Why Maradona is the coach of the moment:

    I must admit, like many skeptics, I had my doubts Diego Maradona could discipline an Argentinian squad that relies so much on strokes of genius from a few key players. But after a shaky start against Nigeria, Argentina systematically unlocked the typically Asian South Korean defense with patience and grace on Thursday. They played the kind of football that makes one’s heart race, the kind that teams like Japan and Switzerland have completely forsaken under the guidance of overly tactical coaches.

    Maradona’s vision harks back to 1986, when the numbers 9, 10 and 11 had true meaning. Messi’s number 10 was Maradona’s number 10, and meant the kind of imaginative attacking player that in the same championship could score 5 goals and create 5 others for his teammates. Sure, Maradona was a bit of a cheat, and had the ego and temper to boot. But he played football like it is meant to be played: with joy, with excitement, and going for the goal. That is what Maradona is trying to get his team to play. Just watch the look of wonder on 22-year old Higuain’s face as he scored his third goal of the evening. He does not see much of that at Real Madrid nowadays. I for one am looking forward to watch Argentina’s next few matches. As usual, Corona Ave. was the place to be, with quite a few Argentinian fans populating a cozy bakery that opened early for the occasion. Thanks, Cristi, for the empanada and the company.

    Back to Maradona’s vision though, it seems to me we are witnessing a World Cup in which teams have come to regard goalless draws as good results. And that’s hurting the spectacle. Capello’s England couldn’t score against Algeria despite having someone like Wayne Rooney on the team. In this morning’s frustrating game against foolproof Japan, it took Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk 70 minutes to do away with soulless van der Vaart and trust players that have the youth and energy to always find the box. Together with 300 other Dutch fans back at Tonic, I was left wondering what if Eljero Elia or Ibrahim Affelay would have played from the first minute. Still, I am hoping for a more open game from Brazil and Ivory Coast tomorrow.

    And now for the round-up: the French all over Twitter are demanding that Raymond Domenech be guillotined before he makes another squad selection based on astrology. Even his own players want him out. With Ghana drawing against Australia and Cameroon slipping 2-1 against Denmark today, maybe some tactics are actually in order for African teams. Check out Josh’s wonderful write-up of the travesty of a match that USA – Slovenia was. And enjoy some pasta, courtesy of a not-so-happy German team who lost against Serbia yesterday. Told you Australia doesn’t count.  

    Excited for Columbia’s summer league starting tomorrow, and I never thought I’d play street soccer in New York. Last but not least, my friend Ian wins the competition for the brightest orange Dutch fan.

    Tune back for more tomorrow! Vamos Argentina, viva Mexico!