Diego Maradona at World Cup 1994 - The Fallen Angel

Kickoff Chronicles

11/03/24 • 7 min

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Maradona's Decline and Fall: The article charts Maradona's journey from his post-Italia 90 struggles with drug addiction and banishment from football, to his controversial comeback for Argentina's 1994 World Cup campaign and his eventual downfall through another failed drug test.
The Changing Landscape of Football: The author juxtaposes Maradona's personal struggles with the broader changes happening in football during the early 1990s, including the rise of the Premier League, stadium safety reforms, and the sport's increasing commercialization. The author personally grapples with these changes and a growing disillusionment with the game.
The Enduring Power of Maradona's Legacy: Despite his flaws and controversies, Maradona's impact on the author and the sport is undeniable. The article acknowledges the mixed emotions surrounding Maradona's career, recognizing his genius on the field while acknowledging the damage caused by his off-field actions
Post-Italia 90 Struggles: Following the 1990 World Cup, Maradona faced drug addiction issues, culminating in a 15-month ban from football after testing positive for cocaine.
Argentina's Rocky Qualification: Argentina struggled to qualify for the 1994 World Cup, eventually requiring Maradona's return to secure their place in the tournament.
Brief Resurgence and Controversial Celebration: Maradona displayed flashes of brilliance in the group stage, scoring a memorable goal against Greece and celebrating in a way that fueled speculation about his drug use.
Second Positive Drug Test and Expulsion: Maradona tested positive for ephedrine after Argentina's second group game and was expelled from the tournament, receiving another 15-month ban.
Author's Disillusionment: Maradona's downfall marked a turning point for the author, who transitioned from a wide-eyed optimist to a skeptical observer of the sport, questioning its integrity.
On Maradona's decline: "The term druggie was now thrown around with abandonment, dovetailing nicely with cheat, which was still in vogue with the British press whenever Maradona’s name was mentioned."
On Maradona's return: "So once more, like an angel answering the prayers of the mortal, Maradona returned to save his country."
On the author's mother's reaction to Maradona's goal celebration: "“It wouldn’t surprise me if he was taking something.”"
On Maradona's impact: "Never has a player’s greatness divided opinion; never has a player been worshipped and vilified in equal measure; never has a player dominated an entire World Cup tournament; and never has a player had such a lifelong impact on a young teenager in Yorkshire, sat at home watching an old black and white television."
Final words from commentator Clive Tyldesley: "Maradona again, oh they just can’t get the ball off him. Can he get a goal? He deserves one. That should be a penalty, surely? Look at this. Nobody can say he is finished.”

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11/03/24 • 7 min

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