BRAZIL 2014: ARGENTINA VS GERMANY - THE FINAL SHOWDOWN

 

Today's the day when the winning country gets the World Cup. And let me say, it's been a real exciting tournament this year; predictions were no use since it ended up merely expecting the unexpected. And the last thing everyone expected was Spain leaving early and five time winner Brazil defeated by Germany seven
 goals to one and then by the Netherlands yesterday; 3-0, with the Netherlands emerging third place. Definitely not Brazil's year at all!

Here we go: Two teams. One final match. Winner takes all. #ARGvGER #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/R8y9Juw7Ji
— Listerine Global (@ListerineGlobal) July 13, 2014

So now, the last two football teams starting on this final day are Argentina and Germany- two titans but one winner will emerge the World Cup winner for 2014. Who would it be? No more predictions from me, not after what happened with Brazil and Germany- I'm just going to sit back and see what happens.... and with this final match with a lot of tension and pressure on both sides, just about ANYTHING can happen today!
Let's see.


The match commenced after the recitation of both teams' national anthem.


30 minutes in the first half Argentina scored but alas, it was OFFSIDE! What a pity. And Germany's Christoph Kramer got injured badly enough to be taken off the pitch and substituted with Andre Schurrle. For the most part, besides close saves from both goalkeepers, the two teams battled back and forth desperately looking for  that first goal before the other. The second half would be more brutal but it's best for any of the two to get a goal, it would be a heart attack moment for all the supporters if it turned out this World Cup final would result in a penalty shoot-out. Please... anything but that!

2nd half started with a substitution from Argentina; Lavezzi for Sergio Aguero. Argentina's hero Messi almost gets one for the team and I mean almost; such a chance wasted! Higuain went down but eventually recovered and the battle went on....
Ah, who will be the winner?!!!

This match just kept going on and on and still no goal in sight... Messi again tried for one but it simply went past the net! (Argh! and *YAWN*) Will at least ONE team score already???! Higuain was then subbed for Palacio. Why not, 78 minutes in the game with no goals, they need every man they have. While I understood the pressure both teams were obviously going through, the match was getting rather boring, even with the close calls. More subs... Argentina's Perez for Gago; and then Germany's  Klose for Gotze.

The inevitable 30 minute extra time! If both teams don't score at this time, the final WILL DEFINITELY end with a penalty shootout.

Except for a few narrow misses, it was a pretty much of a snooze fest and honestly I almost hoped it would end up with the penalty shoot out... anything to get some excitement and end the match once and for all.
Oh... a German player got hit squarely in the eye and he was taken off the field for treatment, bleeding and no doubt pissed off- Schweinsteiger, and yet the player who hit him Aguero... didn't get a yellow card, I guess ruled out as accidental.

And finally Germany scored!!!

Germany's 2014 World Cup Winning Goal! https://t.co/8HVVt1R61a
— UberFacts (@UberFacts) July 13, 2014

 A memorable first goal by Mario Gotze- wow... and not MUCH time left... 5 minutes!!! Would there be time for Argentina to equalize before the final whistle? Oh my, Oh my...

Last minute sub- Ozil for Mertesacker.

Free kick for Argentina and Messi was chosen to take it... all eyes on him... and over the net the ball went!
And it's over; GERMANY WINS THE WORLD CUP!!! *APPLAUSE*

Congratulations #GER -- CHAMPIONS OF THE 2014 WORLD CUP! pic.twitter.com/ueHAP0mBlW
— World Cup 2014 (@World) July 13, 2014

Well to round off... the sad looking players of the Argentine team received their silver medals; Lionel Messi sulkily took off his as he walked away from the podium. I can imagine his great disappointment  but still... very bad sportsmanship.
Then the triumphant German team going up for their gold medals, exchanging congratulatory handshakes and hugs from their Chancellor- Chancellor Angela Merkel and then the 18 carat gold World Cup is handed over to the captain and it's fanfare and loud cheers for the German team!


 Congratulations Champions!!! 

