The “hand of God” reappeared at soccer’s World Cup last night, this time to take Uruguay into the semifinals for the first time in 40 years. The hopes of all Africa sank with a heartbraking loss on Friday evening. Ghana had the chance to become the first African team to reach the semifinals of the World Cup Championship.
With Uruguay and Ghana tied 1-1 and approaching the end of extra time in Johannesburg, striker Luis Suarez stopped a goal-bound header with his hand, earning a red card and giving Asamoah Gyan the chance to win the game for Ghana from the penalty spot. Gyan’s kick struck the crossbar, sending the match into a penalty shootout that the Uruguayans won 4-2 when the Ghanaians missed two more efforts from the spot.
The World Cup championship will move into the final four stage after today's matches, pitting Argentina against Germany, and Paraguay and Spain. The winners of these matches will join Netherlands and Uraguay. This has been a championship of upsets and early exists of powerhouses like France and Italy. Yesterday, Netherlands defeated Brazil, for what may have been the biggest upset of the championship.
The exitement of the world's most popular sporting event has not disappointed us. Being here in the midst of great fans, and the world's best soccer has been like nothing we have experienced. Even though we are watching most of the games on TV, the whole country stops when matches are broadcast. While ticket prices are beyond the means of the masses of South Africans, the Fan Parks, and broadcasts in malls, restaurants, barber shops, and every place there is a TV has engaged the entire nation.
Stay tuned, ths will only get better.
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