Conference trucks::football;1

Has anyone seen the Nigeria squad?  I am wondering if Efan Ekoku was 
selected (he was in the squad for the African Nations Cup, but only started 
one game, I think).

Cheers,

Jon

He's in the squad, but I've no idea whether he'll start any games. All the
squads are on BBC CEEFAX if you've got it.

Mike

Mike,

Yeah, I found the squads on CEEFAX last night.

Cheers,

Jon

    
    
    
    Just got back from the game between Argentina vs. Greece. 4-0.
    
    Poor Greeks couldn't do anything right. Two goals were scored in 
    each half.
    
    As for Maradona............
    
    
    
    he scored the 3rd goal. All of the other 3 goals were scored by
    Batistato (SP?)
    
    It was an easy game for the Argentine side..................
                               

    How about Maradona's performance?

    
    Maradona didnt really do too much, but he scored an excellent goal.
    Overall Greece are the worst team in the tournement, but Argentina did
    look very good. Batistuta (sp) looks a top stiker, and if Canniga didnt
    have his coke head on he could have had a hatrick. They won easily.
    
    Nigeria also look very strong with an easy 3-0 win over Bulgaria, they
    have some goof players, expecially George in midfield. Bulgaria did
    have some chances, but Nigeria were far to strong.
    
    When they play the Argies it will be one of the best games in the
    tournement I predict. Two good sides.
    
    Dave...

Did anybody else get really wound up by John Fashanu last night during the
Nigeria game? He kept saying "we are playing well" and "we are a great team".
Since when has he been Nigerian? I know he qualified to play for them, but he
never mentioned how proud he was of them of them when nobody had heard of them.

I guess this is what it's like for a foreign type watching an England game with
an English commentary. It must be hell. 8-)

Mike

    
    Yeah. John Fashanu has been very annoying. He first annoyed me
    during the Rumanian game when Hagi scored that beautiful goal from
    35yds. He instantly dismissed it as a lucky cross. Probably on the
    basis that if he (John) had done it, it would have been luck. Of this
    there is no doubt. Really, John Fashanu elevating himself to Hagi's
    level of ability, I think not. Hagi does look round, sees noone up with
    him the keeper off his line, runs on three paces and bang. It may have
    been a speculative shot, but it was a bloody good one. 
    
    Mr Fashanu reminded me of a Holland, England match where Berkamp scores
    a peach on the volley from 20 yds out, and Jimmy Hill in the studio
    turned to Venables and said,'ahhh I was dreaming of the old days then Terry
    , you crossing a lovely ball and me volleying it in.'
    To Which Mr Venables replied,' if you think you could have taken that
    shot, you definately where dreaming Jimmy'.
    
    Anthony.
    
    (David O'leary was a bit boring)
     

    re: John Fashanu 
    
    He's probably still bitter that he only ever won one England cap
    (probably the most contested England cap of all time, at that!).
    Nigeria are welcome to him (not that they'd care a hoot) - this year,
    the guy's actually managed to get himself a worse image than Vinny
    Jones!
    
    Come to that, the whole idea of using the first person plural when
    talking about one's team makes me cringe. Football's a great game, but
    it's the guys on the park who do it. I just can't identify with
    supporters who sing "*We* won the Cup!" in its various forms.
    
    Dom

    Actually, I wasn't over-impressed with Nigeria. They're very strong
    physically and very quick with it, but there's nothing terribly poetic
    about there football. Comparisons with Brazil or Colombia are
    ridiculous, at least from what we've seen so far.
    
    Sure, better defenders than Bulgaria's will have trouble stopping
    Yechini (sp?) and co., but Bulgaria could have been 3-0 before Nigeria
    took the lead yesterday. Stoitchkov was carrying an injury and spent
    most of his time moaning to the ref (but what a cracking free kick he
    had disallowed - one of the best I've ever seen), who wasn't very kind
    to Bulgaria. 
    
    Many people are tipping Nigeria as dark horses (not very PC I know,
    but no pun intended!), but few realise that last night's game was the
    first they have won since triumphing in the African Cup. They've lost
    friendlies against Columbia, Rumania, Sweden, and a Chilean club
    side, and drawn against Reggiana and Cremonese (?) in Italy. Still,
    maybe they're coming good at the right time - we shall see against
    Argentine (I missed *their* game yesterday).
    
