Could It Be Bye, Bye Maradona?

Brazil have every reason to be jubilant. A convincing 3-1 victory over Latin arch-rivals Argentina on Saturday means that the Brazilians are assured of a place in the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Pity Diego Maradona, the Argentine coach. Now he's left with the fear that Argentina will not make it to the World Cup finals next year.

It will be a shame if their Barcelona whizzkid Lionel Messi will not strut the stage in South Africa.

Brazil's win in Rosario caps another feather for their coach Dunga who led the Samba boys to win the Copa America in 2007  and the Confederations Cup this year.

It was thought that Dunga would be sacked after a poor showing in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Dunga survived. He has led Brazil to 10 wins in a row since.

Despite the debacle on Saturday, it was reported that Maradona would not quit.

Argentina cannot afford to lose again in their World Cup qualifier match. This Wednesday they will face Paraquay who are expected to qualify even if they lose to Argentina.

Another defeat could leave the Argentines out of the World Cup, a nightmare for a football-crazy nation that once regarded Maradona as the greatest player in the world.

But as a football coach, the legendary Maradona has yet to prove his mettle and management skills.