Izuchukwu Okosi
The performance of Antoine Griezmann thrilled former Nigerian defender, Ifeanyi Udeze as he expressed delight with Morocco’s semifinal outing against France in the during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He noted that the Atlas Lions made it a difficult night for the world champions.
France beat Morocco 2-0 Wednesday night to reach the World Cup final and set up a final showdown against Argentina inspired by six-time Ballon D’Or winner.
Theo Hernandez and substitute Randal Lolo Muani scored for the French to ensure that the final against Argentina will be one of the biggest games in prospect.
Udeze was one of the analysts for Brila FM, Lagos on the game and he bared his thoughts on some of the key players for both nations.
“(Kylian) Mbappe at some point didn’t have much to do. That means he’s doing job (Hakimi) of keeping him busy,” Udeze said in agreement with Brila FM Managing Director and Chief Executive, Dr Larry Izamoje.
“The idea is either we plant a man to follow him or keep him out of the match,” the former Nigerian left back further stated. On Antoine Griezmann, Udeze said: “Griezmann is a kind of player every coach wants. He runs everywhere, attacking wise and defensively. He does a very good job for the team,” Udeze noted.
The Morocco side will play against Croatia in the 3rd place final while Argentina and France contest both starting at 8 p.m. Nigerian time on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Udeze was part of Nigeria’s squad to the FIFA World Cup in 2002 Co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, where Nigeria crashed out at the group stage of the tournament.
The Super Eagles coached by Adegboye Onigbibde had lost to Argentina (1-0) and Sweden (2-1) before a goalless (0-0) draw against England.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