    Dom

    >Come to that, the whole idea of using the first person plural when
    >talking about one's team makes me cringe. Football's a great game, but
    >it's the guys on the park who do it. I just can't identify with
    >supporters who sing "*We* won the Cup!" in its various forms.
    
    Dom,
    
    We've been through this before and I know you are not commited to any
    one particular club and wouldn't ever associate yourself with any club
    to such an extent that you could say "we". I personally think you're 
    missing out because when you can get involved (cliche alert) at the
    emotional level footie gets much better.
    
    I think that your statement that "it's the guys on the park who do it"
    doesn't wash either. I think most of the players now don't give a toss
    about the club doing well in itself - it's simply a means of getting a
    better contract or a transfer to a "bigger" club. Some board members
    actually care about the club, particulary those of lower division
    clubs, but again most are only interested in using the club for profits
    or as a vehicle for their other activities (eg Berlusconi). I'd say
    that the supporter, who invests a lot more, both emotionally and
    financially, is the person who is most entitled to refer to the club as
    "we".
    
    Paul.
     

re -1

I don't think many people not involved with a team understand how personal
some supporters can become about the team, be it country or club.  When
criticism is leveled at your club for instance most supporters take it
personally, as if one of their own family being criticised.  I certainly
feel that way about my club Leeds and Country the Republic of Ireland.  

I always mention Leeds in the sense of "we" as I feel very much part of the
club (whatever about the other way around).  When Leeds play I say "we are
playing so-and-so" and if God willing we do win the cup some time soon it
will be most certainly "*WE* won the cup" and not Leeds won the cup.  The
same goes with Ireland as I keep hearing around me at work, and on the
street, the term "we" when what is meant really is "the Republic".  When
one expends a lot of emotional, physical and otherwise energy into a team
it's obvious that you will want to become part of it, whether by joining
the supporters club, going to the matches, listening out for the results on
the radio, whatever...

What really gets up my goat is the so called fans who identify with a team
and use the term "we" freely in conversation and then when asked what their
team's last results in the league or world cup is, they can't tell you, or
even when you ask them to name some of their team they are in trouble with
the names.  Basically they are bandwagon jumpers and deserved to be given a
good boot off the bandwagon.  

So finally I say well said Paul.  I know where you are coming from :) even
if some people out there don't!

                            James.

    Paul and James,
    
    I knew you wouldn't agree with me on this one (in fact, I might just be
    alone in this conference!). And it hasn't always been that way with me.
    I was a staunch Leeds supporter up to about the age of 15, but my
    motivation for supporting one team over and above the rest, rather than
    football as a whole, petered out soon afterwards.
    
    I dunno, I reckon I'm addicted to football as anyone here. But for me,
    watching it has become almost a reflex action (I had to give up playing
    4 years ago after a knee op.), like smoking a cigarette. I don't know
    why I can't resist turning on the TV at 1.30am to watch U.S. v Colombia,
    but there it is!
    
    >We've been through this before and I know you are not commited to any
    >one particular club and wouldn't ever associate yourself with any club
    >to such an extent that you could say "we". I personally think you're 
    >missing out because when you can get involved (cliche alert) at the
    >emotional level footie gets much better.
    
    Ah, but that's where you're wrong, Paul. True, I don't support one
    particular team (well, perhaps Man. Utd's and Brighton's results are the 
    first I look for). But my emotional involvement doesn't suffer as
    a result. I can usually find a preference between any two teams (yes,
    even Bolivia v South Korea tonight!). I bit my nails down to the bone
    during the Eire-Italy game; in fact, the comments from the Italians
    around me when I leaped in the air following Houghton's goal included "But 
    I thought you were English?", "Calm down!" and "You're sleeping outside
    tonight!" (the wife!). I still talk about Ireland in the third
    person, though.
    
    As a player, the highpoint of my career was to be substitute in a 
    quarter-final of the Great Britain Schools U-18 trophy. I didn't feel 
    too guilty about using the term "we" on that occasion, but only because I 
    had played in some of the earlier rounds ;-)
    
    Dom 
    

    >                        -< Agree to disagree? >-
    
    Certainly Dom, although I wasn't having a go at your stance, just
    saying that I prefer to be much more involved with one club and, to
    a lesser extent, my country's team.
    
