African teams’ hopes hanging on thread

So far, none of the five African teams is assured of a place in the last 16 of the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil, and it would a big shame for the continent if the situation ends this way. But all hope is not lost as one or two or even four of the five teams can still make it to the first knockout round—only Cameroon, who were due in action last night against hosts Brazil in the final Group A match, had no chance of progressing. Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Algeria, all second in their respective groups, have a good chance but need to win their final preliminary matches. Ghana is third in Group G and need a win against Portugal but also know that a draw between Germany and USA in the final round of matches would see both teams advance. The Elephants, with three points, take on Greece tonight, who are bottom of Group C with one point, needing just a draw and hope that leaders Colombia don’t lose to Japan by more than 3-0. As for Nigeria, only Iran can deny them a place in the last 16. The Super Eagles, on four points, face Argentina, who are already through, hoping that Bosnia-Herzegovina will stand their ground and avoid defeat against Iran, who have one point but can still go through with a win and a big loss for the African champions. Algeria recovered from the 1-2 loss to Belgium in their first match, to tear apart South Korean 4-2 for the highest number of goals by an African team in a World Cup match. It was the Desert Foxes’ first win at the World Cup finals since 1982 and it puts them in a health position to get out of the group along with Belgium. But the Africans need to avoid defeat against Russia in the last group game and also hope that the Koreans, who, like the Russians, have one point, don’t find their top form against Belgium.

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African teams’ hopes hanging on thread