Forget about who’s going to the World Cup, the real story is who’s NOT going. African champions Egypt, Russia’s Andrii Arshavin and Yuri Zhirkov, fading Ukrainian legend Andrii Shevchenko, and Bosnia-Herzegovina’s classy striking duo of Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic – if you haven’t heard of those two, you should really get your nose out of the Premiership and catch some Bundesliga action. Of course, I haven’t even mentioned top coaches Giovanni Trapattoni and Guus Hiddink, both of whom fell short at the last hurdle, but more on those later.
Egypt’s World Cup jinx continued in Khartoum, where they lost out to Algeria in what must be the biggest match ever staged in Sudan. Two things struck me about this game: First, if ever a goal deserved to send a country into the World Cup finals, it was Antar Yahia’s superb volley, a cracking effort from an acute angle that flew into the roof of the net on Essam el Hadary’s near post. It will certainly live in Algerian memories for years to come.
Second is the fact that sealing qualification on neutral territory – rather than in Cairo last Saturday – was probably best for the Algerians. Remember, four Algerian players had already been hurt when the team bus was attacked BEFORE the Cairo match-up. I shudder to think how that Cairo crowd would have reacted had Emad Motaeb’s late header not forced the Khartoum playoff.
I think the African challenge will be weakened by Egypt’s absence though – we all saw what they are capable of at the Confederations Cup in June – and the finals will certainly be the poorer for the absence of players like Wael Gomaa, Mohammed Aboutrika, Mohammed Zidan, Hosni Abd Rabou and the evergreen Ahmed Hassan.
All the talk in Europe is about France and their handball-assisted conquest of Ireland at the Parc des Princes. There’s no question about the foul, even the main villain in the plot, Thierry Henry, has admitted as much. Yet, it’s naïve to expect that the French could have done anything different once the goal was given – there’s way too much at stake and besides, I doubt the ref would have chalked off the goal even if Henry had admitted he “had a hand in it”. Was this some big conspiracy to help France reach South Africa? I don’t buy that – even if UEFA president Michel Platini is French. I think the ref and his assistant, who were behind the play and had several players between them and the incident, just missed what looked an obvious call to Irish ‘keeper Shay Given, who was three yards away – and the rest of us who had the benefit of several replays from four different angles.
The real debate here should be about the use of technology in football officiating, something I’ve been railing about since Victor Ikpeba’s penalty was wrongly ruled out in the African Nations Cup final shoot out nine long years ago, and something the powers that be at Fifa have been too quick to dismiss. A quick review of the video would have confirmed Henry’s handball and helped the ref to make the right decision in this case. There’s an argument that it would slow down the game to stop for every little decision. Fair enough, but it could just be reserved for cases like this in which the ball is already in the net – or otherwise dead - and it would surely have taken less time than it took the ref to fight off the incensed Irish protests that followed William Gallas’s goal.
I may be wrong, but I kinda think that had France been on the wrong end of this decision, we may well be closer to the use of technology than we are now.
The other game I caught midweek was what I had hoped, given what transpired in the first leg, would be a cracking affair between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Portugal. In the end, the Portuguese won easily leaving their hosts rueing the absence, through injury, of four key regulars who had featured in the first leg, especially their inspirational captain and midfield muse Zvjezdan Misimovic. There were still a few Bosnian players that caught the eye though, not least the aforementioned strikers, Dzeko and Ibisevic, and Lyon youngster Miralem Pjanic.
I couldn’t help but wonder what could have been had the old Yugoslavia still been in existence today. Just think, they could have lined these Bosnians up alongside Croatian stars Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar, Mladen Petric, Ivica Olic and Eduardo; Serbians Nemanja Vidic, Neven Subotic, Dejan Stankovic, Milan Jovanovic and Nikola Zigic, who will be in SA; and the less heralded but also World Cup bound Slovenians Robert Koren and Milivoje Novakovic. Mouth watering, no doubt, but just a thought.
