..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Allen vows to improve poor Liverpool form

Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is hoping a return to the Liberty Stadium this week with the Wales national team will provide the kickstart his campaign desperately needs.

Chris Coleman's side entertain Austria in a friendly on Wednesday and the 22-year-old is keenly aware of how his performances have dropped in recent weeks.

It comes in stark contrast to the exceptional early-season form shown by Allen after initially making his move from Swansea to Anfield in the summer and he remains determined to force his way back into the starting XI, allaying any fears that his slump is connected to his hefty 15 million pounds price-tag in the process.

"I’d never put it down to [the price-tag]. Whether that has affected me or not, I don’t really know," he told reporters."Everyone knows my form hasn't been great. It’s been disappointing not to have been involved in every game.

He added, "But it’s up to me now to work hard and get myself back in the team and improve my level of performance."It’s always nice to go back to Swansea. You try and separate club and international duties but I’m delighted to be back."

The Reds currently sit seventh league, nine points adrift of Tottenham in fourth, while the Welsh national team are fifth out of six in their World Cup qualifying group and Allen believes that both club and country are not getting the credit or points that their performances have merited.

"It’s almost the story of the season. We’ve deserved more than we’ve got and Sunday’s game at Manchester City was probably a prime example of that," Allen explained."It’s similar here [with Wales]. Both are positive and looking to the future and the biggest thing is everyone has that faith and belief that things will turn around for the better.

"I’d like to think the New Year is a fresh start for Wales. The results over the last few games haven’t been as good as we’d hoped for. We’re looking to improve
"Consistency is key. In international football you don’t get the chance to work with each other that often so it’s important that, when you get together, you can get your ideas and philosophy across."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sir Alex Ferguson says Munich air disaster still affects him

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed on the 55th anniversary of the Munich air disaster the extent of the impact the tragedy had on him as a person.

The crash on Feb. 6, 1958 claimed 23 lives, including eight United players such as England internationals Duncan Edwards, Roger Byrne and Tommy Taylor.

Despite being just 16 at the time of the incident and unconnected to the club, Ferguson says that the sheer loss of life meant that it touched everyone in one way or another, and he praised the job that former manager Sir Matt Busby did in handling the crisis in the aftermath.

"I've been affected since a young boy. It was a sad time," Ferguson told reporters. "For many it's probably long forgotten but for someone like me who remembers the day, you won't forget it."

"How we rose to get over that is remarkable in terms of [manager] Sir Matt [Busby] and [assistant manager/temporary manager] Jimmy Murphy and all the staff at the time. It was a fantastic group of young men who were destined to be great and that was the tragedy of it in how it was taken away from them."

Under Busby, the club went on to beat Benfica just over a decade later to win the European Cup in 1967-68 at Wembley for the first time and Ferguson says the tragedy is one that should not be forgotten.He added: "When you were caught up in the aftermath of it and the publicity, and when the papers detailed what had happened, you couldn't help but feel that enormous loss for anyone football-minded.

"That has carried on for a long, long time and every year you have to remember that."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Paolo Berlusconi uses racial slur in talking about Balotelli

Paolo Berlusconi, the brother of AC Milan president and owner Silvio Berlusconi, was caught on camera using a racial slur when talking about mercurial striker Mario Balotelli.


The supremo's sibling, an AC Milan vice president who is also known for being the publisher of right-wing newspaper Il Giornale in Italy, made the controversial remark during a rally led by the former Prime Minister's People of Freedom political party in Lombardy.

After addressing members of the public in the audience, he encouraged them to attend Milan's match against Udinese at San Siro -- which the Rossoneri eventually won 2-1 courtesy of goals from the striker.

"Let's go and watch our household's little n***** [playing]," he said to laughter. "The girls here are all invited as well. They have the chance to meet with Silvio Berlusconi."

The incident comes just after Balotelli's Milan teammate, Kevin-Prince Boateng, halted a friendly match against Pro Patria after being racially abused by the Lega Pro side's supporters. Even more recently, American Jozy Altidore was the subject of racist taunts by supporters of second-tier Dutch side FC Den Bosch.

This latest matter is another race controversy that could be about to boil over following last season's episodes in the Premier League that saw Luis Suarez and John Terry garner negative press for their alleged discriminatory acts towards Patrice Evra and Anton Ferdinand, respectively.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Everton star Baines hoping club form will earn continued England opportunity

Everton star Leighton Baines has spoken of his aim to establish himself in the England starting lineup after impressing for his club this season.


