Nigeria V Argentina
(Synopsis in red)
Beers: Group D of Beer World Cup:
Guinness Export brewed for the Nigerian market V Quilmes of Argentina. Will Quilmes get off the mark today against an opposition that would be favourites to progress?
V 
Although Quilmes was pleasant enough to drink, it was no match for the strong tasting Guinness Special Export, that was full of flavours, and had a strong bite to it. Nigeria get the victory and so are through to the last 16 of my Beer World Cup.
PreGame:
I kind of felt a bit sick after the Argentina V Croatia game knowing that this could be Messi’s final world cup. Its such a crying fucking shame, that his compatriots are such selfish fucking clowns. It’s not rocket science, when your name is Acuña, Dybala, or Pérez for example, and your team is fighting to stay in the Wold Cup, and you receive the ball on the outside of the box……you…
A: move and pass it on, and create space for Messi.
B: give it to Messi,
C: give it to Messi, or
D: give it to Messi.
No, it is E: you fucking take a wild next to nothing shot, because you are a CUNT.
And then the fucking imbecile of a manager takes off Agüero to further make Messi’s life harder. Bringing on Higuaín (did he even touch the ball?) is neither here not there, take off a fucking midfielder ffs!!!!
Argentina looked awful, they looked like a team that was assembled in the stadium car park hours before the game, no team spirit and no clue what their game plan was. And Mascherano should have been put out to pasture years ago, the lazy get didn’t do anything all game.
That’s not taking away from Croatia, who knew exactly how to exploit the narrow shape of Argentina, by pining it along the wings. It also helped that Caballero’s brain went away without leave, gifting Rebic a free strike, which he took superbly. After that Argentina were always playing catch up. Croatia had so many more chances, and sure enough another goal came for Croatia, and what a goal it was. Modric creating space for himself to curl a lovely ball into the corner of the net, top class stuff. Rakitic, who had a good game overall, then hit the post, but got another chance to get on the score sheet, minutes later, when he had an easy conversion from a square ball to simply place it into the net. Argentina were dead and buried, from Croatia with love, thank you very much, 3-0.
Argentina got out of jail big time after Nigeria somehow beat Iceland so today is their final chance to show that they are not a complete joke in World football.
What a great second half from Nigeria, who came out of the blocks totally on fire against Iceland in their last game. Iceland had nothing to match their desire and heart, Nigeria used their pace and tenacity to beat them off the park. In effect Nigeria did an Iceland on Iceland, attacking with great pace on the break, and using long balls (on the wing) to get on the break and counter attack.
Nigeria can be very disjointed at times, and terrible to watch on occasion, but when they click boy do they click. Its really all about confidence. They also got some half decent players. Moses is such an awkward player, at times he can be an ass taking potshots from all angles, but other times like today he was opening up the space on the wing and doing so much running at the Icelandic defence, that he had a huge effect on the game. Then you got Musa, who did very little in the first half, but was extraordinary in the second. Two absolutely brilliant goals, one taken from a quick break, again on the counter, he flicked it up and banged in into the bag of the net, every schoolboys dream, brilliant. The other, running with amazing speed, beating the defence and the goalie at will, back of the net. Brilliant.
Nigeria go on to meet their World Cup nemesis, Argentina today, in what will be the mother of all battles. I can’t wait for it, brilliant.
A more detailed review on Nigeria here and on Argentina here
Watched the second half of this game. Messi had finally got off the mark in the first half to put Argentina one up. So lets see if they could hold onto that slender lead.
Imagine my shock when I see that Mascherano was playing. I literally had just wrote on my notes WTF, when sure enough he made two errors. He headed out for a corner when no one was near him, then with the resulting corner he pulled down a Nigerian forward. Ok that was a bit harsh that decision, but what was he doing anyway. I would like to know what Jorge Sampaoli sees in him? He is useless, gives the ball away too cheaply and can’t defend. I also might add why the manager would only introduce Aguero with about 12 minutes left in the clock, and start with the donkey Higuain, who cant shoot straight for shit. Tsk, tsk.
