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| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by P0intBlank(m): 7:42am On Jun 10, 2015 |
Didn't know the Malians were this good. This victory was no fluke. It was well deserved. For those who missed the action u can click on this link to see the highlights. All 3 goals were well constructed, the last one was messi-esque. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCbC5Mxo8FI&feature=youtube_gdata_player 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by mrham03(m): 7:44am On Jun 10, 2015 |
Badosqi:btw did u check the head to head record btn mali and ghana? |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by femi9naija(m): 7:48am On Jun 10, 2015 |
Wednesday Jun 10, 2015. 07:55 KAA Gent of Belgium forward Moses Simon is expected to get his first start for the Flying Eagles against Germany in an U20 World Cup Round of 16 showdown in Christchurch Thursday. Belgian champion this past season, Simon, one of two Flying Eagles players who have already been capped at full international level by Nigeria, played his first match at the 2015 World Cup when he was introduced in the second half against Hungary on Sunday. His late arrival to the team is believed to have caused his late start with the Nigeria U20s in New Zealand. He could start in place of either Godwin Saviour or Bernard Bulbwa as a second striker behind Taiwo Awoniyi. Otherwise, the Flying Eagles will stick with the starting XI for their last two matches against North Korea and Hungary AFRICANFOOTBALL.com |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by joseph1013: 7:48am On Jun 10, 2015 |
[size=14pt]Moses Simon set for first Flying Eagles start[/size]  KAA Gent of Belgium forward Moses Simon is expected to get his first start for the Flying Eagles against Germany in an U20 World Cup Round of 16 showdown in Christchurch Thursday. Belgian champion this past season, Simon, one of two Flying Eagles players who have already been capped at full international level by Nigeria, played his first match at the 2015 World Cup when he was introduced in the second half against Hungary on Sunday. His late arrival to the team is believed to have caused his late start with the Nigeria U20s in New Zealand. He could start in place of either Godwin Saviour or Bernard Bulbwa as a second striker behind Taiwo Awoniyi. Otherwise, the Flying Eagles will stick with the starting XI for their last two matches against North Korea and Hungary. AFRICANFOOTBALL.COM |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by psamies24(m): 7:48am On Jun 10, 2015 |
...and the Hungarians are sent packing! Needful to know that the Serbians played the whole of extra time with 10men and still nicked that winning strike. They weren't 'easy opponents' as we had envisaged. 1 Like |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by Icon4s(m): 8:00am On Jun 10, 2015 |
mrham03: Portugal, Brazil, Germany and Nigeria. Are u sure we stand taller than d other 3 teams? Infact even if we beat Germany we are still nt favorites if Brasil and Portugal also win their games. At this stage of d competition u cannot b claiming to b favorites of a Championship u have never won. Portugal are twice winners and Brazil have won 4times plus both teams have an excellent outing thus far. For me we are top 4 favourites for now Talking abt being cinvinced abt how dey play. I have seen better Flying Eagles than these. Did u watch d 1989 and 2005sets?Yet both teams didnt win it. Go and search for some of their matches and come back tell me ur observations. |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by joseph1013: 8:03am On Jun 10, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt]Late own goal steers Serbia through[/size]  Dramatic goals late in normal and extra-time saw Serbia scrape through to the FIFA U-20 World Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over Hungary. Bence Mervo's second-half strike following a Hungarian breakaway saw the Magyars go ahead, and a splendid performance from goalkeeper Gyorgy Szekely looked to have put them through. But Ivan Saponjic struck right at the death to level the game, which was no more than Serbia deserved, and in the dying embers of extra-time the unfortunate Attila Talaber put through his own net to send Hungary home. Right from the off Serbia looked to be the fresher of the pair, having had an extra day's rest, though chances were in short supply during the initial passages of play. The first opening came after a good interchange between Stanisa Mandic and Nemanja Maksimovic saw the latter's stooping header flash wide, and it was a taste of things to come. Szekely had needed to be on his toes throughout, and he required every bit of his 6ft frame as he superbly clawed away Sasa Zdeljar's toe-poked effort, which looked bound for the top corner. He then was forced to twice deny Mandic as he proved the only reason the sides couldn't be separated at the break. Just over ten minutes after the restart the breakthrough was made, and it came against the run of play. Initially, superb work down the left flank by Nemanja