“What Does the Signing of Michael Crabtree Do To the Raiders Draft & What They May Not Be Telling Their Fans”

“What Does the Signing of Michael Crabtree Do To the Oakland Raiders Draft”

Michael Crabtree was signed by the Raiders for a one year 3 million dollar deal with various incentives.  It makes for an interesting turn in the direction that the Raiders may go.

Raiders Needs:

When the Raiders started the free agency period, these were their top 4 needs:

1. A fast #1 Wide Receiver
2. 1-2 pass rushers to fix the 31^st ranked pass rush
3. Run Stopping DL
4. Run Stopping MLB

So far in free agency the Raiders have solved the #3 and #4 problem by shoring up their run defense.  A fast #1 WR and the 1-2 pass rushers; which were their biggest needs; are still an issue.  That’s a lot to fix in one draft.  Let’s look at the puzzle further to look into what is happening and what may happen.

First the Pro’s; Why Crabtree Makes Sense

I have to be honest; I LOVE  this guy.  He’s a great talent who hasn’t had his best games yet.  How the Raiders picked DHB over him is still a head scratcher.  (oh those fast 40 times at the NFL combines that Al Davis loved so much).  I fought with Raider fans for 3 years who told me give DHB time.

Crabtree and the 49ers passing game were limited due to their quarterback situation and their philosophy which was a power running, grind them out offense.  He also played last year after a horrendous Achilles heel injury and many think he’s finally healthy.  I still think it’s a good signing but it is a worry.

I’m sure the Raiders see him as a starting WR at a great price.  They also see in him as a player that makes key plays when they are needed as was seen in the 49ers Super Bowl run.  He’s also tough; many felt he wasn’t healthy all year last year but he insisted on playing the entire season.  A physical WR that will make a difference.

The Cons: Why Crabtree Doesn’t Make Sense

With Today’s medical advances, coming back from a severe knee injury is doable. Coming back from a severe achilles heel injury as a wide receiver is rough.  Some have said few regain their speed and agility so Crabtree’s true health remains to be seen until he gets on the field.

Detractors will also point out to his terrible year last year with 10 drops; some pretty bad ones.  It was obvious his head wasn’t in the game at times.  He also was the rumored leak to Deion Sanders talking about the dissension with Jim Harbaugh as coach, which he vehemently denied.  The local media often complained it’s obvious he’s checked out.

Bad Attitude?:

Others will talk about his bad attitude, but I laugh at that.  Jerry Rice was a diva personified at San Francisco.  Rice told the press Steve Young’s passes were hard to catch and he would never be Joe Montana.  He also went off in the press because he needed more passes thrown to him; even though he led the league in catches.

Terrell Owens played brilliantly while injured in the Super Bowl on the way to throwing his quarterback under the bus.  Dez Bryant’s temper tantrums on the sidelines and off the field dramas are all but forgotten now that he’s one of the best in the NFL.  NFL Wide Receivers are the blond headed cheerleaders that you saw in the movie Bring It On.

What Does This Do To The Draft:

First of all, no, the Raiders are not going to trade down.  Name all the time’s that they have done that. (crickets)  Every year we go through this.

Also, if the Raiders brass said that they hate ice cream, I’d bet a million dollars that they’d be having hot fudge sundaes at Hooters that night.  DON’T BELIEVE WHAT TEAMS SAY!  Name all of the football teams that are going to run to the press and announce their plans and tell people all that they are thinking.  The only ones that lie more than NFL teams are politicians!

If USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams is there, I think the Raiders pick him because their pass rush was atrocious last year but the Raiders have made some crazy choices in the past so nothing is for sure.  Amari Cooper is the best WR in the draft IMHO; his amazing numbers at Bama were impressive.

