I saw the Maradona benefit match and can report that Nobby came through unscathed. In fact the only way he could have been scathed is by thin air. Nobby prospered in a midfield holding role surrounded by easily the best players of a generation. Nobbs didn't look out of place passing to Francescoli (who many believe to be the most underrated player of all time) Mathaus, Stoichkov, Cantona, Valderrama, Ferrara and others. He didn't tackle anything though (obviously keeping fit) and on several occasions made a hash of tackling the little cheating fat dog, er Maradona. It can't go without passing to mention Riquelme, an OUTSTANDING young talent. Maradona rates him so highly he wore his Boca shirt for the last 30 minutes of the game. This lad WILL be the star of the world cup along with D'Allesandro (the young guy who West Ham nearly bought) he's got Dyers gait and pace, but posseses a ton more close control and a shot more wicked than anything the devil could muster. He is totally awesome. Watch out for these names.

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2001

Answers

The match had without doubt the BEST atmosphere I have ever seen at a game of football. No matter how much hero-worship is involved, I think that English fans are simply too reserved for displays like that, be it for Keegan, Shearer or whoever. It was absolutely unbeleivable.

Two thoughts. My first impression was that this has to be good for Nobby to see. He must be aware that adulation, not on that scale but pretty good anyway, could be his at Newcastle if he got his finger out and did what he's capable of, week in and week out. He's got the talent, but can he apply himself?

Thought 2 (yeah, one more that most mondays...). If Nobby gets a tenth of that love and affection from the Peruvian fans, then Bobby hasn't got a snowball's chance in hell of getting him to quit international football. No way. And, frankly, I can totally understand that....

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2001

Steve, did you go to Beardsley's testimonial?

Now that was what I call atmosphere.

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2001

I thought Tino was supposed to be playing?

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2001

As I was in Barcelona, I saw Beardsley's game as I saw Maradonna's - on the telly. My opinion is still the same. Of course, Geordie fans can generate an atmosphere unrivalled in the UK. Nevertheless, due to the fact (non-PC bit ahead) that the majority of the South American fans appear to be certifiable mental, there will always be a difference. They really do have the capacity to go utterly bananas in a way that no English crowd can match.

Add to this the presence of fireworks (firearms?), drums, trumpets and packed standing terraces, and it can get truly scary...

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2001

Steve, what our South Americans have said backs this up: Nobby, Bassedas and Clarence have all said that they get death threats after playing badly in South America and that really a game is war over there: this is probably a large factor.

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2001

If the South Americans are any crazier than the Central Americans, I don't think I'd go near a stadium without a helmet, lots of padding, and flame retardent suit. My experience was only from the Hondurans taking over RFK stadium in Washington DC. From that I don't think I want to get any closer to the real thing. It was an amazing cauldron of sound and color...at least until they start throwing things. Then it got pretty scary. They are loco.

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2001