By Alex

Somehow, someway we all knew deep down the Diego Maradona experiment in Argentina wasn’t going to go smoothly. It’s not like we haven’t noticed the train wreck that is Maradona over the last little while.

So far, his tenure has averted complete catastrophe but one has to wonder for how much longer.

Despite booking their trip to South Africa, Argentina struggled mightily during World Cup qualifications. For a team laced with wicked talent, this can’t possibly be sitting well with Argentinian fans.

But for the rest of us, watching the buffoonish Maradona lose control is perversely entertaining.

Not so long ago, consensus had Argentina among the serious favorites to march into South Africa in 2010 and win it outright. Now, that assertion has faded into the Andes as its fierce rivals from Brazil put in an excellent qualification campaign to win the group. It has compelled people to claim Brazil is among the top teams, if not the team, to beat in 2010.

Maradona’s tirade telling journalists to “suck it” after guiding (Ok. Guiding may be a strong word) is just the latest in Maradonian breakdowns which has to be disconcerting for Argentina fans who would rather see a manager working to get Argentina back on track.

Some are dreaming for an Argentina-Brazil final and the Los Albicelestes still have time to recover but, at this point, one has to wonder if Diego Maradona is the right man to get the job done.