Messi, France, and the FIFA World Cup Final

18-12-2022 – An outlandish display of euphoria. Emotions rose high in the Asian weather, and the splendid Qatari ambiance. The excitement. The nervousness. A game of 90 minutes, split into two halves of 45 minutes each. This particular one has wiggled out of its standard definition, and it has taken on sensational attributes. This FIFA world cup final has defied imagination. It has exceeded expectations. Crackling. Sparkling. Dazzling. Nerve-racking display of soaring footballing competence. It will take off into its own life, becoming unusually lively and perhaps even delighted by its own whim. THE FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL!!! 

In pubs, classrooms, and offices, people will talk forever about that night- that stellar night in Lusail, Qatar.  People will talk about how Messi- in all magnificence and distinction propelled Argentina to their 3rd world cup triumph. Folks will laud Kylian “the bold” Mbappe for how he changed the contest so that you had to commend the loser as well. And children will forever talk about the final that produced 6 goals- more than any final in history. Argentines will praise Martinez, the hero, who stood tall in goal, keeping goals out in service to the Argentines’ grand conquest.  Men will talk about Scaloni, people will praise Deschamps, and people will say ‘truly, this is a contest worth the hype’. 

and it continues

Among the technically savvy fans, there would be arguments about tactics and nifty managerial decisions. They would talk of Scaloni’s technical brilliance starting Angel Di Maria, who constantly created havoc on the left side of the french defense. He caused a penalty, which Messi converted while he himself got on the scoresheet minutes later. Or perhaps they will discuss the substitutes made by France in the 41st minute, which included the tremendous energy of 24-year-old Randal Kolo Muani and 25-year-old Marcus Thuram. The game included a sliver of justice, as Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel, whose play of the ball with his arm in the 118th minute led to a penalty and a goal from Mbappé that tied the score and delayed a victory 10 minutes after Messi had scored and appeared to have just gotten one, ended up securing that victory with the final penalty kick.

Messi holding the fifa world cup trophy and the golden ball award after Argentina defeated France on penalty kicks
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina admires the FIFA World Cup Trophy at the awards ceremony during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022, in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)

“Montiel… Argentina, champions of the world. Again. At last. And the nation will tango all night long. 36 years ago since Maradona and Mexico, here finally is a nation’s new throng of immortals. Scaloni will be fated, Messi will be sainted” – Peter Drury.

Messi, Argentina, and the World Cup Final

This is not just about Messi. This is about every believer, every fan, every supporter, every fan-boy, and also, the fan girl who dreamt of this day.  The sweat of football gladiators, who wear jerseys instead of armor, and kick balls instead of drawing swords.

All eyes will now turn to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the hosts of the 2026 world cup. A different ambiance, another culture, same sport. Pressure will now mount upon these countries to replicate Qatar’s achievements. We will talk about this in 2026. Meanwhile, Argentina, the WORLD CHAMPIONS will savor the next 4 years. These events will have a huge place in their history.
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Super Eagles Destroy Sao Tome and Principe

Nigeria’s Super Eagles destroy Sao Tome and Principe 10-0 on Monday afternoon. This massive win increases our chances of qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 10-0! Most of us couldn’t believe our eyes. Lol. It was a match most didn’t even watch. Many didn’t even know there was a match to begin with. Imagine the shock to see the news of a 10-0 victory. Well, it really happened!

Firstly, you wouldn’t blame supporters of the Super Eagles. Football is a game of passion, and it does affect people. It is why Arsenal fans who are Nigerian should be national treasures. Those guys are trying please. Anyway, as a result, Victor Osimhen’s four goals, Terem Moffi’s brace and goals from Moses Simon, Peter Etebo, Ademola Lookman, and Emmanuel Dennis completed the obliteration at the Stade Adrar in Morocco.

Subsequently, by the time the dust settled, it was a whooping 10-0 demolition. This scoreline is Nigeria’s biggest win ever in a competitive game, beating the previous record of a 10-1 win over Dahomey (Benin) recorded in 1959. Victor Osimhen also bagged four goals and his first ever hat-trick in a Nigeria shirt. The Napoli striker has bagged five goals in two games of the AFCON 2023 Group A qualifiers after his goal saw Nigeria secure all points against Sierra Leone along with his four tonight in Agadir as the Super Eagles destroy Sao Tome and Principe.

Consequently, there are already strong comparisons between Victor Osimhen and Rasheed Yekini. To clarify, Victor Osimhen has now scored 15 goals in just 22 games for the Super Eagles. Who knows, he may be the one who will break Rasheed Yekini’s record of 37 goals for Nigeria with the way he’s going.

