Maradona's Boys Digs Their Own Grave

On a night when European Champions Spain and England booked their place in next year's; Argentina added more worries to their cause by losing against Paraguay. A well below par Argentina went down to a solitary goal against Paraguay; this victory sealed Paraguay's place in South Africa. Argentina lies in fifth place with 22 points. They are out of the automatic qualifying spot and looks utterly dis-organised in their last three matches. Meanwhile Dani Alves started in Brazil's 4-2 destruction of Chile. Nilmar scored a wonderful hat-trick and Baptista added a fourth. Meanwhile Sweden won their match against Malta with an own goal. Portugal also won their match against Hungary and now lies in the thrid position behind Sweden. Thierry Henry scored in France's 1-1 draw against Serbia, France were reduced to ten men in the match. France lies second in the group with four points behind Serbia.

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Maradona in Deep Trouble; Will Harry Redknapp Take Notice ?

Diego Maradona's term as Argenita's coach ran into deep trouble after his side lost a vital home encounter against arch-rivals Brazil. Brazil defeated Maradona's boy by a score of 3-1 in Rosario. Argentina lies in fourth place at this moment, but Columbia and Ecuador lies just two points behind. Argentina can ill-afford to draw a single of their last three matches now, let alone lose. Argentina's task is made much harder by the fact that they will be travelling to Paraguay and Uruguay for these matches. They will be facing Paraguay on Wednesday and Maradona cannot afford to get his selections wrong there. Messi was the best Argentinian player on the field but was constantly kept under check by a Brazilian defense. Argentinian defense practically looked non-existent and the midfield is struggling in the lack of a creative midfielder. Maradona's only option now looks like using Messi in the midfield to create some moves and having Aguero, Milito and Tevez in the front to finish of those moves. With Heinze in it will be disastrous to use a three man defense. Meanwhile Dani Alves came in as a substiute in the second half.

Spain comfortably won their match against Belgium. Spain put five goals past a hapless Belgium side. Pique, Puyol, Xavi and Busquets all started the game for Spain. Pique scored once while Valencian pair of David Silva and David Villa scored twice to complete the rout. The new Barca boy Zlatan Ibrahmovic scored a vital injury time winner to defeat Hungary at Budapest's Ferenc Puskas stadium. Sweden lies third in the group behind Denmark and Hungary but above Portugal. But the best player of yesterday's qualifier was Giovanni Dos Santos. Dos Santos scored a screamer and created two goals in Mexico 3-0 victory against Costa Rica. Dos Santos has been in great form recently especially in the Gold Cup but is destined to be cast aside by Harry Redknaap for Totenham Hotspur in the bench. Harry Redknaap looks in no mood in using this talented youngster and it is yet to be seen how he will get through these times.

Argentina Humiliated, Spain Marches On; International Results

The second leg of world cup qualification has just gotten over. There were some extremely surprising result. Again I will start with my favourite, Argentina. Argentina equalled their worst ever defeat at the high altitude of Bolivia by a score line of 6-1. Yup, you read that right! It is six goals against one. This is Maradona's first defeat as the national team coach. Maradona's after match comments reveals the extend of dissappointment - "“There are no excuses. They thoroughly beat us and there is nothing else to say except to give credit to Bolivia. Whenever they attacked, they scored. And each goal that they scored was like a dagger through my heart." Bolivia lies 9th in the table and did a world of good to their qualification quest by this victory. This lose coulkd be good for Barca as Messi would be eager to forget that with some sensational performance. With Brazil winning against Peru by 3-0, Argentina now moved to fourth in the table. Dani Alves started in the Brazilian line-up and did provide the assist for Fabiano's and Brazil's second goal. Luis Fabiano struck twice in the first half and another goal from Felipe Melo completed a comfortable victory for Brazil. Martin Caceres' side Uruguay held on to a valuable goalless draw against Chile away from home. Chile lies third in the table while Uruguay lies fifth.

