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In normal circumstances the Flying Eagles representing Nigeria in the on-going FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt, would have been eliminated having come third in their group B matches. But, because four best third placed teams will progress to the knock-out phase, the flying Eagles still have hope and they have been waiting in agony to realise that faint hope.

Yes, they have to wait until all matches have been played to see if they are among the four best losers. At 22.45 (Nigerian time), Nigerians all over the world will have known the outcome.

Their hope of going to the next stage boomed yesterday after the result of four other matches in group C and D respectively. Germany defeated Cameroon by three goals to nil while Korea Republic also beat USA by three goals to nil. If Cameroon had beaten Germany or had played draw game, three teams would have qualified in this group thus reducing Nigeria's chances of going to the next round.

Also in group D, where Ghana and Uruguay have seven points each; while England and Uzbekistan now have one point each. If England had beaten Uzbekistan eight zero or vice-versa, such result would have jeopardised Nigeria's chances.

Now that Cameroon, USA, England and Uzbekistan are out of the Flying Eagles way, we can sigh with relief.

However, it is the four matches in group E and F that will actually decide our boys’ fate. Today's matches are very crucial to the Flying Eagles continuous participation in this tournament.

Brazil and Czech Republic have already qualified in this group. So, if Australia can beat Brazil by eight goals to nil, and Costa Rica draw with Czech Republic, it would affect the Flying Eagles chances.

Group F is very interesting. Any team can still qualify in this group, which of course, will affect our chances. United Arab Emirates have already qualified in this group with four points. If they draw with Hungary who has three points, and South Africa beat Honduras or vice-versa, then our Flying Eagles may have to crawl back to Abuja or Lagos.

Meanwhile football is not mathematics. This is the main reason I love football, the most glamorous game in the world. I simply love the surprises. For instance, whenever Brazil lost to say Hungary; or Spain or Germany lost to Uzbekistan. The thrill is always a catch.

Though it is not because of their marvellous skill, I see the Flying Eagles moving to the round of sixteen. The five goals they scored against one of the whipping teams in the tournament might have been enough after all.

I disagree with Coach Samson Siasia who said that this was the worst team ever. The boys are not that bad. In those matches they lost to Spain and Venezuela, our boys showed some skills but couldn't find the net. Of course I agree that if a team played two games and lost two games, the team should be written off.

Again, that is why I love football because each game is different. The Italian team have shown us many times that after the groups' matches, anything can happen. Known for their usual trade mark of under performing in group matches, they often went on to win tournaments or came second.

If our boys can show more determination and commitment like the Ghanaian boys, then they can still go as far as the quarter-finals or even semi-finals or even final. Man, I admire the Ghanaian boys, who have played with all seriousness.

You know our boys can still beat any team in the tournament. That is the joy of soccer. 

Siasia and his team however, must show some seriousness and discipline if actually they want to be a team to be reckoned with. And they must avoid losing so many chances like they did in those two matches against Venezuela and Spain.

The joy of seeing one's country in tournaments of this nature is beyond words. And please don't call me a patriot. How can I be a patriot when people like OBJ, IBB, Abacha, Mark, Buhari and their ilk call themselves patriots!

Let the Flying Eagles fly, joo

Copyright 2009  mysmallvoice@yahoo.com  

Robot  # 1 | 03.10.2009 09:12

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