Maradona returns to Argentina

Coach Diego Maradona is back in Argentina to prepare for two critical World Cup qualifying matches that could determine if the two-time champions reach the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.



Maradona arrived today after an 11-day break in a spa hotel in an Italian Alpine resort, where he is reported to have shed a few pounds and tried to escape the pressure and criticism awaiting him at home.



Maradona declined to speak to reporters when leaving the airport, continuing the silence he maintained in Italy.



Italian police confiscated earrings worth US$5,900, partial payment for his tax bill in Italy that reportedly stands at $54.7 million, accumulated during the years he played with Napoli in Italy\'s Serie A.



The 48-year-old former Argentina captain is taking much of the blame for the team\'s poor results in qualifying, which have put it in danger of missing its first World Cup since 1970 with two games remaining.



Argentina faces Peru on October 10 at home and then wrap up the regular qualifying phase at Uruguay on October 13.



Argentina are fifth in the South American qualifying standings. The top four team advance automatically to the World Cup. The Number 5 team faces a playoff with the Number 4 from North and Central America and the Caribbean.