On a final note, a word about those top coaches that will not be making the trip to SA – at least not with their current employers. I know a lot of Nigerians are hoping Mr Amodu gets canned right away to make way for another of those fly-by-night foreign “Technical Advisers” – think Messrs Bora and Vogts. It’s not that I have anything against foreign managers – I really liked Clemens Westerhof and I think sacking Philipe Troussier in 1997 was a big mistake – as long as they are of the right calibre and we give them time to work. I certainly don’t think six months to the World Cup – or two months to the Nations Cup - is the best time to appoint a new coach, yet if we must then we have to get the cream of the crop. Two of those may just be newly available in the shape of Hiddink and Trapattoni, fresh from their respective disappointments with Russia and Ireland. Now would be the time to start talking.
Enough said.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Super Eagles: Kudos For Job Done
It sure wasn’t pretty, but somehow Nigeria’s Super Eagles booked their place at next year’s World Cup with that 3-2 win after a topsy-turvy game in Nairobi – and after a topsy-turvy qualifying campaign. For Super Eagles’ fans, it a time to celebrate a return to the big time, and also a time to reflect, with the benefit of some perspective, on what has been an emotional rollercoaster for many.
While Nigeria’s performance at Nyayo Stadium was hardly mouth-watering, Tunisia’s last minute capitulation in Maputo added a rather interesting twist to the Eagles’ qualifying odyssey. It’s just seven months ago that they kicked off their campaign with a much maligned and heavily criticised goalless draw at the very same Maputo Stadium that’s just dealt the death knell to Tunisia’s Mundial hopes.
Hindsight is always 20/20, but that one point gained in Maputo – by the way, the only point gained in Mozambique by any visiting team in this group - sure turned out valuable, and in the final analysis, that draw wasn’t quite the disaster it had been made out to be back in March. Of course, had Tunisia managed the win they so badly needed on Saturday, this would be a different story.
It’s not only about hindsight though; it’s also about knowledge and expectations, and how the former should inform the latter. For instance, a little research would have revealed to the interested that Maputo hasn’t been the easiest of places to visit in recent times. Just over a year ago, Ivory Coast – a far better team than Nigeria, let’s face it – only got away with a 1-1 draw. But, of course, many Super Eagles fans – some in ignorance, some in arrogance - always expect a win AND a spectacular performance, regardless of opposition or venue, or else the coach has to go, and the team “overhauled”, whatever that means. It’s great to expect the most from your team – nothing wrong with ambition – yet it seems those expectations often stray into the realms of the unrealistic. Like when some fans criticise the team for getting “only” a draw in Tunis.
I will admit that the performance on the field hasn’t been impressive – and I’ll get into that later – but now that all the chips are down, we can reflect on what in my opinion has been a decent, if nerve-wracking, qualifying campaign. The goal was to qualify and that, despite some twists and turns, was accomplished. If there was one dark spot, it was the shocking inability to hang on to a lead in the 2-2 draw with Tunisia in Abuja. It was surely an opportunity lost in a game that seemed a must-win at the time, and it took our fate out of our hands. Yet it came after a well-deserved 0-0 draw in Tunis and surely didn’t merit the vile reaction of some fans who took to booing the team in the next home match against Mozambique. One would have thought the journey was over at that point, yet what would prove the pivotal point of the campaign came in that Mozambique game, when Victor Obinna scored the winning goal in the 3rd minute of added time to keep the Eagles in contention till the final round.
A year ago, after six wins from six first round qualifiers, I wrote commending Shaibu Amodu for a job well done – you can’t argue with results like that – and also to point out areas of concern. Now, given that I didn’t expect another 100% sweep, I again have to commend the coach and his team for another unbeaten run, and for grabbing the much wanted ticket. It might not sound like much, but only one other country – Ivory Coast - got through its 12 match schedule without a single loss. Contrast that to African champions Egypt, who’ve lost twice – to Malawi and Algeria; or Ghana, who lost in Gabon, Libya and Benin; or Cameroon, who lost to Togo and were then held goalless at home by Morocco, before winning four straight to secure qualification.
The truth is; it’s tough to get through World Cup qualifiers. There are no easy games anymore. Everyone is well organised and everyone has savvy foreign-based pros, and the fact that there are only a few days to prepare for each match is far from ideal, even for established teams like Cameroon, Egypt and Ghana. Nigeria, with a team in transition after the mess of the last Nations Cup finals, was bound to have some challenges too, and in that light should be commended for seeing the job through.