With the resulting penalty, Moses, who had a decent world cup, scored. Trouble for Argentina, now needing another goal to go through.
Nigeria started to play some good football. Musa on the wing, made a clown of Mascherano (who else), and his sharp ball into the box was just missed. Musa again from the left set up Idowu, who was unlucky with a shot just over. Then Nigeria had another penalty call, when they had a good shout, did the defender intentionally hit the ball to his hand? Either way what the hell was he doing heading it towards his hands,ffs. Penalty to me all day long. Unlucky. (still they already got a soft one so I guess they shouldn’t complain too much) and Ighalo should have got his shot on target in the first place. Then Etebo went very close with a free kick. All the chances Nigeria squandered to kill Argentina wasted or not taken.
With time running out, a good ball into the box was met by Rojo, who rifled it home neatly. What a goal and what the hell was the central defender doing that far up the pitch. Who cares, he scored a cracker, and Argentina live to fight another day.
I also notice no players went to congratulate Jorge Sampaoli as the goal went in, he looked like a lemming on his own, billy no mates. Says a lot.
Nigeria go home and should count themselves very unlucky, but it is a young team and I am sure they will play a big part in future world cups, while Argentina go on to meet France, another team that are a bit rubbish.
Music to get you in the mood
Tony Tetuila – My Car (Nigeria) V Hernan Cattaneo & Soundexile – Altair (Guy J Remix)
Croatia knew exactly how to exploit the narrow shape of Argentina in their last game, by pining it along the wings and spraying it left to right and vice a versa. It also helped that the, Argentinean goalkeeper, Caballero, his brain went away without leave, gifting Rebic a free strike, which he took superbly. After that Argentina were always playing catch up. Croatia had so many more chances, and sure enough another goal came for Croatia, and what a goal it was. Modric creating space for himself to curl a lovely ball into the corner of the net, top class stuff. Rakitic, who had a good game overall, apart from his playacting, then hit the post, but got another chance to get on the score sheet, minutes later, when he had an easy conversion from a square ball to simply place it into the net. Argentina were dead and buried, from Croatia with love, thank you very much, 3-0.
Nigeria can be very disjointed at times, and terrible to watch on occasion, but when they click boy do they click. Its really all about confidence. They absolutely took apart Iceland. Moses was opening up the space on the wing and doing so much running at the Icelandic defence, that he had a huge effect on the game. Then you got Musa, who did very little in the first half, but was extraordinary in the second. Two absolutely brilliant goals, one taken from a quick break, again on the counter, he flicked it up and banged in into the bag of the net, every schoolboys dream, brilliant. The other, running with amazing speed, beating the defence and the goalie at will, back of the net. Brilliant. Iceland were ran ragged. 
Could feel the tension in the game, Iceland needed a win to get to the last 16, so they started the game with a lot of tempo, knowing they had a small chance what with Croatia making 8 changes to their first team, albeit they still had the magician Modric on the field. 
We expected Denmark to come out in the second half and normal service would resume, but instead it was all Australia and they were unlucky on a few occasions not to snatch a winning goal. What they lacked in skill they more than made up for it in spirit and tenace. Leckie for Australia was simply outstanding, all over the pitch, left and right, and such a workhorse. He might not be the most technically gifted player but boy does he work his socks off for the team, great performance. 
For Peru, I have a lot of love for the way they tried in the French game but in the end, after two games for them, it was all fruitless. If they can’t score a goal against such muck then you are not good enough to be under the top table, dont mind sitting at the table. Harsh but true.
Peru fans though, never let up all game, and were noisy throughout, a real credit to their nation, and definitely one of the top fan groups at this years World Cup. 
All started perfectly for the Danes, with Eriksen blasting in a lovely executed volley early on, and it look like there would be a hiding for the Aussies. Denmark were playing some decent passing football, Sisto was better, Schöne was impressive and they had a few chances to increase their lead. N Jørgensen heading wide when it might have looked easier to score. All looked well. 
Deschamps had Pavard still on the starting 11, which tells you a lot about their squad strength. and he was still shit against Peru, albeit less so as Mbappé had to track back and do the forwards runs Pavard should have done. You could argue that was a good solution to an obvious problem, perhaps, but it means there is a gap in midfield. 
