RIPPLES: The truth is out there
by Nick Webster, FOXSports.com
Is Aldo Duscher a modern-day footballing equivalent of Lee Harvey Oswald? A journeyman footballer who's had his day, and gets one last chance at fame and world renown simply by 'doing' the most famous player on the planet?
The challenge itself was crude, unsophisticated and designed to hurt. I know as a player, that when you go into a challenge two-footed you may have designs on winning the ball, but you're also aware that you could hurt the opposing player (hey, I'm a defender!).
Once Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the ironically nicknamed 'baby faced assassin', scored to open the second leg of the Champions League clash and give Manchester United a three-goal lead on aggregate, Deportivo had little chance of winning.
Instead, they set about returning Spanish football to the ugly, thuggish days of the late 70's and early 80's, and eventually had two players sent off, including Aldo.
Now this is where the conspiracy theory kicks in. Ordinarily you would say injuries, mis-timed tackles, "sorry mate" etc., are all just part of the game. The problem here is that Senor Aldo just happens to be from Argentina.
We have a history here, and not all of it is that pleasant! Was it an accident or is there some darker force at work here?
It is common knowledge that Beckham is England's talisman. We're not the same team without him. The Group of Death will be decided by the England-Argentina clash in Sapporo on June 7th, and remember that the second-place qualifier from that group 'wins' the privilege of a round-of-16 match with France .
I can't see Bielsa and Co. being that gutted if P.O.F. isn't fit, whatever the noises coming out of the Argentine camp.
Professionals don't go out on the pitch to hurt each other, do they? Hospital balls are accidents right? Late tackles are about not getting there in time, correct?
As much as we don't want or like to admit it, there have been some nasty pieces of work who have graced the game. There have been players who want to win the ball no matter who gets in there way. If they had to hurt an opponent, no matter (think Norman Hunter, Claudio Gentile, Andoni Goikoetxea).
I'm not saying Aldo had malice on his mind, but as Becks' dad so eloquently said "it was a little naughty." He wasn't talking about Posh's undies.
Aldo has called P.O.F. to apologize, and knowing our hero, he probably accepted it graciously.
With the clock ticking down towards the cup, wouldn't it be rich justice if June 7 in Sapporo was the day of the P.O.F.'s return. And, just like in one of Ollie's movies, if he capped it with a dramatic winner.
One final note on this subject. Could you imagine the uproar if, in training, Man U's Nicky Butt decided to play the role of Jack Ruby against club-mate Juan Sebastion Veron? Hey, it's only a thought!
Moving on to today's episode of 'As The World Turns,' starring Leeds United and Jonathan Woodgate.
Will it ever end? Young 'Woody's' troubles have been well chronicled, but last week's indiscretion and season ending injury must surely take the biscuit for stupidity.
Let's quickly review the differing accounts I've heard.
A) According to Leeds he broke his jaw while involved in horseplay with a mate.
B) He was breaking up a fight between a couple of girls and the boyfriend chinned him.
C) Revenge attack by assailants unknown.
D) He was completely legless and fell over on his own.
I'm sorry, but whatever respect I had for the lad, and it wasn't a lot, has gone.
How many chances does this guy need? What's he doing in a pub? Why haven't Leeds brought the police in? Will they continue to pay his wages after he's hurt himself? After all, isn't he a prized asset?
I don't get it. He's paid loads of money to play a game and yet seems hell bent on destroying himself.
Would it kill him to stay at home, have a couple of beers (to be honest, he should follow big Tony Adams example and lay off the sauce permanently) and keep a low profile for six months? The whole thing sounds and smells very fishy and I'm sure we haven't heard the end of it.
Until then, get the beers in, and remember tuck your chin and extend that jab.
When not chatting up celebrities, Nick Webster can be reached at nwebster@foxsportsworld.com
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