CARBO FAN FICTION- RETURN JOURNEY: CHAPTERS' MAP

CHAPTER 1 

CHAPTER 2 

CHAPTER 3 

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12 

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER `16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19 

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27-FINAL

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AN ICON

This post is to talk a little about and  wish one of our celebrated Nollywood actors- Olu Jacobs; happy birthday as he clocks 72 today. Olu Jacobs is one of Nigeria's real actors- seriously this man is so good at what he does.  Why not... he was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London- I'm yet to see another Nigerian actor able to convincingly cry without sobbing like he so brilliantly does.

My early memories of seeing him on the screen is playing the headmaster in The Second Chance (the Nigerian version of Mind Your Language) and a police detective who was always assisted in solving  his cases by his very inquisitive and  over enthusiastic daughter Uze (played by Yomi Adeyemi Wilson)- in The Third Eye. How I miss that show, since that one and another one back in the 80's The Fiery Force ( a lot darker than The Third Eye and starred Gbenga Richards and the late Funsho Alabi) and yet another whose title I don't remember- we've not had a good T.V crime series since then. 

That's not even his first 'policeman' role- he played a police commissioner in the 1979 movie Ashanti  and  a customs officer in 1980's The Dogs of War.  I saw Ashanti years ago but yet to see the latter and I hope to just to see him since I'm not really fond of war films. I wonder how many Nigerians remember his memorable villainous role in Daybreak- Omotola Jalade's movie after Mortal Inheritance where he played a millionaire, furious his young mistress (Jalade) was two-timing him again, ordered the murder of her lover only to discover after the murder was committed that the  unfortunate rival was his only son (played by Emeka Ike). Now that's a movie- I was lucky enough to find it in VCD years ago and still love it. 

Olu Jacobs is an actor the present generation of Nollywood actors should emulate. This gentleman is a born actor and they could do with precious acting tips from him, for one thing he's not guilty of overacting and he's so natural and polished, he positively stands out and owns the whole show.

 Ditto his lovely wife, Joke Silva who studied drama at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art and they make a very good acting team as they've featured together in several projects. 

So here's wishing Olu Jacobs a very happy birthday, long life and prosperity and May his light continue to shine! 

BRAZIL 2014: BRAZIL VS GERMANY

#GER enforces their power over #BRA in a historic 7-1 rout: http://t.co/hRTx0yrFCw #WorldCup2014 pic.twitter.com/DNPHKbYF7g
— AOL.com (@AOL) July 8, 2014

I've been dispirited since our loss to France to write further on the World Cup. On the other hand, the Nigerian Super Eagles had a good run, being the only African team next to Algeria to get to the second round and I hope everyone here at home feel the same way as I do instead of criticising the team and Coach Keshi who were still rewarded by the President for their efforts. 
But I can't refrain from commenting about today's match... a historical match's filling the whole world with shock, disbelief and jaw dropping amazement. The main prediction was the five time World Cup winner Brazil would lead Germany by at least 3 goals and Germany- equally skilled and fierce on the field and have their own share of legendary players would go away with at least 2. 
But today was a shocker- to say the least! German scored first, surprisingly but no doubt the general consensus was Brazil would definitely catch up. But goodness me... the German team went from 2, 3, 4, 5 , 6 and 16 minutes to the final whistle, a 7th goal! What the hell happened, where the stalwart players that upset about Neymar's unfortunate injury that they just weren't in their game today? Who would have thought they would go out like that, this is even more shocking than the last World Cup winner- Spain- losing to The Netherlands... 1-5! That's small compared to this one; I still can't believe it myself as I write all this. 
Brazil managed to score its only goal 5 minutes before the whistle and just as well there was no extra time, they did not deserve more humiliation than they already had. 
Germany 7, Brazil 1... NOT a scenario everyone expect, probably not even the German supporters- scoring more than 3 goals and OVER Brazil! Today's score has made this match historical and I think it's best to cease the predictions once and for all and simply expect the unexpected  from now on, less chances of being terribly disappointed! 
My sincere condolences to the Brazilian team and to Brazil's fans.



