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Many a times, since year 2010, pundits and football lovers world over have continually asked a question, Is Cristiano Ronaldo the greatest footballer ever? Well, as an avid football follower, I wouldn't be quick to credit him as one and or discredit him in this light. However, going by the proximity of his mind blowing plethora of achievements and individual brilliance since 2004, I can say that without an iota of doubt, Cristiano Ronaldo is a name that will never be forgotten. This beyond just entertaining the fans, he has proven through his numerous charitable works and developmental projects to football. However, his records on the pitch are far more the contending issue. His records and achievements, individual or collective, though mind-blowing, are being compared with that of Ronaldo Nazario Ronaldinho, Pele, Maradona and arch rival Lionel Messi. Being that the above-mentioned players are demi gods and football icons in their own rights, it is difficult to state emphatically if CR7 is the greatest of them all. As there has been a constant divide amongst pundits and millions of football followers and journalist when the debate is on as to who the greatest footballer of all time is. While I cannot say that CR7 is the greatest and or not, I'd like to remind us that his records on every side are way too difficult to break and as such, he should always earn the respect that he deserves.

England's Failure: A Resultant Of Gareth Southgate's Biased Selection

England, after becoming world champions in 1966, had to wait for until 1990 in Italy before they could record another world cup semifinal appearance and also, had to wait another 28(2018) before making another under the tutorage of current manager, Gareth Southgate. Truth be told, no England manager has had more international tournament knockout games than him despite just being in charge for over 6 years now. A feat that has seen him earn some credit from pundits as he brought England so close to a major trophy in 2021 when they lost the European championship to penalties to Italy. Though a defeat, many saw it as an upgrade to the 2018 fourth place finish at the FIFA world cup in Russia. Consequently, expectations were high on the team going into Qatar as a result of the team's large number of players who're playing top level football ans are in the form of their lives. Hence, it was known that the manager would have sleepless nights as he has to pick just 26 players heading into Qatar. Upon the public release of the squad, many were left speechless at the omission of many players like Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham, Jadon Sancho, James Ward Prose and Ivan Toney, just to mention a few. Also, it was a surprise to see players like Connor Gallagher and Callum Wilson and to an extent, Harry Maguire make the list being that he(Maguire) has lost his place in Manchester United to a better pair of Martinez and Varane. Also, the issue of who was best fit for the RB position was a huge matter of debate as all three RB's are spectacular players and have a huge value on the counter depending on the team's formation. Consequently, fans expected the players to fight assiduously for a starting shirt. More surprising for me at this world cup, is that one of England's most inform and creative players, James Madison, didn't play a single minute of the ball in Qatar which, is a shock to many. It is understandable that the coach has his preference, but then, it is so unruly of the coach who's hoping to beat the world champions come up with a poor game plan. Personally, I would expect that immediately after England's unexpected equalizer, a proper presser be brought on to ease the work load for a very impressive Bukayo Saka and a more direct Phil Foden who was trying to create a direct open up play for counter attacks as all four French defenders with the exception of Raphael Varane, marked very terrible yesterday. I was dazed to see Jordan Henderson remain on the pitch doing nothing and there was a Mason Mount and James Madison on the bench doing nothing. Easily, were the coach brilliant enough to read games, he should have seen that Jordan Henderson was just not good enough to make the team let alone, start a world cup QF game against the world champions. Hence, England's journey in Qatar ended the way it usually does at major tournaments despite the irrelevant and overwhelming press hype. If for any reason, anyone is to blame for England's crash, then it should be the coach as he was irrational, biased and unprofessional with his selection.

