Brazil vs. RIQUELME: Are they afraid of him?

I have to confess that I have changed!

I used to hate those games that media plays. I used to think they were meant to hurt and to cause distress to players, teams, supporters or anyone involved in football.

But now I enjoy them! I think they are amusing, entertaining. I understand the game now and I flow with it.

Juan Roman RIQUELME is the subject again.

No Albiceleste have been so controversial since Diego stopped playing. While MARADONA was never questioned for his on the field skills, RIQUELME separates Argentines to the extreme that half of them love him, the other half hate him.

But I have found that this is not something that happens just in Argentina! Brazilians are watching Roman very closely and they are also divided!

O Globo, the biggest media corporation in Brazil, have published in their website a couple of lists containing the 10 reasons why Brazil should fear RIQUELME in the Copa America and 10 reasons why they shouldn't be worried about him!

They can be right or wrong in many of those 20 reasons, what they can't deny is that they are already talking about him, starting to open the umbrella before the first drop hits the floor.

RIQUELME is already getting to their heads. Installing some insecurity in them. Making them talk about him, think about him...

So here's the list of 10 reasons why Brazil should fear RIQUELME:
http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/0,,MUL56932-4482,00.html

1. Because he destroyed Palmeiras in 2000

2. Because he destroyed Brazil in the World Cup Qualifiers in Buenos Aires in 2005 (Argentina won 3-1 with a sensational goal by Roman from outside the area).

3. Because he destroyed Gremio in 2007 (this week!)

4. Because he was the best player of the Copa Libertadores and Boca's top-scorer.

5. Because he will wear MARADONA's number 10 shirt.

6. Because he will want to avenge the defeat he suffered against Brazil (3-0 in London) in his last game before his interrupted international retirement.

7. Because those who will have to stop RIQUELME's shots are HELTON and DONI.

8. Because it is forbidden to use weapons in football to stop him.

9. Because he is as ugly as Topo Gigio (a mouse-puppet from a kids TV show that was immortalized by Roman when he celebrated a goal against River Plate by putting his hands around his ears, resembling the image of the famous puppet).

10. Because he is Argentine.


Now the list of 10 reasons why Brazil should not be afraid of Roman:
http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/0,,MUL56941-4840,00.html

1. Because he always underachieve playing for Argentina.

2. Because he is an usual victim of Brazil.

3. Because he failed at FC Barcelona where RONALDINHO is king.

4. Because there is no Bombonera stadium in Venezuela.

5. Because the Copa America is not quite like the Copa Libertadores.

6. Because Brazil have ROBINHO.

7. Because this time Argentina won't have contaminated water (in reference of the incident in which Brazilian BRANCO was given intoxicated water during the World Cup match in Italy 90 by a member of BILARDO's staff).

8. Because Brazil should better be worried about MESSI and TEVEZ.

9. Because he has the face of Topo Gigio, and Topo Gigio can't hurt nobody!

10. Because he is Argentine.