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dive kale nathi handa wenna athiArgentina didn't deserve it - Robben
Arjen Robben said Argentina didn't deserve to reach the World Cup final after beating his Netherlands side 4-2 on penalties in Wednesday's semi-final.
There was little in the way of goalscoring opportunities at either end in a disappointing encounter, with the scoreline goalless after extra-time.
The match was decided by a penalty shoot-out and while Tim Krul's quarter-final heroics saw the Dutch beat Costa Rica on spot-kicks, on this occasion misses from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder proved costly.
Maxi Rodriguez struck the winning penalty for Argentina, but Robben was in no mood to offer his congratulations as he came to terms with the defeat.
"Argentina did not deserve to win," the Bayern Munich winger claimed.
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Klose: Ronaldo most complete player ever
Miroslav Klose has praised Ronaldo after he overtook the former Brazil striker's goal tally to help Germany progress to the World Cup final.The 36-year-old forward scored his 16th goal in World Cup finals against the Selecao in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday as his side thumped the tournament hosts 7-1.
Klose's strike moved him ahead of Ronaldo, who was in attendance, as the most prolific marksman in the competition's history, but the German was quick to remember the quality of the retired Real Madrid and Inter attacker.
"He was an outstanding player," Klose told reporters at Germany's training base.
"I play in Italy and everyone I've ever talked to there said that Ronaldo was the best player that ever played in Italy. For me he was the most complete player ever."The Lazio man conceded, however, that the Brazilian would have been disappointed to lose his record, particularly considering the pivotal match in which it occurred.
"Obviously it must be bitter for him that he was in the stadium when I overtook him in the match against Brazil," Klose added."Before he sent a message out 'Klose - welcome to the club of 15'. I can now send out this message: 'Miroslav Klose in the club of 16 and everyone's welcome to join'."
Germany now face Argentina in the World Cup final at the Maracana on Sunday.
Miroslav Klose has praised Ronaldo after he overtook the former Brazil striker's goal tally to help Germany progress to the World Cup final.The 36-year-old forward scored his 16th goal in World Cup finals against the Selecao in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday as his side thumped the tournament hosts 7-1.
Klose's strike moved him ahead of Ronaldo, who was in attendance, as the most prolific marksman in the competition's history, but the German was quick to remember the quality of the retired Real Madrid and Inter attacker.
"He was an outstanding player," Klose told reporters at Germany's training base.
"I play in Italy and everyone I've ever talked to there said that Ronaldo was the best player that ever played in Italy. For me he was the most complete player ever."The Lazio man conceded, however, that the Brazilian would have been disappointed to lose his record, particularly considering the pivotal match in which it occurred.
"Obviously it must be bitter for him that he was in the stadium when I overtook him in the match against Brazil," Klose added."Before he sent a message out 'Klose - welcome to the club of 15'. I can now send out this message: 'Miroslav Klose in the club of 16 and everyone's welcome to join'."
Germany now face Argentina in the World Cup final at the Maracana on Sunday.
Messi deserves to win the World Cup - Neymar
Neymar has backed fellow Barcelona star Lionel Messi ahead of Argentina's World Cup final with Germany, insisting the 27-year-old deserves the victory.
La Albiceleste progressed to Sunday's showpiece after defeating the Netherlands 4-2 on penalties on Wednesday, overcoming Louis van Gaal's side after an uneventful 0-0 draw.Despite the traditional animosity between Brazil and Argentina, Neymar insists that he would be delighted if it was Messi that lifted the World Cup trophy at the Maracana, calling him a worthy winner.
"Messi deserves to win the World Cup," the 22-year-old told a press conference.
"He's my friend, I wish him the best."Argentina and Germany meet in the World Cup final for the third time, with Die Mannschaft victorious in 1990 and the South Americans winning in 1986.
Neymar, who is out injured after suffering a fractured vertebra against Colombia in the quarter-finals, will watch on as Brazil face Netherlands in Saturday's third-place play off.
Neymar has backed fellow Barcelona star Lionel Messi ahead of Argentina's World Cup final with Germany, insisting the 27-year-old deserves the victory.
La Albiceleste progressed to Sunday's showpiece after defeating the Netherlands 4-2 on penalties on Wednesday, overcoming Louis van Gaal's side after an uneventful 0-0 draw.Despite the traditional animosity between Brazil and Argentina, Neymar insists that he would be delighted if it was Messi that lifted the World Cup trophy at the Maracana, calling him a worthy winner.
