There is still hope for Ghana at World Cup
The outcome was traumatic for majority of Ghanaians. After a pulsating 90 minutes, the United States of America (USA) avenged its two previous defeats at the hands of the Black Stars.
The euphoria that heralded the encounter died down immediately the referee’s whistle went for the end of the game.
Even after the opener by the Yanks of the USA 29 seconds into the game, the Black Stars did not give up, although their strategies could not dislodge the USA that had suffered defeat at the hands of Ghana in the two previous World Cups.
The Black Stars were looking forward to a hat-trick of victory over the USA but, unfortunately, luck shone on the Yanks, who painfully defeated Ghana by 2-1.
But the defeat has opened a can of worms. Some soccer fans have blamed Coach Kwasi Appiah for the defeat, while others have blamed the defeat on the lacklustre performance of the players.
One of the players, Kelvin-Prince Boateng, has been bold to accuse the coach for the defeat, questioning the rationale behind his selection for the game.
Our country can boast 25 million coaches who propound all kinds of theories on football and are quick to label coaches as technically bankrupt when their teams lose matches.
The blame game began just after our match against the USA and this development does not motivate the coach to put in his best, which eventually affects morale in camp.
It is in this vein that the Daily Graphic is happy about the decision of President John Dramani Mahama to keep Ghana’s flame burning at the tournament with his message yesterday to encourage Ghanaians to continue to support the team.
In a message to Ghanaians and the team in Brazil, the President said, “We have been here before, as a team and as a nation. We have lost a battle, despite fighting a good and strong fight, but we have carried on, defied the odds and risen up to win the ‘war’.”
Ghana is a secular state but there are quite a number of religious adherents who still believe that with God on our side, the Black Stars can spring surprises against tournament favourites such as Germany and Portugal.
It is good that the President has asked Ghanaians to not give up yet but stand by the Black Stars to once again lead the African dream at the tournament.
In Ghana, we have tried very much to avoid the politicisation of sports, although some unpatriotic citizens try to do so.
We urge the President to use this auspicious opportunity in Brazil to heal the nation of the division in our society.
There were reports yesterday that some elements jubilated when we lost our match against the USA. This is sad and unthinkable.
The reason for such action is not known, but it is suspected to be politically inspired and that is why every step must be taken to rally everybody, no matter his or her political colour, behind the Black Stars.
Beating Germany and Portugal to qualify beyond the group stage will be Herculean, but the Black Stars can prevail if they play their hearts out and that is why support from Ghanaians must be total.
Ghana is down but not out. We can shine in subsequent matches.