After Morocco surprised the world to qualify from what looked on paper to be a very difficult group, I spoke about the team's desire and intentional patter of play. My conclusion and constant praise for the team is inspired by the way they are tactically disciplined which, has been lacking in 98% of African teams since time immemorial. A quality which has got everyone talking about them after successive knock out game heroics against two of the most powerful footballing nations in the world. If we've seen any African side close to what Morocco is currently doing, then we must look at the Cameroonian team of Italia 1990 or the Senegalese team of Korea/Japan 2002. The Moroccans are quick on the counter, and very solid defensively with Romain Saiis, Sofiane Amrabat and Achraf Hakimi's combination putting that back line in a solid shape. Also, one must give some credit to Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal who've been incredible on the wings. While Morocco is not the most gifted African side in terms of man-to-man player quality, compared to teams like Algeria, Ghana and Nigeria, one must praise them for their collective show of responsibility which has seen them gone so far and in the process, becoming the first African side to reach a world cup semi since the competition was founded 88 years ago. That being said, other African nations who're as equally endowed with a plethora of gifted players like Morocco must as a matter of necessity, pick a tip and or two from the Moroccans who're playing a modest and slightly above average European football. Perhaps then, Africa can produce more of this monumental magic. Congratulations Morocco.

Reports indicate that Borussia Dortmund will only listen to offers for Jude Bellingham from the summer of 2023 as all potential January Switch are not possible. Also, the only person who will mediate closely for Jude, is his father Mark.
Here we go.

England under Gareth Southgate has had a more decent run of results despite his high level of condemnation against him.

How far do you see his team going in Qatar?

Just In: Real Madrid and all other parties involved have reached a verbal agreement for the €72 million transfer of Palmeiras striker, Endrick. The teenager was born in 2006 hence, he wouldn't be joining the Spanish giants until 2024 when he must have turned 18. His signing would be a world record for a boy under 18 years.

It's official, Luiz Enrique is no longer the head coach of the Spanish national team. This comes on the backdrop of the team's terrible world cup experience. Do you think the football body has made the right choice?

According to Fabrizio Romano, reports claiming that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with head coach Fernando Santos is not true. The Portuguese federation confirmed that at no time did CR7 threaten to quit the team in Qatar. Why do you think negative reports are flying around about Cristiano Ronaldo since he left Manchester United some weeks ago?

Last year's Copa America final saw two of the world's highly rated teams clash as Argentina emerged victorious and in the process, saw Messi win his first internationally recognized trophy for his country. That victory also, was Argentina's first over their arch rivals in five previous meetings. Coming into Qatar, both teams were highly ranked going by the solid form of Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr who both play for the same club side, PSG. Man-to-man, the Brazilians possess a better team filled with a blend of an older generation led by Dani Alves & Thiago Silva and a younger generation led by Vini Jnr. Argentina on the other hand, is mostly reliant on the magical prowess of Lionel Messi. Hence, Brazil with a more coordinated squad, stands a good chance of going through. Argentina having struggled to qualify mostly playing slightly above average, do not really stand a chance against the Samba boys being that on a head to head level, Brazil are ahead and most importantly, have a greater run of form.

Following Germany's abysmal performance at the ongoing FIFA WORLD CUP in Qatar, German head coach Hans Flick has had series of calls for his head going by the proximity of the team's below per performance. Consequently, one might want to think that the DFB, that is, the German football house would have thought of terminating his contract following back end rumours that Liverpool's manager Jurgen Klopp and ex-Chelsea gaffer, Thomas Tuchel are now favourites to take the team into another era of transition as the Germans are set to host the whole of Europe in 2024. However, the DFB authority dismissed such rumours as they've now decided that it is best to see flick continue in his role. Many believe that such decision is not really appreciated as Germany's national team have lost her potency in World football since 2018 hence, it is believed that a more tactically brilliant coach in Klopp or Tuchel will be of more tremendous value as Germany is looking to build back it's old glory days.
What do you think of this development, has the football administrators made the right choice?

