Maradona's Argentina Humbled in Bolivia

South America’s Favoured Team Slumps en Route to South Africa 2010

Apr 4, 2009

Shedding tears in the post match conference Argentine football legend and national coach Diego Maradona could not blame the altitude of La Paz for his team's humiliation

While the high altitude debate is one that is raging in South America, Diego Maradona, was wise to steer clear of looking for a natural scapegoat and classified each of Bolivia’s six goals as a “stab in the heart”.

Elsewhere across the region there were a few upsets and some nations should be expressing a concern at their lack of form while others will be gearing up for the final straights beginning in June.

Paraguay Drop Points

Despite still leading the qualifying group Paraguay have stuttered of late in the last two games losing away in Uruguay and drawing away in Ecuador. However they still remain three points clear of their nearest rivals Brazil and look set to qualify for South Africa 2010.

Dunga Out?

How the Brazil coach is still in employment is a wonder to admire as the fearsome Brazilian public demand more of the team and their players. So often these players are lambasted for seeking their fortune overseas and despite their easy dismissal of Peru they truly struggled to make any impression in Ecuador.

Chile Impress

Producing a fine away performance in Lima the Chileans reaped 4 points from a possible six and pulled ahead of Argentina who as aforementioned were humiliated in Bolivia. Despite an easy 4-0 win in Buenos Aires against Venezuela the doubters in Argentina will be sharpening their knives.

Uruguay Make 5th Place Their Own?

It seems curious, but Uruguay have a habit of coming in fifth and going through to a two-legged playoff tournament. In the past their traditional opponent was Australia from the Oceania league but now they will face an opponent from the Concacaf league (Central American Caribbean and North American).

Colombia Out?

Starting brightly under coach Eduardo Lara’s tutelage it appears that this Colombia team might be short on quality. Despite a good home win against Bolivia and then a dreadful loss in Venezuela - renewing Venezuela’s slightly far-fetched dreams of a first world cup finals appearance – they have some tough games ahead in which to pull closer to Uruguay.

Bolivia and Peru Fall…Venezuela?

Bolivia will remember their victory against Argentina forever and this gives them further hope in this qualifying campaign as a few results going their way could see them leapfrog both Ecuador and Colombia. Peru failed to pick up one single point surely signalling the end of the road mathematically for the troubled team. Venezuela will have taken heart from their victory over Colombia and may become a traditional spoiler nation for other better placed nations.

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