Maradona's reputation in tatters as Argentina struggle

New Delhi: Fans may shudder at the thought of a Football World Cup without Argentina but that prospect is frightfully real now.

It isn't just the fall of the Argentine football team that is causing heartache in the country and beyond its shores, but it is also the fall from grace of one of the greatest players ever - Diego Armando Maradona.

But more two decades after Maradona led Argentina to their second World Cup title, the applause has died and the arc lights faded as the country that once worshipped him like a deity is now crucifying him.

The Hand of God has disappeared as Maradona now paints a listless solitary figure. Player Maradona and coach Maradona present opposite ends of the football canvas.

"Let's put a team together and stop saying stupid things. Maradona, go home. Messi, you too. Let's put men in who can play. Very ashamed! I really wanted this to happen so that we could finish off that fat dummy who has been lying to us for a long time," Midfielder Marcelo Ricci said.

So is it the end of Argentina's football supremacy? The only team other than Brazil who were supposed to be automatic qualifiers for every World Cup, the Albicelestes are now tottering on the brink of elimination from football's quadrennial showpiece event.

The shocker against Paraguay on Wednesday left the legend more than just horrified. He' is now facing upto a reality that could perhaps finish off his reputation, at least in his own country.

"I never imagined we'd be like this. We have to face it like I have faced my life and I will face it in the best way possible. We still have a chance and we will lock onto it. Good night," said Maradona after the match.

But it could soon become the long kiss goodnight for the Maradona Argentina once loved.

Footballer, genius, patriot, superstar, ambassador, Maradona has straddled all roles with equal ease and success.

But it is the travesty of sport that soon the country could bury the God they once loved.

Once bigger than his own team, Maradona will only survive if his team does.