African teams at World cup | Gone

[FootballHQ]

Another hard luck story then, Nigeria in fairness gave it a go second half but through poor finishing they couldn't finish the job.

Currently 4/5 are out and I think Colombia will beat Senegal who have been decent at least but got done over by Colombia losing to Japan unexpectely.

Africa likely to be only Continent without representative in next round. Even when they have a break out team who makes quarter finals a bad event happens like the Suarez handball in 2010.

What can be done to get 2-3 teams in next WC to round of 16 at least?

I do actually think preparation for all the 5 teams was much better this time. Nigeria were actually united for once and other teams didn't have any issues between squad/manager/federation which has disrupted previous efforts.

Big lesson from this WC, go all out in your first game. Nigeria didn't and they've paid the price. Morocco losing to Iran has to be one of most infuriating results of WC as they played well v Portugal and Spain. Egypt had too much to do after losing to Uruguay.

 

[sincher]

Both Nigeria and Senegal should be better in 4 years' time. No nation looks close to a real challenge though.

 

[kouroux]

It's not hard luck, this was expected. African teams lack 2 things mainly in general, a quality keeper and a decent finisher up front.
Repeated failure due to the same reasons isn't bad luck, it's just depressing.

 

[antsmithmk]

In 8 years time I believe Africa and Asia and Africa are getting an extra 9 teams. From how well they have both done so far at this world cup they need to up there game otherwise the quality is going to be really diluted.

I don't follow African football much but how come Ghana and Ivory Coast didn't make it, aside from looking at actual results In qualifying? No players coming through to replace the headliners of Gyan and Drogba?

 

[TheGame]

Ivory Coast had a decent team a while back but they also seem to have regressed. I think Morocco were unlucky. Hopefully Senegal can get a result and keep going.

 

[FootballHQ]

It's not hard luck, this was expected. African teams lack 2 things mainly in general, a quality keeper and a decent finisher up front.
Repeated failure due to the same reasons isn't bad luck, it's just depressing.

They should be getting at least one team out of the groups with those weaknesses though. Japan have hardly got a better keeper for instance.

Maybe Senegal will surprise me but difficult to see with the level Colombia showed other day.

In 2026 they'll have 8 teams in WC won't they? Disappointed Algeria didn't qualify, they still have a really good team on paper but think they were in Nigeria's group.

 

[VorZakone]

Senegal can do it IMO.

 

[kouroux]

They should be getting at least one team out of the groups with those weaknesses though. Japan have hardly got a better keeper for instance.

Maybe Senegal will surprise me but difficult to see with the level Colombia showed other day.

In 2026 they'll have 8 teams in WC won't they? Disappointed Algeria didn't qualify, they still have a really good team on paper but think they were in Nigeria's group.

Japan has a proper match winner in Honda at least,even if he doesn't start much, he still got that decisive factor for Japan. There is no african player you can count on to step up and carry his team at the moment. There is none

 

[Rajma]

For me, African countries lack the required cynicism at times that South Americans and Europeans have. It is admirable the way African teams try to follow the respect principles of the game but as bad as it sounds sometimes it becomes their undoing. Small margins.

 

[FootballHQ]

Senegal can do it IMO.

Thet are certainly the best African team at this tournament imo.

They just got done by Colombia unexpectedly losing to Japan. If Colombia keeps 11 men they'd have probably beaten Japan so Colombia-Senegal would've played out a draw. They deserve the least criticism of the five and as you say they're not out yet.

 

[Rajma]

Senegal can do it IMO.

No chance I’m afraid.

 

[FootballHQ]

Japan has a proper match winner in Honda at least,even if he doesn't start much, he still got that decisive factor for Japan. There is no african player you can count on to step up and carry his team at the moment. There is none

Mane? I know he hasn't been great this tournament but his club recod speaks for itself and he scored the other day.

Forgot Honda actually still played for Japan, he was really good in 2010 but didn't quite have the career in europe I expected him to have, was a bit part player for Milan mostly. Japan use him as a Tim Cahill supersub now.

 

[Cal?]

