I know the Slaughter Market in Port Harcourt as an abattoir, and goats are not exempted. The hustlers keep calling out to vehicles and pedestrians “goat, live goat!!”.

The 2018 World Cup is like the Port Harcourt Slaughter Market with the goats bleating away and their supporters arguing over who is best. One moment the he-goat is vocal in market, sending its unique bleat. Another moment, the aroma of Isi Ewu has filled the atmosphere.

Ronaldo’s opening match hat-trick put shades over Messi in the beer parlour argument of who is the Greatest Of All Time – The GOAT. Messi waited till against Nigeria to register his first and only goal of the tournament.

The tournament was heading towards a World Cup for the Goats. It was either Ronaldo or Messi. It was either a new goatee or a human size cake. How I wanted them out soonest. Out they went in the very first knockout game.

First, France saw off Messi’s Argentina 4-3 to the delight of the Nigerian fans. It was the Mbappe show. Messi got a pair of assists but the World Cup would only be a dream for the Argentine captain.

Next, Ronaldo followed the first he-goat off the World Cup pen. Cavani’s brace gave Uruguay a 2-1 win over Ronaldo’s Portugal. No salt celebrations.

Football is a team sport. Every player needs the other. With the exit of the “GOATs”, we can now watch the sport without any concern about Ronaldo and Messi.

Spain joined Argentina and Portugal after losing 4-3 on penalties to host Russia. 90 minutes and extra time ended 1-1. Egyptians and Liverpool fans loved the sight of Ramos in tears.

Denmark were knocked out by Croatia via penalties. Missing the Lord (Bendtner)? De Gea must have been wondering what how the goal keepers kept saving penalty kicks.

Belgium came from 2-0 down to defeat a spirited Japanese side 3-2. Brazil were 2-0 winners over Mexico. Sweden were 1-0 winners over Switzerland while England needed a 4-3 penalty win over Colombia to make up the final 8.

No Goats in the final 8. The arguments have been shifted to the rear. The World Cup is for those that are reasy. Let us make do with the 8 teams. Who will emerge as the champion?

ICYMI: Nigeria is out of the World Cup after the 2-1 loss to Argentina. A draw was all the Super Eagles needed. They failed to equal their performance in 2014.

Time for that goat meat pepper soup.

AmosCP

Advertisement