Since his breakout season in 2012, PSG attacker, Neymar, has constantly made a name for himself on and off the pitch due to his incredible talent as a footballer, and his fancy social life which, has over the years been seen as a big factor in rapid drop of form. As he has also had a plethora of injuries to deal with. These series of events have seen him drop down drastically from the list of potential winners of the prestigious Balloon D'or award. However, the 2022/23 season has seen a great turn around for the Brazilian magician as he has been in an impeccable form for his club side scoring 13 goals and providing 12 assists before the commencement of the world cup. In Qatar, similarly, he has of tremendous motivation to his country men as they hope to win the FIFA world cup for a record sixth time. Yesterday's quarter final game against South Korea was a big statement from the Samba boys as Neymar Jr himself dazzled through. With such an overwhelming performance, one might begin to see the high prospects of Brazil emerging as world champions one more time. This is highly possible, with the incredible form of other players like Richarlison and Vinicius Jr.

One of the biggest games in Russia 2018, was the highly entertaining quarter final game between Japan and Belgium. Japan as usual, entered into tournament as an underdog. But then, the world was dazed by the performance the Asian giants put into play such that, it took just a mere atom of luck and some last minute lack of tactical discipline which saw Belgium underserved victory, carrying the day. That game, once again, backed up the recent sayings that; there are no longer minors in football. Japan being a very tactical side, stands a good chance against the Europeans who, have been much sloppy in this tournament which, is far opposite of what was shown in the 2018 edition of the tournament. Already, we've seen so many shocking results in Qatar from teams that are branded as underdogs and this game couldn't be any different.

Àg,GW,Africa more often than not, has never been seen a threat in the world cup. Although, over the years, there has been few occasions where African teams defile the odds to go as far as the Quarter finals as seen in 94' 02' and 2010.

This handful of appearances still haven't pitched Africa as a serious contender for the title. Coming into Qatar, Morocco, was seen as one of Africa's biggest prospects going by the quality that the squad posseses.

However, being seeded in a very difficult group that had Belgium and Croatia, it still sounds unbelievable, how the Moroccans topped the group. Such a mystery, positions them as an underdog yet, one with unquestionable potentials of going as far as the finals.

With players who're technically gifted like Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, Soufiayne Amrabat, Soufiayne Boufal and Yousouf El-Neysri, the North Africans might just give the world a run for their money.

Being the champions of Africa, expectations were high on Senegal before the commencement of the Word Cup in Qatar. Although, many were not expecting them to go beyond at least between the Quarter and Semi finals being that in editions past, various African teams have shown exceptional footballing talents void of tactical discipline which, has been the leverage point of Europe and South American teams over the years.

More discouraging for the west African side is that key man, Sadio Manè, got withdrawn from the tournament with some days left as he is being seen as the team's leading light. As expected, the team quickly moved on as some players summoned the courage to build a higher level of morale in their country men.

Senegal, through the show of tenacity, made it beyond the group phase and this brought succour to a large crowd of many who had a high tension of doubts in the team's capacity void of the Sadio Manè leadership experience. The team was consequently, drawn to play against England in the first phase of the knockout round.

Going by the proximity in quality, the Africans weren't given much chances of advancing past the Three Lions expect the unbelievable had to happen which meant that there has to be a proper show of tactical discipline from the Africans.

As the game commenced, the Senegalese played with caution but, could not hold up for too long as the English men found a breakthrough via Jordan Henderson and shortly after, Harry Kane.

As expected, a two goal lead going into the half time, was enough to see the Europeans through as the Senegalese had effortlessly, given up even before the start of the second half. Hence, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka added more salt to injury as the game was done and dusted with a 3-0 goal margin.

The take home lesson for Senegal and the rest of Africa is that, again, there's been a proper show of will power to upset the odds despite an array of challenges but, Africa sides will continue to look unserious and will probably never make it to the Semi final and or even stand a chance of the highly converted price in the event that African sides do not exhibit proficiency in the act and or art of tactical discipline.

