Nigeria v South Africa
Nigeria (8) v (1) South Africa
South Africa entered the pitch singing, shouting and dancing a neatly choreographed circle dance, warming up themselves and the crowd. Nigeria on the other half of the field were more subtle, huddled up and keept their words among themselves.
Right from the first second the players showed us that this clash of African nations was not going to pass quietly. After two very intense minutes with good attempts, but even better goalkeeping, from both teams, we had the first score. South Africa was under a heavy bombardment, showing excellent goalkeeping skills. After 3 fantastic saves, a fast pass ahead and a powerful strike, South Africa was first on the scoreboard.
But Nigeria kept cool and slowly but surely got two more goals, both by number 8, who must be awarded matchwinner for his 4 goals and a great number of attempts. At halftime, South Africas keeper had kept the advance at only 2-1 to Nigeria.
While the second half was still exciting and intense football, Nigeria quickly showed us all who ruled the pitch. While still playing very well, the Goalkeeper in the South African goal could not keep up with the pressure. Halfway through they swapped to an equally skilled keeper, but the pressure was too heavy. Especially number 8, but also 10 and 11, kept rolling in the goals with powerful strikes and good combinations to the final score 8-1 to Nigeria. The Nigerian keeper was rarely tested, since the Nigerian defense was tight and quickly got the ball across the middle.
By Mads Trolle Munksgaard