Mexico minus Marquez (who is suspended) lost to Honduras 3-1 away from home. This defeat has raised more questions about their chance of qualification and also on Errickson's future. While in Europe, Spain continued their relentless march with a late victorty againt Turkey. Semih SENTURK put Turkey ahead in the first half but Xabi Alonso equalised just after the hour mark from a spot kick; Riera then grabbed the winner late in the injury time. FC Barcelona players Xavi and Pique started in the line-up, while Busquets made a second half entry. In another match Hleb's Belarus overwhelmed Kazakhstan by 5-1. Kazak's opened the scoring through Renat but Hleb equalised in the 47th minute. After that two goals from Kalachev and one each from Stasevich and Rodionov sealed the match for Belarus. Meanwhile a solitory goal from inform Ribery gave France a valuable victory against Lithuania.

Messi and Pique Star in Victories; International results

The first edition of international break has been partially over. Many of the Barcelona players emerged victorious with two of them scoring crucial goals in their team's victory. Gerard Pique and Lionel Messi scorted in their team's crucial victories. Samuel Eto was the only one whose national side was somehow surprisingly defeated. I will preferrably start with my favourite national side - Argentina. The match against Venezuela at Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti was the official debut of Diego Maradona as Argentinian coach. Maradona handed the honour of wearing the No.10 shirt to Lionel Messi. Argentina went ahead in the 26th minute from a goal from Lionel Messi. Lionel Messi received the ball on the left and placed the ball to Tevez in the middle. Tevez gave the ball back to Messi spotting Messi's run and messi curled a low shot past goal keeper. Tevez scored the second one for Argentina in the 47th minute after great work by Messi on the left. Maxi made it 3-0 in the 51st minute when his volley from a Aguerro cross was deflected into goal. Aguerro completed the score sheet in the 73rd minute with a great goal.

Spain won against Turkey at the Bernebeu courtesy of a Gerard Pique strike in the 60th minute. It was not a classical Spanish performance and it once again shows how crucial is Iniesta in the entire scheme of play. Pique is slowly establishing himself crucial to Spain's fortun3es. France also emerged victorious from a great strike from Frank Ribery. Thierry Henry starteed for the "The Blues" but was nowhere near his Barcelona form. Ribery showed his talent with a great long range strike. eturning back to South American Qualifiers - Martin Caceres team Uruguay emerged vitorious by two goals against Paraguay at home. Goals from Diego FORLAN and Diego LUGANO saw off the Paraguayan challenge. In Africa, Cameroon was defeated by Togo by courtesy of a goal from Emmanuel ADEBAYOR in the 11th minute. Samuel Eto started in the Cameroonian side butcould not prevent his side from going down. Seydou Keita featured in Mali's 1-1 draw against Sudan away from home. Frederic KANOUTE scored for Mali in the 20th minute but sudan equalised in the 24th minute through Tahir.

International Results

This mid week has been a quite one for FC Barcelona, but not for our players. Many are performing their international duties mostly in Europe. Majority of the game in which FC Barcelona players are involved are friendlies, barring the Mexico vs USA match. The first FC Barcelona player to take part in action in the mid week friendlies was Dani Alves. Alves came as a substitute in Brazil's 2-0 victory over Italy at the Emirates Stadium in England. Spain, who is the #1 team according to FIFA did total justification to their ranking witha 2-0 victory over England. This one was the most talked friendly of this week and didn't dissappoint anyone. As expected Spain controlled the game after a small hickup in the begining. The midfield consisting of Xavi and Iniesta never let England take control of the game. David Villa scored the first one after getting past the English central defenders. The second goal came in the second half from Fernando Llorente, who came in for Fernando Torres. Fernando Llorente jumped high to direct a Xavi free kick into goal. Xavi was unarguably the best player on the pitch; but the one on whom all the attention will be pinned after the game would be David Villa. Valencia's financial crisis may force them to sell the Spanish international. Last season noone was ready to meet their asking price. But if he keep on churning out goals like these, there will be more than one suitors for him.

Another high profile match was the clash between Argentina and France at the Marseille. Diego Maradona continued his winning streak as a coach with a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from Jonas Gutierrez and Lionel Messi. The sixty thousand fans gave a warm welcome to the Argentinian coach. May be it's kind of a surprise as the players usually overshadow the coaches, but then this is El Diego. One thing is for sure Lionel Messi and all the budding stars will stay firmly rooted to the ground in the presence of Maradona. In more of an even sided match, France would be unlucky not to have scored. Henry, Anelka all had early chances; but the best French player on the field was once again Frank Ribery. This is one player I would love to see moving to Barca in the summer - FC Barcelona's Summer Traget. He was overshadowed only by Messi who lighted the stadium with his brilliance.