In 2002, Senegal took the world by storm when they defeated Sweden led by the Henrik Lassen and Fredy Ljumberg joint attack but sadly, lost out to turkey in the quarter as the Africans got applauded for their bravery. Consequently, some of the team members made big moves to Europe which included Henry Camara, Tony Silva, Aliou Cisse (then captain, now coach) Ferdinand, El-Hadj Diof, Papa Bouba Diop and many others. Sadly, ever since, Senegal has not made a significant appearance at the world cup and would have done so in 2018 but couldn't make it pass the preliminary round as they lost out on yellow card differences. Since then, the new crop of new players have shown tenacity and the drive to succeed. In 2019, the team appeared in the nation's cup final but lost and then won in the 2022, against Algeria with Sadio Manè inspiring them victory. Coming into Qatar, eyes were on Senegal to see how far they would go under the tutorage of Aliou Cisse. Few days to the festival, talisman Sadio Manè pulled out of the team as he picked up an injury. Consequently, hopes we're dashed as many felt that Senegal now stood a little and or no chance of making pass the first round. However, with players like Ismalia Sarr, Idrissa Gueye and Kalidou Koulibaly mentoring their team mates to believe that they can.

Over the years and at major several tournaments, African teams, more often than not, have faced elimination outrightly because of their lack of precision and professionalism and this trait, has remained inherent. Ghana, carried so much hope for Africa when the continent hosted the World Cup in 2010. In the quarter final match between Ghana and Uruguay, Ghanian striker Asamoah Gyang failed to convert a dying minute penalty kick and the aftermath, was and or will forever remain disheartening. Similarly, Nigeria in 1994, 98, 2014 & 2018, exhibited the same characteristics. African teams have been bashed repeatedly for this, with critics pointing out the fact that there has to be a better form of approach to each game from Africa teams if they're to perform better in subsequent tournaments. Coming into Qatar, it was expected that African teams, will leverage on the mistakes from years past as they hope to perform better. Unfortunately, the case more or less, still remains the same. Hence, the question is being asked when exactly will African teams come off age at the world cup?

Since France 98', the world cup and many other major footballing tournaments have been engulfed with high controversial officiating whereof, the attention of FIFA has been called to notice to the point where teams get justifiable officiating against their oppositions. The major starting point was the quarter final game between Germany and England in 2010 which was England's goal through Frank Lampard's get disallowed as the centre referee thought the ball had not crossed the line. As obviously seen from the replay, the ball had clearly crossed the line as the outcome of the game ended in Germany's favour and the game remained a controversial point of the tournament. Few years after, following series of other controversial officiating, FIFA agreed that there was going to be an introduction of a VAR which, was to offer assistance to the referee which was seen as a step to a right direction. However, the introduction of the VAR has not seen any changes as there been more controversial officiating even with the presence of the VAR. As can be seen in many games from 2016/2017 when the VAR was introduced. More painfully, is that instances where officiating were glaringly biased to the advantage of the favoured team as against the other. This year's World Cup has been no exemption, has teams have continually clamoured against terrible officiating regardless of the VAR administration. Last night, in one of the most critical games of the tournament, Japan had a clearly out of play goal allowed as they recorded a 2-1 over Spain and the whole world stood in shock. This event, has seen pundits and millions of football followers world over castigate the VAR team for last night's blunder. As it was clear that there was perhaps an agenda to kick out Germany through that goal. Then, the question we're asking is that what exactly is the function of the VAR?

