Sport
Africa’s hopes at World Cup 2014 in Brazil
Algeria
When Sofiane Feghouli chose to play for Algeria over France, it was to be a reversal of the trend that had seen the likes of Zinedine Zidane represent Les Bleus at the highest level. The talented Feghouli made his debut for Algeria in 2011 and has not looked back. He played a pivotal role in Algeria’s qualification in the 2014 World Cup. If the Algerian side are to have any impact in Brazil, much depends on the form he shows at the tournament. His time in the Spanish league with Valencia has allowed him to polish the skills he showed as his career evolved in France.
After years in the doldrums following a protracted war against Islamic fundamentalists in the country in the 1990s, Algeria returned to the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, 24 years after their last appearance. They gave a solid, if unspectacular, performance. They held England to a goalless draw and for large parts of the match outplayed their more experienced foe. This time around they go to the World Cup a more refined team. In a group with Belgium, Russia and South Korea, they face opposition that will be difficult to beat. They will have to raise their level a notch to eke out a place in the second round.
Prediction 2014
First-round exit. Russia and Belgium favored to go through.
Previous form
2010 first round.
Nigeria
When Nigeria surprised African football by winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, they owed much to the finishing power of striker Emmanuel Emenike. He was one of the players elevated to the starting line-up by the then newly appointed coach Stephen Keshi. After years of disappointing performances by the national team, Keshi opted for a wholesale change, excluding many of the established players who had failed to deliver.
Though Emenike may lack the polish of past heroes like Jay-Jay Okocha or Nwankwo Kanu, he epitomises the new generation of players with his never-say-die attitude and effort. The Nigerian team under Keshi has taken the country back to the World Cup. They have done so without much glamor, preferring instead to rely on endeavor and discipline, two attributes that were previously missing.
The players may not be at the biggest clubs in Europe or be the most recognized names in the game today, but the team’s spirit and will to win more than makes up for their lower profiles. In a group made up of Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran, they have the potential to target second place, behind favorites Argentina, to get to the second round.
Prediction 2014
Second round with Argentina.
Previous form
2010 first round.
