Russia proves every underdog has its day
Someone has called it the World Cup of the underdogs – and I think this might just be true. What’s happening in Russia has left many of us astounded. We never expected most of it. Teams who were expected to boss everyone around are struggling and those we thought were just there because they had qualified are making it count.
I can bet my late mother’s cherished dinner set which was only used for Christmas lunches that no one thought a team as formidable as Argentina would struggle like they have. As things stand, they might just have to go back home after the group stages.
This was billed as Messi’s World Cup because this is possibly his last appearance at the event because of his age. He was expected to light up the tournament but things have not gone his way at all. In fact I would not be surprised if he were to be omitted in the last game next week because his body language was uninspiring in their 3-0 defeat by Croatia on Thursday night.
This, however, doesn’t make him any less of a star and I know that debates about him will go on for a long time to come.
There are those who have lived up to their billing. Ronaldo has won me over I must admit. I always felt he wants to outshine @SbongsKaDonga his team-mates at all times but I have realised that all of that is driven by his passion and ambition. He is a winner and wants to win at all times. A country can only be lucky to have such a player. His passion just draws you in. And you can even sense when he is going to score with a freekick. The one he scored late to equalise against Spain in their first game is a prime example of that.
I just felt it when the referee awarded that freekick that he was going to score. And because of the cold weather I watched this match at home with my partner and her friend.
They are not used to watching football especially while Isibaya or whatever it was they wanted to watch is on the other channel. I told them he would score this one and when he did, I felt like a king because of their reaction. They praised me on my “extreme knowledge of the game”.
They were surprised that I could even tell when someone is going to score or miss. That status has, however, been lost because I pushed my luck too long and missed the other predictions I made for them.
Russia are also proving to be a force. They play like a team possessed and have raised eyebrows. Some have even gone so far as claiming that the hosts may just do what France did in 1998. That’s totally ridiculous if you ask me. I am, of course, willing to eat humble pie should that happen.
You will notice that I have tried to not mention African teams who have really disappointed. The stage just became too big for Egypt and Morocco who have already been eliminated. Nigeria could be added to this list by the time you read this.