Bleacher Report - Articles by Alejandro Muller

Argentina Calls for its hero: Will He Answer the Call?

Alejandro Muller — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:40:46 -0400

A God, a legend, a phenom.

All those words are used on a daily basis to describe Diego Maradona in Argentina. He is the single most beloved sports star in the country. And now, 22 years after lifting the World Cup trophy, "El Diego" has been called upon to guide the national team into South Africa 2010.

So what's the problem? Maybe one too many.

There are brilliant players, great players, even legends, and then there is Maradona, who along with Pele has been at a level throughout the years that has not been matched.

But who says this will make him a good coach? Argentina is desperate because their national team, packed with superstars, has played mediocre football throughout the qualifiers. So they take their God, their idol, their media sweetheart, and put him in a position where possibilities of him failing are frighteningly high.

It's not a bad move, it's not a good move; right now, it's just a move. But with the appointment of Maradona as head coach, the two time world champions are following in the foot steps of their hated neighbour Brazil, who after failing in the World Cup hired living legend and 1994 captain Dunga to guide them.

Dunga and Maradona cannot be compared, but the situations are very alike.

At the time of his hiring, the Brazilian had no coaching experience, he got the job for what he had done as a player. Now the press and the public are begging for a coaching change. Maradona, like his neighbour, gets the job for what he did on the field. It's like appointing the bellboy to run the hotel because he's the best at carrying bags.

It has been proved time and again that what players do on the field has nothing to do with their coaching abilities. Most great coaches either didn't play or were mediocre players at best. Ronald Koeman is another example of a former great player who has gone on to fail as a coach.

In Argentina, everyone adores Maradona. People talk about him like he's not human, like he's untouchable. He's the best and then there's everyone else in Argentines' minds. So why? why put him in a position where it all could come crumbling down in a matter of months?

He should at least have coached Boca Juniors to get a taste of the action from the sidelines. Now, if he doesn't do as a coach what he did as a player, it will be an automatic failure.

Coaches should be role models, and what right will he have to scold a player when he gets caught cheating or doing drugs? Perhaps that is the most important question to ponder.

Kaká and the New Jogo Bonito

Alejandro Muller — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:14:06 -0400

Beautiful. It is the word eternally connected with the sport of football, especially the Brazilian style of the game.

The Jogo Bonito, or Beautiful Game, is what is always expected from the men in yellow, blue, and white. Lately, however, the grace has been fading. The game has become all about effectiveness, speed, and power.

Even Brazilian coach Dunga has turned his back on those great Brazilian teams of 1970, 1982, 1994, and 2002 by turning his squad into a counter-attacking, speed-oriented machine.

But then there is Kaka. His game, like his appearance, is different from that of other great Brazilians who have come and gone. His footwork is not as flashy, his attitude is more calm, and his lifestyle is not that of a famous superstar. All these reasons and some other are why Kaka, and only Kaka, can bring back the Jogo Bonito.

Kaka's game is effective. His talent and grace are undeniable, and his vision on the field is unbelievable, but his game remains mostly effective Pele had beautiful footwork, outstanding vision and flashy moves. Ronaldinho, Robinho, and Ronaldo have always had games that call out for attention. Flip Flaps, bicycle moves, and step-overs have made them the most popular.

When one watches Kaka, there is the amazing ball control, but very little flashy stuff. His objective remains to play the game the right way and score goals, a style of play that, while beautiful, adapts much better to today's game than the more attention-seeking, paused game other Brazilians play.

That is why Kaka has a responsibility, the weight of a country, the history of a sport, and the life or death of the style that made football what it is.

The Jogo Bonito as we once knew it is gone, that paused game in which the ball went through one man who controlled the midfield and handled the tempo at his own pace. The middle of the field is a transition area now. The game is played in the boxes and on the wings.

What Kaka does is make that style beautiful.

His calm, easy style makes tremendous speed look like slow motion replay, and his ball-handling is so simple, you just know he's better than anyone else. Kaka has and will continue to demonstrate that the Jogo Bonito is not a style, it is how a player can adapt to a strategy or concept and make it beautiful.

