SOUTH AFRICA REJOICES OVER GHANA?S 2-1 WIN OVER GAME USA
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 28 Jun 2010
After doing a tremendous job hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa was beginning to feel the anguish of not seeing a single team from Africa in the quarter finals at least. That fear was calmed on Sunday morning Manila Time when Ghana, with a goal in the fifth minute set the tone of an enthralling match that saw the game USA miss their chances of saving the day allowing Ghana to advance to a quarter finals showdown against Uruguay.
With former US president Bill Clinton joined by ageing rock star Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones in a special VIP box, the US team played their hearts out but the Ghana squad was too quick and played some attractive football marked by precision passing to end what could well have been a dream run for the US and in the process kept Africa?s dreams alive.
FIFA summarized the reaction in South Africa over the Ghana victory and what it meant. Clearly South Africa rejoiced in Ghana's win which made them only the third African team to reach a FIFA World Cup? quarter-final and the continent's only flag left in the tournament. "Black Stars flying high," The Sunday Times proclaimed over a picture of defender John Pantsil racing with Ghana's national flag after their 2-1 win.
"Ghana shatter American dream," said The Sunday Independent, hailing the team for bringing Africa into the last eight of the first tournament held on the continent's soil. "Even with the burden of carrying an entire continent, Ghana could not fail here last night," the paper said. "Throughout Africa, from Phokeng to Accra, celebrations reverberated from the final whistle and long into the evening."
Just moments after the game, South Africa's ruling African National Congress - which began as the continent's first liberation movement - hailed the victory, clearly relieved to see an African team progress after the hosts crashed out in the group stages.
"The ANC would like to thank the Ghana National Soccer Team (the Black Stars) for salvaging the image of the continent in this tournament," the party said in a statement. "We are very confident that having gone this far, you are indeed heading for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals on our soil. We are very proud of you, as South Africa and as part of the continent of Africa, you are our pride."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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