2010 FIFA World Cup: Maradona Passes First Test With Flying Colors

All week, speculation and excitement grew in the run up to Argentina and Diego Armando Maradona's debut in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

There were certainly those who wanted, and even some that expected a melt down. After a hectic qualifying campaign that included a 6-1 loss to Bolivia, it was anyone's guess as to how Maradona's men would play, but after watching this match there is no doubt that Argentina is a candidate and Maradona has more of a say than many may believe.

For years, Argentine's have debated over how to get the best out of Lionel Messi. Although Barcelona had a good run in the Copa America under Alfio Basile in 2007, today was Messi's best match for Argentina. 

With the world watching, the Barcelona striker was unplayable at times, and had it not been for an out-of-this-world performance from Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama (who called it “the best performance of my life”), Messi could easily have netted a goal four times.

Maradona surrounded Messi with a wealth of attacking talent, and although his teammates were not quite up to La Pulga’s level, there are signs that this team can grow.

As a Madrid sports paper Marca put it, “Messi has sent a warning that this could be his World Cup.”

Although the Olympic Gold Medalist from 2008 will be frustrated by not having found the net, but he will take solace from the fact that Maradona did not score until Argentina’s second game in 1986, while Mario Kempes, the Golden Boot winner from 1978, did not find a goal until the fourth match.

Few teams that win the World Cup are tops in the group stage, something the Dutch and Spanish know far too much about, as the winner normally rises to the occasion deeper in the tournament.

In 1998 and 2006, Argentina fell into such a trap, as La Seleccion peaked a bit too early and was ousted in the quarterfinals. Argentina now look like a team poisd to grow throughout the tournament.

Maradona may have taken a risk by employing Jonas Gutierrez out of position, but for El Diez , it was a calculated one. He felt that the Nigerians did not have the quality to break down the Argentine defense, and although they threatened and Jonas was a bit shaky, Maradona knew the first game was the time to experiment.

During the knockout rounds against more dangerous sides, there is little doubt that Nicolas Burdisso of Roma, who was Argentina’s rightback during Germany 2006, will return to occupy the right side of the defense.

Maradona must also be given credit for the team unity and spirit on display. While other teams considered favorites such as England and France looked shockingly poor from the midfielders to the forwards, with almost no link-up play or imagination, Maradona had all of his big guns, Angel Di Maria aside, involved in the attack.

The press outside of Argentina may have no faith in Maradona, but there is no doubt that his players are completely behind their boss.

Perhaps nothing demonstrated this more than Gabriel Heinze’s goal, a set play right out of the training ground. El Gringo sprinted to the bench to celebrate with Maradona and assistant Hector Enrique in homage to the play the technical staff had drawn up during the week.

Later in the match, Argentina executed another tricky set play off of a short corner when Messi fed Javier Mascherano who found Messi’s brilliant run with a delicate through ball, only to for the Rosario native’s shot again be thwarted by Man of the Match, Enyeama.

Maradona was also able to make the substitutions needed to kill of the match. Maxi Rodriguez replaced Veron, and the Liverpool player had a clear penalty turned down, while Diego Milito came on for Higauin to put Messi through on goal before Enyeama denied him with another fine stop.

With six minutes to go, Maradona inserted Burdisso to shore up the defense in the dying minutes to secure the three points.

There is no doubt that Argentina’s defense will need work before Argentina takes the pitch next week against South Korea at Soccer City, but Maradona will likely protect his backline more against a more polished and disciplined opposition.

It is also worth pointing out that Maradona’s men had not played a match since May 24 against Canada, while the likes of Messi, Martin Demichelis, Walter Samuel, and Milito, who were not risked for that match, have had an even longer lay off.

There is no doubt there were some cobwebs in the first match, but that was to be expected after 18 days without a real game.

For Maradona, some first match kinks and rustiness were worth not risking his side in a friendly, especially after seeing the likes of Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben, and Andres Iniesta all suffer injuries in friendly matches in the week before kick off.

Maradona has now passed his first test, but there are six more to come. Only time will tell how El Pibe de Oro and his team progress throughout South Africa, but there is no doubt that this team will improve over the next month.