The Toffees' left back is currently second choice to Chelsea's Ashley Cole, who is slated to earn his 100th cap for the Three Lions Wednesday in a friendly with Brazil; however, while the 28-year-old Baines believes Cole deserves plaudits for his achievement, he is eager to stake his claim for more regular appearances for the national side.

"Ash is on for his 100th cap now, it's well deserved and hopefully he'll get that tomorrow," Baines told FATV. "I'll just keep plugging away and keep doing the best that I can for my club, if that brings chances for my country as well I'll be happy with that."

Baines also said that he is looking forward to pitting himself against the South American giants, and feels that the home fans will relish a clash with the five-time world champions.

"It's not often that Brazil come over, so it's an exciting game and one that I'm sure appeals to the public as well, hopefully we can play well," Baines said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benzema: Real Madrid still has the Champions League to play for

Karim Benzema has stressed the need for unity within the Real Madrid ranks for the remainder of the season to help it in its quest for a 10th Champions League success.

Los Blancos slumped to their fifth defeat of the league campaign in the 1-0 loss to Granada on Saturday and now trail leader Barcelona by 16 points.

But despite admitting the Blaugrana now hold an almost unassailable lead over its bitter rival, Benzema is hopeful Madrid can enjoy a strong end to the season and achieve success in the remaining competitions.

"We have the Champions League to play for and that is a special competition – especially for this club," the 25-year-old told Marca. "And then there is the Copa semifinal with Barcelona which is also very open.

“At this point in time, the team has to be united. We all have the same goal and we will not give up.

"We know we can do better. We are all disappointed by the defeat and I want to say sorry to the fans. We admit that winning the League is going to be difficult, but we have to fight until the end.

"It is a long road ahead and we know we can go far."

Real Madrid faces Manchester United next week in the last 16 of the Champions League.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Isco itching to make Spain debut

Malaga forward Isco is relishing the opportunity to earn his first cap for Spain ahead of Wednesday's friendly with Uruguay.

The 20-year-old has seen his fine form for the Andalusians this season rewarded with a first call-up by coach Vicente del Bosque. With the quality La Furia Roja boast in their ranks, the Spaniard is realistic about his chances of cementing himself as a first-team regular despite his excitement at putting on the national team jersey.

"In truth, my position is difficult to compete for, here are the best players in the world,” Isco told reporters on Tuesday. "Gradually, if I keep doing things, I may have the opportunity to stay. I am here and will try to do well and help the team.

“We are accustomed to watching them play … they are the champions of the world and Europe. The best. I am fortunate to be sharing a dressing room with them and I will try to take the opportunity to be here.”

Meanwhile, the youngster also revealed how he came to learn of his promotion to the national team.

"I heard I was called up from my family. My mother sent me a message, it caught me a bit by surprise. But I’m very happy. I have had all the luck and now I want the experience."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lukaku: I dream of becoming a Chelsea legend

Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku has revealed his desire to become a legend at the club once he completes his loan spell at West Brom.

After moving to Stamford Bridge during the summer of 2011, Lukaku struggled to make an impact on the side under both Andre Villas-Boas and Roberto Di Matteo, falling behind in the pecking order to some of the squad's more established names.

However, the 19-year-old has since scored nine league goals while on loan at Steve Clarke's side this season, and he believes that if he can replicate that kind of form when he returns on a permanent basis in the future, then he stands a good chance of making a name for himself.

"My aim is to play at the Bridge and to be a legend over there in the future. That is the dream. That's what I signed for Chelsea for," Lukaku told Sky Sports. "But the time is going so really I need to keep playing. And hopefully in the next few years become one of the key elements at the Bridge."

The Belgium international confessed that the challenge of breaking into the club's first-team squad has been made harder by the capture of players such as Demba Ba, but insists that is all part of allure of signing for a top European side.

He added: "That's the thing when you play for Chelsea. They will always sign big players. So now it is up to me to show I can go over there and play and do the same as he does now."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Juventus' teenage star Pogba upbeat despite France snub

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is upbeat despite his omission from the France national team.