Antonov saw him make space to cut the ball back to Filip Jankovic, but he badly mis-hit his shot from 12 yards. A lightning-quick breakaway punished them, ending with Zsolt Kalmar cutting the ball back for the lethal Mervo to put Hungary ahead. The flow of the game didn't change though, with the Magyars trying to hold firm under some unrelenting pressure from their European counterparts. Zsoter spurned a chance to double their lead and Mandic continued his personal battle with Szekely as he forced the keeper into another save, this time low to his right. The balls into the box continued to rain down and finally, with seconds remaining, Serbia found a breakthrough. A corner swung into the left dropped perfectly on to the head of Saponjic, who had found a pocket of space, and the ball nestled into the top corner. But that joy was tempered somewhat when team-mate Milan Galic saw red for his second booking of the night before the game went into extra time. With Serbia a man down the game was a much more even affair and, as legs tired, there was just one, vital moment of goalmouth action. Saponjic proved to be key again, as his drilled cross from the right wickedly flicked off the boot of Talaber, leaving Szekely stranded and looping in into the far corner. Serbia now head to Auckland's North Harbour Stadium, where they will take on the winners of Colombia-USA in the last eight. FIFA.COM[/b] |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by LeeCodeman: 8:04am On Jun 10, 2015 |
Wow...I'm excited to see Simon Moses play. Germany in trouble! 2 Likes |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by LeeCodeman: 8:05am On Jun 10, 2015 |
TheSuperNerd: Kudos bro. All the best!  |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by joseph1013: 8:15am On Jun 10, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt]Fancied trio target last eight[/size]  With one half of the quarter-finals already set in stone by the time a ball is kicked on Matchday 11, the latter stages of New Zealand 2015 will already be taking shape but the three favourites will arguably still be absent. The day is set to feature some intriguing battles as regional heavyweights collide, well-acquainted neighbours cross paths and the hosts will try to break even more new ground. With plenty of excitement guaranteed as the final eight are confirmed, FIFA.com previews four great games. Match of the day Germany-Nigeria, Christchurch, 11 June 2015, 19.30 (local time) This clash of continental champions promises an awful lot on paper. Both have looked in superb form so far, with Nigeria's defeat to Brazil the only blemish from the pair's entire tournament. They've hit 24 goals between them so far, with the Europeans setting a new record for the group stage with their staggering haul of 16 in three games. It will be an intriguing meeting of styles too, with Germany's incisive and probing passing play sitting opposite the electrifying counter-attacks of Nigeria. Both are built to attack and all signs point to a superb knockout tie. Germany have seen their goal breached just twice so far, but the only question mark above their head lies in the fact they haven't faced a serious challenge yet, while Nigeria are more than warmed up after the challenges of Group E. The other matches The all-South American clash between Brazil and Uruguay also promises much. The pair met twice this year in the continental qualifiers, with La Celeste earning a 2-0 win alongside a 0-0 draw as they finished ahead of their neighbours. Here though A Seleção have looked in fine fettle, and it will be intriguing to see if the winds have truly changed when they meet. Having already made history by reaching this stage, New Zealand have had a tournament to remember. Should they break even more new ground it will be one to truly savour, as an imperious Portugal side stand in their way. With a 100 per cent record so far they stand as one of the favourites, so a win for the hosts would rank up there with one of the upsets of the tournament. The day begins though with the clash between Austria and Uzbekistan. The Europeans have been one of the surprise candidates of the tournament after some impressive displays. They will face up to an Uzbekistan side who are riding high after a last-gasp escape from elimination and looking to emulate their performance of 2013 by reaching the quarter-finals. Player to watch The only man to have scored from open play in each game so far, Andre Silva has been at the forefront of Portugal's attacking play. He has been involved with half of their ten goals so far, scoring four and making another, and will no doubt hope to see himself on the heels of tournament top-scorer Viktor Kovalenko after the field is cut from 16 to eight. The stat 3 – Only three South American teams have made it into the knockout stages for the first time since before the turn of the century. 1997 was the last time there weren't four CONMEBOL representatives in the last 16, with Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina making it through, while Paraguay missed out. The words "After two games a lot of people were writing us off. We read the news and a few comments that made that clear. But after the third game I think we can surprise a few people." Akramjon Komilov, Uzbekistan defender Match schedule Round of 16 – 11 June 2015 Austria-Uzbekistan (Whangarei, Northland Events Centre, 16.00) Germany-Nigeria (Christchurch, Christchurch Stadium, 19.30) Portugal-New Zealand (Hamilton, Waikato Stadium, 19.30) Brazil-Uruguay (New Plymouth, Stadium Taranaki, 19.30) FIFA.COM[/b] |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by tbaba1234: 8:19am On Jun 10, 2015 |
