James McFadden is the New Diego Maradona?
The highlight of Scotland’s 2-0 win over Macedonia in today was the second goal. James McFadden received the ball in his own half and pretty much ran a straight line down the center of the pitch before rolling the ball home. Like Diego Maradona in 86, only more efficient.
Sloppy defending for sure, and it’s not clear whether McFadden beat that second defender with a lucky bounce or a genius nutmeg. But can’t argue with the distance McFadden covered with the ball at his feet.
The win makes second place in UEFA World Cup Qualifying Group 9 a strong possibility for George Burley’s men (fist place Netherlands are uncatchable).
But second place could still mean no World Cup, as only eight second place teams (out of nine groups) make it to the play-offs, based on points won during group play. The current second place team rankings look like this:
Note: Second place rankings updated September 6th.
Scotland play the Netherlands on Wednesday, but unfortunately McFadden is suspended.
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Comments
By Cerberus | September 5th, 2009 at 1:40 pm 
The second-place table is kinda messed up. On the current ranking, Scotland is dead last.
Posted from 
Denmark
By Lyno | September 5th, 2009 at 3:30 pm The headline of this article made me laugh. James McFadden is not fit to tie Maradona’s shoelaces.
‘Like Diego Maradona in 86, only more efficient.’ – How? How was it more efficient? Against a team ranked 26 places lower than a poor Scotland side, in a World Cup Qualifier to decide second place. How is that more efficent compared to Maradona’s wonder goal in a World Cup Quarter Final?
Pathetic.
Oh yeah, and Maradona meant everything that he did against England for that goal in ‘86 with great control and skill. I’d question, like you have, whether McFadden meant that nutmeg. Lucky. Granted it was a good run and finish but to compare him to Maradona is laughable.
Posted from 
United Kingdom
By OhYes | September 5th, 2009 at 4:48 pm Gotta agree with Lyno on this one. It’s not even 1/100th of Maradona’s goal. It’s nice. Yes. But next Maradona? More efficient? Mentioning this play and Maradona’s goal in the same paragraph?
Nope.
By Rob | September 5th, 2009 at 6:01 pm “The headline of this article made me laugh. James McFadden is not fit to tie Maradona’s shoelaces.”
That’s the jo…nevermind.
By filosobh | September 5th, 2009 at 9:05 pm it was nice goal
the best of the week
Posted from 
United States
By Oli | September 6th, 2009 at 1:55 am Ummmm…guys, this may have been just slightly tongue-in-cheek. I don’t think anyone would claim McFadden or anything he does can match up to ‘El Diego’.
Apart from if the Scotsman went into managment, of course.
By t'OM | September 6th, 2009 at 7:49 am I don’t think Scott Brown realised his challenge would be considered “an assist” at the time.
Posted from 
Australia
By Mite | September 6th, 2009 at 3:21 pm I think overall it was too high result for Scotland. Draw could have been fair, especially because in the first half Macedonia was all over Scotland with chances. Also a the one-on-one in the beginning of the second half was a great chance, but poor finishing gave the Scots the undeserved victory. I say undeserved both football wise but also have they heard of fair play? What that vilain who scored the first goal(i dont want to mention his name) was unacceptable, with loads of other hard fouls.
Good luck with the 4-0 trashing from the Netherlands.
By Arun | September 6th, 2009 at 3:29 pm James McFadden the new Maradona? — Maradona the new Steve McClaren?
Posted from 
Canada
By stig | September 7th, 2009 at 6:04 am Great goal, I didn’t see the game b/c of work but can see Holland. I’m happy for Burley b/c he was taking a lot of heat this week. Second place situation is very confusing looking like Scotland needs a miracle
By stig | September 7th, 2009 at 6:12 am Just a few points against Norway or Macedonia and they would have been in the playoff for sure. Hopefully they will reinstate McFadden for the next game but I doubt it. The crowd reaction was awesome. Not too much success vs Holland though. I remember the game with Goram , McCallister, Collins (a much better team) that they were lucky to get a draw in past Euro Cup. Goram made a point blank save on Davids which was one the best saves I’ve seen.
By sultan | September 7th, 2009 at 3:39 pm I am proud scot but to compare this goal with MARADONA’S is unrealistic. Maradona was sublime and won the world cup in 86 on his own. Argentina had average team beyond this. Shame James is not playing as it may have helped. He is scorer of great goals especially for Scotland. This is evident by the goal he scored against France and in leagur game for Everton against Charlton. The Everton goal was amazing. I would argue one of the best that season.
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