"Messi deserves to win the World Cup," the 22-year-old told a press conference.
"He's my friend, I wish him the best."Argentina and Germany meet in the World Cup final for the third time, with Die Mannschaft victorious in 1990 and the South Americans winning in 1986.
Neymar, who is out injured after suffering a fractured vertebra against Colombia in the quarter-finals, will watch on as Brazil face Netherlands in Saturday's third-place play off.
Vlaar: 'Best game of my life' tainted by defeat
Ron Vlaar has expressed his disappointment at Netherlands' World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, which came despite the star believing he had played the 'game of his life.'
Oranje took Alejandro Sabella's team to penalties after extra-time finished with the scores locked at 0-0, before the Europeans eventually fell to a 4-2 shootout defeat.
La Albiceleste keeper Sergio Romero saved two Dutch penalties, the first being Vlaar's, but the Aston Villa defender insisted that he could be proud of his performance, though conceding it was insignificant compared to the overall result.
"Maybe I played the best game of my life," the 29-year-old told journalists.
"I felt really confident. But there's only one thing that matters in sport and that's winning, and that didn't happen."Louis van Gaal's side were looking to become the first Netherlands side to lift the World Cup but will now have to settle for playing in the third-place play off against Brazil on Saturday rather than in the showpiece a day later at the Maracana."All of the players are really disappointed," Vlaar added.
"We really believed from the start of the tournament that we could get something and I'm proud of what we got but it's not enough and we wanted more.
"We were really close but it wasn't good enough to go through to the final."I believed in us from the start, we all believed in ourselves but it didn't happen. There's only one thing that counts and that's first place."
Ron Vlaar has expressed his disappointment at Netherlands' World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, which came despite the star believing he had played the 'game of his life.'
Oranje took Alejandro Sabella's team to penalties after extra-time finished with the scores locked at 0-0, before the Europeans eventually fell to a 4-2 shootout defeat.
La Albiceleste keeper Sergio Romero saved two Dutch penalties, the first being Vlaar's, but the Aston Villa defender insisted that he could be proud of his performance, though conceding it was insignificant compared to the overall result.
"Maybe I played the best game of my life," the 29-year-old told journalists.
"I felt really confident. But there's only one thing that matters in sport and that's winning, and that didn't happen."Louis van Gaal's side were looking to become the first Netherlands side to lift the World Cup but will now have to settle for playing in the third-place play off against Brazil on Saturday rather than in the showpiece a day later at the Maracana."All of the players are really disappointed," Vlaar added.
"We really believed from the start of the tournament that we could get something and I'm proud of what we got but it's not enough and we wanted more.
"We were really close but it wasn't good enough to go through to the final."I believed in us from the start, we all believed in ourselves but it didn't happen. There's only one thing that counts and that's first place."
We hope Brazilians will support Germany - Flick
Hansi Flick is hopeful that Brazilians will support Germany in Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina, despite the 7-1 defeat they inflicted on the host nation.
Die Nationalelf produced an exceptional result in their semi-final against Brazil, with Toni Kroos and Andre Schurrle scoring twice as Thomas Muller, Miroslav Klose and Sami Khedira also added to an astonishing scoreline.
However, despite dealing out such a humiliating defeat on the hosts, Flick wants local support in Rio de Janeiro as Germany chase a first World Cup crown since 1990, against the Selecao's bitter rivals Argentina.
"We're hoping for the support of the Brazilians," the 49-year-old told reporters.
"The reaction we have got from them since the game has been amazing. We're looking forward to the game against another South American team. I think the players are really fired up for it."Everyone has been able to train, whether on the bikes recovering or working on the pitch."
Miroslav Klose, who was part of the Germany team that lost the 2002 final to Brazil, also spoke of Sunday's clash, admitting he is desperate to lift the trophy.
"I know how bad it feels to lose a final," the 36-year-old Lazio striker said.
"We enjoyed the game against Brazil, but since the other semi-final our full concentration has been on the game against Argentina."The team spirit is fantastic, everyone has done very well in training, giving everything."I am full of confidence that we have a fantastic chance of winning."
Klose, who became the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer during the victory over Brazil, backed team-mate Thomas Muller - one goal short of current leader James Rodriguez - to win the Golden Boot for a second successive tournament.
“It would be great for Thomas to get the Golden Boot," he continued."But, like he said, he’s already got one."