There are issues to resolve and I am not suggesting that the fact that qualification was achieved should paper over obvious cracks. I have my thoughts about this team, the coach and its chances at the upcoming Nations Cup and World Cup Finals. But those are issues for another day – and in the near future too. Today, I’ll like you to join me as I charge my glass and sip a toast in honour of Shaibu Amodu and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
See you in SA!
While Nigeria’s performance at Nyayo Stadium was hardly mouth-watering, Tunisia’s last minute capitulation in Maputo added a rather interesting twist to the Eagles’ qualifying odyssey. It’s just seven months ago that they kicked off their campaign with a much maligned and heavily criticised goalless draw at the very same Maputo Stadium that’s just dealt the death knell to Tunisia’s Mundial hopes.
Hindsight is always 20/20, but that one point gained in Maputo – by the way, the only point gained in Mozambique by any visiting team in this group - sure turned out valuable, and in the final analysis, that draw wasn’t quite the disaster it had been made out to be back in March. Of course, had Tunisia managed the win they so badly needed on Saturday, this would be a different story.
It’s not only about hindsight though; it’s also about knowledge and expectations, and how the former should inform the latter. For instance, a little research would have revealed to the interested that Maputo hasn’t been the easiest of places to visit in recent times. Just over a year ago, Ivory Coast – a far better team than Nigeria, let’s face it – only got away with a 1-1 draw. But, of course, many Super Eagles fans – some in ignorance, some in arrogance - always expect a win AND a spectacular performance, regardless of opposition or venue, or else the coach has to go, and the team “overhauled”, whatever that means. It’s great to expect the most from your team – nothing wrong with ambition – yet it seems those expectations often stray into the realms of the unrealistic. Like when some fans criticise the team for getting “only” a draw in Tunis.
I will admit that the performance on the field hasn’t been impressive – and I’ll get into that later – but now that all the chips are down, we can reflect on what in my opinion has been a decent, if nerve-wracking, qualifying campaign. The goal was to qualify and that, despite some twists and turns, was accomplished. If there was one dark spot, it was the shocking inability to hang on to a lead in the 2-2 draw with Tunisia in Abuja. It was surely an opportunity lost in a game that seemed a must-win at the time, and it took our fate out of our hands. Yet it came after a well-deserved 0-0 draw in Tunis and surely didn’t merit the vile reaction of some fans who took to booing the team in the next home match against Mozambique. One would have thought the journey was over at that point, yet what would prove the pivotal point of the campaign came in that Mozambique game, when Victor Obinna scored the winning goal in the 3rd minute of added time to keep the Eagles in contention till the final round.
A year ago, after six wins from six first round qualifiers, I wrote commending Shaibu Amodu for a job well done – you can’t argue with results like that – and also to point out areas of concern. Now, given that I didn’t expect another 100% sweep, I again have to commend the coach and his team for another unbeaten run, and for grabbing the much wanted ticket. It might not sound like much, but only one other country – Ivory Coast - got through its 12 match schedule without a single loss. Contrast that to African champions Egypt, who’ve lost twice – to Malawi and Algeria; or Ghana, who lost in Gabon, Libya and Benin; or Cameroon, who lost to Togo and were then held goalless at home by Morocco, before winning four straight to secure qualification.
The truth is; it’s tough to get through World Cup qualifiers. There are no easy games anymore. Everyone is well organised and everyone has savvy foreign-based pros, and the fact that there are only a few days to prepare for each match is far from ideal, even for established teams like Cameroon, Egypt and Ghana. Nigeria, with a team in transition after the mess of the last Nations Cup finals, was bound to have some challenges too, and in that light should be commended for seeing the job through.
There are issues to resolve and I am not suggesting that the fact that qualification was achieved should paper over obvious cracks. I have my thoughts about this team, the coach and its chances at the upcoming Nations Cup and World Cup Finals. But those are issues for another day – and in the near future too. Today, I’ll like you to join me as I charge my glass and sip a toast in honour of Shaibu Amodu and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
See you in SA!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Gunners Reborn
On a weekend when Chelsea beat Man U to build a sizeable lead at the top of the Premiership, I can’t help but think that Arsenal may yet be the team to watch this season. Of course, no one could ever argue that the Gunners aren’t always a joy to watch; Wenger’s kids, with the free flowing passing game the professor favours, are always easy on the eye. But after four barren seasons, Arsenal may just be ready to step back into the silverware this season.
