Int Football - Maradona watch

Eurosport - Thu, 20 Nov 15:15:00 2008

Diego Maradona was the man to watch at Hampden Park on Wednesday night, although the World Cup winner's performance barely lived up to the hype.

FOOTBALL 2008-2009 International friendlies Argentina Diego Maradona - 0

Ever since he arrived in Scotland, the World Cup winner has entertained the world's media in Glasgow with the kind of photo opportunities and sound-bites that are journalistic manna from heaven.

Of course, Terry Butcher helped in his own, bitter way, but nevertheless, all eyes were firmly focused on the great man as took charge of the Argentina side for the first time against George Burley's Scotland.

So, how did he fare? Well, in the end it was a surprisingly low-key performance, as you can see from our minute-by-minute analysis.

Pre-match: Maradona's motivational skills are employed more overtly in the build-up to the game than during it - as the team bus arrives at Hampden, he stands at the front and conducts his players in a South American drum routine.

Kick-off minus five minutes: Photographers wait patiently for him to appear from the dressing rooms. When he does, the flashbulbs light up the tunnel and a chorus of appreciative chants go up from the Argentine-loving Scots in the crowd (there are many of them).

Kick-off: Television viewers are treated to their first shot of the legendary player in his new role on the bench.

8 minutes: Maxi Rodriguez opens the scoring - the first goal of Maradona's reign - although his celebrations are muted. At least the strike gets him out of his seat.

17 minutes: Appears deep in thought on the bench and there are no signs of any teenage boy-lifting or Butcher-baiting.

20 minutes: His diamond earrings glint in the floodlights, reminding us that there isn't too much difference between managers and players these days.

32 minutes: Looks surprisingly pensive, given that his side have enjoyed by far the better of the game so far.

44 minutes: Expresses his displeasure at a Gary Caldwell challenge on Carlos Tevez, a reaction no doubt mirrored by Alex Ferguson down in Manchester.

45 minutes: Departs to the dressing rooms, looking vaguely pleased with his team's achievements. And so he should.

Half time: Argentina fans are spotted sporting orange wigs and kilts. Scotland fans are spotted sporting Maradona wigs.

54 minutes: This management lark is quite easy isn't it? Maradona watches the game looking entirely relaxed.

59 minutes: Excitement as Tevez goes close to doubling Argentina's advantage.

66 minutes: Adopts a folded arms pose as the game nears its conclusion.

85 minutes: Hauls off Emiliano Papa, who has been subjected to booing from the home crowd all second half. Hugs the youngster as he comes off in a touching fatherly gesture.

Full-time: A final flurry from the best player of his generation as he punches the air and doles out kisses and hugs to every member of his playing and backroom staff. Looks very pleased with the way things have gone in his first match in charge.

Post match: Gives his opposite number Burley a big hug, but there is no sight of Butcher and the big confrontation most people were looking forward to never materialises.

Eurosport

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  1. Sack Burley and the Englishman now!!!!!!!!!!!

    From Sir, on Thu 20 Nov 5:42PM
  2. good one from amando, looking forward to c more of this­ winning.

    From adebiyi, on Thu 20 Nov 3:28PM
  3. scotland are so bad in scotland are not going to the­ world cup if they are playing like that.

    From Sean, on Thu 20 Nov 1:06PM
  4. Argentina rules the Football­ world!!!♥♥♥

    From Vilcho, on Thu 20 Nov 12:34PM
  5. Well said JohnI absolute drivel!

    From GEOFF S, on Thu 20 Nov 12:10PM
  6. who writes this pash

    From budgie66, on Thu 20 Nov 10:56AM
  7. oy muppet read the link ( Maradona's Argentina down­ England) lol u mean SCOTLAND

    From villain 4 life, on Thu 20 Nov 10:03AM
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