A’an Š›‰iene le••on•

SCALES have tipped a bit in Qatar, with favourites who got a rude awaken in the their opening encounters finally getting their footing right.

One could see or sense disappointment in the eyes of their poster boys and fans. Talk about disappointment. Qatar become the second host nation to be booted out in the first hurdle of the tournament. Not much of a surprise if we are being honest with the number of surprises in terms of the results in the first round; the one question constantly being raised is whether the results were due to tactical discipline and game plan of the team or strength of previous so called smaller opposition. The group standing reading shows that besides Qatar, all the other nations bottom of each group still stand a chance to qualify. It gives hope that we may still see an African State such as Senegal after recording Africa’s first victory in the episode qualifying knockout stages.

Australia who last won a World Cup match in 2010 snatched a 1-0 victory over Tunisia, after their disastrous opening match against Spain. The long awaited win was evident in the wild Aussies celebrations from their fans from Qatar to Sydney.

The defending champions, France are showing their 2018 World Cup pedigree, by seeing their team being the first to secure the last 16 spot. Kylian Mbappe continues to be a menace against opposition, making him a clear favourite for the Golden Boot award, having netted three goals so far. The then teen was introduced to the world in 2018 in Russia, where he set the stage alight, handing France their first title in nearly two decades.

With the absence of world number one, Karim Benzema, one would have thought the defending champions would struggle to find inspiration upfront, but it hasn’t been the case with Veteran Olivier Giroid stepping up. The Didier Dischamp men are on the right track, if the first two rounds are anything to go by. A back-to-back title would be a reward that makes it worth all the trouble.

Rivalry

The rivalry between Mexico and Argentina is one that never goes unnoticed and with a last 16 spot at stake, drama was the order of the day in a packed record breaking Lusail stadium. Messi can now breathe a sigh of relief after their 2-0 win. A major confidence booster for the South American champions.

However, they are not out of the woods as of yet as they have a date with Poland in their last group match and a point might not be enough to secure themselves a spot in the knockout stages. Wins are the only acceptable results for Al Albicelleste from here onwards.

Costa Rica with a curveball blowing Group E wide open after their 1-0 win over Japan. An opportunity for troubled Germany to restore their chances of survival. Will they take the chance?

And now ladies, talking of cleanliness and hygiene, I’ve seen a good combo in this years World Cup, ‘football of tidiness’. The Japanese fans after their games remain behind to clean the stadium. The players dressing room was left spotlessly clean after their heroic victory against Germany, one would have supper on the floor. The Japanese never leave rubbish behind. Now back to your room with brother number one football fan, Mr remote controller, does he clean his mess after 90 minutes? Or we need the Japanese for some hygiene lessons? Now you know how to handle your Messi number one fan at home. If he ‘Messes’ up tell him you’ll call the Japanese. Thank me later.