The Albicelestes’ poor form under Diego Maradona continues

Paraguay 1/ Argentina 0
While World Cup Qualification strugglers Portugal were given a boost with a 1-0 victory in Hungary last night, Argentina saw no such change in their fortunes. Following defeat in Paraguay, Diego Maradona’s side now find themselves in the fifth-place play-off spot in the South American qualification system that is pretty much designed to give them an easy ride.

Argentina have lost four of their last five qualification games, and slip-ups in the two remaining matches against Peru and Uruguay could mean they miss their first World Cup finals since 1970. Maradona, it seems, is dealing with the pressure with his own unique brand of panicked defiance:

“As long as I have a drop of blood left, I will fight to get Argentina qualified.

“We’re not out of the World Cup.

“I’m not afraid of criticism. I’m not afraid of anybody. I’m going to continue no matter who criticises me.”

[Video: 101GG]

Wife of the owner of Blackburn’s finest pimp chalice

Roque Santa Cruz has been married to fellow Paraguayan Giselle Tavarelli since 2004, and were deemed so hot right now by the European press during the most recent World Cup: German magazine Kicker voted him the sexiest man of the tournament, and she was voted hottest WAG by the Spaniards at Hola.

Just two weeks remain before the transfer window is opened again

January 1 is looming large on the horizon and after the return of the Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid saga yesterday, the Roque Santa Cruz to Manchester City rumour got jealous and has now made a comeback in an attempt to steal back the spotlight. Here all The Spoiler’s favourite pieces of transfer guesswork from today’s papers:

Roque Santa Cruz to Manchester City
While some newspapers are reporting that Sam Allardyce only agreed to take the Blackburn job if he could keep the Paraguay striker, The Times go against the grain and say Big Sam wants to sell him for £20 million to raise transfer funds. They also claim that Manchester City’s highest bid in the summer was £14 million so why the logic in them offering an extra £6 million for someone who has scored less than Roman Bednar this season is flawed.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: If they sell, they probably won’t make as much money they could have in the summer

Gary O’Neil to Portsmouth

Another member of Italy’s complex network of hot WAGs

Up until a few months ago, Paraguayan model and “showgirl” Claudio Galanti was happily married to Italian entrepreneur Stefano Ricucci (whose ex-wife is the very lovely Anna Falchi). Rumours have been circulating in the Italian press, however, that the high profile couple have broken up - he has been spotted spotted squiring another lady about town, and Claudia has reportedly found love with Livorno defender Fabio Galante (who used to romance Samantha De Grenet). 

Beijing’s hot javelin thrower is back

Pollution, terrible food and Spanish racists may have stolen the headlines at the Olympic Games, but one lady certainly stole our hearts: Javelin star and Miss Paraguay contestant Leryn Franco.

Aside from the rumour that she was at it with Novak Djokovic, the sexiest thing to ever throw a spear has been notably absent from the radar since the summer. Machochip, however, have uncovered a video that conveys her ability to wear a bikini while having ice cold water poured all over her. Good work, amigos.

More newly discovered pics of Leryn after the jump…

Santa Cruz wants to join Robinho at Manchester City

Back in August it appeared almost certain that after an incredible debut season in England where he scored nineteen league goals, Roque Santa Cruz would leave Blackburn for either Arsenal, Manchester City or Manchester United.

However, ten days before the transfer window slammed shut, the Paraguayan ended all speculation about his future by signing a new four-year deal with Blackburn, announcing that he felt he owed the club for helping him get his career back on track:

“It is important that when the club has done something good for you, that you do something good for the club. I signed a contract because I’m sure it is the right choice.”

All those cynics who said that there was no loyalty left in football were silenced once and for all. Or so it seemed. Imagine The Spoiler’s surprise this morning when Santa Cruz declared:

Her personal best is 55.38 metres…

Say what you like about God, but when it comes to balancing good and bad things he/she does a pretty decent job. For all the luxury we enjoy in Blighty, when it comes to hot female javelin throwers, we’re not doing too well (here’s proof). Likewise, while almost half of the population of Paraguay has to spend their every waking moment battling against crippling poverty, they get to send tremendous specimens like Leryn Franco to Beijing to throw javelins on their behalf.

Born in 1982, the slender young athlete isn’t just a strong right arm either, she’s also a very pretty face. She came second in Miss Paraguay in 2006 (losing out to this woman).

Photos of her not just lounging on a sofa after the jump…