The 19-year-old has produced a series of eye-catching displays for the Bianconeri this season and was expected to be handed a first international cap by France coach Didier Deschamps. Having being snubbed by Deschamps ahead of France's friendly with Germany on Wednesday, Pogba insists he is unperturbed and will continue to give his best at club level.

“I’m not disappointed with not being selected," Pogba told Tuttosport. “It’s not that serious if Deschamps doesn’t think I’m ready. I’ll continue playing my football, and if he calls me up, then, he calls me up.”

The Frenchman has featured 21 times in all competitions for Juventus this term and believes his decision to leave Manchester United has been vindicated.

"Am I surprised to have played so much? Yes and no. It’s definitely what I wanted. I left Manchester United to play and that is happening at Juventus," Pogba said.

Meanwhile, Pogba also reflected on his magnificent double against Udinese a couple of weeks ago and insists there is more to come.

"Those were great goals, but a career can not consist of just that," Pogba said. "You have to keep proving yourself."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldinho tips Neymar to become world's best player

Brazil legend Ronaldinho has tipped Neymar to surpass his former club teammate Lionel Messi as the world's best player in the coming years.


The Santos striker, who turned 21 on Tuesday, is understood to be the most sought-after talent in the game, and Ronaldinho has backed the starlet to emulate Messi in the near future.

"Messi for the last three or four years has been the best player in the world - he has been at a level of consistency I don't think the world has seen before," Ronaldinho said to The Daily Mail ahead of Brazil's friendly with England. “Neymar is young though, and I can't explain how special he will become. In the next two or three seasons he will become the best player."

The 32-year-old Ronaldihno also denied regretting a move to England, but he expressed sorrow having not played with former Barca teammate Messi for longer. The two were at Barcelona together from 2004-2008, Messi's first years with the Spanish power's first team.

"Do I regret not playing in England? No, because I have played for some of the biggest teams in the world and won everything," Ronaldinho said. “The only regret is not playing more seasons with Lionel Messi. He is my good friend.

“I could see even at a young age he was going to be the best. It was exciting to see this kid who could do things most players can only dream of.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Del Bosque: I have never seen doping in football

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque says he has not seen any evidence of doping in football and does not believe he ever will.

Del Bosque's comments come after former Real Sociedad president Inaki Badiola claimed that the club paid for banned substances, prior to his tenure, between 2001 and 2007.


"I have not seen [doping] before, and don’t think I will see it," Del Bosque told reporters. "My eyes have never seen it, it is a subject that I prefer to ignore."
Sociedad haa denied involvement in doping.Del Bosque also spoke about Carlos Puyol, who is set to win his 100th cap against Uruguay when Spain meets the South American side on Wednesday.

"I'm happy for him," the Spain coach said. "He is an example on and off the field forever.”

The former Real Madrid coach also said he was proud to receive a visit from former Spain star Raul, who now plays in Qatar where the friendly is taking place, adding: "It was an honor to receive a visit."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi to ink Barcelona extension until 2018 on Thursday

Barcelona has announced on its official website that Lionel Messi will sign a new contract with the Catalans until the summer of 2018 on Thursday.

The Argentine's current deal had been set to expire in 2016, but Catalans had already reached an agreement with the Argentine over a two-year extension in December 2012, and the prolific attacker will put pen to paper later this week.

Messi will reportedly earn an annual salary of 11 million euros after taxes, while he has a buyout clause of 250 million euros in his new deal.

The 25-year-old is the third key player to sign a contract extension with Barca in 2013 after previous new deals for captain Carles Puyol and vice captain Xavi.

Messi has made over 350 official appearances for Barcelona since making his official debut in 2004-05, netting nearly 300 goals in the process.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Stoke goalkeeper Begovic expects to be sold but has no agreement with Manchester United

Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic says he expects to be sold in the summer but insists that reports claiming he has agreed a deal to join Manchester United are false.

The Bosnia international has impressed at the Britannia Stadium this season but believes that the Potters have prepared for his departure by signing Jack Butland from Birmingham.

Butland will remain at St Andrew's for the rest of the campaign but Begovic has predicted that the 19-year-old has been lined up as his replacement.

"I read in the papers that I said no to [Manchester] City and yes to United," Begovic told Bosnian newspaper Oslobodjenje. "But the truth is, I haven't decided on anything.

He added, "I didn't say yes or no to anybody. I haven't signed anything - no contract, no precontract. But I don't believe that Stoke bought Butland to warm the bench so I think I'm going to be sold in the summer."

