When it starts being a game again. At last.

First of, I think everybody should totally condemn the brutal attacks on the Togo national team. Such acts of barbarism cannot be excused on any grounds, including that of negligence on the part of the Togolese football authorities. Second, I respect the decision of the country to pull out of the tournament. I think it is fair to the players and the officials involved in the attacks to be excused from the pressure of competition immediately after.

Third and most importantly, I want us to talk about the football. Yes, the game on the pitch. Could there have been a better way for the tournament to kick off than this? I saw the first half and was completely turned off by the quality of play (or lack of it). Mali played absolutely shocking football in the first half and Angola wasn't any better. Guess what yours truly decided to do then. I went away for a team study session, only to miss perhaps the greatest comeback in international football history. Gutted. Absolutely gutted!

I trust that most of my crew watched the game in full so I'm counting on you guys to tell me what changed about the pathetic Mali team I saw in the first half. Did Stephen Keshi make any game changing moves? Did players like Kanoute suddenly show more interest and commitment in the last 20 minutes? Did Angola tire or become complacent? Was it pure luck like the 2005 Liverpool - AC Milan game?? Whatever it was, I think it was the best possible riposte to the rebels and a great way to draw attention rightfully to The Beautiful Game.