By Emmanuel Ebimoh
It’s been four days of thrilling, jaw-dropping, exhilarating football at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia. What many thought would be a roller-coaster ride for the ‘champions’ have become tales of disappointment and shock. For Africa, the party is dry and almost non-existence, much to the frustration of many supporters. So, the deeper question on the lips of many is, will there be a surprise winner in this year’s football fiesta?
Defending champions, Germany, yesterday became the fourth holders of the cup to lose their opening game in the next World Cup. In a match against Mexico at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia, the German machines were apparently stunned to their feet by the resilience and speed of El Tri of Mexico. 22-year-old winger Hirving Lozano, who currently plays at PSV Eindhoven, broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with a fierce low strike into the bottom corner of the net to beat Manuel Neuer. After then, despite the constant pressure by the world champions, the El Tri of Mexico seemed to be the more dangerous team on counter attacks. In the end it was a shocking 1-0 defeat for Germany as they prepare to decide their fate in their next game against Sweden on Saturday.
Just when everyone thought the story might change, else where at the Rostov Arena, five times champions, Brazil were left heartbroken after Switzerland held them to a 1-1 draw. FC Barcelona’s talisman Philippe Coutinho had put Brazil ahead with a scintillating curling shot into the top corner of the net in the 20th minute. It was pretty well Brazil all through the first half as Neymar showed off some deadly runs from midfield. However, in the second half, the Swiss came out more purposeful in attack and, in the 50th minute, Steven Zuber headed home from a corner kick to give Switzerland a priceless draw against the formidable Brazilian team.
After the first two disappointing results from Egypt and Morocco, Africa expected Nigeria to come out and make the continent proud against a rather feeble Croatian side at the Kaliningrad stadium. Despite the array of stars in the Croatian team like Real Madrid’s play maker, Luka Modric, Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic, Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic, Juventus Mario Madzukic, among others, the team still played beyond expectation but were able to pull an important 2-0 win against the also under-performing Super Eagles of Nigeria. One unlucky own goal by Oghenekaro Etebo and a desperate penalty giveaway by William-Troost Ekong, summed up a failed evening for the Super Eagles.
In other games played, Serbia were able to snatch a 1-0 win over Costa Rica after a delightful free-kick by former Manchester City man Alekxander Kolarov at the Samara Arena. Denmark also dug out a 1-0 win over Peru at the Mordovia Arena, and France saw off a tough Australian side with a 2-1 victory.
Today, Sweden and South Korea will lock horns at the Nizhny Novgorod, Belgium will try to see off first timers, Panama, and Tunisia will do battle with England in the last game of the day. You can stay logged in with 9News Nigeria to get more juicy post-match analysis of these games.
Emmanuel Ebimoh is a Writer, Blogger, and Social Media Strategist. You can reach him on Facebook and LinkedIn as Emmanuel Ebimoh and email: emmyebimoh@gmail.com