This Nigerian team has a lot of depth. Moses will be a good addition, I hope he will fall back to defend. One thing is sure, the german right back will be tested. 1 Like |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by mrham03(m): 8:22am On Jun 10, 2015 |
Icon4s:i have seen the games of all the teams u mentioned, i will say they are all gud sides but that doesnt make them unbeatable, we jux saw what mali did to ghana who won her group.... Nigeria is as strong as portugal, germany and brazil. The coach made a mistake in the first game by starting players who havent been in the team for some time but he corrected that and now the team is okay... They can beat any team in this tournament provided other things go well for them. |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by Sunnycliff(m): 8:26am On Jun 10, 2015 |
My only fears is our defense! Our captain should minimize his overlaps! The Germans could be deadly from the flanks! |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by joseph1013: 8:26am On Jun 10, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt]Akpoguma: Nigeria match is special for me[/size]  You can tell how happy and fulfilled Kevin Akpoguma has been in New Zealand over the past few days by the sparkle in his eyes. Germany’s captain is enjoying the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 to the full and looking forward to the next challenge as the eagerly awaited knockout stage looms. Of all the teams, Nigeria are the side the Hoffenheim defender and his team-mates have been pitted against in the last 16. Needless to say, Akpoguma is currently very much in demand in Christchurch. “I’m half-Nigerian as my father is Nigerian, and I’m glad to be able to say that,” the youngster told FIFA.com, a smile playing about his lips. “This match is already a special one for me; my parents are here and Thursday will be even more memorable for my Dad. Although he’ll have both his Germany and Nigeria flags at the ready for when the national anthems are played, in the end he’ll just be happy if his son gets to the next round.” Memories and gratitude The 20-year-old model athlete is an engaging interviewee, a trait befitting a player who refuses to shy away from any situation on or off the pitch. Although Akpoguma has been soaking up the unique atmosphere ahead of his side’s meeting with the Flying Eagles, he seems able to remain consistently down-to-earth and realistic. Even when he was a very small child, his father took him to the football pitch every day and helped him learn to have fun with a ball at his feet. “I’m very grateful to him,” he said, “but I also know that I’ll go into this match like I do every other. I was born and grew up in Germany so I consider myself to be German.” Nevertheless, this powerful defender – capable of playing both as a centre-back and on the right side of a four-man defence – remains well-placed to identify with his team’s upcoming opponents. He has visited Nigeria twice and his grandparents live in Benin City, where Akpoguma fondly remembers everyone going to church on Sundays and then playing football together – something he was understandably pleased to be part of. It is clear that the Hoffenheim youngster is proud of these experiences and has been shaped by them. “As a person I always want to get on well with everyone,” he said. “I can’t hate or envy anyone. I enjoy meeting everybody and I think that kind of mentality is typical for Nigeria. "I always have fun and enjoy what I’m doing and the way I feel,” Akpoguma went on, pausing for a moment before grinning and adding: “As a footballer I also would say that I have my African roots to thank for my athleticism because I’m still fast despite being tall.” The moment of truth As Frank Wormuth’s team swept through the group stages with supreme confidence and a perfect record, Akpoguma was deployed as an attacking right-back, a role that will be key in Germany’s encounter with the technically adept yet hard-tackling Nigerians. “They rely on their attacking play and their one-on-one skills,” the 20-year-old explained. “They’re quick and have a insatiable urge to press forward. We’ve really got to watch our step as they’ve already shown that they score by putting two goals past Brazil.” Nevertheless, Germany’s promising young defender – who counts the Flying Eagles alongside Brazil, Portugal, Serbia and his own team as title contenders – believes there is every reason to remain optimistic. “We don’t have to change much,” he told FIFA.com. “If we can consistently remember our