Okay, I’m not going to go as far as declare the title race over right now. Afterall, Chelsea still have the lead and are looking pretty strong, and the defending champions, Man U, are not likely to give up without a fight. After 11 matches though, I think Arsenal will be very much in the mix this season.
That’s not a notion that was widely shared when Arsenal started the season with Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure jumping ship to join nouveau riche Man City. But Mr Wenger always has a trick up his sleeve and his wards have responded superbly to get them off to a flying start. It’s early days yet, but their can be no complaints about a young team that now lie in second place, just five points behind the leaders – and with one game in hand too.
And they have been simply rampant in their march up the table too, scoring a league high 36 goals and posting a goal difference of +22 in the process. Not impressed yet? That’s an average of more than 3 goals per game. In contrast, leaders Chelsea have scored 29 goals, while 3rd place Man U – level with Arsenal on 25 points – have just 23 goals. And they’ve both played one game more too.
Sure, they’ve lost twice already, but defeats at Man U and Man City are hardly catastrophic, and save for the 2-2 draw at West Ham they’ve been simply perfect so far.
So how has last season’s 4th placed team turned things around so spectacularly?
First, the arrival of Philip Vermaelen from Ajax has added much needed steel and guile to central defence. The Belgian international settled in right away and has contributed immensely in both defence and attack. Toure has hardly been missed.
In midfield, captain Cesc Fabregas is back to his very best – especially with Alex Song finally settling into the defensive role beside him (I always thought his skills were wasted in defence) – and farther forward, Dutchman Robin Van Persie is finally injury free and scoring freely, and Russian Andrii Arshavin has adjusted nicely to the Premiership pace, and the whole team just seems to be getting along like a house on fire.
Then there’s Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky, Carlos Vela, Eduardo and up and coming kids Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere. Well, you get the picture.
Of course, there are still some weak spots – not least in goal – but the Gunners sure have the ammo and the swagger to go all the way this term. I think they’ll get much closer than last term for sure, but on current form I doubt they’ll get past those Stamford Bridge millionaires.
Okay, I’m not going to go as far as declare the title race over right now. Afterall, Chelsea still have the lead and are looking pretty strong, and the defending champions, Man U, are not likely to give up without a fight. After 11 matches though, I think Arsenal will be very much in the mix this season.
That’s not a notion that was widely shared when Arsenal started the season with Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure jumping ship to join nouveau riche Man City. But Mr Wenger always has a trick up his sleeve and his wards have responded superbly to get them off to a flying start. It’s early days yet, but their can be no complaints about a young team that now lie in second place, just five points behind the leaders – and with one game in hand too.
And they have been simply rampant in their march up the table too, scoring a league high 36 goals and posting a goal difference of +22 in the process. Not impressed yet? That’s an average of more than 3 goals per game. In contrast, leaders Chelsea have scored 29 goals, while 3rd place Man U – level with Arsenal on 25 points – have just 23 goals. And they’ve both played one game more too.
Sure, they’ve lost twice already, but defeats at Man U and Man City are hardly catastrophic, and save for the 2-2 draw at West Ham they’ve been simply perfect so far.
So how has last season’s 4th placed team turned things around so spectacularly?
First, the arrival of Philip Vermaelen from Ajax has added much needed steel and guile to central defence. The Belgian international settled in right away and has contributed immensely in both defence and attack. Toure has hardly been missed.
In midfield, captain Cesc Fabregas is back to his very best – especially with Alex Song finally settling into the defensive role beside him (I always thought his skills were wasted in defence) – and farther forward, Dutchman Robin Van Persie is finally injury free and scoring freely, and Russian Andrii Arshavin has adjusted nicely to the Premiership pace, and the whole team just seems to be getting along like a house on fire.
Then there’s Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky, Carlos Vela, Eduardo and up and coming kids Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere. Well, you get the picture.
Of course, there are still some weak spots – not least in goal – but the Gunners sure have the ammo and the swagger to go all the way this term. I think they’ll get much closer than last term for sure, but on current form I doubt they’ll get past those Stamford Bridge millionaires.
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