FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia is gradually entering the business session.
Over the last two days 8 out of the 32 participating nations have bowed out and 8 confirmed berth for the knock out phase. Today and tomorrow fate will be decided about other 8. Finally 16 will be left for the knock out phase.
World Cup Soccer coming at every four years interval rock the world. They call it the greatest show in earth for which billions all over the world wait and get engrossed through out the duration of the event. The extensive television coverage and various media involvement makes WC go not only to door steps of all but into the kitchen as well.
Not only the people of participating countries people of countries which possibly will never appear in the even also worship teams, players, admire and adore their favorite teams. This is called love and love knows no barrier.
Think of Bangladesh. We have 160 million people where almost 95% love football. Many may not know about what is going on in Bangladesh football .But they either follow Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Spain, Portugal or England. Smarter section regularly watch EPL, Spanish, Italian, German League. Follow COPA America, Europa. I have seen similar craze for World Cup in Bali, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Tanzania, Laos and even in Nepal.
In the first two days of the last group matches Uruguay,Russia , Spain , Portugal , France , Denmark, Croatia and Argentina have moved into round of 16 . The eight qualified have 6 from Europe and 2 from South America. Teams from Asia and Africa playing well could not get better of superior qualifiers.
There is not much surprise in the outcome other than group favorite and among the tournament favorites Argentina huffing and puffing for the last minute qualification. This was almost like their qualification for finals as well qualifying as the last team from the zone winning the last qualification match. The expression of the faces of two greats Lionel Messi in the field and Diego Maradona said it all what the last match against Nigeria meant to them. The team was in disarray after sharing points with debutant Iceland and shocking defeat 0-3 against Croatia.
After huge hue and cry they could avail the opportunity for a last minute rescue. Their icon LM 10 shot them into early lead. But that was neutralized through a penalty smartly taken by Victor Moses. Nigeria can blame their luck for not being awaraded a second penalty which could seal the match in their favor sending Argentina back home.
Even a draw was enough for them. That was almost happening. 86 Minutes into the match defender Marcos Rojo volleyed home the winner, the life saving drug for ailing Argentina (2-1). Argentina won a date with favorite France.
The battle line already drawn shows
Russia Vs Spain
Uruguay Vs Portugal
France Vs Argentina
Denmark Vs Croatia
I am not sure about host Russia. The dream run may be stopped by Spain. The match between Uruguay and Portugal will be a blinder. Uruguay has peaked and against CR7 Euro Winner Portugal it will be a fascinating contest. It will be a match to watch. Croatia with the brand of football they have already produced should go past Denmark.
Another match to enjoy would be France playing Argentina. True Argentina limped into group of 16. But a great team of Argentina’s class grows into stature and play well as tournament grows deeper. France is a very strong team. I am sure the match would witness mouth watering contest.
BDST: 1058 HRS, JUN 27, 2018
SI
