No wonder Argentina have got problems if they're pinning their hopes on Toon flops

By Simon Bird

Published 17:04 07/09/09

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It will come as no surprise to Newcastle fans that Argentina are struggling to qualify for the World Cup, following their 3-1 loss to Brazil at the weekend.

Especially after some amazing comments from coach Diego Maradona... when he explained that Newcastle winger Jonas Gutierrez is the third name he writes on his team sheet.

So, a nation who believe themselves to be major contenders for the World Cup are desperate to select a winger with a Championship side, who has failed to score for the Geordies in more than a year, as one of their main men?

Maradona says that Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi get the nod first, followed by Gutierrez.

The former Real Mallorca winger has his good points. He’s hard working, a fighter, and could probably run the 400m at the Olympics such is his stamina.

But for a supposedly creative player he goes to pieces when it comes to playing an effective final ball or getting a shot in. Not that I’ve actually seen him shoot yet.

Gutierrez was injured for the Brazil clash, and his absence was used as a mitigating factor by Maradona. One bonus is that his St James' Park team-mate Fabricio Coloccini did not play - although he couldn’t have performed much worse than the Argentine defence on Saturday night.

Could he?

Maradona has also assured the Toon pair that they will still be selected for their nation despite playing in the second tier of English football.

At least it keeps their failings out of sight to their national team boss. Is the Championship broadcast in Argentina? Can we expect Maradona to check on the pair at Blackpool in a fortnight?

Argentina at the World Cup finals? Not many Geordies will be betting on it.

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