Apathetic Algeria Beaten by Super Eagles
To quote
Bob Griese Men Jersey BBC Sports Piers Edwards, Algerias tournament has been one of the most inconsistent and intriguing I have ever seen. Following their narrow escape from a group which contained Angola and Mali, Les Fennecs pulled off what was perhaps the victory of the tournament with an enthralling victory over the Ivory Coast. With a place in the final at stake, Algeria played North African enemies Egypt in a repeat of the hotly contested World Cup Qualifier. This time, it was the Pharaohs who took the bragging rights with a crushing 4-0 victory over an Algerian side who finished the game with only eight men, setting up a third-place play off with a disappointing Nigerian side.After their disgraceful discipline against Egypt, Rabah Saadane could only field a severely depleted line-up, handing a first start to rookie keeper Zemmamouche. Nadir Belhadj and Rafik Halliche also mi sed out through suspension, although stars such as Karim Ziani, Majid Bougherra and Ha san Yebda kept their place. Shaibu Amodu despite being under severe pre sure elected to field a weakened side, resting key players such as Odemwingie, Yakubu, and
Odell Beckham Jr Youth Jersey Yobo.Nadir Belhadj mi sed the game through suspensionHowever, the little motivation that both sides had became apparent early on, with no urgency to create goalscoring opportunities. Zianis trickery almost made space for Zaoui, but Danny Shittu expertly cut off his diagonal run. After this, it was Nigeria who dominated. Nwanko Kanu skilfully turned and twisted his way between two Algerian defenders, before unleashing a long range effort which Zemmamouche comfortably held. Kanu nearly a sisted the opener just minutes later, but Obinna skied the ball high and wide from just fifteen yards out. The frontman saw two efforts from twenty-five yards sail wide, before Nigeria thought they had made it 1-0. Kaita slipped a perfectly weighted ball to Uche, who took a touch before rifling home. However, referee Badara Diatta ruled the goal out for offside, a decision that TV replays proved to be conclusive.And just as it looked as if half-time would arrive with the game goalle s, both sides mi sed chances to take the lead. Algerias Meghni failed to punish Nigerias profligacy, blasting wide from close range after Hameur Bouazzas flighted cro s. However, after Meghnis shocking effort, Obinnas attempt was laughable. Uches sudden burst of speed saw him with only Zemmamouche to beat, but unselfishly laid the ball off to Obinna with the goal at his mercy. Many fans had already started celebrating; Obinna slipped, causing looks of disbelief from Amodus dugout area.Shaibu Amodu may have done enough to keep his jobAs the second half began, the game became more promising in terms of attacking intent. The Super Eagles coach submitted a 4-3-3 formation, pushing Obasi Ogbuke alongside
Tyrann Mathieu Women Jersey Kanu and Obinna. The change in formation almost paid off immediately, following a game of goalmouth pinball. Taye Taiwos rasping free-kick wasnt dealt with by Zemmamouche, but Shittus header cannoned off the cro sbar. After another blocked attempt, this time from Uche, the ball was eventually cleared for a corner. After the corner was cleared, Obinna made amends for his hilarious slip-up just before the break. The Spanish-based paceman raced through the Algerian defence showing steely determination, before coolly slotting underneath the advancing keeper. A half-hearted celebration ensued, signifying the importance of the match to both sides.Spain-based Obinna grabbed the match-winning goalAfter they had opened their account, it seemed only a matter of when
Rashawn Slater Men Jersey Nigeria would increase it. Obafemi Martins almost made an instant impact after replacing the wasteful Uche, hitting the side netting from an acute angle, before Kanus flick-on was tipped over. Against the run of play, Algeria almost equalised. Rahos skilful run saw him get to the byline before putting in a hanging, deflected cro s. However, the oncoming Ghezzal failed to connect with the ball when it seemed easier to score, infuriating Saadane who knew how crucial that chance was. The introduction of star player Odemwingie saw the game peter out slightly, with the Lokomotiv Moscow winger combining trickery and speed to keep po se sion away from Les Fennecs. Mikel had one last chance to confirm victory, but his stinging drive flew harmle sly wide.The introduction of Odemwingie slowed the games tempoAs the full time whistle blew, neither side celebrated
Jordan Poyer Jersey . Saadane was visibly upset at the manner of which his side had thrown in the towel, with Amodu clearly worried about his job. Saadane told BBC Sport, This was a very good competition overall. We played six high-level matches, we spotted our mistakes and this was a good preparation for the World Cup.