France. It is a bug which has eaten so deep into the fabric of football globally.

In the 2009 Nigerian Premier League season, relegation-threatened Zamfara United trashed fellow northern club Kaduna United 9-0 in the most bizarre result ever seen in the Premier League. Coincidentally, it was the last match of the season and the result meant that Zamfara United survived the drop. Allegations of match-fixing were tabled before the Nigeria Football Association, but nothing tangible was done.

Bad officiating
The match officials are the final authority in the game of football globally. They determine the winner or loser of a game via the use of their flags, cards and whistle. The referee as an arbiter is expected to be neutral, honest and fair to both teams involved in a football contest. The contrary is however the case in some matches played across the club, as some match officials have being known to collect bribe to influence matches.

In some cases, dubious penalties are awarded to the favored team in the dying seconds of the match to ensure that the host team wins the match. This attitude has led to serious investigations and violence among fans and players affected. There have been cases where genuine goals are scored and deliberately ruled offside in the full glare of the public.

In one of the 2010 African Champions League matches played in Tunisia, Nigerian striker- Michael Eneramo scored a decisive goal via a blatant hand ball and the goal was allowed to stay. The Ghanaian match officials were later sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football.

Hooliganism
Hooliganism is generally regarded as the bane of modern football, with most countries desperately employing various means to stamp out the monster from the various leagues. The worst football fans in the world incidentally come from England, who are known to be so passionate, but violent whenever their team loses. Italy and Brazil have continually battled with issues of violence with some positive steps taken by FIFA to ensure that violence is completely eliminated from stadium across the world.