Asia and Africa beats Argentina and Brazil?

In 1996, Zagalo entered the Olympic with a dream Brazilian team to win the only title that Brazil never won so far. That team was almost the one that won the world cup in 2002. It had Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Dida, Bebeto, and many other stars.

I used to say for people who doubts the big progress of the AfroAsian football, that the time came when we see Brazil loses to a team from Asia (first round Brazil lost to Japan 0-1) and a team from Africa (SF Brazil lost to Nigeria 3-4) in a span of two weeks.

Of course, football in these two continents still lacks a lot of discipline, organization and consistency, but you never know when you face a team that can surprises you. Some countries also got big discipline and consistency, that is Japan in Asia. Mondial after the other and almost for every age group, I start seeing wonderful Japanese team.

Today, for the WC U17, Japan introduced to us a team that topped its group that includes Argentina and France. Japan managed to beat Argentina 3-1 to face New Zealand in the second round.

Ivory Coast was only 30 seconds away from beating Brazil and topping its group. Brazil scored a goal in the 92nd minute to tie with Ivory Coast 3-3 after a wonderful game. Brazil goals were scored because of a lousy performance from the African keeper. However, Souleymane Coulibaly scored a hattrick for the Ivorian team, and in a very special way. Every goal of the three was of a world class. My favorite was the second one, with a Romario style touch.



Coulibaly scored 8 goals so far in this World Cup, he scored all of the 8 goals for his team, including that hattrick against Brazil and a super hattrick against Denmark in a 4-2 victory. This video shows Souleymane all 8 goals so far in the tournament,

Posted in: African Football,Goals and Skills,World Cup