 

Just in case you missed Brazil vs Germany here are the highlights... https://t.co/GPtVBRYIT4
— The World Of Funny (@TheWorldOfFunny) July 8, 2014

It's ok Brazil we're still proud of you!!! #BrazilvsGermany pic.twitter.com/bmasTkF6W9
— HD (@HDalfalasi) July 8, 2014

THE SINGLE WOMAN'S CHOICE

 The annoying lectures, matchmaking and then when everything fails; they would use the woman's age against her by saying she's not getting any younger and doesn't she want children? And if THAT still doesn't work- there is the 'guilt trap' which was sure to make her do what they want her to do if she's not firm and resistant to their subtle brand of persuasion. 
Shouldn't single daughters in a family be allowed to make her choice about when  she wants to get married instead of being lectured about not getting any older and how great marriage is? It's bad enough she's asked annoying questions about her personal life especially if she has nothing to hide but then telling her they want introduce 'a good friend' to her is just downright annoying and plain interfering in her life. 
A woman should not be told or forced to get married; no matter which society she belongs to. But one of the problems of Nigerian society is that children, especially girls, are still regarded as children and their choices and decisions never respected, there always has to be interference!
 Well meaning I'm sure, but it doesn't mean the single daughters are obligated to do what they are told because the rest of the family want her to 'settle down'. I'm not saying a woman shouldn't marry or being anti- matrimony, all I'm saying is that single women should not be pressured about  it. Besides, suppose the woman in question wants to achieve certain goals and want to lead her own life for a bit  (after being bossed and controlled for most of her life) before she 'settles down'  and has babies? If so, then she has the right to her choice and her life and the right to not be hassled by people who insist on being bothered by her single status. 

SHOWS FOR KIDS OR FROM CHILDHOOD

Most of us remain young at heart even when we get past 40. There are a few things from our childhood that it's very hard to let go of... particularly the stuff we watched when we were kids and to us can't be compared to what the kids of the new generation watch presently. Besides, with the way the world is right now- who wouldn't need a few  'kiddie' programmes to drive the stress and worries away, have a good laugh and for a few minutes go back to one's childhood? So some people will find this practice odd but personally I don't; inwardly we are all young forever and we always need to have some source of positivity in our lives. 

Mostly watched  are cancelled shows,  classic episodes of long running series, others are well loved classic animated movies; actually the list is endless based on people's preference. For me, it's the following...

CLASSIC  SESAME STREET

CLASSIC  LOONEY TOONS 

FRAGGLE ROCK 

THE MUPPET SHOW 

CLASSIC TOM & JERRY 

CLASSIC  SCOOBY DOO 

THE LITTLE MERMAID

BEAUTY & THE BEAST 

THE JUNGLE BOOK

CAPTAIN CAVEMAN & THE TEEN ANGELS 

THE FLINTSTONES 

Hey... life is too short! 

BRAZIL 2014: NIGERIA VS ARGENTINA

With our victory against Bosnia; a lot is expected from the Super Eagles today as they tackle Argentina. And from what our technical analysts discussed, three of them former Super Eagles Austin Eguavoen and Taribo West and retired international footballer John Fashanu; what is mostly expected from the guys today is defence. And I hope there won’t be any controversial incidents in this match like yesterday’s battle between Uruguay and Italy - the infamous biting episode where Uruguay’s Luis Suarez allegedly bit Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder and word is, this isn’t even Suarez’ first time but the third in the course of his career. I realise in football matches- especially international tournaments like the World Cup- there’s a lot of pressure, but what the hell was Suarez thinking doing such a juvenile thing, and he wasn’t even punished by the ref? WTF was that? I sincerely hope the biter gets his comeuppance later; an act like that can’t be easily dismissed that way. 

Today...

The Super Eagles, looking excited and determined, recited the national anthem when it was played, followed by the Argentines and led by goalkeeper Enyeama- huddled together in prayer after the coin toss and the match began.