lines and stick to our plan, we’ll get good results. We’re getting into the business end of the tournament and we’re extremely fired up about what’s ahead. Nigeria are a great side, so now we can show what we’re really made of. We want to be in the last four and go all the way to Auckland. Having come here as European champions, that’s got to be our target.” This ambition reveals the other side of the Germany skipper’s character – a fascinating blend of a formidable winning mentality, undoubted self-confidence and sheer willpower to leave the pitch victorious. As Akpoguma himself explained: “Although we’re a laidback group, we can flip the switch when it matters. I think that’s our greatest characteristic: we’re ready whenever we need to be,” he said. “That’s also why there’s always such a good atmosphere within the squad, which is vital. When you’re having fun with your football, you can play with greater ease and freedom. When the referee blows his whistle, we’re there!” Before embarking on a two-year loan at Fortuna Dusseldorf from Hoffenheim to gain more match experience in Germany’s second tier, this young man will be challenged in more than one respect against Nigeria at this World Cup – a fixture that will give Akpoguma a chance to grow both as a sportsman and as a person. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: dad Kelvin will be watching proudly from the stands. FIFA.COM[/b] |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by Icon4s(m): 8:28am On Jun 10, 2015 |
mrham03: Jst like how Portugal, Brazil or Germany can equally beat any team in this tourney if other things go well for them. My brother i am nt saying we cannot win rhis cup. Bt what i am saying is it is safe to say we are among the top 4-6 favourites for now. |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by tbaba1234: 8:31am On Jun 10, 2015 |
Mali scored some terrific goals. All goals were awesome. |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by mrham03(m): 8:31am On Jun 10, 2015 |
Icon4s:i understand bro. Being on the safer side is gud. Its better than getting a heartattack like mali jux gave me. |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by Badosqi(m): 8:32am On Jun 10, 2015 |
Wow! Simon gets a chance to start at last. Germany defense in trouble. Go guys make us proud. |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by stillonstreet: 8:35am On Jun 10, 2015 |
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| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by LeeCodeman: 8:38am On Jun 10, 2015 |
Some really crisp passing from Senegal. I'm really proud of the level displayed by our African teams. I think the African teams have settled down after a bad start. |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by Icon4s(m): 8:43am On Jun 10, 2015 |
mrham03: U gat it man. Believe me we have suffered so many heart breaks from our flying Eagles of d past. I pray this ones will nt break our hearts too. |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by robosky02(m): 9:00am On Jun 10, 2015 |
please what happened to the Ghanians? 3 - 0 ? na wao |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by joseph1013: 9:00am On Jun 10, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt]Brazil & Uruguay, a rivalry with history[/size]  The first game between Brazil and Uruguay was held in Buenos Aires on 12 July 1916, Los Charrúas running out 2-1 winners. Over the course of the ensuing 97 years there have been some wonderful encounters in this classic continental derby, including one of the most memorable of all time: the legendary FIFA World Cup™ final round match of 16 July 1950. With the South American neighbours set to meet once again in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, this is the perfect opportunity to look back on some of the most memorable fixtures between the two sides, beginning with the Maracanazo (roughly translated as the Maracana KO). - 1950: Brazil 1-2 Uruguay – FIFA World Cup final round If the theory that every great champion has to undergo a painful defeat on the road to glory is true, then there is no better example than this game. A Seleção may have gone on to become synonymous with FIFA World Cup success, but in 1950 they suffered a shock final game defeat to Uruguay in front of an estimated 200,000 fans crammed into the Maracana Stadium. And although Brazil took the lead, A Celeste fought back for a stunning 2-1 win to lift the trophy for the second time. The Maracanazo would immortalise Uruguayans Alcides Ghiggia and Obdulio Varela, not to mention Brazilian goalkeeper Barbosa (one of those blamed for the defeat) and even the recently opened stadium itself. “I´d never seen a people as distraught as the Brazilians were after that defeat,” said Ghiggia, who is also quoted as having said: “Down through its history, only three people have managed to silence the Maracana: the Pope, Frank Sinatra and me.” For more details on this game click on the link in the column on the right entitled “Deafened by the silence”. - 1970: Brazil 3-1 Uruguay – FIFA World Cup semi-final Revenge was a long time