It is when a player makes the game different, when sport becomes art.

The Five Best Football Rivalries

Alejandro Muller — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:56:12 -0400

Rivalries can be measured in so many different ways.

The most intense, the oldest, the most newsworthy. Then there are those that gather people from all over the world and take the beautiful game to a different level, a stratosphere not known to most players.

These are games that take the best players in the world, and two fanbases that hate each other since the beginning of football. There might be more intense rivalries or fans who dislike one another more, but none display the game at its best like these five.

5. Boca Juniors v. River Plate

The Superclásico is the most famous rivalry in the Americas and one of the most talked about worldwide. In their history, these two Argentine teams have played 320 matches, with 116 going to Boca, 104 to River, and 100 draws.

The entire country focuses on the match a week before it happens. The two most successful teams, both from the capital, battle not only for football pride, but for public and city dominance.

It is a rivalry that transcends the game, a battle between the wealthy and the lower class. One blue and yellow team founded by construction workers in the Boca neighborhood, versus a squad nicknamed "The millionaires".

It is a rivalry that has had names like Maradona, Riquelme, Aimar, Saviola, Francescoli, and Batistuta, among others. Definitely one worth seeing.

4. Celtic v. Rangers

The Old Firm derby is perhaps the rivalry with the lowest quality of football on this list currently, but it is a battle that never dies and maybe the one that most transcends football in the world.

The game has been played since 1888, and it pins Rangers' Protestant fans against Celtic's Catholic supporters. The hatred between these two Scottish sides is so intense that in 120 years of history, only five players have moved from one to the other.

In this more than century old rivalry, 381 matches have been disputed, with 152 wins for Rangers, 137 for Celtic, and 92 draws.

The two Glasgow representatives are also by far the two most successful teams in Scottish football, with 51 league titles for Rangers (most in the world), and 42 for Celtic (second most in the world). Watch at your own risk.

3. Manchester United v. Liverpool

Talent, trophies, and outright hatred are all ever so present in England's most famous rivalry, as both teams claim to be the best in their country.

Currently, Liverpool owns 58 total titles, while Manchester United holds 53. However, United has been more successful in the past 20 years, and in 2008 were crowned European champion and Premier League champion.

The hatred between fans has always been there. But the most captivating thing about this English battle is the talent both these teams have every year. They are always among the wealthiest clubs in the world and have great superstars year in and year out.

The two greatest teams in Great Britain are never happy with just one title. They have the obligation of going after the F.A. Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the domestic tournament every single year. Currently, Liverpool has 5 European Cup trophies and Manchester United has 3, including two in the last 9 years.

It is a rivalry made famous worldwide by the overwhelming talent of the players who perform in it since 1895.

2. Internazionale Milano v. A.C Milan

The Derby della Madonnina is one that combines factors from all the rivalries mentioned before. It is local, it has some of the most talented players in the world, and it goes beyond football and into social issues.

The battle began in 1908, when a dispute over signing foreign players led to a breakup of the Milan Cricket and Football Club, and Inter was born.

A.C. Milan was left from the old Cricket and Football Club and it became the team of the working class and immigrants. Inter, meanwhile, became Milan's team. The two have played 269 times, with Milan winning 106 times, and Inter coming away victorious on 91 occasions. 72 matches have ended in draws.

The two representatives of Milan are among the most successful in the world when it comes to titles, with A.C Milan winning seven European titles and Inter winning two. Domestically, Inter has won 16 leagues and five cups, while Milan has 17 league trophies and also five cups.

Currently, these two sides have some of the most talented players on the planet, including Kaka, Ronaldinho, Clarence Seedorf, Paolo Maldini, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Adriano, Luis Figo, and Patrick Vieira, among others.

1. Real Madrid v. Barcelona

It has been said that this is the only football game besides the World Cup final that can paralize the entire world. It is the closest a club rivalry can come to an international battle. One team representing the capital. Another, playing the role of the outcast, the rebel who wants his independence.