Hansi Flick is hopeful that Brazilians will support Germany in Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina, despite the 7-1 defeat they inflicted on the host nation.
Die Nationalelf produced an exceptional result in their semi-final against Brazil, with Toni Kroos and Andre Schurrle scoring twice as Thomas Muller, Miroslav Klose and Sami Khedira also added to an astonishing scoreline.
However, despite dealing out such a humiliating defeat on the hosts, Flick wants local support in Rio de Janeiro as Germany chase a first World Cup crown since 1990, against the Selecao's bitter rivals Argentina.
"We're hoping for the support of the Brazilians," the 49-year-old told reporters.
"The reaction we have got from them since the game has been amazing. We're looking forward to the game against another South American team. I think the players are really fired up for it."Everyone has been able to train, whether on the bikes recovering or working on the pitch."
Miroslav Klose, who was part of the Germany team that lost the 2002 final to Brazil, also spoke of Sunday's clash, admitting he is desperate to lift the trophy.
"I know how bad it feels to lose a final," the 36-year-old Lazio striker said.
"We enjoyed the game against Brazil, but since the other semi-final our full concentration has been on the game against Argentina."The team spirit is fantastic, everyone has done very well in training, giving everything."I am full of confidence that we have a fantastic chance of winning."
Klose, who became the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer during the victory over Brazil, backed team-mate Thomas Muller - one goal short of current leader James Rodriguez - to win the Golden Boot for a second successive tournament.
“It would be great for Thomas to get the Golden Boot," he continued."But, like he said, he’s already got one."
Arsenal launch new PUMA kit
PUMA have introduced the much-anticipated new Arsenal kits for the 2014-15 season.
The home, away and cup kits were revealed through a spectacular 20-metre-high water projection on the River Thames viewed from the North Bank, transforming the EDF Energy London Eye into the iconic Clock End.
Each kit has a unique design drawn from the core values PUMA identified as being the essence of Arsenal. These values inspire the Future, Forever, Victorious story that underpins the PUMA and Arsenal campaign, Stronger Together.
Arsenal supporters waiting to buy the shirt outside PUMA's flagship Carnaby Street store in London were stunned to see the kit being revealed in person by Mikel Arteta, Santi Cazorla and Mathieu Flamini in the shop window, as a curtain dropped to unveil a huge Arsenal facade.
Inside the store, fans were also able to have their picture taken with the Gunners’ latest piece of silverware, the FA Cup.
PUMA chief executive Bjorn Gulden said: "This evening was a momentous occasion for PUMA, and one we have looked forward to for some time.
"Many people here have been working hard towards this moment and I'm sure Arsenal fans around the world will be excited by the kit designs, as well as the training and fanwear collections.
"It is a privilege working with Arsenal, not just because of the stature of the club but also the integrity of its people. I am absolutely sure this is the start of a long and prosperous relationship for both PUMA and Arsenal."
The blue and lime green Future cup kit will be worn by Arsenal away from home in cup competitions, including the Champions League and FA Cup.
It symbolises the desire for innovation and progression that has driven the club through its history, resulting in Arsenal becoming the first team to wear numbers on shirts and the first club to have stadium floodlights.
It also acknowledges the focus on youth development that has become synonymous with the club.
The home kit stays true to the traditional red and white Arsenal colours that first appeared in 1933. It represents Forever, inspired by the strong and loyal fan base Arsenal has built over the years, and the importance of this community to the Gunners.
From the very beginning, Arsenal supporters have been at the heart of the club, a sentiment that stands true today as Arsenal’s appeal continues to spread across every corner of the world.
Victorious is the theme of the away shirt, designed in the iconic yellow and navy blue colours worn by Arsenal during some of their most famous victories away from home, including in the 1971 and 1979 FA Cup finals and for the title-winning victory at Anfield in 1989.
Arsenal star Mikel Arteta said: "The new kits have really impressed the players, especially because of the story behind them, which is something felt by everyone at this club.
"Arsenal is special, and the creation of these kits is a wonderful way to acknowledge that. PUMA has done an excellent job with the design.
"It's a great start to this new season and we are hungry to progress and bring more silverware to Arsenal and our fans."
PUMA have introduced the much-anticipated new Arsenal kits for the 2014-15 season.
The home, away and cup kits were revealed through a spectacular 20-metre-high water projection on the River Thames viewed from the North Bank, transforming the EDF Energy London Eye into the iconic Clock End.
