Senegal carry continent’s hopes
Senegal are proving to be Africa’s saving grace at the World Cup. Take away their win over Poland on Tuesday and it is six defeats in six for the continent’s teams in Russia.
After Nigeria and Algeria both reached the knockout phase four years ago, it is looking like 2018 will be a step backwards for Africa.
Following the excitement of their first appearance at the finals since 1990, the Pharaohs find themselves staring at the exit door after less than a week.
Hector Cuper’s side have been hampered by the fitness problems of Mohamed Salah, who played no part in the 1-0 defeat against Uruguay in Yekaterinburg. On Tuesday, Salah was back but unable to prevent Egypt from losing 3-1 to Russia in St Petersburg, his late penalty proving a mere consolation.
Egypt have still never won a match at the World Cup in six attempts, and they were aware that a draw for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia last night would see them eliminated.
Herve Renard’s Morocco did not concede a single goal in their final qualifying group. But scoring goals has been their big problem in Russia.
Despite two encouraging displays against Iran and Portugal, the Atlas Lions have no points and are guaranteed to make a group-stage exit.
Yesterday, Cristiano Ronaldo’s early header gave Portugal a 1-0 victory in Moscow, with Morocco’s second-half onslaught in vain.
But despite being the first nation to be knocked out, this could be a learning curve for their talented younger players.
Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles were poor as they started their campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Croatia in Kaliningrad in a difficult group, also containing Argentina and Iceland.
Oghenekaro Etebo’s own goal and a Luka Modric penalty made for a Nigerian team almost unrecognisable from that beaten by France in the last 16 four years ago.
Tunisia almost held England to a draw in Volgograd in their opening game.
However, Harry Kane’s late strike saw the north African side lose 2-1, and they have now gone 12 World Cup games without winning since beating Mexico in 1978.