Drama-filled World Cup playoffs

I had started writing about the recently concluded U-17 World Cup but changed my mind after getting carried away by all the drama of the senior World Cup play-offs.

I decided to write something about it as it is definitely too juicy to be ignored.

Jubilant scenes and heartaches summarised the international break and the conclusion of the World Cup qualifiers. We have indeed seen sensational campaigns across the continents.

The likes of Spain, Netherlands, Brazil, England etc. were amongst the first few countries to qualify and they did so with ease. However, for other “big teams” like Argentina, Portugal, France, and our own Nigeria, it was a bumpy ride that ended with a lot of excitement.

Cristiano Ronaldo in

Imagine if Cristiano Ronaldo, world’s most expensive player, were to miss South Africa, it would have been a big shame. Thank God, the former Manchester United player now has the chance to showcase his skills in South Africa. Without the Real Madrid midfielder, Portugal managed a two nil win on aggregate against Bosnia. At least Carlos Queiroz will get a chance to salvage what is left of his managerial reputation. I still think he is a better assistant than manager, a position where he has under-achieved twice. Maybe he can prove me wrong next summer.

The Russians were always the favourites but it was not to be as Guus Hiddink’s men were thrown out of the World Cup by Slovenia. It’s a shame that we won’t get to see the likes of Arshavin and Pavyluvchenko in action. My heart bleeds for Hiddink who is rumoured to be on NFF’s list, and I wonder what his good friend Roman Abrahamovic has to say.

The Russians were not the only team stunned; Ukraine were also stunned by Greece in Donetsk, giving the Greek side only their second appearance at the World Cup finals. It’s a pity that neither Ukraine nor Shevchenko will be at the mundial.

The Uruguayans also went through to the World Cup finals going through 2-1 on aggregate against Costa Rica in their South America/CONCACAF playoff, securing the last spot, after failing to qualify for Germany 2006.

Fierce battle

One of the fiercest battles on Wednesday night took place on our continent between the Pharaohs of Egypt and Algeria. If you want to know what qualifying for the World Cup means to some nations, please look for a recording of that match and watch the end of the game. The celebration mode was crazy and I wondered how the Algerian goal keeper ended up on his goal post. The Algerian players all seemed to have gone crazy. That’s what you get for waiting 23 years for a World Cup ticket. Egypt in my opinion are “local champions”.

The main drama on Wednesday night came from the Stade de France where star-studded France, 2006 World Cup finalists who were being watched by former football greats like Zinedine Zidane and Fabian Barthez, had their backs to the wall. It was a disappointing performance by France as they looked nervous and clumsy and a beautiful performance by Ireland who kept pushing and had better chances. It was hard to believe that the French side comprised world class players.

The French defence was nothing to write home about. Ireland was obviously the better team over both legs of the play-offs but unfortunately for another “main de dieu” moment (hand of God) by Thierry Henry, the better side lost. I have lost every bit of respect I had for Henry. It is disappointing that a professional of his calibre can behave so badly. I wonder how the referee and linesman claimed not to have seen it. It was blatant. It was a clear case of ball handling and nobody can tell me the second touch wasn’t intentional.

Stricter measures

A game like that required more supervision; maybe a fifth official behind the post like is being tried in the Europa league. Did anyone see the look on Henry’s face after the game? They didn’t celebrate like a team that had struggled and finally qualified for the world cup. As far as I’m concerned, Henry’s brilliant career has been marred by that act. I empathise with Ireland and Giovanni Trappatoni who said he would rather have suffered the heartache of a penalty shoot-out defeat. Then again, they had their chances and that’s what you get when you don’t take your chances. It’s one thing to lose a match and it’s another to cheat. They exited the tournament with their dignity intact though. Henry now claims that he told the referee. At what point did he tell him?’ (I didn’t see him talking to referee though). After the game, or in the dressing room? Oh please, whatever happened to fair play?

After all said and done, I am very happy Nigeria will be represented in South Africa next summer. Though not a big fan of Amodu, I would like to congratulate him, the players and mostly the fans especially me who kept praying and believing that we would qualify. To God be the glory.