Black Stars, a critical moment!
A real cracker for the high-flying Black Stars is at hand! If there was ever a heavy task and a critical equation that calls for strict regimental preparation and concentration on the part of the senior team, the outcome of the recent World Cup draw in Brazil must inevitably be it.
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Indeed, the fixtures in the groupings for the 2014 World Cup tournament, which gives the Black Stars the problem of confronting two former principled colonial masters whose policies were to forever suppress the black race, and swore fealty to keep Africans in perpetual subjugation, is just like facing an insurmountable mountain which conquest requires an unbridled bravery and double energy. I am not exaggerating!
President John Mahama, an ardent follower of the Black Stars, watched the draw in France in the midst of a high-profile summit of presidents, and had cause to comment on the big task facing his beloved team. He at once called for a serious preparation to sharpen all departments of the setup, most particularly in the defence and striking departments.
The President, like any other believer in the Stars, had in mind the problem all African teams face, especially on reaching the quarter-finals of the previous tournament. It happened to Cameroun after the 1990 World Cup in Italy, and Senegal after the 2002 event staged in Japan/Korea.
It is interesting to note that both countries have not come near that quarter-final stage they hit in both dates since then, and for that matter all Africa and the world is watching the prowess of the Black Stars in the coming world fiesta, after that fantastic performance in South Africa 2010.
In the case of Cameroun, the Indomitable Lions qualified for the next tournament held in 1994 in USA when the African slots were increased to three and the number of finalists from 16 to 24. And that was the period Africa was represented by Cameroun, Morocco and Nigeria who made their maiden attempt.
In the case of Senegal, it is rather sad to note that since their 2002 effort, when they marched chest out to excite the world with that memorable team captained by El Hajj Diouf, up to the great quarter-finals, they have surprised the world with their inability to reach the tournament ever since. In that Japan/Korea fray, the Senegalese stunned the world when they beat the then holders and former colonial masters, France, 1-0 in the opening match. They went ahead to draw 3-3 with stubborn Uruguay and 1-1 with Denmark, the then European champions.
At the one-eighth stage, they beat Sweden 2-1 and progressed to the quarter-finals where they were stopped by Turkey by a lone goal. The 2002 tournament marked the second time Africa was represented by five teams - Nigeria, Cameroun, Tunisia, Senegal and South Africa - who had their maiden taste. It ended with Brazil picking the Cup on beating German 2-0, with Ronaldo of that era coming out as the hero. The Senegal effort gave Africa some stupendous expectation to cross over in subsequent tournaments.
But it took Africa another eight years to equal the record when the Black Stars rose to the occasion to make their mark in South Africa, but for the unfortunate hand ball incident criminally committed by Luiz Suarez and Asamoah Gyan's failure to convert the resultant penalty and the Black Stars woeful penalty kicks.
While Senegal failed to reach the following finals in Germany in 2006, the Black Stars have broken through in one of the most difficult ways, winning an impossible playoff against Egypt with an amazing aggregate scoreline of 7-3. One might say that with the same tenacity of purpose which made them conquer Egypt, the world would expect something more from Coach Kwasi Appiah and his charges led by Asamoah Gyan. Against USA, Germany and Portugal in Group G, the stage is set for that new record which must definitely come out of a fundamental, decisive preparation as was urged by President Mahama.
All analysis seem to agree that since USA have suffered two defeats at the hands of the Black Stars in their previous games, they must have some respect and fear for them, and that could possibly send them parking when they meet.
Against Portugal and Germany, a little bit of extra organisation borne out of an African sweeping force can do the trick. As my good friend Femi said in Nigeria on the day of the draw, the Super Eagles, and for that matter, the Black Stars, are ready for any country.
The Germans are unquestionably great, having conquered the world three times in 1954, 1974 and 1990, all happening in the days of the divided Germany with the West winning the honours. Even when a combined Germany hosted the world in 2006, the cup went to Italy. Records show how dreadful Germany could be at such tournaments, and in Brazil where the greats are determined to showcase their formidable powers, the Black Stars, the Brazil of Africa, will need something extra to sweep past the Germans who in the last event hammered the Stars and eventually subdued Uruguay 3-2 in the third place play-off. In a team that could boast of stars like Podolski Lukas, Klose Miroslav, Philip Lahm and Muller who have the passion for superiority, you can see the problem ahead.
Portugal, highly respected in European football, have never won the World Cup. However, with the present squad led by highly-esteemed Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid fame, with such stars as Nani, Simao, Deco and Pepe, a lot is expected of them.
The consensus around town is that the assignment is surmountable with the present crop of Stars we have and their determination to make it great for Africa. Let's keep our fingers crossed!