Each kit has a unique design drawn from the core values PUMA identified as being the essence of Arsenal. These values inspire the Future, Forever, Victorious story that underpins the PUMA and Arsenal campaign, Stronger Together.
Arsenal supporters waiting to buy the shirt outside PUMA's flagship Carnaby Street store in London were stunned to see the kit being revealed in person by Mikel Arteta, Santi Cazorla and Mathieu Flamini in the shop window, as a curtain dropped to unveil a huge Arsenal facade.
Inside the store, fans were also able to have their picture taken with the Gunners’ latest piece of silverware, the FA Cup.
PUMA chief executive Bjorn Gulden said: "This evening was a momentous occasion for PUMA, and one we have looked forward to for some time.
"Many people here have been working hard towards this moment and I'm sure Arsenal fans around the world will be excited by the kit designs, as well as the training and fanwear collections.
"It is a privilege working with Arsenal, not just because of the stature of the club but also the integrity of its people. I am absolutely sure this is the start of a long and prosperous relationship for both PUMA and Arsenal."
The blue and lime green Future cup kit will be worn by Arsenal away from home in cup competitions, including the Champions League and FA Cup.
It symbolises the desire for innovation and progression that has driven the club through its history, resulting in Arsenal becoming the first team to wear numbers on shirts and the first club to have stadium floodlights.
It also acknowledges the focus on youth development that has become synonymous with the club.
The home kit stays true to the traditional red and white Arsenal colours that first appeared in 1933. It represents Forever, inspired by the strong and loyal fan base Arsenal has built over the years, and the importance of this community to the Gunners.
From the very beginning, Arsenal supporters have been at the heart of the club, a sentiment that stands true today as Arsenal’s appeal continues to spread across every corner of the world.
Victorious is the theme of the away shirt, designed in the iconic yellow and navy blue colours worn by Arsenal during some of their most famous victories away from home, including in the 1971 and 1979 FA Cup finals and for the title-winning victory at Anfield in 1989.
Arsenal star Mikel Arteta said: "The new kits have really impressed the players, especially because of the story behind them, which is something felt by everyone at this club.
"Arsenal is special, and the creation of these kits is a wonderful way to acknowledge that. PUMA has done an excellent job with the design.
"It's a great start to this new season and we are hungry to progress and bring more silverware to Arsenal and our fans."
pattaArsenal launch new PUMA kit
Lassanai Arsenal 2014/15 Kits set 1ka
Brazil should sack Scolari - Zico
Zico believes Luiz Felipe Scolari should resign after the World Cup following Brazil's failure to lift the trophy this summer.
The South Americans were one of the favourites to win the tournament on home soil, but their bid for a sixth title came to an abrupt halt on Tuesday when they were beaten 7-1 by Germany in the semi-finals.
Zico feels Scolari should consequently leave his position and has suggested Sao Paulo coach Muricy Ramalho as his replacement.
"We should thank Scolari and thank [assistant coach Carlos Alberto] Parreira too. But we need to choose new people with new thoughts about how to play the Brazilian way," The former Brazil star told news agency EFE.
"Ramalho is one the greatest champions of the Brazilian league, which is one of the hardest in the world to win."
Zico then went on to discuss the strength of Brazil and stressed that their failure to win the World Cup is the result of a lack of quality.
"If you look at the starting players in the last year, none of them were key players at their clubs.
"Look at Neymar, the best player in Brazil, but how many times was he on the bench for Barcelona last season...
"Fred, Marcelo, Hulk all played inconsistently. Even David Luiz and Oscar, you can't say they were first choices at Chelsea."
Brazil meet Netherlands in the battle for third place in Brasilia on Saturday.
Zico believes Luiz Felipe Scolari should resign after the World Cup following Brazil's failure to lift the trophy this summer.
The South Americans were one of the favourites to win the tournament on home soil, but their bid for a sixth title came to an abrupt halt on Tuesday when they were beaten 7-1 by Germany in the semi-finals.
Zico feels Scolari should consequently leave his position and has suggested Sao Paulo coach Muricy Ramalho as his replacement.
"We should thank Scolari and thank [assistant coach Carlos Alberto] Parreira too. But we need to choose new people with new thoughts about how to play the Brazilian way," The former Brazil star told news agency EFE.
"Ramalho is one the greatest champions of the Brazilian league, which is one of the hardest in the world to win."
Zico then went on to discuss the strength of Brazil and stressed that their failure to win the World Cup is the result of a lack of quality.
