2018 World Cup: Siasia Blames Swiss-Born Defender Of Nigerian Descent For Sweden's Winning Goal, Okocha Differs

Published: July 03, 2018

USA 1994 World Cup star Samson Siasia has blamed Borussia Dortmund central defender of Nigerian descent, Manuel Akanji, for the goal conceded by Switzerland in their 1-0 loss to Sweden in the last sixteen of the World Cup on Tuesday afternoon.

The Scandinavians advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to Emil Forsberg's right-footed shot from outside the box in the 66th minute which took a deflection off Akanji.

In his post-match analysis on SuperSport, Siasia said : ''It depends on how you hit the ball, you shouldn't allow the ball to hit your foot.

''You should hit the ball, he was allowing the ball to hit him, that was why they conceded the goal. If he was kicking the ball himself, the reverse is the case.''

Fellow pundit Austin Okocha refused to lay the blame on Akanji and praised Emil Forsberg for his composed finish.

The ex-PSG star said : ''You must give him credit for showing a little bit of composure there before getting the shot away.

''That was the little quality that was lacking between the two teams and that little quality made the difference even though he got lucky a bit. Credit to him.''

Manuel Akanji became cap-tied to Switzerland when he made his competitive debut against Faroe Islands in a World Cup qualifier in June 2017.

The 22-year-old was rated one of the most outstanding young central defenders in the group stages of the 2018 World Cup.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : fifa.com