Not yet five minutes into the game, Lionel Messi scored Argentina’s first goal... I didn’t see that coming. But I didn’t see this either; Ahmed Musa scored ours almost immediately! Wow... wow... wow!!! Good one, guys! But Stephen Keshi really irritated me with the way he just stood there with his hands in his pockets- a little more show of positivity, Coach!

It was an attempt by Argentina, but it went against the net outwards, thank God. One of the Eagles, Oshaniwa, committed a foul but, I guess, got a warning since there was no yellow card in sight. Emenike tried for our second goal but fell empty. Our Enyeama swiftly kicked away a potential goal, grinning triumphantly... okay, be careful of overconfidence, my brother. Ambrose did his bit by defending and another potential goal for Argentina was stopped.

Like our analysts said, good defence from our side is one of the important things needed and so far, that’s what our defenders did.

Free kick for Argentina and a very good save from our Enyeama!

Later on, #13, Oshaniwa went down but luckily got up immediately- as a defender, the team couldn’t risk him being injured, so his quick recovery was a relief.

Messi almost got a second goal, and it was close, but the ball simply swept across that Enyeamba didn’t even have to stop it. Ditto Emenike, but the Argentine defence was just as tough as ours. One good attempt from Osaze but over the net went the ball.

Enyeama narrowly saved a potential goal and it would’ve been a good one considering the distance- but he managed it. Enyeama especially should keep cool and not allow anything to distract him.

Sub call from Argentina came eventually, Lavezzi- for Sergio Aguero, who went down with an injury. I’m not into tattoos, and this guy was practically covered with them (cute butt, though).

Both teams played very well, particularly when it came to defence, and I don’t think I’ve ever watched a match where both teams scored a few minutes after kickoff and within minutes of each other; it was just so unbelievable.

Mikel Obi got tangled with an Argentine (for God's sake, this guy better be more careful as he’s the one in the team who got a yellow card) and earned Argentina a free kick.

2 minutes were added to the remaining time, and another was taken by Messi, and Argentina got this time, 2-1!  

And the whistle went for the end of the first half.

Second half...

The main hope was that the Super Eagles wouldn’t get into trouble and commit fouls, leading to the Argentines being awarded free kicks or, worse, penalties.

Ahmed Musa equalized... 2-2 a few seconds after the whistle was blown, and no doubt the Nigeria Supporters Club went wild.  But bummer,  Omeuro got a yellow card... what did I say earlier about the Super Eagles keeping out of trouble,  we don’t want more free kicks for Argentina. Luckily, Enyeama saved it but didn’t save the goal from the corner kick. 3-2! And minutes later it was Oshaniwa’s turn to get a yellow card. 

Mikel almost made it 3 for us but it was saved... all the same good attempt. 

Argentina's man of the hour was called out and Alvarez went in place of him. 

Babatunde injured his wrist (poor chap) and got replaced by Uchebo.

Trust Enyeama not to go out like that; he blocked a potential 4th goal, keeping it 3-2. At least 3-2 is better than 3-0! 

Sub call from us, Osaze for Nwofor. 

Musa almost got a 3rd goal for us but got blocked by an Argentine defender... but it's not like the team didn't do their share of defence- Enyeama and our defenders did their very best. Emenike made a good attempt for our 3rd goal but it went wild... so close! Ditto for Argentina, Enyeama just managed to stop the ball. 

4 minutes left...

Side Net! Ambrose tried but got the side of the net! The tension was way high for both teams; the Argentines wanted a 4th goal, and the Super Eagles were doing their best to equalize again. 

Yet another sub-call for Argentina- Higuain  (a very hot player) for Biglia. 

And before we knew it, the whistle was blown, and the match was over. We didn't win but 3-2 is not bad at all. And the good news, with Iran defeated by  Bosnia 3-1, Nigeria, along with Argentina, has made it to the knockout stage. 

EAGLES FLY HIGH; UP NIGERIA!!!