Nonsense and Magic (Part Three)

Argentina v Colombia: warm up match
Buenos Aires: Monumental stadium

Under the blinding glaze of the Monumental floodlights the official unveiling of Argentina's dream team began. As Cesar Menotti's men entered the field a giant torn up sea of paper was thrown high to glitter like a million diamonds. With Captain Alfredo di Stefano leading them out the stadium simply exploded with noise.

Rockets screeched into the night, firecrackers thundered as the ground itself appeared to shake. 70,000 paid homage to their heroes. Alfredo di Stefano, Diego Maradona, Mario Kempes, Omar Sivori and Lionel Messi. A blessed five that was expected to bring home the ultimate prize of the Greatest World Cup never played.

As for Colombia, their appearance on the scene was hardly noticed but here was a side determined to rain on this Argentine parade. The wild-haired Carlos Valderarma, Faustino Asprilla, Andres Escobar and Freddie Rincon. These players had partook in Argentina's worst ever humiliation. A 5-0 home defeat on home soil to a rampant Colombia.

A crazed hysteria engulfed the Monumental on what was to be a truly memorable evening for all present. From the opening moments Colombia found themselves pinned into their own penalty area. The Argentines have a word for beautiful football, La Nuestra.

But never had this unique style of intricate passing been witnessed at the pace and fury in which di Stefano and his orchestra of magicians proceeded to rip apart the unfortunate Colombians.

The first goal arrived on four minutes when the mischievous Omar Sivori back-heeled a ball through the legs of a startled Andres Escobar to set up Mario Kempes for a typically, swashbuckling finish and celebration. As the visitors visibly reeled under relentless pressure the bewitching Diego Maradona brought them to their knees.

Picking the ball up thirty yards out Maradona noticed goalkeeper Rene Higuita off his line and produced an astonishing chip of unerring accuracy that soared high into the net. At this precise moment, on realising just what they were up against Colombia's thirst for battle waned and all that remained was a desire to avoid humiliation.

But Diego's sorcery acted only to inspire and as Alfredo di Stefano waved his baton a heady sprinkling of gold dust fell upon the Monumental. Three minutes before the break di Stefano took possession just inside his own half and set off at full pace into the heart of Colombia's wilting defence.

Instead of shooting the White Arrow played in Diego Maradona with a through pass that fooled everybody in the stadium. Knowing that if he missed his Captain would hand him an ear bashing of god fearing proportions El Pibe De Oro lashed a ferocious drive beyond a beleaguered Rene Higuita.

But the first half exhibition was not yet finished for as the crowd watched spellbound Lionel Messi beat three Colombian players in a mazy dribble, played a one-two with his hero Maradona before firing low past Higuita from twelve yards to once more ignite Argentine celebrations.

Half time came and as the home supporters danced throughout the interval a chant began that swiftly resonated into a rip-roaring 70,000 strong chorus. Revenge was in the air for the 5-0 slaughter of yesteryear. 'Six six six' went the cry as the time finally arrived to purge the pain.

As the teams re-appeared Diego Maradona acknowledged the crowds desires by putting up six fingers. As for Colombia they resembled a team in total meltdown. Of all their alleged superstars only defender Andres Escobar showed anything resembling his true form as he bravely attempted to stem an Argentine avalanche of goals.

There was to be no respite for the Colombians as Argentina began in the same mood they finished the first. A foul on Lionel Messi saw them awarded a free kick within shooting range. Di Stefano summoned Daniel Passarella forward to try his luck and from fully thirty yards out the 1978 world cup winning captain unleashed a ferocious shot that flew into the top corner.

As a disbelieving Rene Higuita stood in stunned disbelief and a jubilant Passarella punched the air in delight the crowd roared for 'six'. With thirty minutes still remaining a punch drunk Colombia were already praying desperately for the final whistle to end this humiliation when Alfredo di Stefano reminded them their night of hell was long from over.

With that legendary long-striding style eating up the turf the Argentine Captain sped in a flash over the halfway line leaving in his wake three yellow shirted Colombians gasping for breath. As defenders backed off di Stefano took advantage and played a splendid through pass for Diego Maradona to run onto, dance round Higuita and face an open goal.

As 70,000 implored him to burst the net, Maradona instead waited for his onrushing Captain to arrive before allowing him the honour of scoring the glorious sixth. Off soared di Stefano to soak up the adulation.

As for Diego, his unselfish act was genius itself, for when the initial hysteria settled the White Arrow made a specific point of seeking out Maradona to embrace him as a Father hugged a long lost son. Alfredo di Stefano and Diego Armando Maradonas' quest to win the Greatest World Cup never played would be a tempestuous, footballing love affair!

To Colombia's relief the home side eased off in the final stages allowing their South American neighbours to retain the slightest modicum of respectability. At full time Cesar Menotti bore the look of man content in the knowledge his preparation was complete. Argentina confidence was sky high, they were ready. Bring on England!

John ludden
Cfieldsoffire@aol.com