According to the Capello Index

Leo Messi's nationality is Spanish - do you think they know something we don't?!

World Cup 2010 allegiance

, just in case there was any doubt!!

Vamos La Albiçeleste!!

More fool you!!

The prevailing misconception among the media (listen here) is that Diego Maradona can't really be coaching La Albiçeleste - this is doing a great disservice to the great man!! After all, how is it possible to have played the game the way he played without having a fundamental understanding of what football is about?!

Maradona's genius lay in his ability to elevate his teammates, at Argentina and Napoli, to his level for the time it took to convert a typically astute pass to a goal. Though his talent is innate, he was a very industrious player - he was the first one to training and the last one to leave. Now as manager, he conveys his reading of the game to his players, La Albiçeleste play in his image and on the pitch, Maradona's genius is equalled by Messi.

Vamos Espagña!!

20 years ago, the defending champions lost their opening fixture to an unheralded side, but the genius of Diego, once again inspired the Albiçeleste (who can forget that 2nd round match against the Seleçao  where they were effectively outplayed for 89 minutes, but Diego unlocks the Brazilian defence as only he can, fashions a pass to Caniggia who dispatches the ball with aplomb) to the final where De Mannschaft fashioned a win.

So to Ilker, Piqué, Puyol, Busquets, Xabi, Xavi, David Villa, David Silva, Cesc (if you play), Nando et al, please don't despair - just play the beautiful game that so enchanted us in Euro 2008.

Vamos Espagña!!