| THE STATS MAN
The Four Diegos Research Department is run by our STATS MAN – Deniniho.
Deniniho hard at work
The Work of the STATS MAN
Here are some important World Cup 2010 statistics, facts and observations that the Diegos haven’t asked for but Deniniho provided for us anyway.
Enjoy the work of the STATS MAN.
History Points to Argentina
Consider a number of similarities between 1986, when La Albicelete won their second world title, and 2010.
1. In the qualifying tournament ahead of the finals in Mexico, the South Americans only secured their passage in the very last game against Peru, when a late winner finally ended the agony. The scorer of that priceless goal at the Estadio Monumental was Ricardo Gareca, a tall, blonde-haired local striker. Of course any parallels between that and what Martin Palermo did in torrential rain against the same opponents last year is pure chance, or is it?
2. While doubters can argue that coincidences like that are not usual, especially over a period of 24 years, even that number would appear to be loaded with significance. Twenty-four years was precisely the length of Brazil’s famous world-title drought (1970-94), when they came up short time and time again despite having some of the most gifted squads ever assembled. Italy, another giant of the world game, had to endure a similar wait after their triumph at Spain 1982. In the ensuing 24 years, the Azzurri went out on penalties in the last-four on home soil in 1990, before suffering the same fate four years later in the decider against Brazil. This June it will be 24 years since Argentina’s last coronation. What price it happening a third time?
3. It is also worth noting that the last time La Albiceleste lifted the world crown, Italy were the reigning champions. And who will be hoping to defend their title in South Africa? None other than the Azzurri.
4. If that were not enough, Argentina were chosen to host the Copa America the year after their 1986 triumph. No prizes for guessing where the continental championship is being held in 2011.
5. A prize-winning year “In 86 we had [Diego] Maradona, and now we have [Lionel] Messi,” Argentina’s General Manager Carlos Bilardo told FIFA.com after the Final Draw in Cape Town last December.
6. Nor did it go unnoticed by Argentinian fans that one of countries grouped with them for the South Africa showpiece was Korea Republic, a team they also shared a group with in 1986.
7. Bilardo, a superstitious type if ever there was one, is another common denominator. As head coach in 1986, he steered Maradona and Co to glory in Mexico and will doubtless be drawing on that experience come June as one technical assistant.
8. Argentina possess the game’s leading player heading into both tournaments, Maradona and Messi he modestly failed to mention another common denominator, namely himself.
9. Anyone seeking to take comfort from non-footballing omens does not have far to look. In 1986, for example, La Historia Oficial became the first Argentinian film to win the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. The documentary, directed by Luis Puenzo, included a supporting role for a young boy named Pablo Rago. Coincidentally, Rago also starred in El Secreto de Sus Ojos (The Secret in Their Eyes), the Argentinian film that scooped the very same Oscar at this year’s Awards!
10. At the time of their last world title, Modesto Vazquez was captain of the country’s Davis Cup tennis team, a distinction he holds again this year.
11. Every time FIFA’s flagship tournament has been held outside Europe, the winners have been South American.
Of course, we all know that the destination of 2010 crown will be decided by purely footballing matters, don’t we?
Look who has scored more…
a) Emile Heskey (likely England starter) Caps 58 Goals 7
b) José Luis Félix Chilavert Caps 74 Goals 8
c) René Higuita Caps 68 Goals 8
Good luck England!
Quirky Italian Stat
Italy will also take heart from a quirky historical statistic as they drew 1-1 with Switzerland prior to both the 1982 and 2006 World Cups - both of which they won.
World Cup Rules and Regulations
Dear Sweetheart/Girl Friend/ Partner,
1. Between 11 June and 11 July 2010, you should read the sports section of the newspaper so that you are aware of what is going on regarding the World of Football, and that way you will be able to join in the conversations. If you fail to do this, then you will be looked at in a bad way, or you will be totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any attention.
2. During the World Cup, the television is mine, at all times, without any exceptions. If you even take a glimpse of the remote control, you will lose it (your eye).
3. If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, I don't mind, as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me.
4. During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute, unless I require a refill of my drink or something to eat. You are out of your mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell on the floor....It won't happen.
5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on (excluding your body parts), and please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day.
6. Please, please, please!! If you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, it's only a game", or "don't worry, they'll win next time". If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only lead to a break up or divorce.
7. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on, and only if the half time scores is pleasing me. In addition, please note I am saying "one" game; hence do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to "spend time together".
8. The replays of the goals are very important. I don't care if I have seen them or I haven't seen them, I want to see them again, Many times.
9. Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child related parties or gatherings that requires my attendance because:
a) I will not go,
b) I will not go, and
c) I will not go.
10. But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.
11. The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying "but you have already seen this...why don't you change the channel to something we can all watch?" because, the reply will be, "Refer to Rule #2 of this list".
12. And finally, please save your expressions such as "Thank God the World Cup is only every 4 years". I am immune to these words, because before and after this comes the Champions League, Europa Cup, Copa Libertadores, Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Eredivisie, Ligue One, A-League, J-League, K-League, C-League, Grand Prix, Tri Nations, Super 14, hell, even WrestleMania!
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