Nigeria-Denmark 1:4 (0:2)

So much for resting your key players in the last group match that didn't count!!! I am glad that Zagallo wasn't stupid enough to do so. As the Nigerians showed painly once again today, this tactic totally disrupted the rhythm of the team. It has happened several times before, with Croatia in Euro '96 being the latest example, that I think it has become conventional wisdom already. But well, you never know. In a competition of such a short duration, once the team rhythm is disrupted, you NEVER get a second chance to re-establish it. Poor Nigerians who arguably have the best technical skills besides the Brazilians, blame that stupid Bora Milutinovic.

Coaches, please remember, next time when you want to throw a match, do it with the starting lineup, barring maybe players with yellow cards or minor injuries.

P/S: The French were lucky today that the match didn't end in a penalty shootout. Or else Paraguay might hold a slight advantage in Chilavert.