They came, they saw and they failed to conquered!
That sums up Africa’s big five at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil where they fell along the wayside like flies. First to board the plane back home was Cameroon who lost all their group matches.
Dubbed Africa’s golden generation - Ivory Coast, who needed just a draw to progress in their penultimate match against Greece, were next to follow after being narrowly piped 2-1. The win handed the Greeks the ticket to meet Costa Rica in the last 16.
Ghana were the latest casualty last night when a rejuvenated Portugal side side dismissed them 2-1 to book the passage for the United States, who progressed ahead of Portugal due to a superior goal difference.
That sums up Africa’s big five at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil where they fell along the wayside like flies. First to board the plane back home was Cameroon who lost all their group matches.
Dubbed Africa’s golden generation - Ivory Coast, who needed just a draw to progress in their penultimate match against Greece, were next to follow after being narrowly piped 2-1. The win handed the Greeks the ticket to meet Costa Rica in the last 16.
Ghana were the latest casualty last night when a rejuvenated Portugal side side dismissed them 2-1 to book the passage for the United States, who progressed ahead of Portugal due to a superior goal difference.
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Against all odds, Nigeria and Algeria are now the only African sides left in Brazil.
Nigeria have the quality and depth needed to progress as witnessed by their stubbornness in Wednesday nights 3-2 loss to pre tournament favourites Argentina. Young CSKA Moscow striker Ahmed Musa grabbed a brace in a match he shone like a beacon.
Vincent Enyeama has also proved to be a safe pair of hands and will have to be at his best when they square off against a raging France side on Monday.
Les Bleus will be a tricky customer for the Super Eagles and a forecast predicts that they will fall by the wayside.
Meanwhile, Algeria secured their right to compete among the world’s 16 best nations by finishing second in a tough group that had the likes of Belgium, Russia and Korea. Their strength will be tested on Monday when they take on European powerhouse Germany.
If Algeria can get past Germany, they might as well have the belief that they can shock all and sundry by winning this year’s tournament.
Nigeria have the quality and depth needed to progress as witnessed by their stubbornness in Wednesday nights 3-2 loss to pre tournament favourites Argentina. Young CSKA Moscow striker Ahmed Musa grabbed a brace in a match he shone like a beacon.
Vincent Enyeama has also proved to be a safe pair of hands and will have to be at his best when they square off against a raging France side on Monday.
Les Bleus will be a tricky customer for the Super Eagles and a forecast predicts that they will fall by the wayside.
Meanwhile, Algeria secured their right to compete among the world’s 16 best nations by finishing second in a tough group that had the likes of Belgium, Russia and Korea. Their strength will be tested on Monday when they take on European powerhouse Germany.
If Algeria can get past Germany, they might as well have the belief that they can shock all and sundry by winning this year’s tournament.
By: Farai Diza
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