The five representatives of Africa at the just
concluded world cup in brazil did their best to make the continent proud but
only two could make it to the second round which is the first time two African teams
played in the round of 16. After Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon were sent
parking from their respective groups. It was only Nigeria and Algeria that made
some statement for the continent.
At the group state, Algeria’s were grouped with
Belgium, South Korea and Russia. In their first match against Belgium they
almost shocked the world but for the late comeback from the Belgium National
team which saw them winning the game 2 – 1 after Algeria has lead for greater part
of the match. The second game was against the South Korean team which recorded
the most numbers of goals scored by an African team at the world cup.
In a single match, a 4 – 2 win boy Algeria needing
just one point to qualify for the second round of 16 with the last game of the
group against Russia. It was a memorable match which saw the North Africans
getting needed result 1-1 draw.
Algeria made it through to the round of 16 stages for
the first time in their history. Germany was their next opponent. The match can
be said to be one of the best matches an African team played at the world cup.
It took the German machines an extra time effort to
beat the Algerian national team 2 -1 after a goalless 90 minutes.
Nigeria made it to the round of 16 for the third
time in their fifth. Appearance at the world cup making the Super Eagles the
only African team to have played in the stage 3 times.
In Brazil, Eagles started on a shaky note with a 0-0
draw against the less France Iranian National Team. Which saw most people not
believing in the team, but the second match against the Bosnia and Hasegovinor national
team was a do or die affair which both team know the winner will likely make it
out of the group it was a game that leaved up to expectation. with Peter
Osaze’s goal in the first half given victory to the African champions.
Confirming Manchester United striker Elder Zeco and his team exit of the world
cup.
The final group game was vs. the South American soccer
power Argentina. It was a match that leaved up to it’s billings with two goals
from Lionel Messi while Ahmed Musa also showed a world class performance by
scoring two wonderful goals. Thus the game ended 3-2 in favor of the Argentina
but was a good performance from the super Eagles.
In the other group game the Iranian team lost by 3
goals to 1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina team which ensured the qualification
of the Nigeria team to the next round.
Nigeria Vs France round of 16 matches at the Brazil 2014
world cup was seen by many the Eagles had the potentials of winning.
A superSport presenter was quoted us saying the
African Champions made Africa Proud with the standard of play against the
French National team.
The eagles played a better game they control
possession. Like the eagles always do. The likes of Kareem Benzima of Real
Madrid and Oliver ground of Arsenal were kept silence for greater part of the
match.
The Super Eagles scored a clean goal that was
disallowed by the American referee and a very bad tackle by Matvida on
Nigeria’s middle field holder Ogayi Onazi saw Onazi been stretched out which
accounted negatively on the Eagles and gave the French side a free hand to
penetrate the team’s defense which lead to goal scored by Pogba and later an
own goal by the 100th caped Captain Joseph Yobo on the last minute
of the match. It ended 2 nil in favour of France which saw Africa’s hope of
progressive dashed at the world cup.
No comments:
Post a Comment