Only real highlights were when, stand in goalie, Mandanda saved well from an Eriksen effort, and Griezmann setting up Giroud to balloon 40 foot over the bar. And that was about it. Fucking boring.
Morocco had Portugal on the ropes in their last game but didn’t have the knock out punch required to get a result in this game. Shocked after an early initial goal by Ronaldo, they were unlucky.
The Iran V Spain game for me was a fascinating duel between the classy Spanish team up against the resolute defending of the Iranians. For a long time I really couldn’t see how the usually patient Spanish build up was going to break down such a solid defensive line. Where was the goal going to come from?
Diego Costa got the lucky goal, scoring off a rebound that hit his knee, don’t think he even knew too much about it. Not much the goalkeeper could do about it.
And then a shock, Boutaïb capitalized on a sloppy error by Ramos, was free and took his chance brilliantly to slot home past De Gea, one nil to Morocco. Wow didnt expect that!
Second half En-Nesyri scored with a bullit of a header to put Morocco ahead again, but just before the end Spain equalized when Iago Aspas slotted home in what looked like an offside position. VAR called in again, and the goal stood much to the chagrin of the Morocco team. Game ended a draw, but Morocco might find they were unlucky in this World Cup, in a tough group. If they were in another group they might have got to the last 16. Spain up against Russia next, should get to the last eight. 
Goals will be the objective today for Portugal, knowing that this is what is needed to come top of the group. Step forward Ronaldo so to do the business. Sure Iran are still in it, but with a well placed free kick, they soon wont be in it. 
Morocco had a few chances where they could have scored an equaliser. Benatia was unlucky with a fine header, while Rui Patrício, the Portuguese GLK pulled off an amazing save to deny Belhanda, and then Benatia in the end with another free header that probably he should have did better with. They should have at least got one goal for all their effort, but that’s the marking of a good team, all chances no goal, Portugal one chance, one goal. That’s the difference!
Not only that but at times Iran broke out of their defensive lock to attack Spain as well. Ansarifard had what the whole watching public thought was a goal, close but unfortunately for Iran it was the side netting. Oh so close. Then there was that goal, but so unlucky to be stroked off due to a very close offside, bad luck that VAR is unflappable!
Ronnie was fouled in the box, initially didn’t look like a penalty and I dont think Ronaldo protested that much either, but then the ref changed his mind, and had got VAR to recheck it. And sure enough it was a penalty. Looking at the slow-mo I guess there could be an argument that the defender clipped Ronaldo. Either way the big oaf missed it or to put it more correctly it was well saved by Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand
Then we had one of the big incidents of the night. Ronaldo’s hand brushed Pouraliganji’s chest and the poor soul nearly had a heart attack. I never knew Ronnie had ninja like strength, amazing. I thought the referee did very well, considering the pressure from the crowd and the Iran bench. He gave a yellow and should have given one to Pouraliganji for playacting, bloody clown. There is a reason why Iran dont play rugby.
A tense game overall but I dont like this VAR, complicates things too much. Portugal were playing Russia one minute then Uruguay the next and in the end nearly went out altogether. They will have it tough against Uruguay for sure, while I wont be sad to see Iran go, didn’t like the vuvuzelas, and they were very cynical in the way they played the game. We have enough of those kind of teams already in the competition (Spain and Portugal are two that comes to mind!). Bye. bye
With a vastly superior goal difference Russia only need the draw and that is what I feel they will get against a Uruguay team that has so far flattered to deceive. Russia will go for it, but Uruguay might be strong enough in attack to respond themselves with a few goals. 
This all shows that Uruguay have no midfield. If you are getting played of the park by Saudi Arabia then you have serious problems as a team, and no World Cup trophy will be heading your way, for sure! Too much space and a lot of gaps appeared in the centre of the pitch, I began to wonder if Uruguay had any midfield at all.