These two are by far the most successful teams in the Spanish League, one of the most popular in the world. Real Madrid is the most successful team in the world and was named team of the 20th century by FIFA. Their nine European Cups are a record, and their 31 league titles are third all-time behind Rangers and Celtic.

They also own 17 cup titles, and eight supercopas. Barcelona, on the other hand, has 18 league titles, 24 cup titles and two European titles, far more than any other Spanish team not named Real Madrid.

But why is it the best? To begin, the players who have come through Madrid and Barcelona are among the greatest of all time. Maradona, Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo, Ronaldinho, Messi, Robinho, Raul, Beckham, Makelele, Di Stefano, Puyol, Romario, Stoichkov, Cruyff, and Cannavaro are only some of the great names who have played for one team or the other, and sometimes for both.

It is also the most popular worldwide. The entire planet knows when it is played and the ones who have the chance, are always at the stadium or in front of the TV watching. And besides that, it has two of the largest fanbases who also happen to hate each other as much as any two groups of supporters in the world.

That is why the game is simply known as El Clásico.

Playoffs 2008: Potential Perfection

Alejandro Muller — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:21:28 -0400

As the 2008 baseball postseason begins, I find myself once again wondering what surprises and curses October is ready to throw at all fans this year. This season seems different. New things could happen and the baseball world could end up being shaken to its very core when it's all over. It could end up being something baseball fans, especially ones from Chicago, will see once in their lifetimes.

What would be the perfect ending for baseball? The Devil Rays rising up from oblivion, where they have been since they were formed? The Cubs finally killing off that billy-goat and never having to be called "lovable losers" again? Or the Red Sox repeating and becoming the new dynasty of the decade?

The truth is any of these would be fitting for a season that has just been different, it has been magical. It's a year in which for the first time in 102 years, both Chicago teams are in the playoffs. It's also the first season since 1993 where New York has no representations. The Devil Rays are playing in October for the first time ever and the Brewers will play fall ball for the first time in lots of baseball fans' lifetimes (26 years).

But if it's truly magical, and if it will go down as one of the greatest post-seasons of all time, this is how it has to play out.

It's Game Seven, the Cubs and Red Sox have battled it out for six very tight games. Chicago's pitchers are worn out from their seven-game series with eternal rival Milwaukee, and Kerry Wood is on the mound with a one run lead.

The Red Sox have battled through the American League, getting by the Angels in four games and needing six to beat the other Chicago team in the ALCS. It all comes down to this. A curse could be broken or a dynasty could be established.

Five minutes have now passed. People scream, hug, and laugh, while others just stand there speechless, wondering what could have been. Kerry Wood is still standing on the mound, wondering how he could have thrown that pitch differently. "Big Papi" rounds the bases after his two-run homer, and out of nowhere, a damn billy-goat begins chasing Ortiz around the bases.

Fenway Park explodes in joy, Chicago's lights go out once again, and the 100th championship-less season is complete. How about that for a World Series?

From Greats to Greats: How F1 Has Gone 360 Degrees

Alejandro Muller — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:04:14 -0400

I've been watching Formula One since I can remember. I am 22-years-old and I can still remember May 1st, 1994. I was eight and I don't think I have ever cried so hard in my life. That was the day I never thought would come, the day my immortal hero was gone, the day Ayrton Senna left this world.

With Senna's death, the F1 world seemed to have a black hole that couldn't be filled. Michael Schumacher burst into the scene that same year and took the next two championships, but then came an era of non-spectacular, non-charismatic champions like Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, and Mika Hakkinen. Finally, in 2000, we saw Schumi back on top and in 2001 came a driver who looked like he could have some legendary battles with the German, Juan Pablo Montoya.

However, the Ferrari was unbeatable for four years and the seasons were boring, and the greatest racing series in the world turned into a never-ending red parade. So in came Fernando Alonso and a Renault team that for two years was king. There was a clear changing of the guard once again. Alonso was bold, brash, and daring, but still, something was missing. I missed the old two or three team battles, the pure dislike felt by Senna towards Prost, and the great abundance of talent from the 80's and 90's.

And suddenly in 2007, it began to happen.

