Keshi- Expects Lot More Surprises in Brazil

Coach Stephen Keshi agrees that the World Cup is poised to surpass records from previous tournament and also admits there are more surprises lying in the wait.

About three goals have been scored per game after four days of exciting football in the South American home of Samba, while the tournament is yet to witness its first share of the spoils.

Goals have been rolled home and surprises have as well sunk in, with both South American and European champions already one game down in the race for the round of 16. However, big name players have not failed to deliver, as some have come up with beautiful goals to behold.

Stephen Keshi Answers the Media in His Pre-Game Billing on Monday.
Stephen Keshi Answers the Media in His Pre-Game Billing on Monday.

Keshi, speaking in his pre-game press briefing for the African champions’ clash with Iran’s ‘Team Melli’ at the Arena de Baixada in Curitiba says “there will be lots of surprises at this World Cup”.

One of the surprises many have waited for is the fulfillment of
the great Pele’s dream of an African country lifting the Fifa mundial gold, at the end of the 20th century; one Keshi reiterates has edged so close and could happen soon.

“African teams are close to the World Cup victory,” the 52-year-old said, adding that the Super Eagles’ “aim is to reach the final of the 2014 tournament”.

The Nigerian dream starts today (8:00pm) against a resilient Iranian side, who kept more clean sheets than any other side in the qualifying campaign of the ongoing tournament.

Fifth-timers, Nigeria, like their Asian counterparts, have not won a World Cup match since France 98, while the former are on a disappointing run of five matches without a win.

The Iranian players have heaped much praise on their Portuguese boss Carlos Queiros, nonetheless; his rival on the opposite dugout is a trusted hand- having guided his former team to the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) title two years after taking over the reins.

The winner of today’s clash, look to join Argentina- 2-1 victors over Bosnia-hercegovina on Sunday- at the summit of Group F, while a draw could open up the group.

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