BY SOLOMON MWANJA
The nights of quarters have never been easy for the big dogs of football world over in the past tournaments of the world, but it turned different for the Dutch and Selecao boys.
The most favorite team and arguably number one in the world, call them the “shamba” boys or the “Jogo bonito” superstars who have been full of talent and intensity but it was a nightmare for them to be eliminated by the 2018 finalists that Croatia.
It is hard to pass a blame to an individual, but I can’t fail to sight out the usual mistake that coach Tête makes, that’s substituting Vinicius Jr the king of pace who can play for even 200minutes but to bring on Rodrigo who is out of form missing the penalty kick for the 5-star champions.
Superstar Neymar Jr played his role to bring back Brazil in the game but the man with misfortune ever especially in big tournaments as it happens in his team PSG while the UEFA champions league, Marquinhos still deflected the ball from Petrekovic to let it as an equalizer for Croatia and still missed a second penalty kick which sent the “Selecao” home.
After a dramatic session of the 90+ on pitch with goals from Morinah and Messi whereby Luis Van goal courtesy of total football brought on pitch a “ghost” no i meant Weghost who scored for the Dutch to take send both teams to extra time.
Argentina managed to get at least 10 yellow cards whereby if their former player on technical bench Walter Samuel was also booked, the game was at a high intensity where players like; Berngwin, Depay didn’t have their right way but their shirt “11” made their day with a spectacular free kick which led to an equalizer from Weghost.
It is always rare to see teams starting with their captains and best penalty takers on the first spot, but it happened in this game where we saw Virgil and Messi and at the end, Virgil prepared his own Vigil night sending Netherlands home.
Our eyes are still widely open to see who will progress to the finals where two shirt “10” meet. That’s Messi and Modric, more drama to watch.
