Ghana makes it true

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Ghana versus U.S.A; Rustenburg - Royal Bafokeng 
Stadium, June 26

The second match was going to be a wonderful match for me, until the darn power gone. It was like the half time whistle blew for the power to go too.

First half was excellent. The goal by Prince made U.S.A. one down, but American spirit, the one which I like as well as hate, came into show. They started attacking. Well, unlike Ghana whose moves were superlative, and when Gyan had a twisted foot with less than 6 minutes to go in first half, U.S.A. suddenly looked hopeful.

Second half was an affair of watching match through SMS. My good friend, Kapitane was giving me news, and bad news it was. U.S. was better team in second half. He said U.S.A. is attacking relentlessly. S$*#. Then SMS - Penalty and Donovan scores. As I came to know later, it was Dempsey who made Mensah make mistake, and concede a penalty. Then a better sounding news - Ghana is defending stoutly.

And I slept off. The combination of wonderful weather and pain in my hip has taken me out, once again. Whatever be that, I suddenly wake up to a beautiful dream. Ghana has won, and they are taking out some kind of golden trophy - a trophy similar to FIFA WC, except that there is only Africa etched and the figures were somewhat different. I guess I made another cup for African winners in my dream, as they are the only team left. Wonderful dream and to know that at least half of that is true, is a good omen. I got up to check internet(darn Kapitane didn't say anything else). It is 2-1 Ghana and Gyan's strike is at 93rd minute, shucks. Gyan scores his third. The youngest team agrees to carry the heavy weight of hope for an entire continent for another match.

U.S.A. is a great team - Dempsey, Donovan, Chirundelo, Bocanegra, Altidore all are good players. Still I like Ghana better. They are fast, play beautifully and use 'baby' less. Gyan is my player of match, but Ayew is for the jury.

Ghana 2(Boeteng, Gyan) - U.S.A 1(Donovan[p])

England V/s U.S.A; Royal Bafokeng Stadium, June 12, 2010

Image by Wha'ppen via Flickr

The second match of second day between inter continental rivals England and USA finished with scoreline as expected, and goals – unexpected. First half started with a great goal by Steven Gerard, running in to a through pass from Heskey. A goal which left US one down, but as seen in all other areas, US never fail to try. They try for goal even with weakest of shots, one of which found a way past a green keeper. A shame of a goal, for all eyes to see this would be a sore sight. A routine stop, by any international keeper, was fumbled and put inside the goal post by Green. Dempsey did it good to shoot it straight. And the expressions on faces of English, well, a great sight to watch. David Beckham had the look of millennium. A match not worth mentioning even, but watched it only because of Steven Gerard. USA was a better team all the way, I loved the way Cherundelo and Donovan controlled the ball, and game. The English defense under Terry was mediocre, Lampard was unimaginative and Rooney subdued. I do not worry about Rooney, he is a match winner, the Nike ad shows perfectly the mind of Rooney. And as my good friend said, England sucks as a team(reason for his bias being Argentina... and mine, they don't play with passion). The second half substitution was better. I think Carragher should have been in starting eleven. Capello does everything correct, but what can he do if the players under him does not do what is asked, even the simplest of tasks, like collecting with both arms and body behind the ball. Lennon was running all over the right wing with a feeble ending, and in the end switched wings with same effect. Heskey is better, fitter and maybe a winner for Capello. Even though he should have scored with that right foot, only to wonder whether he thought that Howard was like Green? The US team has lots better to offer. Bradley, Jr is a good player. Onyewu is one of those players who might be a revelation in this world cup. And they fight really well. I love the American spirit.