USA hosted Mexico in the FIFA qualifying match which ended half an hour befor. The script went hobbibly wrong for Mexico who lost coutesy of two goals from Bradley. To make matter worse, Barca defender Marquez was sent off in the match for charging onto opposition goal keeper. Another major story in the footballing world has been the appointment of Guus Hiddink as Chelsea interim coach. The Magician Guus Hiddink, will have a tough task especially with handling both Russia and Chelsea, add to it the reported rumours of infighting in the Chelsea team. It is also to be seen what tactics Guus introduces in Chelsea. One thing is for sure that Guus will play the game in the right way.

International Matches - 15 th October

The second leg of this international stopping is almost over. FC barcelona players had a pretty bad night overall. Lionel Messi's Argentina tasted their first defeat of the campaign. Uruguay were held for a 2-2 draw at Bolivia. In Europe it was much better with Spain and Iceland both registering victories. Belarus whose star player and Barca winger Hleb is absent due to injury wend down to England. The surprise result of this leg has to be the 1-0 defeat of Argentina at the hands of Chile. This is Chile's first win over Argentina since 1973 and their first in a FIFA world cup qualifier. This defeat leaves Argentina at third position. They are tied with Chile in points but with a better goal difference. Argentina missed Riquelme due to suspension and couldn't find their free flowing attacking style with the absence of their creative play maker. Fabian Orellana's 36th minute goal was enough to beat the fancied Argentina whose best chances were produced by Lionel Messi.

Uruguay on other hand did well to fight back to win a point from Bolivia. Martin Caceres started for Uruguay. Bolivia went two up by half time with two goals from Marcelo Martins. But the Uruguayans turned around the game in the second half to snatch a point from the host. Carlos Bueno and Sebastian Abreu scored for Uruguay. In Europe Spain continued their excellent run in the campaign. Spain went surprisingly behind in the 7th minute from the goal of Wesley Sonck of Belgium. But Iniesta equalised in the 36th minute and David Villa as usual grabbed the winner in the 88th minute. Gudjonsen's Iceland also helped themselves with a 1-0 victory over Macedonia. Belarus who is missing Hleb due to injury went down to England. Wayne Rooney scored twice in the second half after Sitko has cancelled the 11th minute Gerrard goal.

Internationa Matches

The first leg of the international break is over; altogether it can be said that it was a very satisfactory first leg for many FC Barcelona players. As usual we will start with South American Qualifier. Argentina beat Uruguay with a scoreline of 2 goals to one to end their winless streak. Barca players - Lionel Messi and Martin Caceres both started this match for their respective teams. Lionel Messi put Argentina ahead in the fifth minute through a header from the former Barca player Riquelme's cross. After seven minutes Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero doubled the lead. Diego Lugano reduced the lead for Uruguay in the 39th minute. From South America to Africa now.

All of FC Barcelona players from Africa had a very successful night. Yaya Toure started in the starting eleven in the 3-0 victory over Madagascar. Boubacar Sanogo scored twice for Ivory Coast and team mate Simon Kalou made it 3-0 for the night. Samuel Eto starred in Cameroon's 5-0 thrashing of Mauritius. Eto scored two goals - one from penalty in the 47th minute and the first goal in the 26th minute. Keita also started in Mali's 2-1 victory against Chad. Tenema Ndiaye and Cheick Diabate were the goal scorer for Mali whereas Leger Djime scored for Chad. In Europe Barca players had a mixed night. Eidur Gudjonsen's Iceland was defeated by a much superior Dutch team. The dutch side had Van Der Saar guarding the goal after coming out of international retirement. Huntelaar and Mathijsen scored for the dutch. France were lucky to grab a point from their match against Romania. Romania went two up with in 16 minutes with help of goals from Petre and Goian. Ribery pulled one back for France in the 36th minute and Gourcuff equalised in the 68th minute to the relief of captain Thierry Henry. Meanwhile Spain continued their excellent run with a 3-0 victory over Estonia. Juanito, Villa and Puyol all entered the scoresheet.

