DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       9jacheatbase.tk
  HTML https://9jacheatbase.createaforum.com
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       *****************************************************
   DIR Return to: Latest Sport Update
       *****************************************************
       #Post#: 18--------------------------------------------------
       Hope for Africa in Brazil
       By: kingrollex Date: July 2, 2014, 2:55 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       The first round of matches have been played
       in Brazil; and following weeks of analysis on
       how African teams were likely to fair, we now
       have a slightly clearer view of where the
       continent is going this time around.
       Before the World Cup began, a lot of hope had
       been put on Cameroon qualifying for the
       second round at the very least. Watching The
       Indomitable Lions in action against Mexico
       was frustrating. It was the kind of game that
       the Africans could have and should have won.
       Unfortunately this game did not live up to the
       other fixture in Group A.
       Even though this Brazil team is no-where near
       the standard of the team that won the 2002
       World Cup, it was clear in their opening game
       against Croatia that home support will work in
       their favour to see them get out of the group
       and likely top it.
       Croatia was no walk in the park and I don't
       see Cameroon getting past them. Mexico was
       the game that the Africans should have won
       but they didn't. So to be honest, getting out of
       this group, especially considering Samuel Eto
       is injured for a week, is going to be very
       tough.
       Ivory Coast took a while to settle in their
       match against Japan but once they did they
       lived up to my expectations. Even though
       Didier Drogba did not score in their win, his
       presence was clearly what was missing from
       the start of the game. He somehow lifted the
       confidence of the side and I guess Coach Sabri
       Lamouchi will need to decide whether to start
       him in their next match or keep him as a
       super-sub.
       Colombia will be tough based on their
       performance against Greece, but I am
       confident that the Ivory Coast will make it to
       the next round. They are Africa's biggest hope,
       in my view.
       Nigeria's game was frustrating to watch. The
       Super Eagles dominated possession but
       without seeing the statistics, I can say that
       their successful pass rate was low. They kept
       giving the ball away and were rather fortunate
       that Iran was doing the same.
       Up front the West Africans just couldn't live
       up to the hype. I do think that manager
       Stephen Keshi needs to repair whatever
       tension there was between him and Peter
       Odemwingie and start him. He was a breathe
       of fresh air but wasn't on the pitch long
       enough to make a serious contribution.
       There is still hope for Nigeria following their
       draw, but it will mean fighting for at least a
       point against Argentina and a win over Bosnia
       and Herzegovina. Keshi needs to ask for more
       from his attacking players and goals they
       have the capabilities, they just need to focus.
       Ghana were a little unlucky but I hope they
       have learnt a valuable lesson; that the game
       starts when the whistle is blown. There is no
       time to settle into a game and you must focus
       from the beginning. They did not play badly
       but they are in such a tough group that I'm
       afraid it will take a miracle to get out of the
       group.
       Portugal will work hard for results against
       them after their frustrating clash with
       Germany; while Germany themselves are
       looking so on point, I doubt whether they will
       fail to win a group game. Their class is
       undeniable to the point where I can already
       see them in the semis or better.
       Algeria are yet to play as I blog so I'll give
       them the benefit of the doubt.
       Overall Africa's hope lies with the Ivory Coast
       while Nigeria have an outside chance of
       moving on. I think Ghana were unlucky from
       the start with the draw; but I did expect more
       from Cameroon.
       With two more group games to go however I
       could be completely wrong. This is the World
       Cup where every team qualified to be there
       and any team can pull a surprise.
       So even though I have my international team
       that I am supporting, I am "Team Africa" first.
       *****************************************************