| GOAL
FEVER
After the first round... Going to such a small country (economically) with such a huge tournament can be called an admirable step by the CAF, that consequently was succeeded by giving the 2002 finals to Mali. Many in the world for the first time received impressions from Burkina Faso now. The tournament was played in four groups with four teams, the first two advanced to quarter-finals. A tricky detail was implemented in the schedule when it was arranged that the top seeds encounter in the first match. This meant the same for the two supposed 'minnows'. The loser of the 'giant' match could get nervous while the winner of the 'minnows' match could gain self-confidence. A draw in the match of the favorites could make it even more interesting while a draw in the game of the outsiders might spoil both their prospects. So the first game was of greatest importance at least for psychology. Three, almost four of the 'minor' seats, Egypt, Côte d'Ivoire, DR Congo, and almost Guinea, benefited from this setup worth considering for all major tournaments. Ghana fell to complacency after winning their giant encounter with Tunisia, who themselves were able to rally after the deafeat. Happy with a draw in the first match, the 'success' turned out to be a deception for Angola and Zambia. In two matches it became evident that having to defend an advantage can lead to disaster: Guinea, anyway weakened after the red card put them at disadvantage, and especially Ghana did not play their last match in the rhythm that had brought them into their leading positions. When their opponents scored, it was too late to change gear. More lucky were Cameroon and Tunisia, also in positions to have to defend their lead in the table during the final group match. Their opponents did score first as well, but so early that the teams were able to rally and come from behind. Morocco did not take chances right away and played it to win against Egypt while Côte d'Ivoire look like they cannot afford to play any other attitude anyway. Too strong their offensive potential, too weak their defence. After this first round it is difficult to point out a team that did not expose weaknesses at least in part of matches, so that much will depend on adjustment and who a particular team has to play. (2) |
| (2)
The matches seemed to have been played on an again improved level. A lot of matches had high tempo considering the climate. And players organisation on the field seemed to have further improved. Exception was the 'artists' or 'magicians' group C, where inspired attacking game met or caused confused defences. Soccer is not measurable, so that the high goal average does not fully conflict with the thesis of improvement. It merely looked like there has been a change to a more offensive attitude with most of the teams. Nevertheless it became obvious that the North Africans successfully (with the exception from Algeria) used their tried and tested recipe again: Their game has been based on a solid defense, while upfront with few attackers luring for a tactical error or a bad formation, then with fine combinations (direct one-touch-play) playing out the opponent and score. By no means the teams from North did as bad as prognosted in regard of the difficult circumstances. West African favorites have
suffered severe losses with Ghana and strong-looking Guinea while Togo
never had been predicted to make it to the quarter-finals. Côte d'Ivoire
returned to their most spectacular play but displayed defensive weaknesses.
They will probably need to score 3 goals at least in each game to win it.
Cameroon too showed individual strength altering with some errors.
Congo are the surprisers from Central Africa. They could not afford to bring all their players. They come from a crisis shooked home. They played bad the last years. And suddenly they are strong and look like a team. A team to watch out for. South Africa is the only remainer
from a five nation strong Southern African armada. They displayed they
have more potential than thought but it is rumoured that not all players
are able to go 90 minutes. But they did not have to play at their limit
yet and returned definitively to the favorites selection. Another
favorite, Zambia, was taken apart in one decisive match when on the contrary
Mozambique in no match looked like a team able to compete. Angola was a
disappointment while Namibia excited the fans apart from the last match
when they were taken apart in 20 minutes.
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