somebody must have been doing the rain dance in africa. the rain was coming down again for this not very exciting game. don't jump to conclusions that these teams are boring or lack skill and/or ability. i am simply saying i have watched more entertaining games.
the game ended with a scoreless tie - so both teams will be able to continue competing. the ivory coast offense dominated in the first half for the most part. they weren't able to get into the penalty box for a good shot due to portugal playing solid defense. they did get into the box once but weren't able to get a good shot. the ivorians did take a strong shot from outside the penalty box but it was too high. they had a couple corner kicks without results and a few free kicks that were close but not good enough.
portugal was able to get into the penalty box for a couple attempts but the ivory coast goalkeeper made a couple good saves. although portugal had opportunities taking shots outside of the box, they were unable to score. they had set plays they could have capitalized on as well - but like the ivory coast they could not finish on free or corner kicks.
about 20 minutes into the first half there was a minor scuffle and a player from each team was issued a yellow card. the official failed to blow the whistle when a player felt there should have been a foul called. the verbal complaining did not cease so the official pulled out his cards and put it to rest. verbal complaints and comments seemed to diminish after that point - which i would assume was the officials intention.
the second half was a lot like the first with the exception of the ivory coast team getting more chances at close range. the offense made a nice cross into the box but the portugal keeper was able to punch it out. soon after they made another quality pass into the box but couldn't finish. the ivorian offense didn't seem to be playing with a sense of urgency. they had another couple of great crosses that couldn't be converted into goals because no other players were positioned to make the play. whatever the reason may it be fatigue or just being out of position - they were opportunities wasted that could have been goals. the defense for portugal had no problem clearing any cross that made its way into the area. they were able to get a nice shot off from outside the box after a throw in but that was saved as well. a few corner kicks for ivory coast were wasted and their offense was able to get a head on a free kick but there were no good results.
portugal found it difficult to get near the goal just the same with the exception of a nice play that would have been a goal had off sides not been called. the portugal offense had a cross come into the goal box area from the left side but the ivory coast keeper made a nice save. they had a nice shot from the outside that was denied along with several free kicks from outside the box that were not converted. portugal had a few corner kick opportunities that the ivorian defenders were able to deflect.
the most exciting part of the match was after regulation time had expired. during stoppage time both teams had chances with the portugal offense getting into the box to start. the ivory coast defended the attack and took advantage of their speed with a breakaway to the other end of the field for their own attempt on goal. portugal was able to get back and stop the breakaway. ivory coast continued to knock on the door making portugal scramble to hold them off. a whistle against portugal resulted in a free kick for ivory coast that they were not able to convert. the next whistle was for a corner kick for the ivory coast however at the same time play was stopped due to another teammate down with an injury.
the official blew the final whistle after the player was unable to get up and continue playing. the staff was waved onto the field to allow the player to be evaluated and treated. the situation was not ideal or fair since it was stoppage time and the official recognized that and blew the final whistle. the corner kick was not allowed but did not seem to be argued which is the correct reaction in my opinion.
both teams will have the opportunity to move on and another chance at a victory.
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