Maradona begins Argentina reign in Glasgow
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
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Diego Maradona scored his first international goal in Scotland on 2 June 1979 against Scotland at Hampden Park and he will return to the Glasgow venue in a fortnight after being appointed Argentina coach.
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Bilardo reunion
The 48-year-old was confirmed the position by the Argentina Football Association today, having captained his nation to victory at the 1986 FIFA World Cup and made his 91st and final appearance in the 1994 edition. The coach in Mexico '86, Carlos Bilardo, will assist Maradona, who takes over from Alfio Basile with Argentina third in the South American 2010 World Cup qualifying group after losing 1-0 in Chile last month.
Ready to go
Maradona, who helped SSC Napoli to victory in the 1989 UEFA Cup and also played for FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC during more than a decade in Europe, gained brief coaching experience in the mid-1990s with Mandiyú de Corrientes and Racing Club de Avellaneda. "We have to start working as quickly as possible," said Maradona ahead of the 19 November trip to Scotland. "We are going to play the game against Scotland with the best team we've got. I scored a goal there, on a tour with [César Luis] Menotti."
'Extra spice'
Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith is delighted to be welcoming Argentina and their new coach. "Argentina is a famous name in football and now with Maradona coming as coach there is extra spice to the fixture," he said. Scotland lie second in World Cup qualifying Group 9 with four points from three games and visit leaders the Netherlands on 28 March.