"If you look at the starting players in the last year, none of them were key players at their clubs.
"Look at Neymar, the best player in Brazil, but how many times was he on the bench for Barcelona last season...
"Fred, Marcelo, Hulk all played inconsistently. Even David Luiz and Oscar, you can't say they were first choices at Chelsea."
Brazil meet Netherlands in the battle for third place in Brasilia on Saturday.
Matri leaves AC Milan for Genoa
Genoa have announced that they have secured the services of Alessandro Matri from AC Milan on a one-year loan deal.
The Luigi Ferraris outfit were in the market for a new striker following the departure of Alberto Gilardino to Guangzhou Evergrande and they see the 29-year-old Matri as the perfect replacement.
Matri joined Milan from Juventus in the summer of 2013, but failed to make an impact at the San Siro side and was shipped out on loan to Fiorentina for the second half of last season.
He returned earlier this summer, but has now left the club on another temporary deal after he was told he does not play a part in head coach Filippo Inzaghi's plans for the future.
Matri started his professional career with Milan and also wore the jerseys of Prato, Lumezzane, Rimini and Cagliari before joining Juventus in January 2011.
The attacker will now be looking to relaunch his career at Genoa after a disappointing spell with Milan.
Genoa have announced that they have secured the services of Alessandro Matri from AC Milan on a one-year loan deal.
The Luigi Ferraris outfit were in the market for a new striker following the departure of Alberto Gilardino to Guangzhou Evergrande and they see the 29-year-old Matri as the perfect replacement.
Matri joined Milan from Juventus in the summer of 2013, but failed to make an impact at the San Siro side and was shipped out on loan to Fiorentina for the second half of last season.
He returned earlier this summer, but has now left the club on another temporary deal after he was told he does not play a part in head coach Filippo Inzaghi's plans for the future.
Matri started his professional career with Milan and also wore the jerseys of Prato, Lumezzane, Rimini and Cagliari before joining Juventus in January 2011.
The attacker will now be looking to relaunch his career at Genoa after a disappointing spell with Milan.
Newcastle's €6m Janmaat bid rejected by Feyenoord
Feyenoord have rejected an opening bid of €6 million from Newcastle United for Netherlands international Daryl Janmaat, Goal understands.
The 24-year-old right-back has been on the Magpies' radar for several months and the impending departure of Mathieu Debuchy to Arsenal has prompted them to step up their interest.
But their opening offer is some way short of Feyenoord's own valuation of €11m.
However, the club still hope to broker a deal for less than €10m given their policy of paying fees in full; the Magpies often get reductions in the overall price given how rare it is in football that all fees are paid up front.
Despite their move for Janmaat, Newcastle still have an interest in Manchester City's Micah Richards, who can also play in central defence.
The north-east club, who have already successfully landed Ayoze Perez, Jack Colback and Siem De Jong, hope to have deals for Janmaat and their current top transfer target Remy Cabella sealed within the next week.
Newcastle recently lodged a bid worth around €12m for the Montpellier and France midfielder, having failed to sign him in January and prior to the World Cup.
Feyenoord have rejected an opening bid of €6 million from Newcastle United for Netherlands international Daryl Janmaat, Goal understands.
The 24-year-old right-back has been on the Magpies' radar for several months and the impending departure of Mathieu Debuchy to Arsenal has prompted them to step up their interest.
But their opening offer is some way short of Feyenoord's own valuation of €11m.
However, the club still hope to broker a deal for less than €10m given their policy of paying fees in full; the Magpies often get reductions in the overall price given how rare it is in football that all fees are paid up front.
Despite their move for Janmaat, Newcastle still have an interest in Manchester City's Micah Richards, who can also play in central defence.
The north-east club, who have already successfully landed Ayoze Perez, Jack Colback and Siem De Jong, hope to have deals for Janmaat and their current top transfer target Remy Cabella sealed within the next week.
Newcastle recently lodged a bid worth around €12m for the Montpellier and France midfielder, having failed to sign him in January and prior to the World Cup.
How Algeria put North African football back on top
It has been 11 days since Algeria's participation at the World Cup ended, courtesy of a gallant round of 16 extra-time defeat to Germany.Don't be surprised, though, to find the streets of Algiers and Kabylie still abuzz with excited football chatter and awash in Les Fennecs' lime-green.
The celebrations shouldn't be limited to within Algerian boundaries, however, for the team's fine showing in Brazil went a long way to reclaiming for North Africa its place as the continent's pioneer on the world stage; an accolade that, since the early nineties, had been snatched by West Africa.
