Ally McCoist exasperated live on ITV by West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta
Ally McCoist was infuriated by West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta’s failure to score a wonderful chance for Brazil against South Korea.
The Hammers man had volleyed in a wonderful fourth as his side built an insurmountable 4-0 lead at half time of their last-16 clash in Qatar, but should have had another in stoppage time before the break.
As the first half ticked into added time the West Ham attacker ran onto a ball into the area from former Leeds United star Raphinha that was asking to be swept home with his right foot, but opted to flick an attempt towards goal with the outside of his left which was easily saved.
Reacting live on the ITV match commentary on Monday night (5 December, 7.45pm) McCoist said: “Why does he not hit that with his right foot? Somebody will have to explain to me. He’s got to hit it with his right foot!
“It’s excellent play again on the right hand side. The pass is on a plate for him. Just hit it with your right foot across the face of the goal!”
After a short delay McCoist added: “I’m going to let him off though.”
But during the replay of the move his frustration was ignited again as he said: “There you are, just hit it with your right foot and go for that back post area.
“That’s never the finish. Never the finish!
“I don’t know if he thought the goalkeeper was right on top of him, but it’s a poor finish.”
Let off
As a goalscorer of some repute himself McCoist will no doubt find the passing up golden opportunities to hit the net outrageous for his whole life, but as he said it wasn’t ultimately a big issue in this game.
Paqueta’s goal was excellently taken 10 minutes earlier, which made it all the more surprising that he didn’t dispatch the second chance in a similar manner.
At 4-0 up and cruising he could afford to try something a bit different, but getting into the habit of taking all his chances would surely help from an Irons perspective.
The club’s new record signing hasn’t quite hit the heights yet in East London, contributing just three assists in all competitions from his 14 total appearances.
A strong campaign in Qatar might help him find some rhythm to bring back to the Premier League, but Hammers fans will hope he doesn’t pass up any goalscoring chances when he does that leave commentators similarly frustrated.
The summer arrival from Lyon evidently has mountains of quality, and demonstrated plenty of it against the South Koreans, but David Moyes will hope he can do the same against league opponents sooner rather than later.