Diego Maradona needs to take a chill pill
In this edition of his World Cup analysis, Andrew Hallett calls on Diego Maradona to chill, praises Peru and Croatia, and feels we may have had the wool pulled over our eyes by Denmark and France.
Maradona needs to relax
Argentina provided the world of football with late drama on Tuesday night, defeating Nigeria late on to book their place in the Round of 16 of the World Cup. It had looked for long periods as if Argentina were going to bow out of the tournament at the first hurdle, and that uncertainty pushed Diego Maradona over the edge.
Read: Maradona's hilarious reactions to the Nigeria vs Argentina match
The football legend was constantly shown on television going through various emotions - and the winning goal was a bit too much for him to handle. Maradona had to be taken to hospital at full-time after collapsing. Chill, Diego. Chill.
Many people will tell you that "football is just a game". I think that Tuesday proved it is anything but.
So close, Nigeria...
Nigeria came agonisingly close to claiming a draw with Argentina to take them to the next round of the World Cup, but it just wasn't to be. Argentina did apply pressure, but the way the Super Eagles reacted to that pressure was abysmal.
They looked nervous, couldn't pass the ball, and struggled to hold onto possession when it really mattered. That is not a good look on a side who had aspirations of reaching the knockout round of the tournament. Just like Maradona should have chilled, you too, Nigeria, should have relaxed.
Did Denmark and France play for a draw?
In order to reach the knockout round unscathed, Denmark and France needed a draw. So, what happened in their fixture? It was a 0-0 draw, which was good enough for everyone involved - Denmark progressed and France held onto their top spot. Look, I'm not saying the teams agreed to a draw before kick off, but to be honest, it looked like they kind of did... I will end this here.
Peru finally turn up
There was talk ahead of the World Cup that Peru could be a surprise package. Sadly, their first two games did not live up to the hype, meaning they were eliminated before they could even get going. Against Australia on Tuesday, however, they decided to turn up and show the world that they are, in fact, a decent side. Hopefully we will see more of Peru at the World Cup in the future.
Croatia are the real deal
Spain, Germany, Brazil, and Belgium may be among the favourites to lift the World Cup, but if ever there was a darkhorse for the tournament, it is this Croatia side.
They are incredibly solid, have pure class in their ranks, and are on a run which could stand them in very good stead going into the Round of 16. Denmark will be their opponents, and if they can get past them - as you would expect, who knows how lady luck will look upon them?
If you are a betting person, maybe think about putting a few bucks on Croatia winning the tournament. Stranger things have happened...
Also read: Iceland crash out of World Cup after Croatia loss