By Patrick R. Anderson
France versus Germany.
It’s a football match-up conspired by the gods of soccer. And it takes place on Friday July 4 along with another delight, Brasil versus Colombia, in a quarter-final double-header for the ages.
In the penultimate set of round of 16 matches on Monday, France battled to defeat Nigeria 2-0 while Germany had to extend themselves into extra time to clip old nemesis Algeria 2-1 to book the dream quarter-final match up.
In the opening match at the Estadio Nacional Garrrincha in Brasilia, France had to fight to deny Africa’s Nigeria. The first half was taken by Nigeria on the scorecard, but France came into their own in the second half, although they couldn’t shut the door on the ‘super eagles.”
But sometimes your strength can be your weakness. Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has been brilliant for the Super Eagles from the group stage, until the 79th minute against France. A cross from the left side floated dangerously towards the edge of the six yard box. Enyeama left his line, but didn’t punch away cleanly. In fact, he helped the ball towards the young French sensation Paul Pogba, who gladly headed into a empty goal.
France 1, Nigeria 0.
The game opened up even further after that, as Nigeria went for the equaliser. And with that, an indisciplined Nigerian defence left themselves exposed, and Joseph Yobo under pressure turned the ball inadvertantly into his own goal in the 90th minute. France 2, Nigeria 0, and tickets were punched for opposite directions by the teams.
France now awaiting the result of the other round of 16 game, Germany versus Algeria, with the winner facing France.
The match played in Porto Alegre at the Estadio Beira-Rio ebbed to an fro in front of 43,063 people, as the teams battled to a 0-0 scoreline in regulation time. They each had opportunities to take the lead and/or win outright, but this is football.
In extra-time, Germany took charge, and substitute Andre Schuerrle put Germany in the lead in the 92nd minute, and then the little midfield wizard Mesut Oezil crashed a left-footed rebound into the back of the net in the 120th minute. Algeria replied swiftly, through substitute Abdelmoumene Djabou. But it was too little, too late.
Germany marched into the quarter-final against France on Friday.
On Tuesday, July 1, the final set of round of 16 matches are scheduled. Argentina plays Switzerland while Belgium tackles the United States of America.
HITZ92FM has LIVE commentary starting with our pregame show at 10:30am, while TVJ will showcase the best pregame, halftime and postgame shows.
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World football powers France and Germany set up mouthwatering quarter-final clash