In 8 years time I believe Africa and Asia and Africa are getting an extra 9 teams. From how well they have both done so far at this world cup they need to up there game otherwise the quality is going to be really diluted.

I don't follow African football much but how come Ghana and Ivory Coast didn't make it, aside from looking at actual results In qualifying? No players coming through to replace the headliners of Gyan and Drogba?

This crazy dilution of quality in the 2026 WC will make it a bore fest. Someone will probably break Fontaine's record.

 

[kouroux]

No chance I’m afraid.

The way I see it is that they'll play decent enough, will have chance to kill the game off but won't convert them and Colombia will prevail in the end

 

[Nedved]

I think Asia looks just as good/bad. Japan might make it and Iran was close. South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Australia have been among the poorest teams in the World Cup.

Egypt was the only big African disappointment. The rest could have done better with only slightly more luck. Just look at Morocco’s 95 minute own goal - that has little to do with quality.

South America hasn’t been overly impressive either, with Colombia, Argentina and Peru losing games they shouldn’t on paper.

 

[kouroux]

Mane? I know he hasn't been great this tournament but his club recod speaks for itself and he scored the other day.

Forgot Honda actually still played for Japan, he was really good in 2010 but didn't quite have the career in europe I expected him to have, was a bit part player for Milan mostly. Japan use him as a Tim Cahill supersub now.

Mané won't be enough or will crumble under the pressure. Nothing guaranteed but I can already foresee it (I hope you quote me in a few days to tell me how wrong I was). Their keeper isn't very good either.

 

[kouroux]

I think Asia looks just as good/bad. Japan might make it and Iran was close. South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Australia have been among the poorest teams in the World Cup.

Egypt was the only big African disappointment. The rest could have done better with only slightly more luck. Just look at Morocco’s 95 minute own goal - that has little to do with quality.

South America hasn’t been overly impressive either, with Colombia, Argentina and Peru losing games they shouldn’t on paper.

Yeaj but with more quality, it might not even have come to that.

 

[FootballHQ]

I think Asia looks just as good/bad. Japan might make it and Iran was close. South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Australia have been among the poorest teams in the World Cup.

Egypt was the only big African disappointment. The rest could have done better with only slightly more luck. Just look at Morocco’s 95 minute own goal - that has little to do with quality.

Iran were much better than in any other tournament I've seen them. Actually won a game and gave the two big hitters in the group very tough games. I think if they make it in 2022 it will be nice to see them release the handbrake a bit more as they did create chances when they did.

Australia just suffering because they lost all their great players from 2006 around the same time (Viduka, Kewell, Schwarzer, Bresciano). Cahill still playing but way past it. Just a void there now but at least country is more invested in football now so maybe they have some decent 19-20 years olds they can get into the team for Qatar.

Korea and Japan both declined from where they were in 2010. Japan should make 2nd round, maybe a bit lucky but that has to be seen as a success really.

 

[Jib]

It's not hard luck, this was expected. African teams lack 2 things mainly in general, a quality keeper and a decent finisher up front.
Repeated failure due to the same reasons isn't bad luck, it's just depressing.

Good coach and playmaker too

 

[dumbo]

As someone almost completely ignorant of African football I would guess that footballing infrastructure plays a large part. If you are African and are great at football you probably play in northern Europe. If the English fa was not flooded with money and reviews and systems then I doubt we would even reach major finals regularly. The talent has been in Africa almost forever at this point.

 

[adexkola]

In 8 years time I believe Africa and Asia and Africa are getting an extra 9 teams. From how well they have both done so far at this world cup they need to up there game otherwise the quality is going to be really diluted.

I don't follow African football much but how come Ghana and Ivory Coast didn't make it, aside from looking at actual results In qualifying? No players coming through to replace the headliners of Gyan and Drogba?

For Nigeria and Senegal qualification will be on fine margins and to use that as an indictment on the continent is silly. The quality won't be diluted if 4 more teams join the fray once the number of teams is expanded. Iceland, Poland, et al stunk the place up quality wise but no one is speaking about not letting more European teams into the expanded WC.

