₦airaland Forum

Jarus



This week the last round of group stage matches will be played in the ongoing Russia 2018 world cup. Only 16 teams - top two in each group -  will make it to the next stage, while the remaining 16 go home. The first and second places have been decided in some of the groups, but same cannot be said in other groups. As the final round of matches starts today, I highlight the games the world anticipates most.



1, Nigeria vs Argentina

This is arguably the most anticipated match of the final round of matches - because Argentina is involved, because Messi is involved. Messi badly needs the world cup to add to his trophy cabinet. Some analysts have said they can't put him in the exclusive class of Maradona, Pele and Zidane until he wins the world cup. Now, that's arguable. But getting eliminated in group stage would be disaster, in any case. Losing - or even playing a draw - against Nigeria and not making it out of group stage will be the lowest point in his career. Can Messi avert this embarrassment? The world waits.

2, Iceland vs Croatia

The world does not anticipate this match because of the direct countries involved, but because of the indirect party - Argentina! Again, this match is critical because the fate of Argentina in this embarrassing run depends not only on the Argentina game but also on this game. Winning Nigeria will not be enough for Argentina if Iceland beats Croatia by a wide margin. If Iceland beats Croatia by just a goal margin, Argentina will have to beat Nigeria by at least 2 goal margin to stand a chance. Tough luck, Albiceleste. 



3, England vs Belgium

This match has no bearing on the qualifications as both teams have already made it to the second round. This match is not looked forward to because of the dynamics of the group but the anticipation started the moment the fixture was done. Both teams have had an easy run so far, but this will be their first real test in this world cup. It could also be a battle between Lukaku and Kan who are both gunning for the top scorer in world cup. 

4, Senegal vs Colombia

When one had thought Senegal would have an easy run given the result of their first game, they put themselves in trouble after making Japan come back twice in their second match. Now, they risk not making it out of the group. To make matters worse, they are playing against a resurgent Colombian team. Colombia was highly rated before this match but their first game loss put them in trouble. They came back smoking in their second game and got an emphatic 3 nil win over Poland. Now, Senegal is facing a wounded lion who need victory at all cost. The bad news for Senegal is, Colombia has the quality. A draw will be enough to Senegal, but can't they stand the rampaging South Americans? The world anticipates.

5, Sweden vs Mexico

This is another tricky match - not because of the parties involved, but the party that is not directly involved but will be affected by the outcome. That is Germany. Germany currently shares second position with Sweden in the group - both on same points, goals, and goals difference. Actually, Germany is on second position only based on head to head with Sweden, which is good for them. Winning their last game against group whipping boys, South Korea, is also not the problem for Germany, the problem is Sweden winning Mexico, which has already qualified and has nothing to lose, by a margin wider than the margin Germany gets over South Korea. If that happens, the head to head will not be the decider, but the superior goal difference of Sweden. That sounds far fetched, but Germany should watch it. It will be a disaster if Germany fails to go beyond group stage given the pre-tournament rating. The world waits. 

http://www.opinions.ng/5-most-anticipated-world-cup-round-3-matches/

I think Etebo, Ndidi and Mikel will be critical to this game.

My fear is not attack.

Our advantage going into this game is that Argentina, like Iceland, have slow defenders. And worse, unlike Iceland, they have older and less physical/less strong defender. The speed our attack may be helpful.

My fear is how to professionally cage their attack without committing stupid penalty and fouls in dangerous areas.

Our advantage going into this game is, Argentina, like Iceland, have slow defenders. And worse, unlike Iceland, they have older and less physical/less strong defender. The speed our attack may be helpful.

My fear is how to professionally cage their attack without committing stupid penalty and fouls in dangerous areas.

Jarus:
1, Read articles on gaining confidence. They abound on the internet. You could read one or two good books on it too. For me, the book "How to Gain Confidence" (can't remember the author but will check and edit later)was helpful for me. I also read CNN's Larry King's book, How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime. Another great book. It contained valuable tips. I also read articles online. They were very helpful. Useful tips.

2, Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Anytime you know you have to talk in public, practice in the room. When in school, I practised my presentations in the room in advance. Now, there will be times when this will not be applicable, but where it is applicable, apply it.

3, Psyche. Have at the back of your mind that there were people worse than you. I was probably worse than you because I was raised in a local community and initially struggled to integrate, cimmunication wise, with Lagos folks when in school until I later realized that I was better in writing that most of them, even though they apoke better. That helped my psychology - if I could best them in writing, I should be able to get close to them in speaking too. Still on psychology, the day I read Larry's book, where he mentioned that he also prepared and rehearsed before TV show, my vonfidence was boosted a great deal. If the best public speakers also prepare and rehearse, who am I.

4, Participate in social activities. Can't be overemphasized. You wont improve if you don't find the opportunity to get better, no matter what you know in theory. Find opportunity to use the tips you read.

5, Know your stuff. If you know your stuff, it helps in confidence building. If you wake me up and ask me to talk on issues I have passion for (e.g oil and gas, taxation, careers etc), I exude confidence better than topics I am not great at.

6, Dressing well also helps in confidence building. Reading wide and being versatile also help. If you are loaded and know more than most of the people you want to talk to, helps your confidence.

Although I am still only an average speaker - probably below average sef - but I know I have improved a lot in the last 10 years. My activities as a career advisor at JarusHub also meant I cant shy away from talking to people. I got a lot of exposure in the last 5 years (through JarusHub) that meant I can't shy away from public speaking again. I get a lot of invites from universities to associations to TV stations to come and talk on one topic or another, it came with my modest profile in the last 5 years. At that point, I had no option than to work on myself.

I still have a lot to learn.

You may find this helpful.

Jarus:
1, Read articles on gaining confidence. They abound on the internet. You could read one or two good books on it too. For me, the book "How to Gain Confidence" (can't remember the author but will check and edit later)was helpful for me. I also CBB Larry King's book, How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime. Another greay book. It contained valuable tips. I also read articles online. They were very helpful. Useful tips.

2, Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Anytime you know you have to talk in public, practice in the room. When in school, I practised my presentations in the room in advance. Now, there will be times when this will not be applicable, but where it is applicable, apply it.

3, Psyche. Have at the back of your mind that there were people worse than you. I was probably worse than you because I was raised in a local community and initially struggled to integrate, cimmunication wise, with Lagos folks when in school until I later realized that I was better in writing that most of them, even though they apoke better. That helped my psychology - if I could best them in writing, I should be able to get close to them in speaking too. Still on psychology, the day I read Larry's book, where he mentioned that he also prepared and rehearsed before TV show, my vonfidence was boosted a great deal. If the best public speakers also prepare and rehearse, who am I.

4, Participate in social activities. Can't be overemphasized. You wont improve if you don't find the opportunity to get better, no matter what you know in theory. Find opportunity to use the tips you read.

5, Know your stuff. If you know your stuff, it helps in confidence building. If you wake me up and ask me to talk on issues I have passion for (e.g oil and gas, taxation, careers etc), I exude confidence better than topics I am not great at.

6, Dressing well also helps in confidence building. Reading wide and being versatile also help. If you are loaded and know more than most of the people you want to talk to, helps your confidence.

Although I am still only an average speaker - probably below average sef - but I know I have improved a lot in the last 10 years. My activities as a career advisor at JarusHub also meant I cant shy away from talking to people. I got a lot of exposure in the last 5 years (through JarusHub) that meant I can't shy away from public speaking again. I get a lot of invites from universities to associations to TV stations to come and talk on one topic or another, it came with my modest profile in the last 5 years. At that point, I had no option than to work on myself.

I still have a lot to learn.

You may find this helpful.

1, Read articles on gaining confidence. They abound on the internet. You could read one or two good books on it too. For me, the book "How to Gain Confidence" (can't remember the author but will check and edit later)was helpful for me. I also read CNN's Larry King's book, How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime. Another greay book. It contained valuable tips. I also read articles online. They were very helpful. Useful tips.

2, Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Anytime you know you have to talk in public, practice in the room. When in school, I practised my presentations in the room in advance. Now, there will be times when this will not be applicable, but where it is applicable, apply it.

3, Psyche. Have at the back of your mind that there were people worse than you. I was probably worse than you because I was raised in a local community and initially struggled to integrate, communication wise, with Lagos folks when in school until I later realized that I was better in writing that most of them, even though they apoke better. That helped my psychology - if I could best them in writing, I should be able to get close to them in speaking too. Still on psychology, the day I read Larry's book, where he mentioned that he also prepared and rehearsed before TV show, my vonfidence was boosted a great deal. If the best public speakers also prepare and rehearse, who am I.

4, Participate in social activities. Can't be overemphasized. You wont improve if you don't find the opportunity to get better, no matter what you know in theory. Find opportunity to use the tips you read.

5, Know your stuff. If you know your stuff, it helps in confidence building. If you wake me up and ask me to talk on issues I have passion for (e.g oil and gas, taxation, careers etc), I exude confidence better than topics I am not great at. Start by finding opportunity to talk on your comfort zone.

6, Dressing well also helps in confidence building. Reading wide and being versatile also help. If you are loaded and know more than most of the people you want to talk to, helps your confidence.

Although I am still only an average speaker - probably below average sef - but I know I have improved a lot in the last 10 years. My activities as a career advisor at JarusHub also meant I cant shy away from talking to people. I got a lot of exposure in the last 5 years (through JarusHub) that meant I can't shy away from public speaking again. I get a lot of invites from universities to associations to TV stations to come and talk on one topic or another, it came with my modest profile in the last 5 years. At that point, I had no option than to work on myself.

I still have a long way to go too.

Musiwa the Nairaland legend

maron5:
No,I think Osaze had his problem right from WA back in England and since he left England,no one hears about him again...

Likewise Other players who leave the premiership to other leagues in Asia,they are hardly heard of...

Oga, Osaze is 36 plsssssss. What do you want to hear about a 36 year old player pls?

He left England at 33.

Don't you guys get it?

At 36, he could not have been anywhere other than China or Qatar even if he was Xavi.

Even Lampard was not in premiership at 36!

maron5:
Yeah...that's what I was saying,as if someone is holding them back not to be confident and play like they want a result.

Only Musa has been confident both in marking and dribble.

The other guy we are missing now is Osaze Odenwegwe...the guy can run with ball and like counter games...only God knows those responsible for his down fall.

See football analyst.

Did Maradona experience downfall too?

I thought there is a natural course in football?

Osaze only grew old

I saw the meme in a foreign website.

charlesemeka85:
i watched him and i agree he was poor on the 3 occasions he played but that doesnt mean he is not a good player. last season he was one of 9ja's best midfielders in europe. he is kinda trying to reinsert himself in the team and rohr and his coaching crew saw enough of what he can provide the team before his name was included in the worldcup list. joel i believe will come good with time. also he has played couple of times as a wingback for both inter milan and torino in the serie A

He was given ample time to convince in friendlies. He never convinced.

Crucial WC match not the place to experiment again pls.

ChrisKels:
Its a lie bro. Before Rohr played that formation, some guys suggested it here and it sounded queer to many until Rohr tried it out against Argentina. This is not to say that it was the suggestion here that made him try it out but some people saw it before others.

Oh, I didn't know. Ok

enlady:
Can someone educate me on the bond between Nigeria and AS Roma? I find it fascinating. really nice

I think they signed a Nigerian commentator recently.

I also think they have a Nigerian, Sadiq Umar, in their second team.

ChrisKels:
U guys have started again oo. Plz kill any idea of playing Moses up front. We dont need unnecessary dribbles neither do we need anybody falling flat on the floor with the slightest touch thereby killing our sweet counters biko.

