Maradona: Brazil would not have beaten Spain on neutral ground

Argentina legend Diego Maradona believes that Spain would not have lost the Confederations Cup final against Brazil had the game been played at a neutral venue. The European and world champions were comfortably beaten 3-0 at the Maracana following a double from Fred either side of a Neymar strike and the 52-year-old feels the hostile environment affected Vicente del Bosque's men. "Spain were unlucky that the tournament was being played in Brazil. They looked promising. Brazil wouldn't have beaten them had the game been played on neutral ground," he told reporters on a visit to Indonesia. The Napoli icon then went on to praise Lionel Messi and stressed that the Barcelona star is still a cut above Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo. "Messi remains the best in the world. He is still a better player than Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo." Maradona also had his say on the 2014 World Cup and he is hopeful that Argentina can emerge victorious in Brazil. "Next year's World Cup belongs to South Americans. I hope Argentina will be crowned champions," he added. 

But, the only question that come to my mind as a scientist is "on what ground did Brazil did this stuff"?...

Keshi banks on Confederations Cup experience for CHAN assignment

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has told has it that the experience acquired by his players in the Fifa Confederations Cup would come handy in subsequent matches starting from Saturday’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against Cote D’Ivoire in Kaduna. Nigeria have never qualified for the competition meant for players based in local leagues on the continent while Cote D’Ivoire have played in both editions having hosted the maiden tournament in 2009. “Playing against top class footballers in the world, getting to know their behavior off and on the field of play, their professionalism, these are qualities you can’t buy anywhere. All these would always come handy in any match the guys play henceforth,” Keshi told Goal. “The Confederations Cup has taught me some few things and I am sure most of the guys too have learnt some things that will be very useful in our subsequent matches beginning from CHAN qualifying game this weekend. His side was well appreciated by all and sundry with the impressive way they played against quality sides like Uruguay and Spain. Keshi told Goal he would like to continue on the high by churning another impressive display against the Ivorians in Kaduna on Saturday. ”Every match is crucial for us be it practice game, all matches are important because this is what we do for a living. Mind you Cote d’Ivoire has a pedigree as far as African football is concerned and I can assure you that they will surely give us a good fight. But we will make sure we do our best to make Nigeria proud come Saturday,” Keshi assured.