The CAF qualifying stage is the most punitive in the world. You can't afford to make a single mistake or you're out. If the slots get increased from 5-8, that would allow for better teams to go through more consistently as that would remove the volatile impact of an off game.

The North African teams were poor to a tee, expected more from them. Nigeria lost to an excellent team and the team containing the best player in the world, can't do much about that. Plus it's a young team with room to grow. Remains to be seen what Senegal can do. Ghana, Cameroon and Ivory Coast are in between player cycles. I would have liked to see DRC Congo make it through as well.

For now, I would say that African football has a challenge with regards to youth development, regardless of whether Nigeria went through tonight or not. Once the pipeline gets sorted we'll be fine.

But yeah. If you think the best solution here is for shutting out Africa and Asia out of the WC expansion slots you're deluded.

 

[padr81]

They just lack the nous to get over the line. They play with alot of heart and have some great players but today for example, any semi-competent team with less ability would be dispatching Argentina.. they just seem to have an issue getting the job done. It's kind of weird but it will come eventually. This Nigeria team is also very, very young.

Morocco bowed out with a point and should have had at least 5. Nigeria had plenty of chances to put the Argies to bed but just couldn't get the goal. Egypt were abysmal unfortunately, Tunisia are entertaining but lacking quality in both boxes. Senegal have a great chance but will need a big showing vs a strong Colombia. They just seem to lack a tiny bit here and there but the sum of it all adds up.

 

[Adisa]

Depressing to be honest.

 

[Canagel]

It is very sad to see the predicament that the African sides are in. The likes of Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Ghana have been sorely missed. Nigeria battled hard but they fell short. I don't have much hopes for Senegal either but let's wait and see. Morocco played good football but missed the final touch. Egypt were out of their depth and didn't deserve anything. Tunisia the same. I hope it improves for the next world cups.

 

[adexkola]

It is very sad to see the predicament that the African sides are in. The likes of Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Ghana have been sorely missed. Nigeria battled hard but they fell short. I don't have much hopes for Senegal either but let's wait and see. Morocco played good football but missed the final touch. Egypt were out of their depth and didn't deserve anything. Tunisia the same. I hope it improves for the next world cups.

This is melodramatic if anything.

Again, the teams you missed are going through a generation change as the old guard has passed on. It's a matter of getting the next generation up to speed.

 

[FootballHQ]

Yeah Ivory Coast are arguably most unlucky team in World cup history.

In 2006 they had likes of Drogba in prime form and were in a group with Argentina and Holland. Beat Serbia but still went out. 2010 in with Brazil and Portugal. Drew with Portugal but they then went on and beat North Korea 7-0 and IC couldn't make up GD.

2014 their team was past their best tbh but they should've qualfied. Conceded last minute penalty to Greece.

Cameroon haven't played a good WC since the 90s. Need to sort their football structure out as they were a disgrace last World cup.

Ghana were in Egypt's group so guess that emphasises Adexkola's point about cut throat nature of qualifying. Maybe better to do similar to Commebol and have two groups of 10 with top 2 going through and play off for 3rd places?

South Africa were another nation that were getting some decent players into major leagues in late 90s but their player pool is very poor and has been for some time.

 

[el3mel]

Nigeria, Morocco and Senegal did well away from the result. Tunisia can still manage a win against Panama.

We're the only embarrassment of Africa in this tournament.

 

[Rozay]

We have problems with mentality. Personally, I don’t think we are typically professional enough. Players really see it as THEIR moment on the big stage, and will often try to draw as much attention to themselves individually as possible. Be that by dying heir hair blonde, blue or whatever before the tournament, or not laying the ball off to a teammate in a better position - it happens too often and is down to ego I think.

Etebo, in our (Nigeria’s) midfield is a prime example. He is clearly talented, but finds it extremely difficult to keep the ball moving with one or two touches. If he does eventually pass he ball, it will be for after he’s held it for 4 seconds longer than he should have, looking for someone to twist and turn against to show that he’s good at twisting and turning. It slows the attack down, and often the chance has gone before it even comes because the pass doesn’t arrive. This type of poor decision making is so common, and European teams are programmed differently.

