Maradona’s faith healed

BUENOS AIRES. Oct 9: Diego Maradona believes In himself again.

His return to Argentine soccer

wllli a match-winning debut for Newell’s Old Boys won rave reviews on Friday from local media and national team coach Alfio Basile, reports Reuter.

But for the man who was making his comeback to Argentine soccer after almost 12 years, the performance meant much more than that. It was proof that the magic is still there.

•1 was able to do what 1 used to do in the past." a contented Maradona told radio interviewers. "It worked out Just fine. I was putting the ball exactly where I wanted to."

Fireworks and a carnival atmosphere in Newell’s home stadium in the city of Rosario provided the backdrop for Maradona's long-awaited return to Argentine soccer after years of playing in Europe and the scandal of drugs charges.

In this atmosphere, it seemed unthinkable that

Emelec of Ecuador would dare assume the role of party-poop-

Almost as if a script had been written beforehand, the festivities reached fever pitch when Maradona — who else?— won the game with a spectacular goal in the second half.

"The king is not dead... long, live the king." the Buenos Aires dally Pagina/12 proclaimed the morning after it hailed the successful return of the national idol as "the first stop on his way to Australia at the head of the national team."

Argentina coach Alfio Basile ’ Is under increasing pressure to recall Maradona to the squad fqr the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Australia on October 31 and November 17 after Argentina's humiliating 0-5 home defeat last month at the hands of Colombia.

After ’Thursday night's friendly against Emelec. Basile said he found‘Maradona's fitness surprising. The former national captain had not played for months and shed 12 kilos (25 pounds) in only a few weeks.

That (surprise) was a feeling shared by many of those who were watching me and could not believe their eyes." Maradona exulted.

To Basile fell the unenviable task of putting the Icing on the comeback cake. He addressed the question as cautiously as possible, saying after the match: "I want him'to play. If nothing unusual happens, and 1 hope it doesn't, he will travel to Australia."

Maradona, who was at loggerheads with Basile after being left out of Argentina's side for the group qualifiers, has repeatedly said that he must first prove himself with Newell s before thinking about an international comeback.

To Judge by the superlative praise now gushing from the public and the press, that first obstacle has been overcome with ease.

Others, however, might prefer to reserve their judgement until after Maradona's first competitive league match this Sunday against First Division side Independlente.