The Europeans’ goals were very soft and easy. Like
many seen so far, they were generated from the left flank. They retreated too
much and too often but managed a few dangerous counters. Cristiano Ronaldo
struck a post with a cross due to lack of Ghanaian pressing on the right. He received
a cross from the right and forced a great save from Dauda when he headed
towards goal from point blank range.
The Africans had to execute a well orchestrate
counter attack for their goal. Poor crossing from the right and the lack of
quality on the final pass characterised the first half. Gyan forced an excellent
save from Beto with a right-footed shot. Otherwise, the match became subdued
and dull at the beginning of the second.
Ghana could have been punished harder as they were
guilty of very short and square passes at the back. What makes this a cause of
concern is the fact that Nigeria and Cameroon were found wanting in the same
areas with the same behaviour. Cote D’Ivoire too, are not innocent.
The match
grew in stature after the goal. The counter attack on the left with Andre Ayew
set up the goal. He played Kwadwo Asamoah who belted a left-footed cross with
his outside of the foot to pick up Gyan’s run. Gyan headed the ball down past
an air-borne Beto.
Portugal attacked the left flank and and delievered
a cross that the defenders failed to clear. The headed ball went into a 12o’clock
position and Dauda palmed it into the feet of Ronaldo who hit a first time shot
to make it 2-1. Ronaldo had great chances but Dauda put a man-of-the-match performance.
It was Waris who squandered the best chance as he head wide with a glaring goal
after a Gyan cross from the left.
The goals were a result of poor marking, no pressing
on the man taking shots or crosses.
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