No Mickey-Mouse in knockout stage

GERMANY DEFENDER Per Mertersacker said it best: there is no Mickey-Mouse in the last 16. By press time, all the six group leaders who had played their round of 16 knockout matches had progressed, albeit having sweated plasma. Brazil and Costa Rica needed post-match shootouts, Germany extra–time goals, France a worn out Vincent Enyeama while Holland needed a controversial Robben robbery to see off Mexico. As it stands, the record is on. This could be the first ever Fifa World Cup in which all eight group leaders win their round of 16 matches to stroll on to the quarter finals. All we were waiting for by press time were Argentina and Belgium to see off Switzerland and USA, respectively. There are teams that did not deserve to lose. Chile was unlucky. That stoppage time pile driver that shook the crossbar would have settled the matter. The moment they missed it, it became clear they had exhausted their luck. Nigeria was unlucky to lose some good players to injury both before and during the game. When you are playing such a big team, the least you need are injuries and a number 10 masquerader called Obi Mikel. All players wearing the famous playmaker’s shirt 10 in Brazil have earned it, except this Nigerian. Mikel was guilty of tens of possessions Nigeria dropped tamely. He looked out of fashion, indifferent and played with the recklessness shocking of a player at his level. Nigeria had to go, even if just so Mikel is seen off to eat his bonus. The same with Greece. But it is Algeria that gave the mark of determination. In my prediction, I had a Germany handicap and one of the most comfortable victories of the round of 16. Of course, I bleed Die Mannschaft, so you can imagine my evening as moment after moment; Manuel Neuer was called to action past his goal area to clear the ball from danger. Algeria deserved to progress for that display alone. Football is cruel.

Sports

No Mickey-Mouse in knockout stage