[1]The footballing god descended on the Ellis Park Stadium in the flesh, here on Saturday afternoon. He wore a gray suit besides sporting a salt and pepper beard. He was restless on the touchline while his charges were at work in the middle. There was no doubt that centre-stage belonged to Diego Armando Maradona during Argentina’s Group B World Cup match against Nigeria. The iconic Argentinian with a sense of drama was the focus of all at this historic venue in South Africa.
Maradona’s World Cup bow as manager was electric. Even though he stopped playing football nearly 15 years ago, his aura has endured. The game hasn’t found a more popular figure to this day. Right from the time he left the tunnel, he was under the constant gaze of everyone present at the Ellis Park. He didn’t disappoint. Maradona was at his animated best.
He even relegated the match into a side-show with his antics on the sidelines by exhibiting a gamut of emotions. He celebrated his team’s goal like there would be no tomorrow and kept the Saudi Arabian fourth official on his guard with his touchline prowling. On occasions, the eternal rebel demonstrated his touches by scooping the ball for throw-ins with unerring accuracy.
The atmosphere at the stadium was surreal. One wondered whether the match was played at Johannesburg or Buenos Aires. Argentina fans, it appeared, had filled every seat. Every neutral was converted into an Argentinian fan.
Maradona magic endures immaterial of his attire — playing jersey or managerial suit. Even a Messi at the peak of his powers cannot outshine him. Those who were lucky enough to get into the Ellis Park on Saturday have a story to tell their grandchildren.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/sp2jpg-402