Devin Smith the WR out of Ohio St. will be there in the second round (The Patriots are supposedly into him so he may go late first round) and he’s a stud.  A bigger clone of ex Panther great Steve Smith, this guy had his biggest games against the best competition.  Tough as nails, brash and he has track speed.  He has that rare talent of not losing speed when he cuts.  If you look at old clips, Cliff Branch had that rare talent too.  Even if you get Crabtree and he pans out, you still need a speedy WR to stretch the field.

What the Raiders May Not Be Telling the Fans:

I said it in a previous article; I think the Raiders may have a two year plan but there was NO WAY that they were going to make that public because of all the years of losing.

If they choose a wide receiver #1 this year in the draft, I get it.  Next years draft has at least 6 really good pass rushers, and possibly up to 9.  They are young and are on the verge of really getting good.  I can see the Raiders filling in holes this year, and going for broke in the draft and free agency next year to finalize their pass rush.

Can you imagine the outrage on social media if the Reggie McKenzie came out and said we are looking for a 2 year plan to get good?  If you thought people were wild now. In reality though I think they realize they need another good draft and signings to get the team that they envisioned.

Guarded Optimism:

For fans that pick playoffs and Super Bowl for the Raiders every year, they may FINALLY be right, but it may take a year.  I think a .500 season is realistic but thinking you can fix a terrible pass rush with a second or third round draft pick is naive at best.  I think the Raiders had many holes to fill and they’ve done a good job at filling most of them.  I think they are a year away from really filling them in the way that they want to and being a playoff contender.  Until you do it on the field and win, talk is cheap.

People also need to keep in mind that rookie wide receivers usually struggle some in their first year.  It takes time for them to evolve, even in today’s pass happy world where defenses can’t touch them.

In today’s NFL especially, if you don’t have a pass rush, you can’t win.  No way will you get to the next level if you can’t rush the quarterback and stop the run.  The run defense looks fixed but the pass rush still needs to be addressed.  Fans may need to have a little more patience for the Raiders to become a playoff team again though.  We’ll know for sure after the post draft signings what the team looks like.  It should be fun to watch.

Even with many fans worrying about him,  I think Crabtree will be a valuable piece that could have long term success, but the pass rush still needs to be fixed.

     

“Raiders Win The Battle of the Bay Again; Jack Del Rio is a Solid, but Not Great Hire as Oakland Raiders Coach”

I know that not one Super Bowl was ever won in an opening press conference of a newly hired coach. Even taking that into account it was uncomfortable to watch the 49ers brass hire Jim Tomsula. The 49ers presser was like seeing two elitist, arrogant rich guys hovering over a good solid lifer coach who was scared to death to say anything wrong. The Raiders showed them up big time.

Owner Mark Davis and Reggie McKenzie were professional and seemed on the same page. It was good to see the media also focused on the Raiders coaches over their obsession with Davis love of Hooters and PF Changs. Lot’s of men are breast and lettuce wrap guys but it’s time to get down to business. Davis and McKenzie were relaxed and didn’t go crazy with wild predictions of Super Bowls, the greatness of the Raiders, and future glory like the 49ers stumbled through. There was definitely a unified feel in the room. Jack Del Rio is good on the microphone and most knew he’d be very well received and he did a good job as was expected.

With the hiring of Jack Del Rio as Oakland Raiders coach, the Raiders picked a solid football man who has integrity but he has very limited success. As every fan and media person loves to bring up, Jack grew up in the bay area and he and his family have long been Raider fans. As head coach, that means nothing, but it’s kind of the full circle story that makes good headlines and you also feel good for him because he obviously loves the Raiders. Personally I thought there were better candidates but he’s a solid, safe choice but one that I question.

Positives:

I like Del Rio’s defensive philosophy. He mixes things up with different coverage’s and formations. He likes to move players around; especially pass rushers; and at times takes chances. He also loves physical play and brings toughness to a team that desperately needs it. He has the philosophy to win in the NFL; stop the run, and rush the passer with 4 players. Last year the Raiders could not stop opponents running game and they were a dismal 31st in sacks. If the Raiders can shore up the DL, I see better things ahead for the Raiders defense.

