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.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
“FATAL FURY: CITY OF THE WOLVES” FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Thu, 01 May 2025BAM AND HITCHINS LAND HUGE SUMMER SHOWDOWNS LIVE ON DAZN
Thu, 01 May 2025June 7: Kelvin Davis-Nahir Albright Junior Welterweight Rumble Added to Loaded Keyshawn Davis-Edwin De Los Santos Card at Norfolk’s Scope Arena
Thu, 01 May 2025CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH: A NIGHT OF BOXING IN LOS ANGELES ON MAY 22
Thu, 01 May 2025Cavite beats San Juan and Pasig in PCAP
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 01 May 2025BEKTEMIR “BEK” MELIKUZIEV AND THE UNDEFEATED DARIUS FULGHUM TO FIGHT IN WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ELIMINATOR
Wed, 30 Apr 2025“FATAL FURY: CITY OF THE WOLVES” MEDIA WORKOUT
Wed, 30 Apr 2025WBC presents "Xicoténcatl" belt for the Canelo-Scull fight in Riyadh
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 30 Apr 2025Thailand to host WBC 63rd Annual Convention in Phuket in November
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 30 Apr 2025Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
Wed, 30 Apr 2025Raymond Muratalla: "I’m Ready to Show Out on May 10!"
Wed, 30 Apr 2025Training Camp Notes: Undefeated Lightweight Kaipo Gallegos Prepares for Clash with Pedro Castaneda Castro on May 9 in Orlando
Wed, 30 Apr 2025“THE KING OF THE FOUR ROUNDERS” ERIC “BUTTERBEAN” ESCH TO ATTEND 2025 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
Wed, 30 Apr 2025Action Summary Week Ending 28 April 2025
By Eric Armit, Tue, 29 Apr 2025Butler, Green Show Up on Rockets in 109-106 Win
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 29 Apr 2025