Yes, I'm still talking soccer. Yes, the World Cup is still going on. It takes four weeks to meticulously move 32 teams down to 2 - then finally to THE ONE - on July 9th. It's good stuff.
The game today between the USA and Ghana was a hard one for me. I am a born American and proud of it! However, since 1983, I have either lived in West Africa or have been closely tied with two countries there. (We have actually lived in Liberia and Ivory Coast for a total of 10 years - and that includes being in the middle of two civil wars in both of those countries) One of our daughters was born in Liberia. Some of the greatest people I know live there. Saying all that, when Ghana took USA down 2-1, I cried. On one part, it was sadness for the US, though I have felt no particular affinity with this soccer team. They simply have not showed themselves World Cup contenders. They just didn't have the "gusto" that it takes to play "football" with the rest of the world. But Ghana did!
Now, Ghana.....commentators on ESPN are calling them a surprise. Well, they didn't ask me. I said it from day one when they played Italy and only lost 1-0. There was something in their eyes, a rhythm to their team that bore watching. But I'm not sure if other Americans caught it. I imagine they didn't want to see it. I tired of the commentators not giving Ghana the critique that they were due. It was all about how US was fast and sharp and this other stuff. Meanwhile, Ghana dominated the passing, possession, and scoring. Hm....
It basically takes an African to play football with another African. A European team nor a North American team will have a hard time taking Ghana down. However, South American teams have some of the same kind of rhythm in their play. Brasil possibly could do it next Tuesday, but Ghana will not lie down for one second. It will be a match made in heaven, to coin a phrase.
They are an incredibly organized team with precise speed and extraordinary passing ability. And, of course, if you have known any West Africans, they do have the gift of flair, drama, and charisma. You just gotta love them! And, Kingston, their keeper, was amazing. He was fearless and intimidating. Having a daughter that is a keeper for her high school team, I always watch closely the talents of the goalie. Kingston is a "keeper" - a pun was intended!
So, pull up a chair, and watch with me as this Ghanian team makes world history by moving into the second round. In the privacy of my living room, I was dancing the dance that most West African women dance when they are celebrating anything, particularly a birth of a baby.
This victory for Ghana and the advance to the next round is definitely a birth of something big for West Africa!! Don't let them catch you by surprise -- you have been warned!!
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