What Does This Mean?

As a result, it’s a solid start for the Jose Peseiro era on the Nigeria bench as the Portuguese racks up two wins and 12 goals in his first two competitive matches in charge of the Super Eagles.

Nigeria now lead Group A with six points from two matches, while the Central Africans remain at the base of the log with no points. The Super Eagles continue their campaign against Guinea-Bissau in September.

We know you can’t wait. This is where we come in. Pay your TV Subscriptionbuy electricity units now with VTpass so you do not miss out on any of the qualifying matches for AFCON 2023.

Champions League: Liverpool, Bayern Through

On Tuesday night, while the world celebrated the International Women’s Day 2022, in the Champions League, Liverpool and Bayern went through to the quarter final of the competition. Yes. The part we love is here. Things only get good from here on. More heavyweight clashes. And more heartbreak for the team on the losing end. The draw for the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals and semi-finals will be streamed live on UEFA.com from midday CET on Friday 18 March. But before that, here are our match reviews.

Liverpool vs Inter:

Liverpool came into this game bringing a two goal advantage from the first leg played in Italy. Inter, however, were not down and out. And even playing in front of the Kop at Anfield was not enough to ruffle them, as they brought the fight to Liverpool. An outstanding finish by Lautaro Martinez was not enough for the Italian champions as the late goals by Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah in the first leg in Milan three weeks ago proved decisive.

The first half was anybody’s game. Although no one could guide the ball into the net. Subsequently, Inter took the lead in the second half however. Martinez gave Alisson no chance with an arrowed finish from 20 yards in the 61st minute. And the comeback dream was alive. At least for the whole of two minutes.

But Inter’s hopes of forcing extra time with a second goal faded when former Arsenal and Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez lunged into a tackle. Consequently, he earned his second yellow and was sent off. Joel Matip and Salah struck the bar a total of three times as Liverpool slumped to their first defeat at Anfield in a year. However, they were victors on the night. The victory in Italy was enough. 2:1 to Liverpool on aggregate. Game on in the Champions League.

Bayern vs Salzburg

Bayern, surprisingly outclassed in the first leg, showed no mercy in the second. Having a 1:1 draw courtesy Kingsley Coman’s last minute equaliser in Austria, they asserted their dominance here. This is the Bayern we know. Robert Lewandowski scored the earliest hat-trick in Champions League history as Bayern Munich destroyed Red Bull Salzburg 7-1 to reach the last eight of the competition. 8:2 on aggregate. Demolition!

 Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller (2) netting his 52nd Champions League goal, and Leroy Sane completed the rout. With this performance, Bayern have sent yet another warning at all the other teams who will be joining them in the quarter final draw. Get paired with us at your own peril. So as it stands now in the Champions League: Liverpool, Bayern through to the quarter finals, other results to come.

With Manchester City, Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain set to play today, we can help you make your Cable TV paymentspay electricity billsbuy airtime and data easily with VTpass now so you don’t miss out on any of the action.

Atletico, United, Benfica and Ajax Held

It was a pulsating night of Champion’s League football as Atletico, United, Benfica and Ajax were held in the first leg of their last 16 match. What a night! What a game! Amazing couple of games they were. Evenly matched were the teams. It served for a thrilling couple of games. And it’s anyone’s guess as to who is making it to the quarter final as Atletico, United, Benfica and Ajax were all held to draws. All level!

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United

Like we anticipated, United were seeking to emulate the three other English sides left in the Champions League by securing a first-leg lead in the first knockout round. And interim coach Ralf Rangnick said on the eve of the trip to Madrid that he was prioritising this competition. Strong words. However, his side fell behind to a beautiful goal by Joao Felix within seven minutes of kick-off in Spain.

Having cleared the initial corner, Atleti left-back Renan Lodi swung in a cross from the left that Joao Felix raced past Harry Maguire to greet with a stunning header that went in off the near post. Indeed, it was stunning. United’s goalie was rooted to a spot. Subsequently, teenage sensation Anthony Elanga came to Manchester United’s rescue. Firstly, he latched onto Bruno Fernandes’ pass. Secondly, he reversed his shot across Jan Oblak into the bottom corner. Wheeling away, jubilant scenes followed.

That goal claimed an unlikely 1-1 draw for Manchester United at Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in the Spanish capital. All square. Half time. Game on!