Jacksonville linebackers raved about Del Rio’s support of them, and his hands on philosophy. They were a key focus at Jacksonville. The Raiders for too long have lost site of what makes a good defense; stopping the run and rushing the passer. It needs to be a mantra. You do that by having a stud front 7 on defense and not drafting defensive backs with good 40 times. You can have the best defensive backs in the league, but if you can’t rush the passer they are toast.

Jack Del Rio is also a players coach. He’s a fair person and is direct. As a coach at Jacksonville for 9 years, his defenses were good, not being lower than 12th in total yards allowed. Of course he had a good defensive coordinator as well in Mike Smith which helped.

Del Rio is well respected around the league and defensive free agents will be willing to come to Oakland more freely now that he is a coach. Denver is loaded with talent so it wouldn’t be surprising to see a few players come over from the Broncos to play for the Raiders, but don’t expect a mass exodus. The Broncos still have a ton of talent and that is hard to leave.  The fans will enjoy Del Rio’s interactions with the media as well. He knows how to get people excited and is very likeable.

Negatives:

Del Rio has a bad history with coaches.  During his time as the Jaguars coach, he went through 19 of them during his tenure.  That’s a lot of them.  Some of the hires in the first place were questionable.  Some complained he was too controlling and others hinted Jack wasn’t exactly first in line when it was time to take responsibility for failures.

The lack of success bothers me too.  I personally want a coach that has a track record of success, even as an assistant. Del Rio has never been a consistent winner as a head coach. In 9 years at Jacksonville, he never won a division title. He also had only 3 winning seasons and only 2 playoff years. Del Rio is 1-2 as a playoff coach. He built up the team after Tom Coughlin left and then it crashed again while he was coach.

Two fans yesterday were posting wherever they could that Del Rio’s first 9 years were as good as Jon Gruden’s first 9 years. They were extremely popular posts among the Raider nation. Those stupid facts get in the way though. In his first 9 years Gruden was 10 games over .500 at 77-67; had 4 division titles; played in one AFC championship game and had a Super Bowl title. Del Rio has no division titles and one playoff win in 9 years and was 68-71. It’s not even close who had more success. Even with talent at Jacksonville, the defense held it’s own but offensively the Jag’s seemed to struggle for consistency under Del Rio.

What Del Rio Will Need to Succeed:

Reggie McKenzie and Mark Davis will have to hire good assistants as does any NFL team. Mike Smith’s name has been thrown about and he would work well with Del Rio due to their long history together. If the Raiders hire Mark Trestman I guarantee issues. Trestman never had any pull or control when Jon Gruden coached the team but he got a lot of credit. Gruden was in control of the game plans and called the plays. Trestman used Gruden’s success to land the Bears job and his goal was to fix Jay Cutler and the Bears offense. The Chicago press grinded him to dust for his apathetic demeanor and poor leadership skills. Twice there was physical fighting in the post game locker room and they were out of control. Trestman isn’t the answer and they need a coordinator that will bring a toughness on offense and create an identity.

Speaking of Identity; the Raiders need one and they need one badly. The coaches at times seemed to have no clue on what direction the team should go. Don’t expect Sporano to get any head coaching job offers any time soon. If you are a power running team then you need to run the ball.

The play calling though still needs to have imagination. Derek Carr has to learn to call audibles’ as well. If there are 9 defenders in the box and a running play is called and the quarterback doesn’t audible to a passing play, don’t blame the offensive line for the lack of a running game or the coaches play calling. The Raiders were predictable and helpless to run the ball at times especially on the road. In the last 4 road games the Raiders averaged 8 points a game. It remains to be seen what role Del Rio will play to fix that.

My Take on the Hiring of Del Rio:

I don’t mind the hiring of Del Rio but I think there were better coaches out there and I would not have picked him.  Maybe they’ll win a Super Bowl in 3 years and I could be wrong, but I just didn’t like his tenure at Jacksonville.

