This was a sad day, as the USA took its final bow at the 2010 Fifa World cup. We were all there to witness the overtime 2-1 victory of Ghana. A fellow writer named Phil Deustch, whom is with me on the trip put the game into an article. I am very proud of my American team, I saw them tie, triumph and falter. But through it all we fought hard and I am proud to be an American! Here is his post:
"RUSTENBURG – Ghana sent the U.S. back home overseas in the second consecutive World Cup on Saturday night in Rustenburg, South Africa. Just like in the 2006 World Cup group round, Ghana ended the “the Yanks’” run; this time 2-1 in extra-time in the Round of 16. South Africans, who were mostly rooting for America in group round play, dressed in Ghana Black Stars gear and chanted “Goodbye U— S—A” the entire game.
“We (Africa) have only one team left, and that is Ghana,” said Samuel Beya, a supporter of Ghana, a resident of South Africa and a former citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Other continents such as Europe and South America still have many remaining. We have one.”
The Black Stars did not disappoint their fans on a hazy night when Kevin Prince-Boateng scored in just the 5th minute of the game. He blitzed past a loose U.S. back line, unwilling to step up, and shot one past American goalkeeper Tim Howard at the near post. The continent of Africa rumbled as the only African team left looked destined to advance through to the quarterfinals.
U.S. “journeyman” soccer fans who made the trek all the way to South Africa sat in nervous disbelief.
U.S. soccer had dug another early hole. Both England and Slovenia jumped to 1-0 leads against the U.S. within the first fifteen minutes and even Algeria hit the crossbar in what should have been a quick goal. Ominously, manager Bob Bradley’s squad did not respond with the same sense of urgency as in the other games. Striker Jozy Altidore made several questionable decisions with the ball, and Ghana’s back line (only given up four goals in four games) embarrassed the U.S. offense.
Nonetheless, U.S. striker Ryan Finley controlled the ball in the box one on one against Ghanaian goalkeeper Richard Kingson. Finley poorly struck the ball right at the ‘keeper, the ball deflected away and so did U.S. hopes for an equalizer. Some U.S. fans put both hands on their head, stymied by their misfortune. Some cursed in frustration, knowing that this is a tournament where such clear opportunities are scarce.
Ghana fans pumped their fists and waved their flags. They were able to breathe a sigh of relief at the end of the first half.
“Each team must need luck to advance,” Beya said. “Luck becomes very important at the World Cup.”
Luck for the U.S. seemed to be non-existent on African soil this time. Kingson ate up the ball on an open Clint Dempsey run right in front of the goal at the beginning of the 2nd half. On a gloomy, hazy night in Rustenburg, the Americans’ presence at the World Cup seemed to be slipping away at the site where their 2010 South Africa road began.
Then, in the 62nd minute, the dynamic of the game and atmosphere completely changed when a Ghanaian defended shoved Clint Dempsey down in the box. The referee rewarded the U.S. a penalty kick, and Landon Donovan stuck the 3rd U.S. equalizer of the tournament past Kingson. Americans waited all game to celebrate, and then they did when their team tied the game in an intense elimination game. Donovan had U.S. fans believing once again in a team that erased their 3rd deficit of the tournament.
This round of 16 game laid in balance as the final minutes of regulation ticked away. Both defenses shut down the opposing offenses during the last 30 minutes of the game.
When I went to the restroom during the five-minute break before 30 minutes of extra time, I heard a medley of American songs and chants, including the “Team America” theme song, the “Star Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America” and “Proud to be an American.”
Another defensive lapse and an incredible left-footed strike in the 93rd by Asamoah Gyan of Ghana quieted the American patriotism. Gyan darted to the surrounding track and leaped in the air shouting to the African faithful. Gyan’s 3rd goal in four games proved to be the game-winner as Bradley’s squad fired everywhere but in the net during extra-time. Headers went wide, crosses fell short and Ghanaian players faked injuries on stretchers, stalling the chance for a U.S. comeback.
When the final whistle sounded, Kingson dropped to his knees in joy, some Ghanaian players tackled each other and others sprinted around the track with their native land’s flag in hand. Ghana supporters rhythmically chanted “Ghana – Ghana – Ghana.”
Meanwhile, fiery Clint Dempsey stormed off the field, and U.S. defenders collapsed to the ground in exhaustion and sadness.
U.S. fans looked on at the celebration in dismay. Most had blank stares – feeling letdown by the U.S. and an unforgiving tournament. Some wore their American flags over their heads, shielding their eyes from the scene before them. No longer would Americans flock from stadium to stadium in South Africa draped in American flags and sporting patriotic top hats. The road for the comeback kids ended at the feet of Ghana again.
Our American study abroad group quietly drove back to the hotel. We were met by South African and Democratic Republic of Congo security guards holding in their excitement while respectfully consoling U.S. fans after a great game.
Ghana moves confidently to the quarterfinals to face Uruguay and continue to represent the people of Africa and African football. The pressure builds as the lone Africa team stays alive among European and South American football giants.
Five other African teams mostly underperformed and were eliminated from FIFA World Cup South Africa during group play.
Security guard Pierrot Papy-Tabasenge, from the Republic of Congo and fan of Ghana stayed humble but hopeful in the wake of victory. He described the surging African team: “Ghana, you see, they can do something. They are above the other (African) teams. They are special.”
Philip Deutsch
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