Posted by By GBOLAHAN DADA on
Inter manager, Roberto Mancini, walked tall last weekend as he celebrated the striking might of two of his players, Obafemi Martins of Nigeria and Adriano of Brazil who made outstanding contributions to their countries World Cup qualifiers in Oran, Algeria and Brazil.
Inter manager, Roberto Mancini, walked tall last weekend as he celebrated the striking might of two of his players, Obafemi Martins of Nigeria and Adriano of Brazil who made outstanding contributions to their countries World Cup qualifiers in Oran, Algeria and Brazil.
Obafemi, according to Inter, was remarkable in Nigeria's 5-2 away victory over Algeria, Sunday while Adriano also recorded similar feat in Brazil's 5-0 white-wash of Chile in the South American qualifiers at the weekend. But the youthful Obafemi actually scored twice in the match.
The Nigerian played his heart out in the match by scoring the first goal of the match via a penalty kick.
His goals set up another for Nigeria, even as they played without injured captain Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and Middlesbrough striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni on the bench.
Martins opened scoring with a 19th minute penalty before John Utaka added a second in the 41st minute with an easy header from close range. Yusuf Ayila hit the third goal while Obafemi came back again to make it four before Christian Obodo rounded it off with the fifth goal.
Mancini was overwhelmed with the feat of his attackers as he had to drink and merry after Sunday's battle in Oran.
While Obafemi was painting Oran in the colours of goal, his teammate, Adriano was also banging in goals in his country. He was on song thrice as World Cup holders, Brazil defeated Chile to become the eighth team to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
He scored the goals after Juan and Robinho had struck to put the Brazilians 2-0 in front. The victory enabled Carlos Alberto Parreira's side to seal one of the four qualifying spots available from the South American pool with two matches to spare and maintain their record as the only team to play in every World Cup tournament.
"Now we've finished the first stage of our World Cup preparation. Now we have nine months to focus on the tournament. However, we still need to keep working hard. We still have a chance to finish in first place in the group - that's our next goal," Coach Parreira said.
Argentina, who have also qualified, lead the way by one point after 16 matches.
This is the first World Cup in which the winners of the previous tournament were obliged to defend their title from the start of the qualifying rounds, having previously qualified automatically. On Saturday, Ukraine became the first European side to advance, joining the hosts Germany, Argentina, United States, Japan, Korean Republic, Iran and Saudi Arabia in the finals.
In the same vein, Inter say they are confident of keeping star striker Adriano - despite interest from Chelsea.
Stamford Bridge chief Jose Mourinho has made no secret of his admiration for the Brazilian international, who hit 16 Serie A goals in 30 matches last season and 20 goals from 28 national appearances.
Inter's transfer schemer Gabriele Oriali said: "I think it's normal that sides like Real Madrid and Chelsea, just to name two, are following him.
"But I am confident because Adriano feels good at Inter and has a really good relationship with us."