The abscence
of a real outsider provided the expected depth in competition with no team
becoming the whipping boys of the tournament.
While naivity seems
to have disappeared from the Nations Cup scene many complained about the
careful approach of many teams which kept a third of the 24 group matches
scoreless. Indeed there was a tendency to save power and not agressively
attack opponents deep in their half at some teams but weather surely played
its role here.
The bumpy pitches
were another reason for some scrappy attacking performances. For example
the Ivorians played with three attackers but only achieved one late goal
in the tournament.
The domination of the
strongest West African sides plus Cameroon who play with European professionals
has even increased and the four semi-finalists conced only one goal on
their way to the semis altogether in 16 matches.
Like the Ivorians the
short passing football of the North Africans did not really get into gear
so that Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia were already knocked out in the group
stage while Egypt followed in the quarter finals.
As predicted the World
Cup preperations of three teams are now under heavy pressure and coaches
and players discussed. Especially Tunisia who looked so solid only weeks
ago seem to face a team in shambles. Where the impression left by the result
and the coaches statements is more negative than their play was. |