    James, I'd agree about the bandwagon supporters entirely. About the
    only time I've ever been close to violence at a match was when
    Wednesday came back up to the First Div under Wilkinson and played
    Liverpool at home. Some bloke wouldn't let me through to my usual
    position because it was too full. I said that I couldn't remember his
    face as I'd been standing in the same spot, a few yards behind where he
    was, since the Third Division days (Eeeh, when I wer a lad..).
    
    Which brings me around to a very philosophical thought: my relationship
    with Wednesday will last my entire life and, although it may blow hot
    and cold, it will be completely monogamous. I may flirt with other
    clubs but it would never be the same. In any other relationship in life
    would we accept so many things blindly, without being able to do
    anything except take whatever comes along, relegation, crappy managers
    and board, and even physical discomfort (anyone over 6'3" tried getting
    into an "away" supporters seat??). So in some ways you're lucky, Dom. I
    just can't do what you do.
    
    Paul.                                  
    

    Argentina must be one of the surprise teams so far.
    
    They've two deadly strikers (Cannigia and Battistuta)
    and Maradona is playing better that he did in the Italian
    World Cup.
    
    Looks like they'll be there at the finish,
    
    Jim.

    
    Jim,
         Argentina are definatly one of the best teams along with Brazil
    and I hate to say it Maradona looks in good form....For a cheat...
    
    Neil....

    Neil,
    
    He does look in good shape, though he's not as good
    in the air as he was in 86. I don't know how he 
    got up so high to head that ball over Shilton!
    
    If they win it again, they'll keep the trophy for keeps,
    
    Jim. 

    After watching a lot of games over the week-end it looks to me that
    this is wide open tournament and it might come down to some intangibles
    to make the difference....
    In that category I was impressed by the determination displayed byt the
    Argentinians during their game with Nigeria. They looked really upset
    to be down 0-1 and played furiously and got 2 great goals by Caniggia.
    The look to really have the "grinta" that the Italians are lacking...
    
    I know that a lot of English noters hold a big grudge against Diego
    (forget the "hand of god" stuff and thinks of its second goal against
    England in 1986... pure magic...) but he is pulling the strings...You
    might not like his attitude but the guy has talent and nobody can take
    that away from him....
    
    In the "desire to win" category the Argentinians are top of my list...
    
    Jacques

It is refreshing to see the Argentinians doing what they do best. Playing
attractive attacking football.

Maradona is playing superbly, but still does a few too many Greg Luganis
impressions.

Batistuta is looking very menacing.

Even Caniggia is starting to look good (He looked like he was on a different
planet in the game against the Greeks).

There is none of the "Let's win on penalties" attitude, that was so blindingly
apparent in Italy 4 years ago, and if they get to the final this year I think
that they may even deserve to be there.

Here's hoping they trounce Bulgaria, More chance of the USA making it then.

Al

    some more useful information:

    If Argentina and Brazil both win their groups, they
    will avoid eachother up until the final.
    
    Jim.

    
    	Unfortunately, were that scenario to happen, even if both sides
    	played sparkling stuff to reach the final, they'd both probably
    	put all that aside and have a war on the pitch instead.
    
    	Anyone remember the last time these two great sides met in the 
    	latter stages of the WC? Was it '82 in Spain when they kicked
    	lumps out of each other? 
    
    	Andy.

    In 82 Diego got sent off in the last minute for a wild challenge
    on a Brazilian, a la  boxing "below-the-belt" special.  They
    lost 3-1.
    
    They played a boring 0-0 draw in the 1978 second round. That
    was the time Argentina beat Peru 6-0 in suspect circumstances.
    
    Maybe you're right, they have an awful lot of history built
    up over the years, and it could turn out to be a cynical
    low-scoring affair. Then again, the final's still a long way off, 
    
    Jim.
    

>There is none of the "Let's win on penalties" attitude, that was so blindingly
>apparent in Italy 4 years ago, and if they get to the final this year I think
>that they may even deserve to be there.


Don't count your chickens, just because three points forced people to
win games in the qualifiers, there's no such "incentive" in the next
rounds. It could all go back to "don't lose at all costs"!!!

Kevin.

