Xenophobic tabloid headline writers get their wish
Germany 1/ England 2
After gifting Patrick Helmes an equaliser, lucky England captain John Terry brought joy to the nation (and delight to a certain website editor who profited from goalscorer and correct score bets) as Germany were handed their first defeat in Berlin since 1973. March on, boys.
Spoiler bonus: Diego Maradona enjoyed a winning debut at a half empty Hampden Park, while Carlos Queiroz’s Portugal took a pounding six goal pounding at the hands of Brazil. See highlights of both after the jump…
Recreational drug fan may not make it to Scotland next week
Argentinean legend Diego Maradona has only been in charge of his national side for approximately four-and-a-half minutes, but he is already threatening to walk out. The cheating genius is at loggerheads with Argentinean Football Association president Julio Grondona over his choice of assistant coach: Maradona wants former team mate Oscar Ruggeri, but the president is not his biggest fan. When asked why he held contempt for Ruggeri, Grondona simply said:
“I don’t like his face. It’s a personal thing.”
The English FA probably wouldn’t find this to be an acceptable excuse for not employing someone, but The Spoiler gets the feeling that a football association that gives their most important job to a former drug addict with mental health issues probably runs things a little differently…
Argentinean legend allowed to coach despite bad book keeping
If a person wishes to become a club director in English football, they must pass a Fit and Proper Persons Test, as stipulated by the FA. Following the decision that Diego Maradona will be put in charge of the Argentinean national side from December, the AFA must be thankful that FIFA do not impose guidelines of a similar nature. We are all aware of the former midfielder’s cheating, doping offences, mental health issues and battles with hard drugs, yet there are some other reasons why it is troubling for Diego and his Godly hand to represent Argentinean football at a managerial level.
Maradona may be extremely passionate about his country, yet he is not the greatest international diplomatist - the man who has tattoos of Castro and Che Guevara was quoted last year as saying: “I hate everything that comes from the United States. I hate it with all my strength.”
Of course, it’s not unusual to dislike America, but what’s more troubling is his disinterest in paying taxes. It was revealed this week that Maradona still owes the Italian government €36m, an outstanding tax bill from his seven years at Napoli. So far, he
Sheffield United’s successful tribunal ruling against West Ham could cost the Hammers £30m in compensation, and it also sets a dangerous precedent for results on the pitch being overruled by men in suits. The Spoiler decided to examine other potential footballing matters that could end up being settled by lawyers:
1) Watford miss out on the play-offs by a point
The Football League have decided there will be no replay of Saturday’s Watford/Reading match, despite the fact that the Royal’s opener was clearly not a goal. If Watford end up finishing just outside the play-off places, or if Reading wind up just inside them - does that give Watford the right to sue the Football League, the referee and the linesman?
2) Germany claim the 1966 World Cup
Sheffield United were able to win their case relying predominantly on ‘what ifs’, rather than solid facts. Imagine how successful a Germany appeal could be when they have digitally-enhanced evidence that Geoff Hurst’s second goal didn’t cross the line - another example of West Ham cheating!
3) England gain passage to the 1986 World Cup semi-finals
Maybe England could compensate for losing that World Cup by sueing Argentina for Diego Maradona’s