in coming for the Brazilians. Twenty years later the two sides faced off again in Guadalajara, Mexico, this time at the semi-final stage of the world's greatest tournament. Once again, the vast majority of the fans were behind Brazil, but this time events on the field did not begin as planned. A Celeste took the lead through Luis Cubilla after 19 minutes, but Brazil stuck with their slick passing game and were ultimately rewarded with a place in the Final after goals from Clodoaldo, Jairzinho and Rivelino. The game is perhaps best remembered for Pele's audacity when, without even making contact with the ball, he rounded Uruguay keeper Ladislao Mazurkiewicz on the edge of the penalty area. His subsequent shot just missed the target, but it did not matter on the day, as the Brazilians were not about to be silenced again. - 1976: Brazil 2-1 Uruguay – Friendly This encounter was friendly only in name. The second leg of the Atlantic Cup at the Maracana (the first having been played in Montevideo) saw the concept of rivalry taken to the extreme. When a young Zico set off on a mazy run upfield, leaving a trail of opponents in his wake, Celeste defender Sergio Ramirez decided he had to be stopped, regardless of the consequences. His bone-crunching tackle triggered a full-scale brawl, illustrating just how intense games between these two countries can be. - 1993: Brazil 2-0 Uruguay – FIFA World Cup qualifier This became to be unofficially known as “Romario´s game”, with the Barcelona goal machine producing an unforgettable performance to decide the outcome practically single-handed. Romario had been setting Europe alight that year, but had been absent from A Seleção due to a series of run-ins with the coaching staff. Recalled for the decisive qualifier against Uruguay at the Maracana for a place at the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA, the clinical front man never doubted his own ability. “I knew I was going to pull something special out of the bag in that game. I realised in the first few minutes that I was going to sew things up,” said the diminutive striker, who scored both goals in a display of extraordinary skill and acceleration. “I said I´d be man-of-the match and would book Brazil´s place at the World Cup.” And so it turned out. - 1995: Uruguay 1-1 Brazil (5-3 on penalties) – Copa America Final This was Uruguay´s last major win against their rivals, in the final of the South American tournament, and better still at home in Montevideo´s Estadio Centenario. Brazil had knocked out Argentina after a penalty shoot-out in the quarter-finals, and then USA, who were making a rare guest appearance that year, in the semi-final. Uruguay, meanwhile, had disposed of Bolivia and Colombia, two teams who were extremely hard to beat at the time. The third final between the two neighbours was another bruising affair, and saw Enzo Francescoli dislocate his shoulder and play out the game in excruciating pain. Target man Tulio opened the scoring for the Brazilians, but midfielder Pablo Bengoechea equalised 21 minutes later. The match went to penalties, and it was Tulio who had his kick saved, while the Uruguayans converted all their five attempts. FIFA.COM [/b] |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by mrham03(m): 9:13am On Jun 10, 2015 |
Icon4s:i hope this flying eagles team doesnt break ur hearts too. The wait for dis trophy has been too long. Jux keep believing maybe dis myt be naija's year. |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by achimotan(m): 9:19am On Jun 10, 2015 |
robosky02: we were outplayed today.the Malians surprised me with their workrate.they are a good team |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by LeeCodeman: 9:21am On Jun 10, 2015 |
The final ball is really letting Senegal down. Good ball movement from defence to midfield to attack. There is a guy in that middle that is an excellent playmaker. He's very good. Halftime 0-0 1 Like |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by LeeCodeman: 9:23am On Jun 10, 2015 |
The way Senegal has played in this First Half is the way the Golden Eagles played in the U17 World Cup. The only exception is that we had an excellent attack. Very good ball movement. 2 Likes |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by joseph1013: 9:25am On Jun 10, 2015 |
[b][size=14pt]Passion overcomes adversity in Dunedin[/size]  It was just after 3pm on 13 February 2015 when the Dunedin fire station received a call requesting urgent help. Their task was to prise open a car that had been involved in a head-on collision with a large truck. Trapped inside, among the debris of shredded aluminium and exploded airbags, were Aaron Joy, administrator and Venue General Manager (VGM) of the Local Organising Committee in Dunedin for the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015, and Murray Taylor, an estate agent and volunteer driver. Both men are in their 60s and, were it not for a shared interest in football, a sport overshadowed by rugby in their homeland, they would perhaps never have met. It is even more unlikely that together they would experience