We seem to have found solution to our lack of scoring abilities, and here u are advising us to create such problem for ourselves again? Mbanu. If he isn't satisfied with the WB role, he should improve his game or sit on the bench

Exactly. Moses could have fallen for the challenge that started that second goal.

charlesemeka85:
and he is still an active footballer playing in a decent club and a top league. nonsense!

Bro, did you watch Joel in the friendlies?

charlesemeka85:
and joel is not young and pacy?

Same Joel that we saw in friendlies?
Oga, forget Joel for an unfamiliar position o. WB of all positions. That's a recipe for disaster.

Oasis007:


By the way Rohr is still an average Coach. If at all he's gonna be retained by NFF, I suggest he goes for advanced coaching Courses after the Mundial.

Rohr simply danced to the Nigerian Media, Pundits and Fans tunes. He played the Formation, perhaps, to vindicate himself just in case we lost the Match.

I ain't gonna be sold yet on him, until he finally proves beyond reasonable doubt that he's up for the Tasks. Everyone expected Victory immediately we saw the Lineup, coz we believe it's all Eagles need to soar higher against any Opponent.

Prior to the World Cup, it was Evident during the Friendlies that 3 - 5 - 2 is the best Formation for the Team, however Rohr thought otherwise until he failed.

Idowu ain't needed in the Team in a 3 - 5 - 2 Formation, Ebuehi is better. Also I hope Iwobi is played instead of Etebo. Yes..... Etebo is workaholic and full of Energy, but we need creativity in the Final third.

If we wanna see the best of Nacho, then we gonna need Iwobi in the Team. Nacho was running into spaces but Etebo ain't creative enough to sight his Movements and the do the needful.

I need to commend the Trio of Balogun, Ekong and Omeruo - they were outstanding and dealt with Aerial Threats excellently. Also Uzoho is beginning to prove himself as the right Choice for Eagles No. 1.

Argies lack in Midfield and Defence. They are only good on the Wings and Attack. If we can control the Midfield, we gonna win the Match!

#EaglesMustSoarAgainstArgies

We have to give him credit still.

He was the one that made us know 3-5-2 could work for us by testing it in friendly. Otherwise, we may not have thought we can play with such formation which is alien to our traditional style.

Jarus:
Musa is class ahead, let's be truthful.

Although Musa can also be inconsistent, Ighalo's worse inconsistency makes Musa remain the better choice. Ighalo's goal return for Nigeria has been awful.

The 2-man attack was also helpful to Musa. Ighalo didn't have that luxury.

Most importantly, Musa's speed and mobility make him better than Ighalo who just stands up there.

This Colin Udoh article for ESPN is so prophetic of the outcome of this match.

Every single thing he proposed came to past and the result was as predicted by him.

http://kwese.espn.com/football/nigeria/story/3536981/nigeria-world-cup-gernot-rohr-ahmed-musa-iceland

Ahmed Musa is Nigeria's best hope for goals against Iceland

Colin Udoh
Football Editor, KweséESPN
Facebook
Twitter
Facebook Messenger
Pinterest
Email
comment
Four years ago, Ahmed Musa scored two spectacular goals as Nigeria came within a Marcos Rojo header of tying Argentina and finishing as group winners at the World Cup in Brazil.

Instead, the defender scored from a corner kick, and the Super Eagles lost 3-2. They advanced in second place, having beaten Bosnia in the second game of the group, but had to contend with France in the Last 16 and lost 2-0.


The CSKA Moscow forward was unplayable against Messi and co., and could well have had a hat trick. But between then and very recently, a combination of circumstances saw the forward lose his place at both club and international level.

He was named Super Eagles captain after Vincent Enyeama's premature retirement in late 2015, and looked for all the world like he was about to become a growing force within the national team.

Instead, personal issues left him unsettled, and he proceeded to hand the armband to John Mikel Obi. Things went from bad to worse when he changed clubs, moving from CSKA to Leicester City.

Unable to find playing time, Musa plummeted down the Foxes' pecking order to the point where he could not even get a game with the reserves.

Naturally, he also lost his place on the national team. Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr favoured Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi ahead of the long-serving forward.

