World Cup Update : Ghana makes World Cup History
Traditionally, European and South American teams have dominated World Cup play. Every football fan in every nation can recite the names and feats of European and South American legends. African teams always have played valiantly, making their nations proud, but they never have dominated the competition. In many African nations, politics and poverty limited access to playing fields and equipment, so that football lived a secret life in the streets while promising African players went to Europe to pursue their passion.
This year, however, in keeping with the host nation’s fervour for the game and the Tournament, African nations number among the contenders. On Sunday, Ghana proved the point, making World Cup history in the process. Very simply, Ghana beat Serbia, going into the record books and history books as the first African team to post a victory in the first Championship played on African soil. The entire continent saluted the Ghanaians’ achievement.
Playing for Africa’s honour
Star mid-fielder Andre Ayew summed-up the feelings of his squad and his nation, telling reporters he believes he plays not only for Ghana but for all of Africa, stressing, “We are bent on securing qualification to the next stage of the competition.
“This is the time to prove to all that we have what it takes to win the World Cup and every member of the Black Stars is aware of the fact that we have to progress to the next stage and win the cup as well,” Ayew neither hesitated nor quivered. As he spoke, the worldwide sports press recalled how, four years ago, Ghana upset the United States and knocked the yanks from the tournament; none under-estimated the power of Ghanaian resolve.
Ayew insisted, “Because of this, we have to work hard to achieve our aim and that is what we demonstrated in the last game against Serbia.”
