Futbol isn't a game of Fairytales

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

I'm once again posting from my mobile phone while on the subway to work. Anyhow, I'd like to apologize in advance to anyone who is looking for completely unbiased World Cup commentary because you won't get that with this post. I'm Nigerian and I had a very big emotional connection to today's match. Carrying on.

Uruguay v Mexico

Not much to say here, because, barring a South African victory against the tumultuous French, both Uruguay and Mexico would advance. Despite the Bafana Bafana victory, Mexico advanced to the knockout round with a better goal difference. Look for Uruguay to be the sleeper team in the next rounds.

South Africa v France

I absolutely love how the Bafana Bafana enter the stadium game after game rejoicing and singing. It shows unity and a togetherness that has been absent in the French camp- and it showed in this game.

The Bafana Bafana got on the score sheet first with a beautiful header from Bongani Khumalo. Had the circumstances been different, this would've been considered by most to be a shock lead. However, Les Bleus have seemed more interested in drama than actually playing futbol in recent times. As if being 1-0 down isnt enough of a kick in the behind, the French find themselves down 2-0 after Mphela scores a scrappy goal. Determined to qualify and riding on the sound of the vuvuzelas blown by their home fans, the Bafana Bafana keep their fingers on the trigger but are unlucky as they find the post a few times and Tshabalala fails to elevate the home crowd with his left foot once again. Les Bleus manage to crush the S. African fairytale when Ribery finds Malouda in the box on a well orcestrated attack that comes far far too late.

Well done by the Bafana Bafana, its truly sad to see such a well spirited team go, or rather, stay home. and I bet Les Bleus are feeling pretty blue right now. No sympathy there from me.

Argentina v Greece

Needing only to tie to secure their spot atop Group B the Argentinians had no intention of settling for a tie. At least Messi did not. Although Messi has perhaps the most shots on goal in this tournament, he is yet to find the back of the net. However, I don't see this as an issue because I see him as more of a playmaker for Argentina than the prolific goalscorer he has become at Barcelona. He draws defenders, makes them look silly before dishing off a pass to a teammate. The game ends two nil and Greece returns home.

Nigeria v South Korea

In order for the Super Eagles to advance to the knockout stages they needed a victory against South Korea and some help from Messi and co. The game begins and 12 mintes into the game Odiah muscles his way past two Korean defenders and fires a beautiful cross into the box and poor defending gives Kalu Uche the positioning he needs to find the net. 1-0 to the Super Eagles. I'm elated, but a bit worried because Nigeria has a terrible habit of going up by a goal only to lose the game. The referee seemed to have a penchant for awarding free kicks at the slightest touch and the Koreans used this to exploit Nigeria's weakness scoring both goals from set plays. Game is at 2-1 and Nigeria, once again, finds themselves playing catch up. Kanu goes off and finally the fast-as-hell striker Obafemi Martins comes on. Obasi switches to the left and becomes more dangerous as he constantly attacks the South Korean box. He finds his way through, gives Yakubu the easiest pass he will ever receive and somehow, Yakubu misses from half a yard from goal. There is no excuse for a fail like this other than Yakubu clearly not being focused. Should be 2-2. Odiah draws a penalty and the penalty master Yakubu redeems himself by scoring and avoids the wrath of the Nigerian people being currently felt by Sani Kaita who watched from the stands. 2-2. The Nigerians continue to press and almost find victory when Obasi plays a beautiful ball through to Martins who goes for a cheeky chip, but puts it wide of goal.

Obinna fancies two long range efforts that are very close, but only cigars see you through the next round.

Personal commentary:

Here is where I, as a Nigerian, let out my feelings about the Super Eagles. Reader discretion is advised.***

1. Decision making. It is horrible. Nigeria's woes are beyond the field of play and the mistakes made on it. NFA needs to be overhauled and we need a Nigerian coach. Yes I said it. Lagerback couldnt qualify Sweden for the World Cup so how in the hell is he going to help Nigeria do well in South Africa? Lagerback is no Westerhoff and seems very timid and quite uninterested in Nigeria's success in the World Cup. Westerhoff still lives in Nigeria for crying out loud- thats because he truly cares about the Nigerian people and our way of life. The closest you'll get to that is a Nigerian coach.

2. Team selection: where is Ikechukwu Uche? why is he not on the squad? Why does one of the fastest players in futbol start the game on the bench? Sure Martins didn't do so hot during this past season, but anybody with his speed is always going to be a threat. And why didn't Odemwingie play this match at all?

3. Defensive errors: This issue is what has plagued all of the African sides in the World Cup so far. They are generally stronger and bigger than their asian, european and south american counterparts, but they forget simple defensive tactics like closing down strikers around the box. Too many goals have been scored by allowing the strikers too much space.

4. Fitness: These guys all look terribly out of shape. Maybe it is because most of them are in their late 30s claiming to be in their mid 20s, but come on, there's no reason for you all to be getting cramps so often.

5. Midfield: Nigeria thoroughly missed Mikel Obi in South Africa. Our midfield lacked creativity and strength. Etuhu was way too jumpy today and committed very stupid fouls.

6. Finishing: see Martins and Yakubu. Also, see the first game against Argentina. Absolutely no attack whatsoever and we were saved from being routed only by Victor Enyeama.

7. Composure: Save for the latter stages in today's game, Nigeria was not composed at all. In their second game against Greece, they fell apart once Sani Kaita was sent off. Playing down a man is not the worst thing that can happen as long as you compose your team and play together. Nigeria successfully accumulated a single point in 3 matches. Dismal. Your success should never hinge on another's. There was no need for us to find ourselves needing an Argentina victory in order to qualify with THREE points! Rubbish.

I have a ton more to say, but I will stop here. Nigeria: lets fix these simple issues and we will once again become the African powerhouse we were in the 90s.

Thanks for reading and I'll be back tomorrow with another post. the US takes on Algeria and England take on Slovenia in a must win for both English-speaking cousins. Should be exciting. Follow us on twitter: @LiveBrtheFutbol

Labels: argentina, etuhu, france, martins, messi, mexico, nigeria, south korea, uruguay, yakubu