If Russia's game was anything to go by, then we may have a ruckus of a tournament: one filled with goals. Arab money couldn't save the day, as Vlad Putin's grandkids thumped the Middle-Easterns 5-0. Today's games? Well, I could tell you Mo' Salah is fit to play.
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| Bet you've seen this many a times. |
Uruguay V Egypt is the first game of the day(12:30 pm). Long-serving coach Oscar Tabarez has the big guns in Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani raring to go in attack. What a combo that is: more than 80 goals between the two players in the just-concluded club season. Beware El-Hadary. The Egyptian goalie could be playing what would most likely be his last tournament for his country. The South Americans have a decent qualifying campaign, just finishing behind favourites Brazil. One man in particular, has a date with destiny, you could say. Redemption bids for the Barcelona man this time round. He can't get the Golden Boot, yeah? Did I hear someone say Golden Boot? African road runner Mo' Salah comes into the fiesta on the back of 44 goals for Klopp's Merseyside boyband. Wow. Hector Cuper's branded him as the most important player for his team, many see him as the next Ballon D'Or winner. Talk about compliments. With supporting casts in Mo' Elneny and mercurial midfielder Shikabala, the coronation for Egypt's poster boy couldn't be closer. An aging Uruguay defence marshalled by Captain Diego Godin what the doctor ordered for the speedster. Game should be a cracker? Over 3.5?
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| Just sign that Ramos' petition, Mr Gianni. |
Morocco and Iran kick off Group B later today (4:00pm Nigerian Time). French-born head coach Herve Renard (with two AFCONs on his belt) comes with the meanest defence in the continent (more than 4 shutouts in qualifying). can't get past this opposition? He'll have to pray Hakim Ziyech doesn't pick his. The current Dutch Footballer of the Year, who's been likened to Dane artisan Christian Eriksen holds the key to most locks. Portuguese-born head coach Carlos Queiroz has tapped into his inner Brian Tracy, saying Nike's decision to cut his side's kit supply, motivates his team, and has brought them together. Silver lining for the Middle-Easterns?
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| "I'll have Number 6 please". |
And yes, the one you've been waiting for. Spain V Portugal, or preferably, Spain V CR7. Portugal's all-time record goalscorer squares up against a team dominated by his Real Madrid teammates. Lopetegui's his new club manager. Talk about different sides to a game. Some Cules are calling for Ramos to pull out Cristiano's arm sometime during the game. Diego Costa has a point to prove, given his barren last World Cup. Isco y Asensio? Don't you forget the magician-supreme Andres Iniesta. Whatever happens tonight (7:00pm Nigerian Time) we know it'll be worth it. Only the brave call this one: I'm sticking with Portugal to get past this Spanish side.
So, whatever it is you're doing, make sure you stop soon. There's another dose of the fiesta on its way. Salah v Suarez, Cris V Spain. Oh yeah, the Argentine alien comes in tomorrow. Yippee!
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