Ghana destroys USA

The match between Ghana and USA was nerve breaking and exciting. Both sides knew the penalty of losing even a single good kick of the ball right from the outset. The crowd was cheering and shouting and obviously they wanted Ghana to move into the quarter finals. Why? Because since the inception of the cup, only two African countries have made it to the quarters - Cameroon in 1990 and Senegal in 2002. Otherwise it has been all white domination.

Both teams having scored a goal each, were given extra time to show their dominance over the other. Each side was cautious and made calculated moves and fierce attacks on others goal post several time. But it was Ghana’s Gyan who got the honour of scoring a 93rd minute winner. And by God, what a beautiful shot it was. Being closely rubbed and almost obstructed by the Americans, Gyan made a wonderful move, dodged two defenders and sent home the winner, to the utter surprise of the American keeper.

The Americans who had moved into the Round of 16 after their hair raising victory over Algeria just minutes before the final whistle, were let baffled and dejected and out of the Cup. The jubilations and the soccer mania that were unleashed throughout USA must have been hit badly. I don’t know whether the same euphoria would persist in USA from now onwards or not. And for Ghana, it is not only their victory, it is victory for Africa, as the crowd cheered all over African streets. Even the South African government was overjoyed and issued a statement saying, “The ANC would like to thank the Ghana national soccer team for salvaging the image of the continent in this tournament."

So that is it. Ghana moves into the elite group of eights and expectations are very high from this young team. Now the big question is can they win their quarter final? Predictors and analysts give them a 13% chance. But chances and predictions fail when motivation is high. And after destroying the Americans, who wouldn’t be feeling on the top of the world.