Ferrari had two drivers at a similar level, McLaren had two teammates who despised each other, and the bitterness translated beautifully on the track. It didn't matter whether you were an Alonso fan or a Hamilton fan, you had to love their battles and their Senna-Prost like hatred for one another. In some strange way it was also a perfect ending—Hamilton and Alonso winding up empty-handed, in part due to their struggles against each other, and Raikkonen strolling in, taking the title in the final race.

F1 was back to what it once was, people were bickering and fighting, but most importantly, the talent was incredible on both the dominant teams.

Could 2008 get any better? It turns out it could. Just add a third dominant team, take Alonso back to the squad that brought him success, and mix in a 21-year-old driver with so much talent who could bring the team that used to be perennial losers, Minardi, their first ever win in Formula One.

14 years have passed since the light when out on Ayrton Senna's spectacular life. His talent, along with Prost's retirement in 1993, left Formula One with only sadness and yearning for the times when three, four, and even five drivers battled for championships. Now, the overwhelming talent is back. The charismatic, loved, and hated drivers are out in force and we better brace ourselves for some more years of dramatic, controversy-filled finishes just like when Senna ruled the racing world.

Let's just hope Sebastian Vettel gets into a good car and steps up to the fight as well.

Davis Cup Final: A Battle of Surfaces

Alejandro Muller — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:05:32 -0400

Although the Davis Cup is still almost three months away, Argentina is already facing a dilemma; where do you play the final? The South Americans will host Spain in December, and could choose clay, grass, or hard courts.

So what surface should they choose? The answer might be surprising.

It is undeniable that Argentina has a very talented team with David Nalbandian, a perennial top ten, and Juan Martin del Potro, whom nobody could stop for large part of the summer.

They will probably complete their squad with Agustin Calleri and Jose Acasuso, who have made a solid doubles team. Another undeniable fact is that Argentines are known to be at their best on clay, and their time to shine is usually during Roland Garros and the clay court season.

However, to win this Davis Cup, Argentina will have to go against everything they have always known and dominated, and choose a surface that is not their favorite.

Why? Well, simply because Spain is too good on clay.

Nobody ever wants to play Nadal on this surface, and David Ferrer is arguably the second best player on it. If Argentina chooses a clay court, it will be like getting to pick a surface to play Federer and picking Arthur Ashe Stadium; they will practically give Nadal his two points.

Hard court gives the hosts the best advantage. Del Potro showed his amazing skills by winning everything but the US Open during the summer, and Nalbandian has been to the Australian Open and US Open semis.

Meanwhile, Nadal has also shown he is hard to beat on hard court, but Nadal is hard to beat anywhere even if he plays on one leg with his eyes closed. He has, however, proven to be a bit more vulnerable on hard court, with a record of no Grand Slams at the Aussie or Flushing Meadows.

Ferrer, on the other hand, is very solid on the faster hard court, but has never shown the consistency he shows every time he steps onto a clay court.

Some say grass could be a choice, but why play the Wimbledon champ on grass? It would be almost as dangerous as playing him on clay, and Argentina's players don't have a history of doing too well on this surface. It will be hard for Argentina, even being the host.

Spain currently has the most talented and the deadliest one-two punch, and will fight until the end on any court. I just say, instead of giving them the comfort or their favorite surface, make them feel like visitors, even if the host isn't too comfortable either.

Five Reasons Why Lio Messi is Better than Cristiano Ronaldo

Alejandro Muller — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:47:40 -0400

With all the hype about the biggest football transaction of the year that never materialized, and United's Champion's League title, many people have put Lionel Messi on a second level and Cristiano Ronaldo on the throne by himself.

True, Ronaldo won both the European Cup and the Premier League title convincingly while Barcelona ended the year with only disappointment, but that doesn't change the fact that Messi is just a better player than Ronaldo.

Here are five convincing reasons why:

1) Messi is and has always been more of a team player than the Portuguese star. Ronaldo has received heat about his selfish play and while it is true that Diego Maradona called Messi a bit selfish in the last few weeks, the Argentinian does not reach the ridiculous levels Ronaldo can sometimes achieve.