    
    And what about in Italy in 1990 ????
    
    Dezzz.

    Anyone else noticed the resemblance between Argentina striker
    Claudio Caniggia and Jennifer Saunders?

    Add the fact that they have never been seen together in the
    same place... should FIFA be told?

    Dave
 

Reuter report

ARGENTINA ASKS U.S. FOR CAPTURE OF WANTED HOOLIGANS

BOSTON, June 27 (Reuter) - Argentina has asked Washington to arrest and
extradite five Argentine soccer hooligans, believed to be in the United
States for the World Cup, who are wanted in connection with the murder of two
rival fans.

The Argentine embassy in Washington named the five Boca Juniors hardcore
fans, including their Italian-born leader Jose "Grandfather" Barrita, in a
statement issued on Monday.

It said the Boston branch of the Federal Bureau of Investigation had been
notified.

FBI officials in Boston said they are aware of the case, but had made no
arrests. "We've made no arrests connected with the World Cup here in Boston,"
spokesman Bill McMullin said.

The office of the U.S. Marshal in Boston also said it was unaware of any
arrests.

Argentina's request to the U.S. Justice Department was made on Friday after
"statements by eyewitnesses who said some of the mentioned (hooligans) had
been at the (World Cup) matches of the Argentine national team at the Foxboro
stadium," the statement said.

Justice Department and FBI officials denied that any of the five wanted
hooligans had been positively identified in the Boston area, the Argentine
statement added.

Barrita and his fellow hooligans are wanted in connection with the murder of
two fans of Boca Juniors' arch rivals River Plate in an ambush on a Buenos
Aires street in April within an hour of River's first division victory at the
Boca stadium.

Witnesses said one River Plate fan was shot, while the other was hit and
killed by a car after he fell from the back of a truck in which people were
travelling from the game.

The other four hooligans were named as Francisco de Maio, Fredy Caceres
Romero, Jorge Almiron and Marcelo Aravena, also known as "Marcelo de Lomas."

Argentina and the United States have a reciprocal agreement concerning the
extradition of wanted persons dating back to 1972, the communique said.

The Argentine national team has played two matches at the Foxboro stadium
south of Boston, last Tuesday and Saturday, winning both -- 4-0 over Greece
and 2-1 over Nigeria.

Just heard on the radio that Maradona seems to have been taking the wrong
candy again ie he was tested positive, today there will be a contra-expertise
and if that's positive he's on his way back to Argetina.

T_

    I've heard the same thing, apparently he tested positive on an illegal
    type of painkiller. If the follow up test is also positive (and it's
    bound to be) he'll not play again in the world cup.
    
    What with him and cocaine and that other guy with the funny headband
    full of cocaine as well, and now this, Argentina looks like a fun place 
    to be on a Saturday night.
    
    David WOOD

    This is bad news for the World Cup. If it is true, then I don't think
    even Argentina will forgive the Hand of God for this
    cock-up....apparently FIFA have not stated which player had failed the
    test, the Argentinian president, Menem, told his people that Diego had
    screwed up again....
    
    Ray....

    
    He likes to leave his mark on World Cups does'nt he..
    
    1982  sent off in disgrace against Brazil
    
    1986  hand of god, but some brilliant displays
    
    1990  hand of god, and Argentina were a disgrace anyway
    
    1994  ......fails a drug test.
    
    Worlds greatest player......dont make me laugh...
    
    Dave...

    Is this a true report or WC gossip ?

    It's true... I heard it on the news this AM.
    
    They said he used a "decongestant" without the approval
    of the Argentine doctor. He tested positive for Ethysomething
    or other.
    
    Test number 2 happens today, if that's positive, he's
    in mega-trouble. Mr Sepp Blatter is heading the investigation,
    
    Jim.

    
    Apparently it's such a dodgy stimulant that it's been banned, even on
    prescription, in the States.
    
    Blooming druggy. Ban him for life from World football.
    
    Tony
    
    

    
    The lad's obviously one sandwich short of a picnic! - did he really
    think he'd get away with it?
    This is a real shame for Argentina, I think it'll knock the
    wind out of their sails. A pitty, because they were one of the teams 
    I've most enjoyed watching - and I reckon they might have won it. If
    Maradonna is guilty, and is sent home then I don't rate Argentina's
    chances.
    