Begovic revealed that he was aware of interest from some "top clubs" in his signature and believes that smaller sides would not be able to afford his transfer fee.

"To whom? I can't move to a smaller club and I also know that some top clubs are interested in me. They are also the only ones who can afford the fee," he stated.

"Now I'm just happy that January is over. It was a hard month for us, so many rumors. Now, we can focus on our games again."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

International Friendly Fixtures 2013.02.06

International Friendly Fixtures 2013.02.06



Azerbaijan Vs Liechtenstein
Croatia Vs South Korea
Kazakhstan Vs Moldova
Cyprus Vs Serbia
Hungary Vs Belarus
Chile Vs Egypt
Norway Vs Ukraine
Slovenia Vs Bosnia-Herzegovina
Albania Vs Georgia
Israel Vs Finland
Spain Vs Uruguay
Turkey Vs Czech Republic
Macedonia Vs Denmark
Malta Vs Northern Ireland
England Vs Brazil
Greece Vs Switzerland
Iceland Vs Russia
Netherlands Vs Italy
Sweden Vs Argentina
Belgium Vs Slovakia
Ireland Vs Poland
Romania Vs Australia
Scotland Vs Estonia
Wales Vs Austria
France Vs Germany
Paraguay v El Salvador
Portugal v Ecuador​

 

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Stoke goalkeeper Begovic expects to be sold but has no agreement with Manchester United

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5000 post

 

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International Friendly Fixtures 2013.02.06



Azerbaijan Vs Liechtenstein
Croatia Vs South Korea
Kazakhstan Vs Moldova
Cyprus Vs Serbia
Hungary Vs Belarus
Chile Vs Egypt
Norway Vs Ukraine
Slovenia Vs Bosnia-Herzegovina
Albania Vs Georgia
Israel Vs Finland
Spain Vs Uruguay
Turkey Vs Czech Republic
Macedonia Vs Denmark
Malta Vs Northern Ireland
England Vs Brazil
Greece Vs Switzerland
Iceland Vs Russia
Netherlands Vs Italy
Sweden Vs Argentina
Belgium Vs Slovakia
Ireland Vs Poland
Romania Vs Australia
Scotland Vs Estonia
Wales Vs Austria
France Vs Germany
Paraguay v El Salvador
Portugal v Ecuador​

patta match tikak thyenne

 

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Giroud: I have started better than Van Persie did at Arsenal

 

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Ronaldinho tips Neymar to become world's best player

Brazil legend Ronaldinho has tipped Neymar to surpass his former club teammate Lionel Messi as the world's best player in the coming years.


The Santos striker, who turned 21 on Tuesday, is understood to be the most sought-after talent in the game, and Ronaldinho has backed the starlet to emulate Messi in the near future.

"Messi for the last three or four years has been the best player in the world - he has been at a level of consistency I don't think the world has seen before," Ronaldinho said to The Daily Mail ahead of Brazil's friendly with England. “Neymar is young though, and I can't explain how special he will become. In the next two or three seasons he will become the best player."

The 32-year-old Ronaldihno also denied regretting a move to England, but he expressed sorrow having not played with former Barca teammate Messi for longer. The two were at Barcelona together from 2004-2008, Messi's first years with the Spanish power's first team.

"Do I regret not playing in England? No, because I have played for some of the biggest teams in the world and won everything," Ronaldinho said. “The only regret is not playing more seasons with Lionel Messi. He is my good friend.

“I could see even at a young age he was going to be the best. It was exciting to see this kid who could do things most players can only dream of.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Honduras 2-1 United States: Americans drop Hexagonal opener

The United States was unable to pick up a crucial point on the road as it opened the Hexagonal stage of World Cup qualifying with a 2-1 defeat to Honduras at Estadio Olímpico on Tuesday night.

Clint Dempsey put the Americans on the board in the 36th minute before Honduras responded with unanswered goals from Juan Garcia and Jerry Bengtson on either side of halftime.

It was the first time the U.S. had ever lost the opening game of the Hex and only the fourth time the Stars and Stripes had been defeated by Honduras in 19 games dating back to 1965.

"Overall, there were too many mistakes done and too many players today just didn't reach their usual potential," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. "They stayed behind their own game and therefore, it's really difficult coming away with a win here if you're not having everybody 100 percent at their limits."