International Results

The second round of the international stopping is almost over and here are some results involving Barcelona players. First, to my favourite national side - Argentina. Argentina was robbed of a win by last minute goal by Peru's Johan Fano. This is the third consecutive draw for Basile's kids. He may have to take note of this as they are going the same "Barcelona Way", with lots of possesion but not much shots on goal. Lionnel Messi had a forgettful night. Argentina who controlled most of the game went ahead with a Cambiasso header in the 84th minute. But the Argentinian hearts were shattered in the last minute of injury time when Fano found the net from a wonderful Vargas pass. Now its proves that phrase right - "It ain't over, till it's over". Argentina lies in the third postion behind Paraguay and Brazil; they should not have any problem in qualifying and may be can top the group also. But it's better to address these small problem as early as possible. It is also surprising why Di Maria wasn't given any playing time in this match. Martin Caceres's Uruguay was also held to a golless draw by Ecuador. Caceres featured in the starting eleven. Uruguay lies in the fifth position.

Coming to Europe, Iceland suffered a 2-1 defeat in the hands of Scotland at home. Scotland went ahead in the 18th minute from a Kirk Broadfoot goal. Barry Robson doubled the lead in the 59th minute; Gudjonsen grabbed the consolation goal for Iceland from the penalty spot. With this victory Iceland lies in the bottom of table. Hleb in contrast to Gudjonsen had a wonderful night with scoring in a 3-1 win against Andorra. Belarus went ahead in the 36th minute from Verkhovstov's Goal. Andorra's Marc Pujol equalised in the 66th minute, but Rodionov and Hleb's Goal gave Belarus a comfortable victory. Belarus lies third behind England and Ukraine. Meanwhile, France got back to track with a 2-1 victory over Serbia. Thierry Henry along with Anelka scored for France. Spain comfortabley destroyed Armenia with a score line of four to nothing. Iniesta, Xavi and Puyol started in the game in which Bojan was introduced in the 65th minute in place of Cazorla. David Villa scored twice along with Capedevila and Senna to make it 4-0 against hapless Armenians.

International Results

The first leg of the world cup qualifiers are over. Here are some results in which Barcelona players were involved. The first and the most important has to be Argentina - Paraguay clash. Paraguay were the leaders in the South American qualifying group. Argentina despite their star power and majority of attack could only drew up with Paraguay. Paraguay went ahead with a Heinze bizarre own goal , while Messi who had a better second half set up Ken to score Argentina's equaliser. Undoubtedly Mascherano was the best player on the ground in that tie in which Manchester United forward Tevez saw red card for a twoo footed challenge. Argentina have so much to worry from that tie apart from the result as their Goal Keeper Roberto ABBONDANZIERI was taken out injured. But whatever there are signs of a new star being born - Angel Di Maria.

Martin Caceres was in the substitute bench for Uruguay's match against Colombia. He never got a chance to play as Uruguay saw off the Colombian challenge with a goal from Sebastian Eguren. Another new signing Keita didn't had a great night as their team went down to Congo from a Wilfrid Endzanga goal. Mali with a star cast of Keita, Diarra and Sissoko was expected to beat Congo. Mali still leads the group with 9 points but if Chad is able to beat Sudan then things will become extremely exciting. Ivory Coast was held onto a draw by Mozambique. Kone scored for Ivory Coast in the 48th minute, Miro equalised for Mozambique within four minutes. Ivory Coast lies in the top so could consider it as a good result. Else where Cameroon minus Eto defeated Cape Verde Islands after coming back from a goal down to score a 2-1 victory. Cameroon already has qualified for the next stage.

In Europe there were some surprises; the biggest of all was the French sides defeat to Austria. Austria demolished France with a 3-1 victory thanks to a Mexes own goal and another two fromAufHauser and Ivanschitz(pen). France may still make it through as it lies in a pretty easy group. But performances of this nature will not help them. Mean while, David Villa saved Spain's face with a 57th minute goal. The European Champions had four Barcelona players - Xavi, Puyol and Iniesta in the eleven and Bojan on the substitute bench. Bojan have to still wait to make his much awaited playing debut. Eidur Gudjonsen scored against Noway in a 2-2 draw. Belarus was beaten by Ukraine with a injury time penalty from Schevchenko. Aleksander Hleb started in the playing eleven.