    Al.

    
    In footballing terms, its fair to say he was "caught in possesion"
    
    Andy
    

AP reports

1.

NEW YORK (AP) - Diego Maradona wanted to make this World Cup a final blaze of
glory. Now it seems to be spelling his renewed downfall.

Maradona, known for flamboyance bordering on the outrageous both on and off
the field, rose to soccer's peak when he captained Argentina to the 1986
World Cup. He also led a much-maligned Argentine squad into the 1990 final.

But he was sidelined by drugs long before testing positive for ephedrine, a
banned stimulant found in common decongestants, at this year's tournament.

Maradona waited Thursday to find out if a second test also was positive. If
it was, he ran the risk of being sent home again the center of a doping
scandal.

In March 1991, playing for Napoli in the Italian first division and his
career sagging, Maradona failed a cocaine test. He was suspended from
international soccer for 15 months.

Next month he was arrested at an apartment in the Argentine capital Buenos
Aires and charged with possession and consumption of drugs.

He refused to return to Napoli after the drug ban. World soccer's bosses -
knowing the man's drawing power - brokered a transfer to Spanish club Sevilla
to get him playing again.

His return was unspectacular and it seemed Maradona's days at the top were
over.

But backed by loyal admirers and piqued in his pride by scornful critics - a
former Argentine player called him lumbering and "fat as a pig" - Maradona
fought back after his country qualified for the 1994 championship and was
named to the team.

"My condition is not what it used to be," he said. "Age is a factor, but
still, I want to retire in glory," he said.

The 33-year-old midfielder began training only seven weeks before the
tournament but lost 12 kilograms (26 pounds) and pumped up his ego for his
fourth World Cup.

"I'm going to shut the mouths of those who say I'm finished," Maradona
proclaimed to reporters while juggling a practice ball between his foot, head
and shoulders.

"I'm tired of those who say I'm fat, that I've lost my reflexes and that I'm
out of shape." he said. "They'll see the great Diego at the World Cup."

In fact, Maradona was on the way to making good on at least part of that
promise.

In Argentina's first two games at this World Cup, he proved that even without
the speed and strength of old, he could make or break a game with a few
brilliant moves or passes.

He showed his touch of old by slamming in a goal in a 4-0 thrashing of
Greece. Against Nigeria, he set up both goals by Claudio Caniggia in
Argentina's 2-1 win.

Maradona was due to reach a new milestone in Thursday's final first-round
game against Bulgaria - his 22nd World Cup game, one more than Germany's Uwe
Seeler and Poland's Wladyslaw Zmuda.

Maradona did not become known for doing things half-way.

In the 1986 quarterfinal with England, he knocked in the notorious "Hand of
God" goal with his arm. Later in the game, he laid down a brilliant run past
four defenders - one of the most spectacular goals in history - to seal the
2-1 victory.

Last February, several reporters sustained slight injuries after air rifle
shots were fired from Maradona's home in Buenos Aires.

The reporters, who had come to ask about Maradona's leaving club team
Newell's Old Boys, said the player was carrying a gun.

2.

Maradona Tests Positive

IRVING, Texas (AP) - A soccer player, reportedly Diego Maradona, has tested
positive for drugs at the World Cup, FIFA announced Wednesday. The identity
of the player will remain secret pending the results of a follow-up test.

A Buenos Aires radio station, Radio Contental, quoted Julio Grondona,
president of Argentine Football Association (AFA) as saying that Maradona,
who was banned for 15 months in 1991 for after being positively tested for
cocaine, was the player tested this time.

"The player is Diego Maradona," he told the radio station.

"The team's continuity in the World Cup is not affected by this. This does
not affect the other players. They don't even know about it. I want to be the
one to tell them," Grondona said.

"An AFA delegation headed by our lawyer Agricol de Bianchetti is in Los
Angeles awaiting the results of the second test."

Other reports out of Buenos Aires suggested that the banned substance was
ephedrine, a spray used for asthma, hay fever or to clear nasal congestion
but also a powerful stimulant.

Guido Tognoni, spokesman for soccer's world governing body, said the result
of the second test would be announced Thursday.

"There has been a positive test," Tognoni said. "The results are still
pending. We will disclose the results at 3 p.m. (1900 GMT) tomorrow.

