Whistle chaos

The linesmen and referee errors at the world cup are starting to get out of control and killing the beautifull game.

Just thinking f.i. about Argentinian offside goal against Mexico; America's disallowed but fine goal against Slovenia; England's very obvious goal against Germany that the linesman did not call and thus not on the scoreboard; the ridiculous red cards for Brazilian Kaka and Aussie Kewell;.... Just getting ridiculous and out of control.

Something needs to be done...

Messi the magician

96 And still jumping jack flash. South Africa now also holds the world record of the oldest bungy jumper.

Mohr Keet from George jumped of the 216 meter high Bloukrans Bridge, which links the Western and Eastern Cape. Kick that!



Wow wow wow. It was magical. He was magical. That is Argentinian Lionel Messi outgunning the Gunners from London last night. Four goals from the young lad takes Barcelona into the semi finals of the Champions League. Next scalp is Inter Milan.

Messi is only in his early 20s but he has already made sure that the world has forgotten about Ronaldo. With Messi in magical form Argentina can go really far in the upcoming worldcup. And that showpiece is just about 2 months away only.

God's hand on our soil

SA227 from Buenos Aires will this morning bring Diego Maradona to SA. The cigar-smoking, overweight, loud-mouth coach of Argentina is here to check out his team's home base for the upcoming worldcup. He will also visit some stadiums and hook up with some kids for some "good work".

The 'Hand of God' will apparently avoid all close encounters with any media because he is just back from a suspension after some clashes with journos during Argentina's difficult qualification games for the world cup.

I wonder if besides teaching his players some of his amazing dribbles, he also passes on the knowledge of some of his dirty tricks, of which his 1986 'Hand of God' remains a milestone in football history.

It was 22 June 1986 in the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Quater final of a world cup. It was Argentina against England amidst still emotional warfare over the past Falkland War (aka Malvinas for the Argentinians).

Maradona is at his super-best. His first goal of the match, 51 minutes into the game, he scored with his hand. The 'Hand of God'. Not legal, but unnoticed by the referee and thus not penalised and thus on the scoreboard. I guess France's Henry had a Maradona-moment when he did a handball-pass that lead to France eliminating Ireland late last year in the qualifiers for 2010. Anyway. 3 Minutes later Maradona dribbles 6 English players to score his second goal. Final score 2-1. Argentina goes on to beat (West) Germany in the final and grab the 1986 world cup.