SSR Vol5 FIFA- WC-SA

Half-time show at Soccer City

SSR Magazine

Nigeria was on the ropes from a 2-1 loss against Greece in its second match after taking an early lead on Kalu Uche goal in the 16th minute and was officially eliminated when they could not get any separation in a must win game after a 2-2 draw with Korea Republic in the third match. Argentina defeated Greece 2-0 to win the group while Korea Republic advanced as the second place team with 4 points. were in Group G, (the group of death) and with Didier Drogba leading the charge they opened the tournament with a respectable 0-0 draw against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. But Cameroon's cookie started crumbling after a 3-1 loss to Brazil in its second match as Portugal jumped into second place with a 7-0 blow out of Korea DPR. Needing to win by a double digit margin against Korea DPR in the third match, Ivory Coast could only manage a 3-0 win and was eliminated as Portugal and Brazil advanced to the Round of 16 after playing to a scoreless tie. Algeria, was one of Africa's hopefuls before the tournament but lost significant ground after giving up a late goal in a 1-0 loss to Slovenia in their first match. They kept their slim hopes alive by shutting down Wayne Rooney and England offense in a scoreless tie in their second match, but conceded another late goal to the USA in injury time in their third match and was eliminated. Algeria finished Group C in third place behind USA and England respectively. Ghana opened with a close 1-0 victory over Serbia and with a 1-1 tie against Australia in their second match, they stood atop Group D standings with four points to second place Germany and Switzerland with 3 points and Australia’s with 1 point and an outside chance to advance. Though they lost 1-0 to Germany in their last group match, the Black Stars advanced to the round of 16 KO stage as the only African team left in the tournament. The advanced after Australia upset Serbia 1-0. However for the second time in as many world cups they had to face the never say die USA of 2010 in the round of 16 KO stage. Ghana became the sentimental choice of the tournament. (Cont’d on Page 36 ) Ivory Coast

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