Wilfried Zaha has formally declared for Cote d'Ivoire. This guarantees his inclusion into the ACN squad.
My god... Coulibaly won't stop. Watch this blinder of a goal: The average quality of his goals is mindblowing. I think the guy was scratched off too early. He obviously has talent.
Will nationality change happen in time? Really don't understand why England didn't take him. He's better and more than most that they have.
I know this is a month late, but I think it's funny that you say Greece are worse than any of the African teams at the last 2 World Cups considering they beat Nigeria 2-1 in 2010 and Côte d'Ivoire 2-1 in 2014.
Nigeria definitely. They were so dominant before the pointless red card... Cote d'Ivoire got outsmarted and probably outcoached. Also the finally change was pointless and stupid with the attacker Giovanni Sio responsible for the penalty (however iffy it was). I'm pretty sure if a defensive sub was made then the team would have easily waited out the final minutes. Greece also had a very strong ending to their game, so congrats to them.
Zaha is going to play for a team that he can be there longer. There are lots of hungry Ivorians coming up every day but Zaha is better than most and he finally has a chance at international acclaim. He wanted to play internationally and England said wait, CIV said yes
I only wish Welbeck had chosen Ghana. As a Ghanaian, I think it is Europe's fault. Ghana produces what Europe needs and there was need for Midfielders in the 2000s so we started turning talented players into Midfielders and lost our edge in attack.
Balotelli would've been nice too I reckon Inaki Williams is a great player, but he identifies himself as Basque first and foremost.
Mario is another one and Williams, we can hold out hope for. Williams really puzzles me because it is us or Spain and Spain isn't calling. There is no Basque team!
Basque pride is unique. I think the only way he'll take a Ghana cap is very late in his career and when he isn't dawning the red and white jersey of Athletic.
I find the French Basque as prideful but still seeing themselves as French meanwhile the Spanish Basque view themselves something akin to the Kurds. I remember studying Terrorism (like a class in it) prior to 9/11 so it focused on the other Terrorist attack as form of warfare, Palastine v Israel, IRA v Britain and Basque separatist v Spain. Never understood why the ones in Spain pushed harder for freedom. I assume a lot had to do with Franco.
It's kind of like Catalunyans. They speak a different language, they're culture is different, they're simply born with a different mindset. It's a Us vs The World mentality, and I think Inaki has immersed himself with that doctrine. His little brother Nico isn't half bad either.
Probably would, but his best mates play for Spain so I can see him picking Spain if it came down to one. I'm pretty sure they put regional pride aside for La Roja.
I can't believe we have to wait 8 more months to continue this action. I just watched highlights of DR Congo's games so far. I really hope they make it.
Quietly hoping DRC manage to get Steven N'Zonzi on board. He's having a stellar season with Sevilla. He'd be a rock in that DRC midfield.
Williams has played for Spain 1 match so he is no longer Ghana eligible correct? or does he still have a 1 time switch option.
This page indicates that Williams' only match for Spain was a friendly: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iñaki_Williams#International_career Players have switched in the past after playing friendly matches, so I presume Williams can still switch. Perhaps should, too, considering he wasn't selected for Euro 2016 or any of Spain's subsequent World Cup qualifiers.