Since 1986, the German national team which at a point was divided into two, west and east Germany, had produced great heroics at the world cup including back to back finals in Mexico 1986 when west Germany lost to Diego Maradona's Argentina and in Italy in 1990 when they played Argentina yet again but won hence, avenging the defeat inflicted four years earlier. From that time till date, the Germans have not just been spectacular at the FIFA world cups, they've over time, proven their progress in build world class players and teams, as can be seen in the 94', 98', 02' (when they lost to Brazil's inspired Ronaldo Nazario) 06' (when they hosted and came third) 10' in South Africa when they came third again) and eventually winning it in Brazil in 14' under the inspiration of Mesut Özil, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos and Miraslav Klose. A big shock since then, is that, the Germans have been rusty in all major footballing tournaments since her emergence as world champions in 2014. Take for instance, in Euro 2016, they didn't get to the final as they got easily eliminated in the knockout round. Excuses were given but German fans who, have been so used to seeing their team perform big time on the global stage found it difficult to accept. Such grievances, led to the calling of some new players into the team that went to Russia for the world cup in 2018 and this time around, the resultant was that Germany, crashed out of the competition in a disgraceful manner despite being defending world champions as they lost the final group game to South Korea by 2-0. Euro 2020 was next and the story remained the same, another abysmal performance as head coach Jöachim Lowe vacated office. Under the new coach, Flick, things haven't happened as desired as Germany yet again, crashed out of the world cup in the group stage and in the process, have now crashed out of the tournament at the group back to back for the first time in her footballing history. This worrisome trend in German football indicates that, there's a need for a thorough evaluation of what exactly the problem might be and most importantly, how best to address them. Such a giant step, is the first amongst many other revolutionary step in revamping German football and once more, positioning her amongst the elite league of one of the world's best footballing nations.

Morocco today, has proven to the world that the world cup is a levelling ground for all and that no team should be underrated.
Apparently, Belgium and Croatia were the top ranked team before the world cup began and nobody gave Morocco and Canada any chance of progressing into the next round. Hence, it wasn't expected of Morocco to pull up any form of surprises.

However, the team should much believe and courage by defiling the odds before them to set up a world cup story that will forever last.

Just like Senegal, Morocco have once again proven that in subsequent world cups, African teams can go as far as winning the trophy with the proper energy and astute display of tactical discipline.

Before the commencement of the world cup 11 days ago, one would have thought that Belgium, would ease pass the group stage without little and or no threat coming from others in the group except for Croatia whom, we would have assumed was going to come second as many would not have even given Morocco and or Canada a single chance. Football being an unpredictable sport, has come with plenty of drama in the group as Morocco defeated Belgium and Croatia defeating Canada while Belgium had earlier, also defeated Canada. The resultant, is that Morocco who play against an already eliminated Canada today are in need of a win and or draw to secure qualification to the next round while Belgium, must defeat Croatia tonight or exit the tournament so early which, will go against the early tag of pre-tournament favourite. The major challenge for Belgium, is that, there's a lack of harmony in the team as many players are at cross ends with each other and most worrisome, is that the team is yet to find their mojo going onto the pitch. Tonight, they go head-to-head against one of Europe's most elite team, Croatia whom are just in need of a draw to secure qualification to the next round. With the Belgians not putting their house in order, one might not fancy their chances of making progress any further as the players are even being played out of position hence, the situation becomes more dire. However, with players such as KDB, Trosadd, Throgan Hazard and Youri Tielemans who have had a blistering start to their season, one might think that perhaps, just perhaps, something spectacular might happen tonight which will see Belgium qualify at the expense of Croatia.

Before the start of the tournament almost two weeks ago, many pundits had clearly picked Argentina and Mexico as group favourites as many didn't see Poland and or Saudi Arabia as enough threat. Hence, the world stood still when Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina in the group's opening game as Poland shared points with Mexico after a 0-0 draw all thanks to the goal keeping heroics of the polish keeper. Similarly, in the next group game against Saudi Arabia, the keeper saved a penalty at a dire moment of the game and against Argentina yesterday going one on one against one of the greatest footballer ever, he saved the spot kick again. As Poland qualified to the knockout stages on goals difference all thanks to his heroics. Poland's progression to the knockout phase at the expense of Mexico was a surprise to many as the teams collective efforts have received applauds from far and near. For me, the take home point is that the polish team have moved into the knockout round as underdogs therefore, bigger guns must play them with caution and must not underrate the determination of the goal keeper who is in an excellent run of form. As it mostly seen in major tournaments over the years, an underdog will always come to upset the odds and this time around, the polish team are looking most likely like it going by the proximity of their attacking talents led by Robert Lewandoski and Krystov Piatek one might want to think that with the element of luck working in their favour Poland, might just end up winning the world cup.