one of the toughest moments of their lives. “A truck forced us off the road and hit us really hard,” Joy told FIFA.com three months after the accident. “I still have a lot of pain. My legs are really bad; now they’re trying to figure out how to make them better.” Taylor added: “I only remember pain, more pain, the smoke inside the vehicle and the dust. I had to go to hospital with lots of broken bones and I had a painful process of recovery.” In the blink of an eye The morning of the accident had been a quiet one, with representatives from three of the teams in Group D visiting to find out more about their stay in the city. Taylor accompanied Joy as he showed delegates from Serbia, Mexico and Uruguay the training facilities, hotel and Otago Stadium. However, on the way back after dropping them off at the airport, disaster struck. “Things had gone pretty well that morning and we were really happy because it was a great day,” recalled Joy. “But what happened radically changed my life. Now I’m more passionate and I live life more intensely in every moment.” Taylor summarised the experience thus: “I can’t say it’s been easy but I’m making progress. I’m a tough cookie.” The duo view all the hospital visits, uncertainty, pain and miracles they went through as a reminder of the second chance they have been given in life. It is there that their story should end, concluding with both returning home to embark on the long period of recovery that has them taking painkillers day and night. Yet there is more. Joy's injuries forced him to quite his job, with Mike McGarry succeeding him in the role. But despite doctor’s orders to stay away from the stadium, Joy is always there nonetheless, chatting to people and finding out the latest news, letting nothing get in the way of his passion. “Before the accident I was in my dream job,” he said. “I’d always wanted to be in charge of organising an event in my city so I’ve been very involved. For me it’s a great pleasure being there and seeing how the wonderful team we put together is carrying everything out. That’s the best medicine I could have.” Taylor has since recovered and returned to work. Every day he grabs the car keys, eager to play his part in hosting the tournament: “I like being a volunteer and I’ve been involved in various events. I’ve met lots of wonderful people. I still have pain, I’m not going to lie, but I can drive, which is why I came back to work to continue enjoying being part of all this.” Volunteer culture Joy explained that such a mindset is typical in New Zealand: “A lot of the volunteers are retired people. Here people love to work and give something back to their community. They’re not out to make money; they just do it out of love for their city. That’s part of the culture in New Zealand, to come together and make sure international events like these are staged well and reflect well on our country.” The waiting finally over, the action commenced in Dunedin on 31 May as Mexico faced Mali. “I honestly thought that truck would be last thing I’d ever see,” said Joy. “After the accident I thought I probably wouldn’t be able to watch this game. Afterwards all the other VGMs called me and asked how the big day went. It’s wonderful to see dreams come true.” Taylor, on the other hand, missed the game: “I couldn’t watch the first match because I was driving at exactly the same time, but they told me it was a good one.” The Otago Stadium will host its final encounter of the tournament when Serbia meet Hungary in the Round of 16 on 10 June. For many fans, the last 16 represents little more than an exciting stepping stone from the group phase en route to potential glory in the latter stages. For Joy and Taylor, however, the sound of the referee’s final whistle will mark the symbolic end of an emotional journey and a job well done. And you can be sure that Dunedin will be ready for its final bow. FIFA.COM [/b] |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by mrham03(m): 9:29am On Jun 10, 2015 |
achimotan:we lost to a betterside i know but that doesnt stop the fact that it was a tactical error that cost us dis match. we played mali at the ayc, we lost the group stage game. They outplayed us in that game, so going into dis game why didnt he use two defensive midfielders when u and i know they were physically and technically gud...... If u watched the game u will see that anytime we got into their half, they were compact and allowed us no space but when they got into our half it was a holiday for them. For me tetteh is to be blamed for our defeat. 1 Like |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by lardy96(m): 9:29am On Jun 10, 2015 |
mrham03:they don't have to wait long.we'll find out in less than 24hrs |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by mrham03(m): 9:35am On Jun 10, 2015 |
lardy96:lol, dude is very very confidence.... I hope u dont cry. |
| Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by Xlad(m): 9:40am On Jun 10, 2015 |
What's wrong with senegal? they don't know how to play electrifying counter-attacks? |
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