It has been two weeks since i wrote about football right here. I have been away but not unaware of the footballing world. Deprived of adequate internet on the outskirts of the Niger Delta, blogging was drastically affected but here we are.
While I was away…
The group stage of the EURO 2016 came to an end with my adopted team finishing bottom of their group. Without captain Rosicky, I had hopes that Czech Republic could see of Turkey and progress to the second round. But they faltered. My Czech highlight was Rosicky’s outside foot assist against Croatia.
The teams from the United Kingdom progressed their respective groups. Wales and England progressed from Group B. Ireland’s 1-0 victory over Italy in their final group game was enough to book a place from Group E in the quarter final as one of the best 3rd placed teams. Northern Ireland scrapped in from Group C to make the Round of 16 via the 3rd place berth.
I was extremely happy for Iceland, a team I supported during the qualifiers. I am also elated about Hungary’s progress, they won the Euros on my PS4 – dare to dream. It was a disappointing tournament for Russia, Czech Republic, Ukraine and Zlatan’s Sweden – not the best way to exit the international stage.
The following teams qualified for the Round of 16: Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, Spain, Wales, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Slovakia.
While I was away…
Portugal scrapped into the Round of 16 thanks to a brace from Ronaldo in the 6 goal thriller against Hungary. They went one step further in the Round of 16 and defeated Croatia 1-0 thanks to a Quaresma 117th minute goal. It was a game with no shot on target for the 90 minutes – snooze.
In the other R16 matches played yesterday, Xhaka missed his spot kick as Poland defeated Switzerland 5-4 on penalties after full time and extras ended 1-1. Shaqiri’s superb goal would be among the contenders for the goal of the tournament but he would have to watch from home. Poland will face Portugal in the quarter final. Wales so off Northern Ireland, thanks to a 75th minute Gareth McAuley own goal.
While I was away…
Alexis and his Chilean gang reached the final of the 2016 Copa America. They walloped Mexico 7-0 in the quarter final and saw off Ospina’s Colombia 2-0 in the semi final. They will face Messi’s Argentina again in the final. Colombia defeated hosts USA 1-0 to clinch 3rd place last night.
While I was away…
Enyimba began their CAF Champions League campaign with a disappointing 1-0 loss in Port Harcourt. The play was woeful and the pitch was like playing football on mud. Enyimba need Aba more than Nigeria needs a coach. It was a sad day for Nigerian football especially seeing that ES Setif lost 2-0 at home to Mamelodi Sundowns a day before. But ES Setif were kicked out of the competition following crowd trouble in their game.
Enyimba now have just 3 more games to make amends for the loss in Port Harcourt. They will play Sundowns in South Africa on Wednesday.
While I was away…
The NPFL continued. MFM FC lost to Shooting Stars in Agege and resulted in separating themselves from the fans that caused mayhem in the fixture. The LMC took no prisoners with a 2m Naira fine and 3 games ban with no fans.
Enyimba won the rescheduled Abia Derby, Heartland ended their winless run, Ikorodu United were involved in an accident, sacked Okpodu and appointed Theo De Jong.
While I was away…
Kano Pillars were knocked out of the 2016 Federation Cup by Prime FC. Akwa United, Sunshine Stars, Dynamite FC, Shooting Stars, J. Atete, Crown FC, Plateau United, Wikki Tourists, FC IfeanyiUbah, Katsina United, Nasarawa United, Rivers United, Rangers and Warri Wolves progressed to the Round of 16.
In the Women Federation Cup, Nasarawa Amazons whipped Mosco Queens 8-0 to progress to the quarter final. Rivers Angel, Sunshine Queens, Abia Angels, Delta Queens, Katsina Queens, COD United and Bayelsa Queens make up the final 8.
While I was away…
Vardy signed a four year deal with Arsenal Leicester City, PSG appointed a new coach and Martin Jol coached Ah Ahly to the Egyptian title.
While I was away…
Siasia shortlisted Mikel, Ighalo, Iwobi and Iheanacho for the Olympics but the latter has said he would rather be in pre-season with Manchester City than go to Rio.
Nigeria drew Zambia, Algeria and Cameroon in the Africa Zone World Cup final qualifying group. Will Nigeria qualify for Russia 2018?
Enough for today…
Have a nice day.
SoccerGunz 