2) Age at this point in the two superstars' careers is a very underrated factor. Messi is two years younger than Ronaldo. Usually this is not a considerable difference, but compare Ronaldo from two years ago to today, and you will definitely see a difference. Additionally, the maturity level of a 21-year-old player to a 23-year-old is significant. For proof of this look at Ronaldinho, who didn't really reach his peak until he was about 25.

3) To most fans the integrity of the game is a big topic. Diving always takes away from the honesty and beauty of football, and unfortunately, Cristiano Ronaldo has perfected the art of diving as much as Olympic gold medalist Matthew Mitcham. Messi, on the other hand, is a warrior. His small frame seems easy to take down. However, it appears like he always runs between someone's legs or stays on his knees to keep a play going instead of splashing onto what some dream to be a huge green swimming pool.

Another point for the Argentine.

4) Success with the national team is always key, especially when one speaks of Argentina or Portugal, and this is where Messi has the largest advantage. At only 21, the South American prodigy has won an U-20 World Cup, an Olympic gold medal, and has reached a Copa America final. Ronaldo, at 23, has been to one Euro final as the host, and that was four years ago, when Figo was still king in Portugal. It just always seems like Ronaldo ends up owing Portuguese fans a little more, while Messi, at his very young age, has given them plenty to gloat about.

5) Attitude is the single most important attribute in sports. Messi has it all. The way he takes punishment and keeps going and his never-say-die mentality are admirable. You will never see Lionel Messi on the ground unless really injured, or with his head down before the end of a game, or even jogging if there is any remote chance of getting to a ball that's seemingly unreachable. Now take a look at Ronaldo. While his talent and potential are unreal, we see images too often of him crying, arguing, or just throwing tantrums that take away from his abilities and his team's chemistry.

Diving and attitude go hand in hand, which is why it is normal to see Ronaldo on the floor for several minutes, and almost impossible to see Messi in the same situation.

All in all, I think Messi deserves to be put at a higher level than Ronaldo.

He's just a better player.

The Queenless Era Of Tennis

Alejandro Muller — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:55:24 -0400

In an era of men's tennis where we have gotten used to seeing the same name on top week after week, and changes are as rare as a Rafael Nadal loss on clay, the women's top spot is as volatile as Andy Roddick's game ever since Federer got in his head.

With the retirement of Justine Henin in May, the women's tour has seen four different number ones, and the longest stay at the spot of honor has been nine weeks. Why is this happening? Who is going to take over? Answers are ahead.

Let's rewind five years. Andy Roddick ends 2003 as the number one player in the world and loses the spot to Roger Federer on Feb. 1. Enough said.

But if we take a closer look at 2003, from April to November, we see four different number ones, and absolutely no stability or domination in the men's game. The reason? Greatness only comes once in a while.

2003 was a transition year for the men after a two-year monopoly by Leyton Hewitt, and a complete domination by Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi in the '90s.

And now has come time for the women to transition into a new era. Serena's time at the top came to an end, and then Justine Henin retired unexpectedly, leaving the top spot in women's tennis up for grabs.

Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova have all had a taste, but none has kept a strong enough hold. And the biggest problem is that Henin didn't hand the torch to, say, a Rafael Nadal, she just threw it up and no one was there to catch it.

So who will light it up and take it into the next decade? Which of these four women will step up and get a chokehold on the coveted spot? Probably none of them.

You see, in 2003, the four number one ranked players were: Andre Agassi (on his way out), Juan Carlos Ferrero (clay-courter), Leyton Hewitt (had already completed his long run), and Andy Roddick (not consistent or mentally stable enough).

None of them were named Roger Federer, and all of them had to stand back and watch the Fed-express pass by in 2004.

As for these women, Serena Williams already had a great run, Jelena Jankovic is too volatile, Maria Sharapova has injury and consistency problems, and Ana Ivanovic is probably the most inconsistent of the four.

So get ready, wait and watch closely, because when we least expect it, the next great one will blindside us and make us forget about the transition era of 2008.