Benfica vs Ajax

Meanwhile, in the midst of the Ukraine-Russia saga, Ukraine international Roman Yaremchuk saved Benfica after Ajax’s Sebastien Haller scores at both ends. As a result, it’s still all to play for. Not only did the free scoring Haller take his tally in this season’s competition to 11 goals in seven games, he also contributed an own goal in a pulsating clash at the Estádio da Luz. Born goal scorer!

Ajax were ahead after 18 minutes through their captain, Dusan Tadic, but an unfortunate own goal from Haller levelled matters seven minutes later. Not for long though. Haller made amends in the 29th minute. Benfica would level matters again though. A second-half header from substitute Roman Yaremchuk ensured a draw for the hosts and a boost to their hopes in the second leg next month. It’s still all to play for at the Amsterdam Arena on 15 March.

The last 16 first leg of matches are complete. Some teams have one foot in the Quarter final already, others still have it all to play for. You won’t have to wait too long however. Just make your Cable TV paymentspay electricity billsbuy airtime and data easily with VTpass now so you don’t miss out on any of the beautiful action when it resumes on Tuesday, March 8.

Chelsea Win, Juventus Held

It was matchday 3 in the Champion’s League round of 16 and we saw Chelsea win as Juventus were held. The Champion’s League has been kind to English clubs this season as all 3 who have played have recorded wins. And if Manchester United win on Wednesday, all 4 would have recorded wins. Incredible! English clubs seem to be coming into their own in this competition.

You would recall we had an all-English final last season. Could we be looking at another? Too early to call I presume. Well, this season’s Champion’s League has not failed us yet. And on matchday 3, we saw Chelsea win and Juventus held as they both played their first leg matches.

Chelsea vs Lille

Chelsea seized control of their Champions League last-16 tie with Lille, putting in a no-nonsense display as goals from Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic secured a 2-0 win in the first leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. Havertz had already missed two good chances by the time he rose to meet Hakim Ziyech’s corner unmarked to put the newly crowned World Champions in front after eight minutes. And although Lille, who were making it to the last 16 for the first time in 15 years, were impressive, Chelsea extended their advantage when Pulisic ran onto N’Golo Kante’s pass to beat Leo Jardim in the 63rd minute. Consequently, Chelsea can now head to France in 3 weeks feeling like they have one foot in the Quarter Final already.

Villareal vs Juventus

Free-scoring Dusan Vlahovic scored inside the first minute of his Champions League debut for Juventus. Insane, right? Vlahovic made his European bow for Juve after his £66.6 million January move from Fiorentina and needed just 33 seconds to put the visitors ahead in Spain. It’s the second-fastest goal ever for a Champions League debutant.

With clear cut chances few and far between, Dani Parejo earned a 1-1 draw for Villarreal in the first leg of their last-16 clash. Subsequently, Villareal looked more likely to score. They grew in confidence. Probed and probed the Juve defence. But there was to be no other breakthrough. The tie ended 1-1, leaving things finely poised for the second leg in Turin in three weeks time.

So, on matchday 3, Chelsea win and Juventus are held. The Champions League continues today, with Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Benfica and Ajax all in action. That’s where we come in. Make your Cable TV paymentspay electricity billsbuy airtime and data easily with VTpass so you don’t miss out on any of the beautiful action.

Liverpool Shine, Bayern Held

Matchday 2 of the Champions League round of 16 matches saw Liverpool, Inter, Bayern and Salzburg lock horns. Champions League nights are the best. Tuesday night had seen PSG, Real Madrid, Man City and Sporting battle. Or at least try, as Sporting were swept away. Matchday 2 brought more excitement. Liverpool shine, Bayern held. And we loved it.

Salzburg vs Bayern

We didn’t expect this result. Bayern, six time winners were held to a 1-1 draw with Salzburg on the night. We are used to seeing Bayern run roughshod over lesser teams in the competition. Even elite teams are usually not spared. Such is their efficiency. That deserted them on the night however.

Substitute Chukwubuike Adamu put the Austrian underdogs ahead after 21 minutes and it looked for a while like Bayern would see their record unbeaten away run in the competition end at 21 games. Bayern were shocked. They tried to restore parity but, in all honesty, Salzburg looked like the more dangerous side, coming close to adding another. Subsequently, Bayern got their equaliser. Kingsley Coman, their brightest player on the night, latched onto Thomas Muller’s flick on to drill home at the far post and score a last minute equaliser. This sets the tone for the second leg nicely now. Subsequently, will we see an upset, or will Bayern come back strongly? Tuesday March 8 is the date.