"We are not going to name the player at this stage. The test came from one of
the recent games but not from today's games," Tognoni said.

"I do not know (the identity of the player) and, if I did, I could not say,"
Tognoni said. "There's a chance the second test could be negative."

American swimmer Rick DeMont was stripped of his 1992 Olympic gold medal
after he tested positive for ephedrine.

Under FIFA's rules, any player tested positive must undergo a followup test
which is analyzed in the presence of his national soccer federation. Tognoni
said the second test already had been carried out in Los Angeles.

Two players have been banned by FIFA over positive dope tests at the World
Cup.

In 1974, FIFA banned Ernest Jean-Joseph of Haiti from the competition
although team officials refused to send him home.

Four years later in Argentina, Scottish winger Willie Johnston tested
positive for an illegal substance he used for medicinal purposes and he was
sent home after playing one game.

    
    
    It looks like that the "Maradona bashers" could not wait for this one
    to happen...
    
    Some of us should get their facts straight before accusing...
    
     Ephedrine is used in the treatment of asthma, hay fever, etc... So
    should Maradona be banned for having watery eyes and snizzing? 
    Excessive use of ephedrine has been found to produce anxiety, agitation,
    restlessness, dizziness, headaches and confusion. Is that what a football
    player needs duing a game ? After watching Argentina played Greece and 
    Nigeria It looks like that Maradona's play was having an ephedrine-like 
    effect on the Greeks and the the Nigerians!
    
    According to professors Wadler and Hainline from Cornell University
    Medical College banning such substances "regardless of the dose taken
    or the concentration of the drug in the urine makes little sense" (USA
    Today).
    
     The stuff can be found in over-the-counter remedies such as Nyquil.
     A lot us could drink gallons of it and we will never play like Diego...
    
    All this beeing said it is rather unfortunate that, based on Maradona's
    past, he ends up being caught using such a medication. Did he took the
    stuff with the team doctor's approval ? If so, since this is a banned
    substance, how could they let this happen?
    
     I am not trying to make excuses for him but we should wait a little 
    before crucifying him. If he ends up being banned, the world cup will
    not get better...
    
    Jacques 

    
    Quite agree Jacques....this drug was used about 30-40 years ago for
    relieving blocked nasal passages which usually accompany a common cold.
    If it wasn't Maradonna then it would probably be accepted as being a
    simple oversight by a player...but then again I suppose in Maradonna's
    case 'if you make your own bed...lie in it!!'
    
    Personally I hope he's clear as the Argentinians seem to be the team
    playing the best overall football despite the fact they're not one of
    'my' favorite teams ala from previous cynical World Cups.
    
    Dezzz.

    > Ephedrine is used in the treatment of asthma, hay fever, etc... So
    > should Maradona be banned for having watery eyes and snizzing? 
    > Excessive use of ephedrine has been found to produce anxiety, agitation,

    I noticed you missed the "powerful stimulant" bit from the report ....
    c'mon he used a basic "known banned drug" and got caught, Hay I like
    maradona, I think he's an exceptionally talented player, but he fucks
    up from time to time.

Re                     <<< Note 381.38 by GLDOA::BOSSONNEY >>>
                     -< Any Nyquil dealers around here ? >-

    
Ephedrine, seemingly, is also used to mask the use of 'more illegal'
substances...

No judgement implied, just the facts as I heard them.

Kevin.

    Anyone have any idea what time these games are kicking off ?
    
    Thanks,                        
    Jim.

>>> Anyone have any idea what time these games are kicking off ?
    
    Foxboro game time tonight is 7:30 EDT                        
    
    Clark

    Thanks Clark... looks like late night viewing over here,
    wonder if Diego is playing,
    
    Jim.

    
    Heard on the radio that Argentina have sent Maradona home, without
    waiting for the result of the second test. Rumour had it that it was
    positive anyway. He has not yet been punished by FIFA.
    
    Archie

    FIFA have announced that they have suspended Diego Maradona from
    all soccer and said he had been withdrawn from the World Cup for
    taking a cocktail of drugs containing five banned substances. 
    "These five substances are not found in one medicine", they said.

    Argentina said that he is still with the team in Dallas.

    Full report tomorrow.