The Raiders need to stop all this talk of winning Super Bowls and build a foundation. I think Del Rio can do that. He will bring toughness and a sense of discipline which is really lacking in Oakland.  As for long term I have my doubts and though unpopular, I don’t think he’s the long term answer.  To think that a coach of a good team who never won a division title in 9 years and only made the playoffs twice, is all of a sudden going to start hoisting up Super Bowl trophies, is wishful thinking.  I do think though he will get them to a level that hasn’t been seen here in 12 years and that is definitely a great start that would please Oakland fans craving success.

“Final Grades for the Battle of the Bay, The Oakland Raiders Hosting the San Francisco 49ers”

Final Oakland Raider Grades v.s. San Francisco 49ers; Week 14:

(7-6)  San Francisco 49ers  13

(2-11)  Oakland Raiders  24

That rustling sound you heard was not birds flying overhead, it was 49er fans quickly changing from 49ers gear to San Francisco Giants Gear.

The Raider fans were as loud and excited as they’ve been all year and they were rewarded with a big win over the hated 49ers.

Shockers:

*The Raiders FINALLY used tight end Mychal Rivera and fullback Marcel Reece and it opened up the middle of the field.  They had 14 receptions for 173 yards and 2 TD’s.

*The 49ers averaged 5.4 yards per carry but if you take away the 49ers scrambles, they ran only 15 times all game with Frank Gore only getting 12 carries.

Quarterback:

The Raiders had a very rare good game plan and Carr played very well.  The offensive line gave him all day to throw and he carved up the 49ers secondary.  He was much calmer this game and handled the pass rush better.  He didn’t rush his throws and seemed more relaxed in the pocket.  Carr finally didnt’ just settle for hope throws to wide receivers and he looked more to the tight end Mychal Rivera and Marcel Reece who was a valuable outlet.

Carr was solid and accurate and finally played the way that the Raiders have hoped that he would.

GRADE:  A-

The final Raiders scoring drive was a big one and it sealed the game.  Carr played well and solidified himself as the quarterback of the future.  The offensive line protected him well and it showed.  He threw for a much better average than he normally has at 9.1 yards per catch AND was 22-28 for 254 yards with 3 touchdowns.

Running Backs: 

Central Florida’s Latavius Murray should have been playing a long time ago but finally he is entrenched as the starting running back of the Oakland Raiders.  He is big, hits the hole hard and is fast.  He ran for 76 yards against one of the tougher run defenses in all of the NFL.  The offensive line opened up some big holes for him and at times when there were no holes, Murray still managed yards.  They had a solid game against a good defense.

Grade:  B

The Raiders fans and the team should be happy to know that they have found a tight end, running back and quarterback of the future if they play them.

Offensive Line: 

The offensive line has been wrongly getting blamed at times for the teams failures.  They played their toughest competition of the year against the 49ers, and they played very well.  Carr was sacked only 1 time, and Carr at times had all day to throw.  The Raiders game plan was finally a good one.  The offense passed often on first down and they weren’t so predictable.

Grade:  B+

Some Raider fans and people in the media have wrongly gotten on this OL.  Like ex Raider Lincoln Kennedy has commented, “if you run on first down all the time when the defense has the line stacked, and you are not going to be successful.  They dominated the 49ers front line at times and it was a big surprise.

Wide Receivers: 

The Raiders wide receivers were not a big part of the offense this week but it was a good thing.  The 49ers made a big point of taking away the wide receivers and I’m sure it was a surprise to see Carr throw to the tight end and Marcel Reese all game.  It was something the Raiders should have been doing all year.

GRADE:  B

They played well when called upon which wasn’t a whole lot.

Defensive Line:

It took 14 weeks but the Raiders finally got a pass rush.  The 49ers offensive line has been hurt by injuries but it was a nice game by all.  Justin Ellis and Antonio Smith played well.  The 49ers play calling was puzzling at best.  They gave up on the run way too early.  The Raiders still have issues stopping the run

Grade:  B

The pass rush was solid but the run stopping was not very good.  Kaepernick also hurt the Raiders on some runs and the 49ers should have ran the ball a lot more.