Playing in one of the most hostile atmosphere in CONCACAF to open the final stage of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the Americans couldn't have gotten off to a more promising start.

Jermaine Jones delivered a beautiful chip over the top of the defensive line and found Dempsey who finished with a classy volley. It was Dempsey's 31st career goal with the national team, moving him up to third on the all-time scoring list while giving the U.S. hope early on.

But the celebration wouldn't last long.

It took just four minutes for Honduras to respond in remarkable fashion, with Garcia stunning goalkeeper Tim Howard with an bicycle kick from about 10 yards out. Following a misplaced corner kick, Honduras sent the ball back across the net twice before the defender elevated for the strike to enter the half all tied up.

The teams began the second half trading scoring opportunities, with Michael Bradley and Garcia watching their shots go just wide. Bengston had a golden chance to put Honduras ahead in the 55th minute after overpowering U.S. defender Geoff Cameron but his shot flew over the crossbar.

"We had problems closing down the passing lanes, also on the outsides throughout the whole first half and also in the second half," Klinsmann said.

With the U.S. back line on its heels, Honduras appeared to have taken the lead when Carlos Costly beat the defense before beating Howard. However, the goal would be waived off by the referee as Costly was just barely offside on the play.

The more the second half went on, the more the Americans looked like they were were content with picking up just a point on the road. That strategy, however, would get them in trouble.

In the 79th minute, Honduras would finally break the defensive wall for the game-winning goal. Some terrible defending by the USA's green center back pairing left Bengtson with a simple tap home for the winner.

The U.S. struggled to get possession in the final 10 minutes, but made things interesting three minutes into injury time when Omar Gonzalez headed a corner kick over the crossbar.

The U.S. will now have to wait until next month to bounce back with a home match against Costa Rica on March 22 followed by a visit to rival Mexico four days later.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Burkina Faso 1-1 Ghana (pen.3-2): Stallions race ahead of Black Stars to meet Nigeria in Afcon final

Burkina Faso is in the final of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Ghana 3-2 on penalties.

The match started out a thrilled and stayed that way until the end.
A ball to Jonathan Pitroipa nearly fetched the Burkinabes a penalty after five minutes, as John Boye clumsily cluttered into the Rennes man, but referee Slim Jedidi would have none of it. A minute later, Ghana had another scare, this time involving right back John Paintsil, who seemed to tear a muscle when racing for the ball with Mady Panandetiguiri and was promptly replaced by Solomon Asante.

When the referee did call for a penalty, however, it would be in favor of the Ghanaians when, in the 13th minute, Christian Atsu attempted to head a long ball from a Wakaso free kick and went down under the slightest of challenges from Panandetiguiri. The Burkinabes felt that there really was nothing in it but the Tunisian official maintained his stance and Wakaso stepped up to convert. It was the Black Stars' third spot kick in five games, all dispatched by the same man.

A tug from Rabiu Mohammed on Nakoulma earned the Ghanaian the game's first caution but the resultant free kick came to nothing.

Wakaso soon had another coming for the opposition, though, this time coming in the form of a shot from range that Daouda Diakite in goal for the Stallions only fully picked up on the second attempt. The scoreline, however, belied the swing of exchanges at that stage as Paul Put's side had actually enjoyed more of the possession, albeit mostly in the form of disjointed play.

A sweet through ball into Asamoah Gyan could have earned Ghana a second, with half an hour gone, but Gyan could only manage a shot that an agile, brave Diakite palmed away after narrowing the angle for the Al-Ain star. Nakoulma, by now Burkina's most threatening player, ballooned the ball over the Ghana goal after latching on to a long ball played over the Stars' defense.

Eight minutes before the end of the half, Kwadwo Asamoah recouped a seemingly wasted cross and rounded his man nicely to slip it to Asante, but the substitute fluffed his shot.
The first half eventually ended with both managers having their work for the second clearly cut out. Ghana needed to consolidate their lead, and Burkina Faso desperately required an equalizer.

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah replaced Rabiu - who seemed to have taken a knock too many earlier in the match - with Derek Boateng a little after the second half had commenced. On 52 minutes, Bance produced a powerful goal-bound header which the Ghanaian keeper impressively palmed onto the bar and then collected, even as the Burkinabe fans got ready to celebrate what had seemed a timely leveler.

