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South American Dispatch: Maradona Battles On Through The Ban

Goal.com’s Tim Sturtridge reports on the latest Argentina squad, a Brazilian’s warm words for Maradona and Adriano focused on triumph...

Nov 27, 2009 8:30:00 AM

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Despite being banned by FIFA, Diego Maradona has announced his Argentina squad for next month’s friendly game with Catalonia.

Maradona’s Argentina will face Johan Cruyff’s Catalonia on December 22 at Camp Nou, as he continues to make preparations ahead of their trip to the World Cup finals.

In the recent friendly match with Spain, Maradona did not include any players based in Argentina but with this game coming at the end of the Apertura season, he has called on five home based players for the encounter.

Maradona’s fabulous five in the experimental squad are Colón goalkeeper Diego Pozo, defenders Nicolás Otamendi of Vélez and Cristian Alvarez of Arsenal, midfield general Mario Bolatti of Huracán and striker Martin Palermo of Boca.

Under the terms of the ban, it is understood that Maradona will be able to talk to his players in the dressing room before the game and at half time. He will not, however, be permitted to pace the technical area alongside Cruyff.

Argentina’s squad in full for the game against Catalonia on 22nd December...

Goalkeepers: Diego Pozo (Colón) y Mariano Andújar (Catania)

Defenders: Nicolás Pareja (Espanyol), Martín Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Nicolás Otamendi (Vélez), Cristian Ansaldi (Rubin Kazan) y Cristian Alvarez (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodríguez (Atlético Madrid), Jesús Dátolo (Nápoli), Angel Di María (Benfica), Pablo Aimar (Benfica), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool) y Mario Bolatti (Huracán).

Forwards: Gonzalo Higuaín (Real Madrid), Sergio Agüero (Atlético Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Martín Palermo (Boca) y Ezequiel Lavezzi (Nápoli).

Maradona gets good service from former strike partner

Diego Maradona has received support from an old friend and team mate from his Napoli days, the former Brazil striker Careca.

The Brazilian hit out at FIFA and said it was very petty of the governing body to ban Maradona from the 2010 World Cup group draw in Cape Town.

“Its like FIFA have nothing better to do with their time,” said the Scudetto winner.

“FIFA should be worrying about more serious problems. Maradona is the greatest idol in Argentina and managed to get his team to the World Cup under severe pressure.”

Careca stopped short of defending his former strike partner’s outburst at the press conference in the wake of Argentina’s win over Uruguay but questioned the punishment Maradona received.

“At the press conference he got carried away but I do not agree with this type of punishment,” Careca added.

“The thing is, from what I know of Maradona, the ban will not bother him at all.”

Cacera, undoubtedly one of the greatest strikers of the 1980s, warned that Argentina still have a long way to go after their shaky qualification for South Africa.

“Messi can not do it all on his own, neither can Aguero nor Veron,” Cacera said.

“They were in a bad state when Maradona took charge but he gave Argentina fans yet another treat.”

Adriano gunning for Brazilian league title

Despite missing training this week, Adriano is determined to play in Flamengo’s crunch clash away to Corinthians this weekend. Aside from the juicy sub-plot of Adriano versus Ronaldo, this is a must win game for Flamengo.

The side from Rio are just one point adrift of league leaders Sao Paulo as they go into their penultimate game of the season against Corinthians. One permutation will see them hand the title to Sao Paulo this weekend, while another will see them climb to the top of the league going into the season’s final game.

Adriano’s goals have kept his team in the hunt for the title, as well as propelling him to the top of the Brazilian top flight’s scoring charts. The former Inter striker is determined that his team will not give up the title this weekend.

“We can not think about what has not happened yet because we need to stay focused on Sunday’s game,” Adriano said.

“Everyone in our squad knows what our aim for the season has always been and we will keep fighting towards it.”

A few more goals and a league title to his name would be a timely reminding to Dunga of the quality that Adriano clearly still possesses.

“We have to keep calm on the pitch and stay focused on the job in hand,” Adriano added.

“The league will not end for us this Sunday but for this we must do our best against a strong Corinthians side.”

Tim Sturtridge, Goal.com

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