I think Senegal have a strong side, with good players in all departments. Ivory Coast are not in the WC but they have a good group too.

Nigeria sadly are short a good defender and centre forward. Perhaps we’ll get lucky and have a few of our eligible players not opting to play for England going forward. Someone like Adarabioyo, for example, is a commanding defender we could do with. I don’t really rate Tammy Abraham but he would have been a good option too.

 

[Sarni]

I think Morocco and Nigeria gave good accounts of themselves despite going out. You can’t really blame Morocco for failing to qualify from a group like this and they were very unlucky to not get anything against Iran and Portugal. Nigeria played well against Iceland and in the second half today, should have probably held on to this draw if it weren’t for Rojo’s one in a lifetime shot.

Jury is still out on Senegal. We didn’t even give them a proper game, they had one shot on target all game, which was to an empty net after our defensive error and scored the other goal through a massive deflection. Poland are not a match for anybody at this tournament. Against Japan they played solid but didn’t get a win in the end. They will have a big test on Thursday, let’s see how they cope.

Tunisia and Egypt were both quite awful. First result flattered Tunisia, England should have really hammered them by 2-3 goals easily. Egypt managed to keep up with Uruguay but Uruguay were bad in that game.

 

[TrustInJanuzaj]

Might be opening a can of worms here but the African teams still to me appear to have too much of a focus on physical attributes rather than technical players like many of the South American teams. Before my head is ripped off, I’m aware there have been exceptional African footballers that show imense technical abilities but I still don’t see enough of them in each side to form brilliant teams.

Ultimately the African teams in this tournament have played with heart, they are strong and powerful but they just don’t have the absolute quality that some of the other teams possess. Perhaps that is something that their footballing institutions need to tackle because history clearly shows that they can produce players like that.

 

[Loublaze]

Might be opening a can of worms here but the African teams still to me appear to have too much of a focus on physical attributes rather than technical players like many of the South American teams. Before my head is ripped off, I’m aware there have been exceptional African footballers that show imense technical abilities but I still don’t see enough of them in each side to form brilliant teams.

Ultimately the African teams in this tournament have played with heart, they are strong and powerful but they just don’t have the absolute quality that some of the other teams possess. Perhaps that is something that their footballing institutions need to tackle because history clearly shows that they can produce players like that.

I agree with this and was just making this same point in a conversation with some friends on Facebook.

 

[adexkola]

Might be opening a can of worms here but the African teams still to me appear to have too much of a focus on physical attributes rather than technical players like many of the South American teams. Before my head is ripped off, I’m aware there have been exceptional African footballers that show imense technical abilities but I still don’t see enough of them in each side to form brilliant teams.

Ultimately the African teams in this tournament have played with heart, they are strong and powerful but they just don’t have the absolute quality that some of the other teams possess. Perhaps that is something that their footballing institutions need to tackle because history clearly shows that they can produce players like that.

I see what you're saying. But then again, have you watched South American football (Copa America for example)? Their country and club football is physically dominating with the added flair on top.

 

[steve zizou]

Can't speak for other African countries but Ghana's been a sorry state since the fiasco from the last World Cup. The government literally dissolved the football association just before the this WC started after the FA president was filmed taking bribes and other officials taking money to fix matches. Most Ghanaians I know were actually happy the team didn't qualify as many long believed the team was being used as a cash cow for the men in charge. So Ghana qualifying and doing well just meant more money going into their pockets. Also, the players demanding the plane of cash to be flown to Brazil pretty much alienated the team from the fans. This happened at a time when teachers, doctors, nurses were all on strike after going months without pay. Attendances to games have severely dropped and the few who do attend (like in our must-win home game in the qualifiers), went there to cheer on the opposition.

 

[led_scholes]

Egypt was not that bad as the results suggest. They conceded in the last minute, then in the next game they concede a crazy own goal, which forced them to chase the game and after all this effort probably the players were psychologically shattered. Tunisia on the other hand could have lost by 10-0 in 2 games and no one would be surprised. Morocco the unluckiest of all though. I also don't understand the hype for Nigeria. They were nowhere to be seen until they were given an easy penalty. They were ok in general, but according to some people here before the tournament set off, they were a certain success.