Starting with Egypt, Africa's first representatives at a World Cup, through Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco - respectively the first African sides at the World Cup to (a) win a game, (b) win two group matches [and still not qualify to the knockout rounds], and, (c) make it past the group stage - North Africa has proven itself Africa's standard-bearer in Mundial history, only to swap places with sides from the continent's sub-Saharan parts from the 1990 edition of the competition onwards.
It was at that tournament, in Italy, that Cameroon reached the World Cup quarter-finals, blazing a trail that Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010) would follow in latter years. Throw Nigeria - who topped their World Cup group in 1994 and in 1998 - in that mix, and one easily observes how the momentum shifted.
North Africa, once occupants of these high places, had been forced to peek through the windows as the new residents thrived and reveled.
This they did for all of two dozen years during which the likes of Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria huffed and puffed in futility on the world stage, while Egypt - the region's best footballing nation by some distance - failed to even savour a single successful qualification quest.Not anymore, though.
On the back of Algeria's strong displays in Brazil, the Maghreb's long-lost pride has been considerably restored, and in such fine style, too. Four goals put past South Korea in their second Group H game made the team managed by Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic (he has since resigned) the first from Africa to record that number of strikes in a World Cup game. Qualification to the knockout rounds secured, Algeria proved arguably the stronger of the two African sides that made it that far (Nigeria being the other), ultimately forcing mighty Germany to a fight that wasn't truly settled until 120 minutes had elapsed.
It is also worth noting that, save the country's first match at Brazil 2014 against Belgium, the man-of-the-match prize in every other fixture that involved Algeria - currently Africa's top-ranked team - went to a Desert Fox, namely, Islam Slimani (2) and RaÏs M'Bolhi.
In putting up such an impressive showing, Algeria have done wonders for North African football.
The inhabitants of Cairo, Tunis, Rabat and, to a slightly lesser extent, Tripoli and Benghazi would do well to join in the party.
It has been 11 days since Algeria's participation at the World Cup ended, courtesy of a gallant round of 16 extra-time defeat to Germany.Don't be surprised, though, to find the streets of Algiers and Kabylie still abuzz with excited football chatter and awash in Les Fennecs' lime-green.
The celebrations shouldn't be limited to within Algerian boundaries, however, for the team's fine showing in Brazil went a long way to reclaiming for North Africa its place as the continent's pioneer on the world stage; an accolade that, since the early nineties, had been snatched by West Africa.
Starting with Egypt, Africa's first representatives at a World Cup, through Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco - respectively the first African sides at the World Cup to (a) win a game, (b) win two group matches [and still not qualify to the knockout rounds], and, (c) make it past the group stage - North Africa has proven itself Africa's standard-bearer in Mundial history, only to swap places with sides from the continent's sub-Saharan parts from the 1990 edition of the competition onwards.
It was at that tournament, in Italy, that Cameroon reached the World Cup quarter-finals, blazing a trail that Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010) would follow in latter years. Throw Nigeria - who topped their World Cup group in 1994 and in 1998 - in that mix, and one easily observes how the momentum shifted.
North Africa, once occupants of these high places, had been forced to peek through the windows as the new residents thrived and reveled.
This they did for all of two dozen years during which the likes of Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria huffed and puffed in futility on the world stage, while Egypt - the region's best footballing nation by some distance - failed to even savour a single successful qualification quest.Not anymore, though.
On the back of Algeria's strong displays in Brazil, the Maghreb's long-lost pride has been considerably restored, and in such fine style, too. Four goals put past South Korea in their second Group H game made the team managed by Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic (he has since resigned) the first from Africa to record that number of strikes in a World Cup game. Qualification to the knockout rounds secured, Algeria proved arguably the stronger of the two African sides that made it that far (Nigeria being the other), ultimately forcing mighty Germany to a fight that wasn't truly settled until 120 minutes had elapsed.
It is also worth noting that, save the country's first match at Brazil 2014 against Belgium, the man-of-the-match prize in every other fixture that involved Algeria - currently Africa's top-ranked team - went to a Desert Fox, namely, Islam Slimani (2) and RaÏs M'Bolhi.
In putting up such an impressive showing, Algeria have done wonders for North African football.
The inhabitants of Cairo, Tunis, Rabat and, to a slightly lesser extent, Tripoli and Benghazi would do well to join in the party.
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