Linebackers:

Khalil Mack finally had a good game rushing the passer with 2 sacks.  Sio Moore played havoc with his rushes and is a star in the making if he keeps improving.  The linebackers only had a combined 6 tackles but they really rushed the quarterback well.

Grade A-

This unit is the strength of the defense and the defense will be greatly improved if the Raiders shore up the defensive line.  The Raiders linebackers have played better against the run but they really put pressure on Kaepernick and that changed the game.

Defensive Backs:

Safeties Brandon Ross and Charles Woodsen were all over the field and really played well.  The Raiders had their best pass rush of the year and it really helped the defensive backs.  The 49ers had their weekly dropped passes and it’s still confusing why they dont pass to tight end Vernon Davis more, but overall the defensive backs played pretty well.  The coverage was fairly solid against the wide receivers and it wasn’t a bad effort.  The defensive backs though are making too many tackles in the run game and that is on the linebackers and defensive line.

Grade B 

The Raiders safeties really played well.  Tight end Vernon Davis was only targeted 4 times but he seemed open a lot.  Davis caught only 2 catches for 23 yards.  The Raiders did not give up a big play all game.

Coaching:

After a win usually teams are hopeful and positive but this coaching staff just isn’t the answer in Oakland.  To take months to get a good game plan and to finally make Latavius Murray their starter is frustrating to watch.

On the other hand, they had a solid game plan that didn’t involve running on every first down.  The Raiders finally used the tight end and Mercel Reese in the passing game.  I’ve been crying for them to use the middle of the field and they finally did.  They even used a slant at the goal line for a great red zone touchdown.  When the Raiders passed on first down, they were successful almost all of the time and it kept the 49ers off their game.  They also blitzed when needed and even though they had  injuries, the 49ers offensive line struggled all game.  There were still some puzzling moments, like doing play action passes on passing downs but overall this was one of the best games for this coaching staff.

Grade  A-

For the first time since the San Diego game in Oakland, the play calling was very good.  The Raiders still need to stretch the field more but they used Marcel Reece and tight end Mychal Rivera over the middle and the 49ers could not stop it.

Special Teams:

Sebastian Janikowski had a long field goal which set the tone for the Raiders.  The return game and the return defense had an ok game and Marquette King was solid.

Grade B+

An overall good, if not spectacular game by the special teams unit helped out in this win.

Next Opponent:  @ Kansas City Chiefs (7-6; last game, loss @ the Arizona Cardinals 17-14)

Outlook:

This was a much needed morale building win by the Raiders which gives a lift to their team and fan base.  Next up is an always tough game in Kansas City.  The Chiefs are in a must win situation after losing in Arizona so this will be a big test for the Raiders.  If the Raiders can control the Chiefs running game and make Alex Smith beat them like they did in the last game, they could pull out another victory in Kansas City.

Who at the World Cup 2014 Can Stop Spain’s Record Winning Streak in International Soccer;

 

La Roja es el rey del mundo de fútbol.

Spain is the king of the soccer world.

With Spain’s epic record setting championship run in the past 8 years, there is definitely no love lost between them and the rest of the soccer world.

They are setting records with every win. In Euro Cup history, no team had ever won back to back championships until Spain did it in 2008 and 2012. Spain then won their first World Cup in history in 2010 and now have an unprecedented 3 straight major world championships.   They are now kings of the soccer world.

The World cup is so hard to win because the best of the best are there. This year there are many teams waiting to dethrone Spain.

Who are the favorites?:

Spain has an artistic style that is controversial. The Tika-Taka style of soccer; or short controlled passing game; is amazing. It takes great skill to do it in the way that Spain does, and it’s also very successful. Some fans and critics though say that it is a boring style and opposite of exciting teams such as Brasil and Argentina. Say what you will, more than a few are now saying the Spanish team is the greatest team in soccer history and their success backs it up.

