Mundo's Best Of 2008

The time has come for us to reveal Mundo’s Top 10 Best of 2008. It feels like just yesterday since I wrote my first article (the 2006 version). I must say that looking back; it has been an incredible journey to see just how far this blog has arrived. Please take note of this. Seba started this revolution during the 2006 World Cup and now we are more or less 18 months away from South Africa 2010. Incredible, right!

Now back to our Top 10 Review, it was a real challenge as I needed to give some serious consideration on who is in and who is not. So let’s get into our countdown right away.

10. PGA’s Tour Top Rookie

Pretty quite year in golf. However for his sole title win at the Zurich Classis and his massive climb in the tour rakings, Andres ROMERO was named by the PGA as their rookie of the year. With his steady rise, the Albiceleste has a new name in the game of golf besides Pato.

9. Juan of a Kind

For years, we have been asking for some one who can be a solid performer in every surface. Well after a 23 match unbeaten run, 4 ATP titles and a Top 10 finish in the world rakings, in Juan Martin DEL POTRO we finally have an answer to that question.

8. Another Scudetto for Pupi

It’s not like Javier ZANETTI has never won it before. This time the script was entirely different. All the big guns where there, no points deduction or off the pitch technology interference. To the rest of you in Serie A, stop giving excuse. This want belong to Il Capitano.

7. Her Royal Lioness

Already in her 30s I’m wondering will there be another like her. But for now, we salute our very own Queen of the Albiceleste. Though she did not accomplish her goal in Beijing, she was still named as the FIH Women’s Player of the Year award for the record of 5 times.

6. 6th Million Dollar MANu

Of course, he would have preferred a championship ring and many would prefer to see him as a starter. But we all know Manu GINOBILI for his humbleness and humility; he will give everything for his team. The 6th Man Award is another recognition for his contribution.

5. Paton, Coach of the Year

For the first time we have someone from the dugout in our countdown. It was impossible to leave Edgardo BAUZA out, especially after taking an unfashionable Ecuadorian side to become the best in South America and the second best club in the World.

4. Paddling On Top of the World

First of all, thanks to Akash for highlighting this interesting news to me (sometime back in August). Though this particular sport was unknown to me (still is) but the fact still remains that this is the only World Championship that we won this year. And that is all that matters.

3. So Close, Yet So Far

How much unlucky can you get? It was painful to loose to Spain without Rafael NADAL and at HOME for that matter. Nevertheless I won’t take away the fighting spirit that was displayed by our racquet kings, especially that game from Jose ACASUSO.

2. King Carlitos, the Conqueror

From England to Europe and the World, he came, he saw and he kills em all. Apparently it looks like Carlos TEVEZ trophy cabinet keeps expanding every season. Carlos, I hope you hear my 2009 wishes; bring those good omens you have at club level to the national team please!!!

1. The 2008 Beijing Olympic Contingent

When I was reviewing the list medal winners at the Beijing Olympic Games, I’ve realized that each one of them had its own story to tell. So I guess it was fair enough to lump together as one because each medals has its own uniqueness.

The Albiceleste Army did meet our expectation (football), surprise us in some ways (judo, cycling, and sailing) and were also pretty unlucky as well (hockey and basketball). But overall, it was pure joy and excitement watching them playing every time.

In total we won two gold and four bronze, equaling our tally from the Athens Game four years earlier. On top of that, it was a pleasure to see our great Diego showing up for the Games. He was seen at the football stadium, basketball gymnasium and even at the hockey stadium, giving his unconditional support to the Albiceleste.

Once again another year has just passed by and we will know look forward to a brand new one. I’m sure there will be plenty left in store for us. Most importantly you know that for all the latest updates, this is the place to be. Seba and I will do our best to keep it coming for you.

Now before I end this article, we at Mundo would like to show our gratitude to some great people out there. As you know that we have always like to share our space with other readers.

So, a BIG thank you goes out to Alwin from Malaysia, Sam from Raptorstalk, David from Dream Shake, Mauro from The Offside – Copa Libertadores, Jon from Pitaco Do Gringo’s and Halley from Built from Scratch. We truly appreciate each and every one of your contributions to this blog. Last be not least, muchos gracias to all our respective readers. It was always a pleasure reading your thoughts and comments that you have posted here.

To me, the importance of this blog it’s not just about a place where Albiceleste supporters can able voice out his/her opinions. But it is also a place where we have the opportunity to make and meet new friends.

With that, Mundo Albiceleste would like to wish to all our readers a very Happy New Year 2009 and the best of luck in the future.

VAMOS VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!