The Star Spangled Banner of the United States of America came up against the Black Stars of Ghana in Rustenburg South Africa on the evening of 26th June 2010 in the last 16 of the FIFA 2010 World Cup Finals. Ghana were the only African nation left in this stage of the World Cup and after a thrilling match that included extra time, the Black Stars fought valiantly to become only the 3rd African nation to book a Quarter Final place in a FIFA World Cup Tournament. Players from the United States of America took to the field in an all-white strip that sported a black horizontal band on their socks. The American strip was low key compared to the flamboyant Red and Yellow of the Black Stars. A superb break and left foot shot by Boateng after 4 minutes and 57 seconds saw Ghana take a well deserved lead, and they dominated the First 45 minutes. 6 minutes into the match and Number 13 Clark, from the United States could have been handed a straight red, but the lenient Referee instead showed a Yellow Card. The crowd were in high spirits and the American supporters matched and sometimes outperformed their Ghanaian ‘Cheer Leading’ opponents. Onlookers must have felt sympathy for ex-American President Bill Clinton who had changed his itinerary to watch the game. The Americans pressed hard in the second half, and I wondered back in Wales if someone had given the Black Stars the wrong pep talk during half time. Donovan scored a fair penalty in the 62nd Penalty, but Ghanaian Number 3 Gyan took the Black Stars to a telling lead in the 4th minute of the first period of Extra Time. 2-1 to Ghana and a place in the Quarter Finals was booked, albeit we had to endure another 26 minutes of play and Extra, Extra Time before the result was finally declared. But throughout that period the Ghanaian's played extremely well and made maximum effort as they held onto their lead. Go Ghana, you all deserve the place in the last 8 and your place in African football history. I applaud you all, and look forward to your Quarter Final tie with Uruguay who beat South Korea 2-1 in their match.
Your fair play and sportsmanship are a credit to all, so please don't lose sight of that, as you set your hearts on the giddy heights of a Semi-Final place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals. Continue to represent your Country and your Continent as you have nothing to fear other than fear itself. Keep Hope Alive Ghana; Go Ghana, Go
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