No European team has ever won a World Cup in South America. That is great news for host Brasil. Brasil may be the most balanced of all the teams. Add an artistic flair and amazing home crowds, and the Brasil national team is a big favorite to win it all.

Germany is always a contender.   One of the great soccer traditions in history, Germany is always talented and this year is no different.   Marcos Reus though has been ruled out for the World Cup with torn ankle ligaments and they are going to be hard pressed to find someone to replace him. Germany though is deep and talented and will go far in the World Cup.

Argentina is a popular favorite of fans due to the hopes of Lionel Messi finally shining during the World Cup, but in reality they are loaded with talent. Their attacking style is fun to watch and many fans are excited about their chances.   Messi is 26 years old. That is the same age that Maradona was when Argentina won the World Cup in 1986.

These teams have a chance to shine at the World Cup:

Portugal is not as talented as they were in 2010 when they had their famous loss in the World Cup but they will be a factor. When Cristiano Ronaldo elected to kick the last free kick, he famously didn’t even get a chance for his own glory because the game was lost by then, bringing a lot of embarrassment. His selfish moment fuels him to want to win a World Cup badly, so Portugal is a wild card.

Italy is one of those teams that can look awful one minute and look like world beaters the next. Mario Balotelli can control a soccer match when he’s on, and when he’s not, Italy can lose to anyone. After their second match we should know which Balotelli and Italy team will show up.

These are wild card teams that have lots of questions but may surprise.

The Netherlands are a dangerous side.   They don’t have a well rounded team, and they are lacking somewhat on defense, but any team with attackers like Robin Van Persie and Argen Robben is a factor. They can control games with their attacking style and any team that plays them will have to be good on defense to win. I like watching this team but they have a tough draw in their group with Chile and Spain.

Belgium and France are also interesting teams but they don’t play well in every game. Belgium can look good one minute and be terrible the next. Any team with Eden Hazard and Vincent Kompany is a threat. Belgium is a sexy pick by many and it will be all or nothing for them.

Uruguay now has a healthy Luis Suarez and their attack is as good as anybodies when they are clicking. They are not a well rounded team though and they will have to play better in the midfield.

Finally one of the countries that I always pull for is back. The sad memories of Andres’ Escobar’s murder and the extreme stresses that plagued the soccer team of Colombia during the 1994 World Cup in the United States still haunts people today. It’s good to see this team doing well.

Colombia plays a fun and exciting style that says one thing; attack. They are now back to being a scoring team with James Rodriguez and Jackson Martinez looking to make a name for themselves on the world stage.

One thing to watch for in the World Cup is the referees. Some of the calls borderline on ridiculous and match fixing has been a huge problem with FIFA and the soccer world in the recent past. FIFA is as dirty an organization as there is, rivaling the International Olympic Committee and the NFL in their corruption and greed. Some have called FIFA the mafia without guns. The hope every year is that the referees and penalty kicks will not play a big role in these games.

All of the great soccer talent now is in one place. Who will step up to greatness and who will disappoint; it’s always the question at each World Cup. There are a lot of fun early matches, so from beginning to end it will be interesting to see who comes through to the round of 16 and beyond.

“In 3 Minutes the Two Most Famous Goals in World Cup History Shocked the Soccer World”

While Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi rule the soccer world today, if you were to ask historians who the greatest soccer player of all time is, you would probably get two answers.  For many, the majestic and magical Pele’ may be their answer. To others though it would be the great Diego Maradona.  While in today’s soccer world athleticism and speed is a huge tool for players like Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, Pele’ and Maradona used their ball handling skills and imagination to delight the world of soccer. They were more than soccer greats, they were artists.

The 1986 World Cup quarterfinal in Mexico between Argentina and England had a deep rooted meaning of anger and bitterness. In 1982 the Falkland War between Argentina and the UK had begun.   It was a 3 month war that created extreme friction between the two countries. This game meant so much to both teams.

