The star studded Argentine side were humbled by the Croats on Thursday night, and if I did not catch the game I would have blamed the loss on their defence but there is no single player to be absolved of the 3 nil defeat handed to them. Even the Argentine manager was bereft of ideas judging by the starting XI he put out against Croatia. He got it wrong with the side he started and how does he explain taking off Sergio Kun Aguero and a Maximiliano Meza stays on the pitch for the entire 90 mins. Anyway how is that my concern, their loss was surely good news to the ears of Nigerians.
Brazil Vs Costa Rica
It was some sort of make or mar tie for the Selecao on the day, and though it looked like the Costa Ricans were going to steal a draw in this one with the heroics of goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who shut out everything thrown his way up until the the 1st minute of extra time where he conceded from close range from a Coutinho effort.
The golden boy of the Brazilian team Neymar Junior made up for his lacklustre performance in the game against Switzerland by bagging a second goal for the Samba Boys in the 97th minute.
The 2-0 win has put the Brazilians in perfect stead for a second round berth but would have to contend with Serbia or Switzerland if they want to qualify as group winners.
Nigeria Vs Iceland
I was hoping the Croatia win over Argentina would inspire the Super Eagles of Nigeria to victory and hope was all I got (well in the first half) as the tinkering from the German born Nigerian coach Gernot Rohr, did not seem to improve the team. The huffing and puffing from both sides did not produce any goals in the first half with the Nigerian side having it worse despite dominating in passes had no shot on target. The Icelanders seemed to be the more purposeful side taking the game to Nigeria and having two shots on target to show. I am wondering what Victor Moses started the game for, a friend even said it seems he was playing against the Eagles. First half ended 0-0.
Just before the second half this same friend that crucified Moses said if Moses does not misbehave then the Eagles would score. 4 minutes into the second half ,Moses crossed the ball for Ahmed Musa to put Nigeria 1 up. What a start to the half by the Eagles. Nigeria continued with the beautiful game play and got a second goal in the 75th minute through Musa again. A lofted cross from the foot of Nigerian defender Kenneth Omeruo was sent down the path of the diminutive winger cum striker who took on Iceland’s defence before unleashing a shot into the net.
Iceland came close to getting a consolatory goal but Gylfi Sigurdsson sent the ball over the bar much to the relief of Nigerians. Game ended 2-0 which means Nigeria just need a draw against Argentina and hope Croatia at least draw or beat Iceland, to progress to the knockout stage.
So when I tell people Ahmed Musa still has a lot to offer the Eagles, hope they will believe me.
Thanks for your time. Next up on the diary is England versus Panama.
Have a fab weekend y’all.