History is about to be made tomorrow as all four officials for the Costa Rica Vs Germany game are going to be females. This announcement was made by FIFA some hours ago. Do you see it as a welcomed development, going by the critical nature of the game?

For some days now, Nigeria's first day, Aisha Buhari has been dragged for allegedly ordering the arrest of one Mr. Aminu, an undergraduate student. It was alleged that he accused the president's wife of feeding fat on the nation's resources. Consequently, it was further gathered that the victim was abducted on campus at the said University where he was preparation for his semester exams. On the orders of the wife of the president, Mr Aminu was beaten to pulp and has since, be remanded in a unknown facility. Hence, such an act is unconstitutional and criminally inclined. As clearly spelt out in our constitution, such an act is prone to a judicial pronouncement as the perpetrator, shall be charged on various count charges in accordance to the severity of the said offence. Also, Mrs Aisha Buhari being a public figure and as assumed mother of the nation has ridiculed her personality by stooping so low. Invariably, her act is rather too shameful and she should, as a matter of fact, be arrested for the obvious violation of Human Rights which includes abduction and unlawful torture.

All eyes will be on Lionel Messi and his colleagues this afternoon as they hope to make it out of a difficult situation that many would not have predicted just twenty days ago. A group that seemed to easy on paper for the South American champions, now looks like a challenge that is insurmountable. Between Argentina, and her world cup hope stands european side, Poland. The polish team having recorded a win against Saudi Arabia is in dire need of at least a draw against the Argentines to secure a safe passage to the next round. Lionel Messi and his men on the other hand, must win the game if they are to progress into the next round of the competition. So how do they conquer this polish team? Well, my guess is as good as yours as the polish team has a blend of experienced players and young talents who have the drive to succeed. As could be seen in their game against Saudi Arabia, Robert Lewandoski and his men do not lack precision and are very intentional about scoring against any side going by the proximity in the quality of their attacking talents which includes Zilensky, Piatek, Milk and Lewandoski himself. For Argentina to emerge victorious, the midfield must be taken away from the European who have a faster set of midfielders and for this to be done, Rodrigo De Paul and other high profile midfielders must do the needful.

After the second round of matches at the ongoing FIFA world cup in Qatar, all 5 African representatives at the tournament had a very slim chance of making it beyond the first round going by the proximity of their abysmal performances. However, Morocco, Ghana and Senegal still had a chance mathematically speaking hence, hopes we're alive that at least one if not two, would make it to the round of 16. Senegal, being the champions of Africa, showed bravery yesterday by defeating Ecuador to advance into the round of 16 when they're expected to face England. Senegal's victory yesterday was seen as a morale boaster for the other two African sides who still stands a chance of qualifying as the continent hopes to produce a better performance this time around as the highest Africa has ever gone at the world cup is a quarter final appearance. Morocco, seemingly, have a lesser opponent to play in Canada while Ghana are set to face Uruguay for the first time since that controversial 2010 quarter final game in South Africa. With a draw, Ghana will advance to the next round and a victory for Morocco will see the same thing happen. While the prospects are high, we must also not get carried away that these teams will face tougher opponents in the knockout phase of the competition hence, we ask the question, how far can they go? Which of the teams is capable of making at least, a Semi final appearance?

Since the world cup that was held in the US in 1994 where Nigeria surprised the world, African teams have continually produced some of the best players in the world ranging across various positions. The huge talent in the continent and her potentials saw Africa won the men's Olympic football tournament between 1996 and 2000 as Nigeria and Cameron did the magic. Regardless of how promising these teams might be, one thing has constantly affected our performance is the lack of tactical discipline which was seen in Nigeria's performance in 1994, Senegal's performance in 2002 and Ghana's performance in 2010. On all these occasions, these teams would have progressed to the next round were it not that, these teams could not exhibit a trait of tactical excellence. More often than not, African teams have lost out of competitions on the account of bad officiating.

