Portugal defeated Ghana in their first world cup matches in group H. But it was a highly controversial game. It was a five goal thriller and both teams gave a good account of themselves. Portugal won the game but we’re aided by poor officiating.
The first two goals by Portugal were questionable. In the 65th minute C. Ronaldo was brought down by a Ghanian defender in the 18 yard box, but that contact was minimal and C. Ronaldo took full advantage of it. A penalty was awarded to Portugal which led to their first goal. What amazed me was that there was no VAR check on the foul of C Ronaldo.
In the 78 minute, Joao Felix scored assisted by a defense splitting pass from Bruno Fernandes, but Felix was slightly offside before Fernandes played the pass. Again, there was no VAR check.
Ghana felt hard done by. It is up to FIFA to review the situation and ensure such doesn’t repeat itself in the future.
Advice to African Teams Qatar World Cup Advice to African Teams in the on going world cup tournament in Qatar:
Play good and neat football, particularly against World Class Teams.
Defenders should be very careful and precise when tackling world class players in delicate situations. The odds will always favor them ( the world class players in these situations)
To African Players in Qatar; dont get too emotional during a match, just play the football the way it is meant to be played.
If the final results go against your team, accept it in good faith, take a critical look at mistakes made and how a repeat can be prevented in the next game.
The first round of the UEFA champions league has been concluded. Below is the list of teams that qualified for the round of 16.
Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Napoli, Inter Milan,AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund,PSG. Club Brugge.
Fixture showing Chelsea vs Dinamo Zagreb . Nigerian time, LiveScore.com
Champions League Group E will draw to a close this evening as Chelsea take on Dinamo Zagreb. Dinamo Zagreb are the reigning world champions of Croatia. They beat Chelsea in match day one and will hope things go their way again today as they hope for a spot in the Europa League.
Both teams lost their last game. Chelsea were well beaten 4-1 at Brighton while Dinamo lost narrowly to Ostijek by 1-0.
champions league: group e
Chelsea have 10 points so far and have secured their position as group winners. Dinamo are bottom of the group with 4 points and have no mathematical chance of qualifying for the champions league knockout stages.
A win for Chelsea today will erase the shock and humiliating defeat last time out and will show their readiness to advance through the champions league knockout stages.
Facts about Champions League group E coming to match day 6.
Chelsea have already qualified as group winners.
Milan will be through in second place if they do not lose to Salzburg.
Salzburg will qualify instead, if they beat Milan.
Dinamo are already out of the Champions league but they will qualify for Europa league if they beat Chelsea tonight and Salzburg lose.
Everton are still searching for their first win. However they should take some positives from this game as the search for their first win of the season continues.
Brentford vs Leeds United. 5-2
Brentford win their second game of the season. After going 2-0 up, they let Leeds into the game, but a red card for the visitors helped ensure that Brentford claimed all 3 points.
Chelsea vs WestHam United. 2-1
Chelsea didn’t play particularly well in this game and very lucky to have won it. Lacklustre defending put the host on the tightrope. Chelsea will have to improve if they even have to make top 4 this season. Disappointment for WestHam, they should have at least taking a point off this game.
Newcastle vs Crystal Palace. 0-0
Newcastle will be the less happier of the 2 sides. But the host should still be proud of theri performance. Good start to the season so far.
Nottingham Forest vs AFC Bournemouth. 2-3
Nottingham Forest lacking in confidence. After going 2-0 up, they let their visitors into the game. For the hosts, the premier league is hard.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Fulham. 2-1
Another 3 points for Tottenham, and they are marching on. The hosts are now 2nd on the league table for the meantime.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton. 1-0
Wolves get their first win of the season. They were made to work hard for the win. Southampton on the other hand failed to follow up from their victory over Chelsea last time out.
Aston Villa vs ManchesterCity. 1-1
Manchester City have dropped points for the second time this season after this draw. The visitors paid for a host of missed chances. Manchester City remain second on the league table one point behind Arsenal who have a game in hand.
Brighton Hove Albion vs Leicester City. 5-2
Leicester City opened the scoring, but after that, the host fought back strong and eventually overpowered City. On Brighton’s day, Leicester City just couldn’t cope. City’s poor run continues. In Fact they are bottom of the table and winless after 6 games. Brighton are 4th.
Manchester United vs Arsenal. 3-1
This game was the first litmus test for Arsenal, and I won’t say Arsenal failed, but then, ita a derby and on United’s day their was nothing the visitor’s could do. Arsenal created several chances but United defended well. Superior tactical moves ensures Manchester United win their 4th straight game in 6. Arsenal remain top of the league despite the loss.
After their defeat to Man City last time out, they couldn’t hold on for a win against Brentford tonight. Brentford will be the happier of the 2 sides.
Fulham vs Brighton Hove Albion 2 -1
Fulham ran away with the win, they have been having a good run so far.
Southampton vs Chelsea. 2 -1
Chelsea suffer their second loss in 5 games this season. They started the game the brighter side and scored the first goal but as the game wore on they were frustrated. Southampton the deserved winners
Leeds United vs Everton. 1-1
Everton still looking for their first win of the season. Good game against Leeds.
AFC Bournemouth vs Wolverhampton Wanderers. 0-0
Wolves should have won this game, they had several chances including a one on one. Wolves remain in the relegation zone after 5 matches.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa. 2-1
Aston villa is a much improved team this season. They almost got a point from this game but Arsenal were having none of it. Arsenal remain top of the table with five wins from five.
Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest. 6-0
Manchester City welcomed Nottingham forest into the premier league with a Six- Nil bashing. The champions are making their statement clear.
WestHam United vs Tottenham Hotspur. 1-1
Tottenham still managed to take a point from this game because WestHam should have won it. Tottenham’s goal was brilliant, but their hosts had the better chances.
Liverpool vs Newcastle. 2-1
Newcastle have been doing well so far this season. They took the game to Liverpool, but they couldn’t hold on for the point.
Leicester City vs Manchester United 0-1
Leicester City have been lacking in confidence this season so far. And Manchester United came and pipped them one -nil. Cudos to United for a very disciplined play, their 3rd straight win in 5 games.