Maradona had electrified crowds with his vision, cunning, and amazing ball handling and playmaking skills.   Listed at 5′ 7″ tall, in reality he was only 5′ 5″ tall but he had a strong, stocky build with muscular legs. He led Argentina into the quarterfinals with dominating expertise on the pitch.

The talented England squad had a lot of expectations. They had their only World Cup win in 1966 when they were the host country. England and Argentina were both soccer crazy countries and if you add the Falkland War into the mix, this game meant much more than a World Cup semi final birth.

On June 22, 1986, Estadio Azteca in Mexico City was magical. The place was rocking with an amazing 105,000 people jammed into the stadium. Chants, songs, and every noise device known on earth were in full effect from the fans. On a warm, sunny day the electricity in the crowd along with all the beautiful colors would create a once in a lifetime experience.   Half Wizard of Oz, half religious experience, this game would be one for the ages.

The first half was a feeling out period for the most part. Both sides being wary of the scoring talents of the other. England’s star Gary Lineker was watched closely by Argentina. Lineker would later win the Golden Shoe award for the highest scorer in the World Cup.

In the second half Argentina came out more aggressive. In the 51st minute, Maradona went on one of his patented drives.   As he entered the goal box, he attempted a give and go move to his teammate. The English defender intercepted the pass but kicked the ball toward the English goalie. Maradona; who had kept going in the hopes of getting a return pass; jumped up in front of the goalie and hit the ball. GOAL!   But was it? The England team protested wildly saying that he had hit the ball with his hand. The referee said he did not see that and allowed the goal.

Later when he was interviewed and asked about the goal, the Argentine star said that the goal was scored, “A bit with the head of Maradona and another bit with the hand of God”. From then on in sports lore, this goal was known as the “Hand of God” goal.

Diego Maradona had just started. Three minutes later he took a simple pass on Argentina’s side of the field. Maradona then took off like a jet and dribbled through 5 English defenders and went the length of the field. English goal keeper Peter Shilton could do nothing as a rocket shot went past him. The Argentina crowd went crazy and the stadium was electrified. Famous Spanish Speaking announcer from Argentina, Victor Hugo Morales, was going nuts actually thanking God for seeing such a goal. Immediately people knew they had seen something special. In 2002 FIFA and the soccer world voted this goal as the goal of the century and the greatest goal ever scored.

Argentina was up 2-0 now but England was not going to go away quietly. At the 70th minute England substituted in John Barnes.   Immediately his energy and passing skills changed everything. Barnes began to pound the goal area with crosses. England looked like a different team and in the 81st minute a cross was put in the goal by Lineker. It wasn’t over yet. At the 87th minute with the crowd on their feet, another great Barnes cross was sent over the middle to an open Lineker but it was inches out of his reach. A few minutes later the crowd roared when the three whistles of the referee marked the end of the game. The game meant so much that many in Argentina felt this was partial revenge for the bitter military conflict between the two countries.

After the game the media and the soccer world was buzzing. People knew they had seen something special, and the charismatic Maradona fueled that fire on and off the field.

To this day Maradona is celebrated by most fans, especially in Argentina where he has icon status. For Americans to understand what a star Maradona is; especially during his heyday; think Michael Jordan and Babe Ruth; COMBINED. And that isn’t an overstatement.

Some fans though are also disappointed and embarrassed by his lifestyle and mistakes.   He was suspended for 15 months in the Italian league in 1991 when he tested positive for cocaine and he was also sent home from the 1994 World Cup in the U.S. for testing positive for stimulants. He owes millions in back taxes in Italy and has had more than a few run ins with the law, the press, and even soccer officials in his own country.

For all the turmoil Maradona has created in his life, the 1986 World Cup will always be his shining moment.  To this day just the sound of his name brings back great memories to Argentina and the soccer world. And in a 3 minute span, he created sports history that will be talked about forever.