 

[Sarni]

Can't speak for other African countries but Ghana's been a sorry state since the fiasco from the last World Cup. The government literally dissolved the football association just before the WC started after the FA president was filmed taking bribes and other officials taking money to fix matches. Most Ghanaians I know were actually happy the team didn't qualify as many long believed the team was being used as a cash cow. So Ghana qualifying and doing well just meant more money going into their pockets. Also, the players demanding the plane of cash to be flown to Brazil pretty much alienated the team from the fans. This happened at a time when teachers, doctors, nurses were all on strike after going months without pay. Attendances to games have severely dropped and the few who do attend (like in our must-win home game in the qualifiers), went there to cheer on the opposition.

I still can’t get over the way Ghana were knocked out in South Africa. They would have had a chance against Netherlands and it would have been just amazing to see them in semis.

 

[FootballHQ]

I still can’t get over the way Ghana were knocked out in South Africa. They would have had a chance against Netherlands and it would have been just amazing to see them in semis.

Looks like that will be their place in football history like Cameroon in 1990.

 

[el3mel]

Egypt was not that bad as the results suggest. They conceded in the last minute, then in the next game they concede a crazy own goal, which forced them to chase the game and after all this effort probably the players were psychologically shattered. Tunisia on the other hand could have lost by 10-0 in 2 games and no one would be surprised. Morocco the unluckiest of all though. I also don't understand the hype for Nigeria. They were nowhere to be seen until they were given an easy penalty. They were ok in general, but according to some people here before the tournament set off, they were a certain success.

It was an embarrassement of campaign for us. It's not just the embarrassing results. The camp was a big circus and there are several scandals in these 15 days we stayed in Russia that no many are know for foreigners. These 15 days made me wish Salah had never scored the penalty that made us qualify. I would have enjoyed the tounament. Actually I enjoyed it more when we weren't qualifying.

We didn't play much on World level, but in our few participation, in World Cup 90, Confederation Cup 1999, 2009 and Olympics 2012 the team usually did very well and got results or barely lost to big teams , and the supid results had certain reasons. In 90 we drew with European champions Netherlands 1-1 and barely lost to England in a hell of a group. In 1999 we were there only team who managed to avoid defeat against Mexico, drawing 2-2 and another 2-2 draw with Bolivia, and the loss to Saudi was due to 3 players getting sent off (Hazem Imam, Kamona and And El-Satar Sabry). In 2009 w lost in a thrilled with Brazil 4-3 (who won all maches in competition), defeat world champions Italy 1-0 and the loss to USA was after several injuries happened including the star Zidan. Finally in Olympics 2012 we qualified to the first KO round from a group that had Brazil (lost to them in another thriller 3-2) and lost to a much bette team in KO stage.

This is he first Egyptian team that went to an international competition and got embarrassed from the start to finish. Teible results, no proper football, lot's of scandals.

 

[Hansa]

We have problems with mentality. Personally, I don’t think we are typically professional enough. Players really see it as THEIR moment on the big stage, and will often try to draw as much attention to themselves individually as possible. Be that by dying heir hair blonde, blue or whatever before the tournament, or not laying the ball off to a teammate in a better position - it happens too often and is down to ego I think.

It was worse before, though. When watching African teams, we always waited for the inevitable attempts from 45 yards. Haven't really seen too much of that in the last decade or so.

 

[Njord]

Could the low level of their domestic league be a factor in this? When their players leave for clubs all over Europe at 18, I'll imagine it could be difficult to get everyone to pull in the same direction, with such variyng footballing educations

Also, going to Europe at that age is pretty much make it or break it. Because of this they may have 7 or 8 top class players, but at the same time lacking a pool of players right beneath the top tier, like many Europeean and South American teams have in their domestic league.

 

[Sterling Archer]

The Nigerian team is quite young. Decent showing this time around. Next World Cup will certainly be a good one for them .