Didn’t have to wait too long in the second half for a goal as it came after a very sloppy display of goal keeping by El-Shenawy who choose not to catch a simple ball and the resulting clearance made its way back into the box and off the defender Fathy for a pathetic own goal. Two more goals came, Cheryshev, scored a well deserved second from a great assist by Fernandes, and Dzyuba, the man mountain scored a typical centre forward effort bringing the ball brilliantly down on his chest and then rifling it home bottom corner, class stuff.
Only got to see the first half of this game. From what I saw Uruguay were well on top without having to break too much of a sweat. Stanislav Cherchesov changed most of his team, while Uruguay went with much of the same team they had in the first two games. 
If there will be goals and if, as I expect, Egypt will be scoring those goals then there is only one man to do that for them and that’s Mo. He usually gets his chances at the minimum on target and against a poor SA goalie that only means one thing: goals. 
Expecting Uruguay to push on from the goal and score more, the opposite happened, it was Saudi Arabia that began to play the better football, with Bahebri having two great chances at a goal, one a sweet long range effort well saved by Muslera, the other a simple tap in at the far post ballooned over the bar when he should have hit the target. Unlucky.
Egypt got one back from a penalty (good call ref) from Salah, but by then the game was over, and with it their tournament. Egypt were simply not good enough, with or without Mo.
Just got to see the second half of this game as I started off with the other game first. Salah got off the mark in the first half, while the Saudis had two penalties, scoring one from Al Faraj, while Fahad Al-Muwallad missed the other one. Well I say miss but in reality it was a great one handed save from El Hadary, the Egyptian goalkeeper, a sprightly young lad at 45! 
Egypt simply never used enough of Salah, never playing him in, not even passing to him at times, it really looks like Salah and his team mates dont get on at all. Ungrateful bastards, do they think they would even be there if it wasn’t for Mo?
Senegal did drop the tempo a bit in the second half, but Poland didn’t react at all. And after Senegal poxed another goal from a comedy goal they kind of gave up. The goal was a mix up between midfielder Krychowiak who booted an aimless back pass towards his goalkeeper Szczesny, who wasn’t expecting it and came off his line to intercept, but he missed it and Niang got the bounce and scored into an empty net to make it two nil.
Colombia: In the Colombia V Japan match, I knew Japan would score goals, but I never guessed they would come out as victors. Excellent win, and fully deserved as they totally had Colombia in their pockets all through the second half. Well done Japan.
Cuadrado was surprisingly taking off by José Pékerman after half an hour, which was kind of strange but I did say in my preview he is a donut of a manager, so what gives. They could have done with him in the second half as Colombia had no pace by then.
causing all sorts of problems on both wings, Barrios working hard as a defensive midfielder, while James Rod was doing his thing in the centre of the park. It was all Colombia and Poland had nothing to stop them.
Started very brightly, Deli Alli was sprightly and on fire early on, while Sterling missed a complete sitter. England were strong in attack and caused Tunisia all sorts of problems that they couldn’t cope with. Sure enough England scored early, with a Stone header not saved well and Kane with the rebound. A real poachers goal.
That penalty kind of rattled England a bit and they started to fanny around the pitch as they sometimes like to do, aimless balls and passing back and forth with no decisiveness. Always so frustrating to watch at times, these millionaire footballers so inept at playing what should be a simple game. Alli faded badly in the second, and Sterling was his usual crap self for England, and just when you were losing all hope to live, England get a corner, and to be honest you kind of felt they might jam in a goal from it. And they did. Kane again, good goal, great to get the space and England survive for another day.
But against the run of play Panama had a great chance to equalise when Michael Murillo was one v one with the goalkeeper but Courtois spreadeagled prevented a goal. 
Stones got a free header from a corner, as the Panamanian defenders were more into WWF than concentrating on how to actual defend a set piece. Then shortly after, Lingard was brought down for a penalty which Kane easily dispatched off. Lingard, again, scored a cracking curler in the tip right corner for the third goal. This was getting too easy for England. 
R Torres nearly got his country’s first world cup but badly missed at the far post. Good enough for the cunt, what a shit captain, in everyone’s face throughout most of the game and couldn’t control either himself or his team. But that goal came in the end to Baloy, on a sub, and with a well struck goal put himself into his country’s footballing history books.