World Cup: Black Stars Carry Africa’s Hopes, Battles USA Today

The group stage matches of the on-going 2010 World Cup in South Africa were rounded off yesterday with Spain, which started the tournament on a poor note edging Chile 2-1 to qualify for the next stage ahead of Chile in Group H. Switzerland played out a scoreless draw with Honduras to confirm both sides crashing out of the World Cup.

As the dust settled on the first round matches, the Black Stars of Ghana remain the only African team standing and now have the responsibility of flying the continent’s flag higher.

The Ghanaians are now carrying the hope of the continent as they go into the round of 16 match today in Rustenbury, South Africa.

Already, African fans are united in support and prayers for the Black Stars to do them proud, after seeing their five other representatives fall by the wayside.

Interestingly, this is the second time Ghana will be squaring up with Team USA in the World Cup in their only second appearance at the World stage.

Both sides were in the same group at the Germany 2006 World Cup when Ghana beat the Americans -1 to join Italy as qualifiers in their debut appearance.

Now, US wants their own pound of flesh while Ghana wants to at least go a step better than it did at the mundial four years ago.

But for the Black Stars to make the quarter final stage, they must overcome the American hurdle.

Ghana, however, must raise their game to a level higher than their first round performances, if they hope to conquer USA for the second time.

Team USA seems to be highly motivated after snatching qualification ticket at the death against Algeria in their final group match. They will want to ride the crest of that victory to remain in the competition.

The Black Stars on their part need to rediscover their scoring boots. They have found it difficult scoring in open play, as their two goals in the tourney so far came from penalty kicks.