But a winter loan move back to CSKA was marked by an immediate upturn in fortunes, with six goals in 10 appearances, and he finds himself in the international frame again.


Ahmed Musa scored two goals against Argentina at 2014's World Cup, and could be the key for Nigeria in Russia. Ryan Pierse/FIFA/Getty Images
It was not just about the move, however, but also how the 25-year-old was deployed. While considered a winger in Nigeria, his inability to cross -- not one of his strongest assets -- has been held against him for years.

But that is not Musa's strength. His biggest assets are his speed and finishing. Those are the qualities which propelled him to the Nigerian league golden boot. They are also the assets which have helped him bag those goals at CSKA, and not by crossing a football.

He has excelled in Moscow by being stationed as a central striker.

Rohr tested him there in the friendly against Serbia recently, and even though he lacked supply, his running in behind the backs caused all manner of trouble for the defence.

After their Russia 2018 opening loss to Croatia, the Super Eagles desperately need a win to keep their World Cup dreams alive. A win on Friday against Iceland is critical to those aspirations.


To do so, Rohr will need to make some tweaks in both tactics and personnel. A switch to three at the back would be a good start, but to break down the sturdy Iceland defence, Nigeria will need both craft and speed.

Odion Ighalo has strength and a bit of craft. Kelechi Iheanacho has guile, and Ahmed Musa has guile, speed and finishing. If Rohr decides to go 3-5-2 against Iceland, then one of Ighalo or Iheanacho will be the starting centre forward.

Musa would be the perfect foil, whose speed on the break will keep the Icelanders honest when they think about counter attacking. His ability to finish calmly should also come in useful if the Super Eagles create enough chances to place the forwards in a goalscoring position.

He is also one of only four players in the squad who have actual previous World Cup experience. He has form, ability, and big game experience. Starting Musa would not be a gamble for Rohr. It would be the best football decision to take.

My concern is what to do not to concede stupid penalty and dangerous free kicks in critical areas against Argentina.

Can we cleanly tame Messi and co like the Croats did without conceding penalty or free kicks in dangerous areas?

That's my biggest fear for the last match.

MetalJigsaw:
How I wish we drew the first game. Now we have to get at least a point from Argentina. And hope Iceland don't beat craotia with a wide margine

This Iceland is not a high scoring side. I dont see them beating Croatia by a wide margin. Draw is the best they can get.

klexycole:
Guys, how's Uzoho and Moses' performance?

Uzoho wasn't tested much.

Apart from the assist he did, Moses was too casual and his crosses hardly reached targeted player.

somehow:
We can all see the difference between Musa and Ighalo? That would have been the 3rd goal.

A fresh Ighalo couldnt even beat a tired defender 1on 1

Musa is class ahead, let's be truthful.

Obviously 3-5-2 our best formation with the current materials we have .

The formation we have been clamouring for here worked.

Obviously 3-5-2 out best formation with the current materials we have

Rockyrascal:
pig that predicted argentina and naija to reach the semis; now that Croatia as cruised through, how we wan do am now

Pig's ticket don tear

komekn:
Musa is on FIRE

I am in the lounge of a EPL club and I'm dancing Shaku Shaku they think I'm crazy

My fear has always been us conceding penalty and free kicks in dangerous areas.

This is my biggest fear against Argentina

Jarus:
This is not bad.

3-4-1-2

I have been clamouring for a 2-man attack. We don't have material for a one-man attack.

Musa's speed will also be useful here.

Another good thing, we have at least one potential game changer - Iwobi - on the bench. That could be helpful too.

The little fear is whether Idowu can cover the whole side of his wing enough. Moses does that at Chelsea, so no problem on his side.

I'm also interested in seeing who among the 3 midfielders will be closest to attack. I prefer Etebo to Mikel.

As predicted here, happy Musa's speed is proving helpful.

Although 2-man attack has been helpful to him, Ighalo's lack of mobility has been our bane upfront.

I said we needed Musa's speed up front

Musa the speedster