Inter vs Liverpool

Liverpool defeated Inter Milan at the San Siro to go one step closer to progressing to the quarter final. Firstly, we all expected it to be honest. Consequently, Inter’s display was noteworthy however. Initially, the game started evenly, with both sides applying pressure high up the pitch. Inter almost took the lead through Hakan Calhanoglu, but his thumping strike from close-range struck the bar after 16 minutes. Inter looked dangerous.

Subsequently, the home side began the second half on the front foot but couldn’t take advantage of their dominance. Eventually, they were made to rue this. Liverpool took the lead against the run of play 15 minutes from time. Andy Robertson’s corner was met by the head of substitute Roberto Firmino, who glanced the ball in with a well-timed header. That goal proved to be the turning point, as Liverpool doubled their lead eight minutes later, Mohamed Salah’s deflected shot found the back of the net. Jurgen Klopp’s side will now go into the second leg at Anfield in a fortnight confident of progressing.

So Liverpool shine and Bayern are held. The Champions League continues next week, with Chelsea, Juventus, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid yet to play.. This is where we come in. Make your Cable TV paymentspay electricity billsbuy airtime and data easily with VTpass so you don’t miss out on any of the beautiful action.

Champions League: Man City, Sporting, PSG and Madrid In Action

The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 ties went underway yesterday as Man City went head to head with Sporting, and PSG welcomed Real Madrid to Paris. What a night! The Champions League is back after a 3-month break. And it was like it never left.

Man City vs Sporting

When the round of 16 draws were made, I said City couldn’t have asked for an easier tie. I was proven right yesterday. City, in blistering form right now, went 4-0 up in the first half. Sporting, the home side, were outmatched and outclassed in every department. Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring in the 7th minute. VAR awarding the goal after a review. Bernardo Silva scored either side of a Phil Foden strike. By the time Raheem Sterling scored in the 58th minute, the entire tie was done and dusted. City sent a message to the rest of Europe. This was no beating, it was a destruction. It was clear. It was loud. They are coming. And they are taking no prisoners.

PSG vs Real Madrid

It was the Mbappe show. Paired against Real Madrid, after being initially paired against United, this tie was written in the stars. So many sub texts. Firstly, Angel Di Maria was facing Madrid again. Secondly, Real’s former captain, Sergio Ramos was coming home. Though sadly, he missed out to injury. Thirdly, Messi was facing Madrid. And though it was the first he wasn’t in Barcelona colours against them, the plot was written for him to be their nemesis once again. Lastly, Mbappe, possibly transferring to Madrid, had an opportunity to give them a first-hand experience of what he brought to the table. While all the other subtexts underwhelmed, with Messi even missing a second half penalty won by Mbappe, it was the young star who shone the brightest. And so it was that his brilliant, solo 94th minute goal finally settled the first leg tie. PSG 1, Madrid 0.

Ronaldo Ends Goal Drought

United took on Brighton on Tuesday night. No, it wasn’t a Champion’s League match. The match had been rescheduled from December following a Covid19 outbreak in the United camp. United are a side in distress, even with Ralf Rangnick covering till end of season. By the end of the first half, they didn’t seem like doing better than the draws they had gotten from their last 3 games. Until Ronaldo did his thing in the second half. Skipping past 3 Brighton players, he pummelled home from the edge of the area to score his first goal of 2022. His compatriot, Bruno Fernandes made it 2 seconds to the end of the match. And with that, United go into the Top four again, although they will face stiff opposition from clubs like Arsenal who have 3 games in hand.

The Champions League continues. and to get in on all the action, just make your Cable TV paymentspay electricity billsbuy airtime and data easily with VTpass. It’s as easy as click, pay and go to experience a world of endless entertainment.

Senegal Crowned African Champions

Senegal have been crowned African Champions. After one month of enthralling football. What an amazing night it was. Senegal beat Egypt to win what has been a thrilling tournament and be crowned African Champions in Cameroon. Four weeks of competition down, the final saw the continent’s two best players in Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah compete for a first international honour, with both star forwards having played integral roles in their respective nation’s run to the final.

Firstly, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah proved their worth as Africa’s two best forwards. Secondly, it was impressive for Egypt to make it to the final. This team was beaten in their opening group match. This feat is amazing. On the other hand, Nigeria were group leaders but tumbled out immediately after winning the group. Egypt went on to book a final with Senegal. And they set the stage for the battle of the Liverpool forwards.

How it happened

It was always going to be about them. Written in the stars. They knew it. Their countries knew it. The entire African continent knew it. The rivalry between Liverpool’s duo dominated the build-up to the final, and came to the fore within six minutes.

