Africa’s two remaining nations at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria and Algeria, bowed out unceremoniously last night after falling to European powerhouses France and Germany respectively. Both sides had advanced to the Round of 16 and expectations were high that at least one of them would progress to the quarter finals.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria were the first to pack their bags and head to Lagos after falling down 2-0 in a match coach Stephen Keshi stated that it was a painful knockout.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria were the first to pack their bags and head to Lagos after falling down 2-0 in a match coach Stephen Keshi stated that it was a painful knockout.
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A handling error by experienced goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama enabled Paul Pogba to head in a 79th minute opener and France wrapped things up in injury time when Joseph Yobo, presumably playing in his last World Cup, scored an own goal from a Mathieu Valbuena cross.
In a match they matched their much fancied opponents man for man, Algeria lost the plot in extra time when they allowed Germany to grab a two goal cushion following a goalless 90 minutes. The Germans took the lead in the second minute of extra time through Andre Schurrle before Mesut Ozil doubled their advantage with a late goal.
Abdelmoumene Djabou managed to pull one back for Algeria in the final minute but it was nothing more than a consolation as the referee blew his whistle for full time.
Algeria dominated most of the first half through enterprising play in midfield with striker Islam Slimani causing Germany center backs Per Metersacker and Jerome Boateng plenty of problems earlier on. But it was just that.
With Africa now out of the running for footballs biggest prize, it is now back to the drawing board for most Football Associations. But one thing is certain. The disappointment in Brazil will not do any good for the continent’s hopes of having more than 5 nations at the biennial tournament.
In a match they matched their much fancied opponents man for man, Algeria lost the plot in extra time when they allowed Germany to grab a two goal cushion following a goalless 90 minutes. The Germans took the lead in the second minute of extra time through Andre Schurrle before Mesut Ozil doubled their advantage with a late goal.
Abdelmoumene Djabou managed to pull one back for Algeria in the final minute but it was nothing more than a consolation as the referee blew his whistle for full time.
Algeria dominated most of the first half through enterprising play in midfield with striker Islam Slimani causing Germany center backs Per Metersacker and Jerome Boateng plenty of problems earlier on. But it was just that.
With Africa now out of the running for footballs biggest prize, it is now back to the drawing board for most Football Associations. But one thing is certain. The disappointment in Brazil will not do any good for the continent’s hopes of having more than 5 nations at the biennial tournament.
By: Farai Diza
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