Out of the blue, a ball from Atsu on the left found the Ghanaian captain Gyan, who gave the ball a nonchalant flick, but only against the inside of the right goalpost.
Almost immediately, the Ghanaians were given cause for regret. Midfielder Agyemang Badu was cruelly dispossessed in the Ghana area and a ball was laid ahead for Bance who wasted no time putting a nice finish past Dauda. After that goal there was little to talk about until the 75th minute when a cross from Wakaso found Gyan who headed just over the target. Immediately afterwards, Koulibally, who fell from marking Gyan, sent a vicious stamp into the latter's groin and received a yellow card for his troubles.

Then, seven minutes from the end, Atsu fired from the edge of the Burkinabe box, Diakite dived low to parry and a succession of kicks to and from the direction of the goal from either side ensued until the ball was eventually cleared. A spell of dull action followed with little of note until referee Jedidi brought an end to proceedings after 90 minutes, with regulation having failed to produce a winner.

The first 13 minutes of extra time began the same as the preceding period ended, but was nearly sparked to life by a sweet strike by Harrison Afful in the 94th inside the Burkina Faso box, which was pushed over by the excellent Diakite.Meanwhile, the terrible Mbombela pitch was, quite unexpectedly, doing its worst in marring the game's beauty. Bance, in the 102nd, had a fine opportunity to grab a second after getting the better of Ghana's rather central defensive pair of Isaac Vorsah and Boye, but he struck incredibly wide. Then, Nikoulma thought he had made up for his teammate's blunder, but had the fortuitous goal he scored scrapped for an apparent foul on Kwadwo Asamoah, ensuring neither side emerged on top heading into the final half.
Burkina Faso earned a corner kick and the resultant connection from Bance -arguably Burkina Faso's main threat at this stage - was cleared spectacularly from the goal line with a touch that proved just as crucial as any that could have found his country a winning goal.

Pressure was mounting on the Ghanaians as evidenced by a precise shot from distance by Koulibally that was met by an equally superb save from Dauda. Yet another incursion from the men in green saw Pitroipa apparently tripped by Boye in the Ghana box - and in an incident somewhat reminiscent of what had occurred earlier in the game - the forward failed to get a decision and, even worse, got booked a second time, ruling him out of the rest of the game and by extension, what remained of the tournament.

A shootout was due at that point, as the only remaining means of separating the two neighbors. Vorsah, Emmanuel Clottey and Badu missed for Ghana with only Christian Atsu and Harrison Afful scoring, while perfect conversions from Bakary Kone, Henri Traore and Bance proved sufficient for Burkina Faso to send the country through to its first ever AFCON final against Nigeria.

Ghana, by virtue of the loss, books a date in the third-place playoff versus Mali, a repeat of what ensued at the last tournament.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Nigeria 4-1 Mali: Super Eagles romp to AFCON final

A day of destiny gently turned into a day of providence for the Super Eagles as they utterly outclassed Mali in the African Cup of Nation’s first semifinal.

Victor Moses was in stunning form, and it was his invention and natural ability that broke the deadlock. Bursting down the right flank, he sold the Malian left back with a Cruyff turn before sending a delicious curling cross into the six-yard box. Elderson was on hand to finish things off, stooping low to head the ball home.The dominance continued as Mali’s back line was again cut to shreds and once more, Moses was the architect. His cross field run created indecision among the defense, before his delightful pass set Emmanuel Emenike free – the striker opted to play in his partner Ideye Brown, who made no mistake from close range.

Before halftime, Nigeria all but ended the match as a genuine contest. The Super Eagles were awarded a free kick for a tenuous Momo Sissoko tackle on Moses, and Emenike, one of the heroes against Cote d’Ivoire, stepped up with glory in his eyes.

He did not disappoint, although even he would not have expected the goal to come in such bizarre circumstances: the wall separating, and his fierce shot finally dribbling into the net, past the stranded Samassa, with Mali looking on aghast.In the second half, it became apparent early on that Mali had realized the game was up, with the pace descending to a canter, all of the Super Eagles were keen to involve themselves in the action. Ahmed Musa, on for Moses, was the brightest. His goal on 60 minutes was the icing on the cake, and finally broke Malian resistance once and for all.

A late consolation goal for the Eagles, scored by Mady Diarra, was little consolation for a side so outclassed on such a major stage.