The Sweet First: Senegal.
So, Africa claimed the first win and i am so excited for Senegal, seeing i was not even expecting them to gain anything from the match. I am so proud of them.
The first match of the day came from Colombia and Japan. They are evenly matched teams, so i wasn't particularly rooting for anyone, but Japan proved to be very impressive.
Japan got the lead through Shinji Kagawa, when he buried a penalty given in the 5th minute, from a handball from a Colombian player, which resulted into a red card for him. Colombia came out fighting and they almost got an equalizer from Ramadel Falcao. Their goal came from a very smartly taken free kick at the edge of the box in the 38th minute, to draw level. He played a low kick which the keeper couldn't keep out quickly. 1-1.
Japan were having none of it and the regained their lead in the 73rd minute, with a wonderful header to stay ahead for the second time in the match. Japan continued to threaten on all fronts and Colombia too wouldn't be left out. Colombia should have snatched a draw through James Rodriguez but he blasted his effort high and out from close range. Japan edged the tie 2-1.
The second of the match came between Poland v Senegal. I was particularly thrilled to see them win this, being the first African to win in the 2018 edition of the World Cup.
Senegal went ahead with an own goal in the 37th minute and that weakened Poland a little bit more. Senegal weren't done, and they struck another blow in a very cool way through Niang, in the 60th minute. He was out being treated, and after he was okay to come in, that was when Poland defender kicked a back volley to the keeper, only for Niang to come in from the sideline (after being told to go in by the lineman), chased the ball, beat the keeper and slot it home into an empty net. Poland protested but it wouldn't stand because Niang was asked to go in already, and that deflated their morale a little bit.
Poland came out fighting, determined to get something out of the match, but they could only score a consolation goal, in the 86th minute, with an headed goal, but it was not enough to snatch a draw. Senegal won 2-1 and i am excited.
The last match of the day came between Russia and Egypt. I looked forward to this match because i wanted to see how the host country will come out fighting and the show Egypt will put forth, since they lost their first match.
It was an entertaining match, and it was goal less at half time. Egypt captain; Ahmed Fathi scored an own goal in the 47th minutes, just after second half resumed. That was actually the fifth own goal at this year's World Cup.
Russia decided to add more blow to Egypt in the 59th minute through the inform Cheryshev. he struck the ball and it went in between the legs of the goalkeeper. He is now on 3 goals with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Russia decided to kill the game off with two goals in quick succession through another inform player; Dzyuba in the 62nd minute. He was given a lofted pass and he duly controlled it, beat his marker and struck it with delight. That's two goals for him now and the race keeps getting hotter. Russia has now scored 8 goals in this year's tournament, in only two games. They are striking fear in their opponents and i don't think anyone would want to play them right now, but time would tell.
Russia ripped Egypt apart, but they got a consolation goal in the 73rd minute, with the help of the VAR, and the referee pointed to the spot, for a penalty after a foul on Salah, which he first adjudged was outside the box.
Mo' Salah converted it, to make it his first goal ever in a World Cup, first goal conceded by Russia, and also the first goal by Egypt in a World Cup since 1990.
The game ended 3-1 and Egypt are getting ready to leave. Other African countries don't look promising too but we can only hope they would turn up too.
Till i come your way again tomorrow. Stay blessed.
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Senegal made me proud yesterday. Finally, a t4wm from the African continent displayed the fighting spirit I wanted to see.
To be sincere, I had lost faith that in any African nation doing anything reasonable in this competition. But with this performance, I can dream again.
Exactly. Senegal gave me a little bit of needed hope too and i am excited about that. See how Egypt were floored yesterday too. I am really excited about Senegal. That's a massive three points.
Thanks brother.