Firstly, Senegal got a penalty. Consequently, two minutes elapsed during which Mo Salah briefed his goalie where Mane would most likely dispatch. Most importantly, it worked. As a result, Mane blasted directly at the keeper. In other words, Egypt’s game plan would have been ripped up had Mané scored.

However, over the course of 120 minutes, no one could find the breakthrough. Not Egypt, with their rugged and brave defending. Likewise Senegal, adventurous but without imagination.

Egypt had been the penalty masters defeating Ivory Coast and Cameroon earlier in the tournament. However, their luck ran out when it mattered. First Abdelmoneim struck the post, and although Senegal’s Bouna Sarr shot was also saved, Mendy facilitated Mané’s shot at redemption. This time the Liverpool man took no chances, striking low and fiercely to Abdelmoneom’s right to spark joyous scenes in the stadium and his home country.

Egypt’s Mo Salah was left in tears. He had teed himself up for the 5th penalty, which he never got to take. The penalty shootout had already been over by then. Game over. The victory was no more than Senegal deserved after dominating for long periods only to be denied repeatedly by Egypt goalkeeper Gabaski (Man of the match) as the game finished goalless after 120 gruelling minutes. Mane’s winning kick sparked jubilant scenes for Senegal and deep disappointment for Egypt.

What’s Next?

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Super Eagles Crash Against Tunisia

On Sunday, the hopes of a nation were dashed against the rocks as the Super Eagles crashed out of the AFCON against Tunisia. Wow! We sincerely didn’t see that coming. And this was supposed to be the dream team. Nigerians were just beginning to hope. I honestly was already looking forward to the semi finals. Sadly, that was not to be the case.

We were still basking in the euphoria of taking 9 points out of a possible 9 in the group, stages. What more? We got to troll Ghana as they exited the Nations Cup. Then, came the news that Nigeria was to play Ghana in the World Cup qualifier playoffs. We were already making mouth as to how we would destroy the pride of our Ghanaian brothers.

Sunday came. On the other hand, paired against Tunisia, one of the best losers who managed to qualify with a mere 3 points, this was supposed to be a walkover of a game. In addition, the Tunisian team were covid-hit and had limited players available. However, for a side that won all three of their group games and even rested the majority of their stars for their previous match, tournament favourites Nigeria looked out of ideas in the face of some heroic defending.

Subsequently, things went from bad to worse, as substitute Alex Iwobi was shown the red card. Umar Sadiq had the best chance to add to the cup’s growing repertoire of late drama, only to see his shot roll across the face of the goal and wide of the far-post. In conclusion, it wasn’t the night for the Super Eagles, who had their wings clipped against Tunisia

What’s Next?

So, it is what feels like an early exit. Back to the drawing board for Nigeria’s Eagles. Sunday was a dark day, especially if you are an Arsenal fan, who dropped precious points again in the race for the top 4 in the premier league, and can’t seem to win a game at the moment.

Nigeria is out, but you can still keep up with the action at this year’s AFCON. Make your Cable TV paymentspay electricity billsbuy airtime and data easily with VTpass. It’s as easy as click, pay and go to stay connected and enjoy the 2021 AFCON action live!

Super Eagles Soaring at AFCON

On Wednesday night, we got to witness the Super Eagles of Nigeria soar to a 2 – 0 win against Guinea Bissau in their third game of the group stages of the AFCON. The eagles in doing so, became the only side at this year’s AFCON to record a 100% record in the group stages. The only side. That’s some feat!

Nigeria had already won the group before kick-off, reward for victories recorded against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt and Sudan. It’s the first time that the super eagles of Nigeria have won all three AFCON group matches since 2006. Champions in 1980, 1984 and 2013, is it too early to start dreaming of a fourth?

Time will tell. Nigeria is definitely up there though with the likes of Cameroon and Senegal as one of the tournament favourites. And with their record, many sides will be looking to avoid them when the last 16 draw is done.

Hope or Not?

While there are still some good teams in the competition, the Super Eagles go into the draw full of confidence. This team has done well for themselves. Considering the fact that they have played 3, scored 6, and gotten 9 points out of a possible 9, they have done well indeed. What more? They are actually playing good football. This actually looks like a team, rather than the usual composition of individuals we are used to getting.

Truth is, many of us wrote them off before they even kicked a ball. We have had our hearts broken too many times that optimism was on very short supply. However, this current crop have us believing again.

Whichever way it goes, don’t miss out on any of the action at this year’s AFCON. You can easily make your Cable TV paymentspay electricity billsbuy airtime and data with VTpass. It’s as easy as click, pay and go to pay your bills, stay connected, and enjoy the 2021 AFCON action live!