Maradona sounds like Cappello in that respect. Although being English it would be hard to say Maradona is good :p
As for Germany, the way i look at it is its better to lose against the team that wins than one that doesn't. Plus Germany play as a team, they are like a well oiled machine with no ego's unlike the English team.

That's the main Argentina/Maradona's problem, his big ego! He "made up" that defense line, it was a joke from start. And I know I said Messi didn't show up but now that I think about it in a less passionate way, he never had any help from the rest of players. I am sure the press over there in Argentina are ripping Maradona to pieces because of his stubbornness.

And now another long 4 years till the next Cup. :(

Just out of curiosity, what were your thoughts on him leaving out Cambiasso and Zanetti? I personally think Cambiasso and Zanetti's experience at international level may have given your defence a lot more protection than the attack-minded players you have in their stead.

I don't follow the team closely enough to comment on Maradona's coaching abilities but he was always great fun to watch during this tournament and he seemed to instil a really positive vibe amongst his players. They seem a close-knit group - unlike England's "team" of individuals.

I reckon Germany will take some stopping at this rate but they are playing some awesome football combined with great managerial tactics so if they do win it, they will fully deserve it. :)

Leaving particularly Zanetti out of the team is probably the first criticism he will get. Zanetti has always performed really well in the national team in previous cups and matches and was a total surprise when he left out, especially after the amazing season he had at Inter. Cambiasso could have played really close to Mascherano and probably been something really good. I understand he wanted to give a chance to the guys playing domestically but in a match like yesterday I am not sure it worked.

Yes you are right. Maradona has a very close relationship with the players, because of his personality and I assume that's why they chose him as a coach. Players would see him as an inspiration/model etc. In a way it is positive but he does not have the experience others coaches do and he has been really stubborn with some decisions like having Jonas Gutierrez in a totally different position. Yes he gave "freedom" to Messi to play wherever he wanted/as he wanted but the rest of the team didn't accompany him and he didn't shine as in Barsa. I may not be an expert but I'd say the main reason we were beaten that way was the defense, not making the right changes (like putting Milito, what a waste having him in the bench!), and so on. We just lacked so many things yesterday. I never really thought we could win but after the 2nd match, I just thought there was a hope.

Btw, these days I don't follow the Argentinian domestic league as we used to apart from reading the news everyday and watching an odd match on tv etc. I prefer the Premier league, Portuguese and Spanish ones that's why I can't comment on some of the players like Otamendi or Pastore.

It's time you started to watch the Bundesliga :D

Actually, just wanted to say that there's 10 Bayern Munich players in the semi-finals of the world cup. And I think there will be 10 in the final too.

Lahm (Captain Germany)
Schweinsteiger
Mueller
Klose
Badstuber
Kroos
Butt

******
Van Bommel (Captain Netherlands)
Robben
Braafheid

What a year for Bayern. Yet lost the CL final. Stil!

Van Bommel isn't captain of Holland, but nevertheless here's for going to the final for first time since 1978, he's for another Germany-Holland final since 1974 and here's for payback for that final and therefor for Holland winning it all at last :)

He is when Van Bronckhorst doesn't play. Sorry bout that. What a goal he scored though. Unbelievable.

And I agree with you. Its high time Holland gets its first star. They deserve it more than any other team!

What a big mistake by Stekelenburg, unbelievable :(.

well done the Dutchies! Well done!

I really enjoyed watching the match today, I am sorry for Uruguay as it is a lovely country with some of the kindest people I ever met.

Now I hope Spain wins. :)