Japan's shocking win against Germany kept the world talking about for some days as many pundits gave them the credit they deserved. In fact, many believed the Asians stood a chance of making it out of the group that has Germany and Spain as outright group favourites. Hence, many would have expected Japan to ease pass Costa Rica who had lost 7-0 to Spain in their opening game. However, as football remains an unpredictable game, Costa Rica shocked the world by beating Japan by a lone goal. This result, has changed entirely, the outlook of the group as all four teams stands a chance of qualifying in the event that Germany beats Spain later tonight.

Before the kick of the ball in Qatar, pundits and millions of passionate football lovers world over would have easily picked Germany and Spain as outright group winners as Japan and Costa Rica were seen as underdogs hence, bit seen as good enough teams to pose threat to both teams, who're European powerhouse. Apparently, all those pre-tournament favourite teams status vanished immediately Japan shocked the world by defeating Germany in the opening game of the group. That singular act of bravery from the Japanese changed the complexity of the group as Germany have been boxed in a corner where they're in a position to win today against arch rival, Spain. With Spain recording a resounding 7-0 victory against Costa Rica, Germany has a very high mountain to climb and if victory is not achieved, they're ultimately out of the tournament. Where they're huge doubts in proximity with Germany's attacking prowess, one might really not fancy their chances of upsetting the odds against the better in form Spanish defence.

Many would have written off Argentina after their shocking defeat to Saudi Arabia apparently, because of the way they showed laxity in their manner of play. Going on, to play against Mexico their arch rival, many did not think it was going to be a roll coaster for the Argentines being that the Mexican side are a class on their own. More than that, the Mexicans are also pushing to pull through the second round. Hence, all eyes were on Lionel Messi for inspiration as only a win cab restore any glimmer of hope for a next round appearance for the South American champions. As expected, the Mexicans gave a good account of themselves and Argentina spurred to victory through the magical prowess of the world's best player. Going into the final round of match against Poland, Argentina are expected to win as that will be their only chance of going into the round of 16. However, the question remains that Can Argentina go all the way to the final as many would have expected? Perhaps, no. Reasons being that Argentina, as seen against Mexico are still yet to get their mojo in place. With no solid counter attacking pattern despite their massive possession of attacking talents l, Argentina will struggle against teams like France, Belgium, Netherlands and Portugal in eventual knockout games as these teams,have a very solid defence line. Regardless, the Argentines stand a chance if there's enough synergy between Messi and his attacking partners.

At the dying minutes of preparation ahead of the 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP, Senegalese talisman Sadio Manè was withdrawn from the team that would represent Senegal at the football festival in Qatar. His immediate withdraw, was seen as a let down to the already high spirit of the newly crowned African champions. However, whilst analysis are being given on Senegal's chances without Manè, we must not be quick to forget that in 2002, Senegal under the tutorage of Bruno Metsu and the inspiration of players like Toni Silva, El-Hadj Diof, Tony Camara, Aliou Cisse, Papa Bouba Diop and Ferdinand just to mention a few, got to the quarter finals before they lost out through a golden goal against Turkey. Ever since, the nation team hasn't really done well in major tournaments until 2019 when, they had succeeded in gathering some of the finest players Africa has to offer on the global stage. The resultant is that, they became champions of Africa for the very first time in February 2022. Exactly 20 years after they had lost out on penalties to Cameroon. Though comprising of a highly talented set of players, one might begin to downplay the chances of Senegal's surprise element in Qatar due to the absence of the inspirational Sadio Manè. At the same time, if we look holistically at the depth in their squad, one might see reasons why this team can make it as far as the semi finals and possibly lift the trophy.

Before the commencement of the World Cup, Brazil was tipped as one of the major contenders for the title in Qatar and as expected, they didn't disappoint in their opening game yesterday through a convincing 2-0 win over Serbia. Throughout the entirety of the game, the Samba boys as they're called showed class, and intention. Though it a while before they scored as the Serbians showed resistance, but then, they were able to make it through. Having shown how patient they can be while cashing goals, they also showed a mastery of the art of persistence. As such, can we say that the Brazilians can give everybody a run for their money?