    Gerry

    Maradona gone and Argentina looses big time and end up in third place.
    
    Can't belive it.
    
    Nigeria beats Greece 2-0.
    Bulgaria beats Argentina 2-0.
    
    Argentina still looks good but they came into the game with a "tie" in
    mind and play very conservative in the first half.  Second half,
    Bulgaria surprised them and scores early. Argentina then dominates the
    game and I believe in injury time, it looked like Argentina decided to
    let down and  be satisfied with losing 1-0 (Argentina would have taken
    first place by losing 1-0). However, SURPRISE, Bulgaria scores to put
    Argentina in third place. 
    
    Well, Nigeria faces Italy on Tuesday @Foxboro
    Bulgaria faces Mexico in NY,
    Argentina faces Romania in San Francisco.
    
    Damm, Argentina and Brazil will NOT face each other in the finals
    instead if both teams win their games, they will face in the
    semi-finals.
    
    
    Carlos

    
    ohh.. what can we do against african lions with that 
    team made of scalcinate signorine
    
    

    
    The African Lions are very good and straight forward, but you have 
    one superiority element which proved many times to be effective:
    tactical superiority. At this stage of the competition, it will become
    essential.
    
    Good luck to Italy
    Pierre-Yves

       <<< Note 381.49 by BONNET::VISCIGLIO "Bora played for OGC Nice" >>>
          -< Don't bury Italy: in 82 they began with 3 draws and... >-

    
>    The African Lions are very good and straight forward, but you have 
        ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

  I believe the Nigerian side are known as the Super Eagles . Apparently
  this is in no way connected with the Fabulous Eagles from South London.


  Stuart
    

    
    You're absolutely right.
    
    I was in fact replying to the previous note mentioning so-called 
    African lions. Apologies.
    
    PYV 

    
    
    
    re .50
    
    ah ah   I should listen to a radio comment of the matches
    of the mundial here in Italy.   The Gialappa's Band (three
    goliardic speakers experts of english soccer) are used to
    emphasize the performances of this kind of team coming from
    south London.   They also run a TV program where sometime
    it happens to see the great performances of those lions.

     
   

    
    Who scored the goals then ?
    
    (I'm particularly interested in Yekini and Letchkov)
    Heiko

Daniel Amokachie and Finidi George scored for Nigeria.
Stoichkov and Sirakov scored for Bulgaria.

Mike

Reuter report

MARADONA SUSPENDED FROM WORLD CUP OVER DRUGS COCKTAIL

DALLAS, June 30 (Reuter) - FIFA suspended Argentine captain Diego Maradona
from all soccer on Thursday and said he had been withdrawn from the World Cup
for taking a cocktail of drugs containing five banned substances.

At a news conference in Dallas, soccer's governing body said it would make a
final decision on Maradona's future only after the month-long tournament ends
on July 17.

"Diego Maradona has violated the provisions of doping control regulations,"
senior FIFA official Guillermo Canedo said. "The Argentine Football
Association (AFA) has informed FIFA that Maradona has been withdrawn from the
World Cup.

"In view of this decision FIFA will make a ruling after the World Cup. He
will remain suspended from all football activity."

His suspension, one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history, came just
hours before Maradona had been due to make a record 22nd finals appearance in
Argentina's match against Bulgaria in the Dallas Cotton Bowl.

Maradona, one of the world's best players and a one-time cocaine abuser,
tested positive for ephedrine, a banned stimulant found in many
over-the-counter medicines, and four other related prohibited substances,
according to FIFA.

Randomly selected players give a sample which is divided into two. The second
sample is only analysed if the first proves positive.

Both the 33-year-old player's samples showed positive after analysis at the
UCLA doping laboratory in California.

Michel d'Hooghe, a medical doctor who is a member of FIFA's executive
committee, said analysis showed no one tablet contained all the five
substances.

"Maradona must have taken a cocktail of drugs because the five identified
substances are not found in one medicine," he said.

"It is true that some of these medications, especially non-ephedrine, are
often used in weight-reduction medicines," he added.

"It would seem possible that Maradona may have taken these drugs in a bid to
reduce weight leading up to the World Cup. He has said he has lost a
considerable amount in recent months."

AFA president Julio Grondona told the news conference Maradona was still with
his team mates in Dallas.