Fútbolita

In what seems to be one of the matches of the tournament, I was left heartbroken and crying. I was sitting right where Gyan hit the post in his 121st minute penalty, which could have led Ghana to the semi final. I knew from there it was Murphy’s law and Urugauy had to win the penalty shoot-out. The atmosphere was amazing throughout the entire 120 minutes plus penalty shoot-out. Forlan againa scored, silencing the soccer city packed crowd. No wonder his known as the “Vuvuzela Silencer” since he scored against SA. He is respectled and loved for his talent, unlike his striking partner. Suarez is probably the most hated person right now on Africa, and the most loved in Uruguay. He sacrifised himself with a hand ball to prevent a goal, and it took his team to the final. Gyan and Ghana should have sealed it with a penalty that just didnt seem real when he missed. The crowd was silent, except for a few cries knowing what the save from Sauraz and the missed penalty could lead too…..

And it did, Uruguay won 4-2 on penalties. Gyan was brave enough to step up and thake the first penalty in the shoot-out for Ghana, and this time he put it away, if only that same penalty was 5 mins earlier.  Gyan knows what that miss meant. After the game is literally couldnt walk or move, and had to be ascorted of the field by his fellow players. Africa is mourning, but we have to say well done to the second youngesat team in this World cup.

Pictures from Zimbio

Signing off – African Futbolita

Could Ghana become the first African team in history to make it to a Semi-final of a World cup? No African team has done this before and it would be fitting for the black stars considering that its the first African World Cup. The whole of Africa is behind Ghana.

The game wont be so easy for the Ghananians even with all the support. The South American teams have dominated this World Cup thus far, with one point all of them been top of there group, and all of them qualifying for the last 16. Except for Chile who had to face another South American team, otherwise who knows????

Ghana’s Prince Boateng, and Asamoah Gyan will be key for the “Hope of Africa” team. They are out to make history today, with South African’s all behind them. The entire country is in Ghana colours(except the Brazalian, Dutch and Uruguay fans ofcoz).

What they said about each other:

“They are fast, and strong, and they have done well in other games, even done well against Germany,” Diego Forlan, Uruguay

“Uruguay are a great team, especially in attack. This is what we have to watch out for because they have players like Forlan and Suarez,” Asamoah Gyan, Ghana striker.

Lets hope Ghana can count their lucky “Black Stars” tonight. Ghana for Africa!

I took the above pictures at the Ghana vs Germany game at Soccer City.

Signing off and Waving Flag

Your African Futbolita

Two days later we reflect. A heavy sadness of defeat has set in. And like that, it’s over.

Memories of 2006 jolted through our bones as reality sets in. It was a 2-1 defeat-repeat. Ghana eliminated the USA again.  Here’s a ’06 refresher:

I painfully watched the Saturday, June 26th USA vs. Ghana match with over 800 USA supporters. It took only 5 minutes for the energetic optimism to quickly shift to desperate hope. Ricardo Clark’s turnover cost our side an early goal. Kevin Prince Boateng was the Black Star who capitalized on this turnover with his dangerous speed beating Clark, Jay DeMerit and keeper, Tim Howard. The tempo was set and for the majority of the first half, Ghana controlled the match.

We responded. Clint Dempsey’s hard work paid off as he drew a foul in the penalty box for Landon Donovan to put away, setting the tally to 1-1.  We continued to control possession setting up opportunities for Jozy Altidore who would miss the best chance of the second half.  The penalty was enough to put us into overtime. But we were tired. Emotionally and physically. Ghana capitalized, scoring a quick overtime goal when Asamoah Gyan chased down a long ball beating DeMerit and Carlos Bocanegra for a left footed strike past Howard. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)

It was defeating and we as fans knew it this time. It was a sad moment in America. We’d been ecstatic with belief that anything was possible for our boys and like that it was done. The Stars and Stripes were once again, sent home by the Black Stars. Good news for the African continent as Ghana remains the sole African country in the last eight.

But what does this mean for soccer in America? We now face the aftermath.

(Photo: Getty Images)

The highs and lows of victory and defeat created a general feeling of disappointment but we have so much to be proud of. Not just talking about the team, but as supporters of the world’s favorite sport. I challenge you America to continue to support the World Cup, to support your local professional MLS (major league soccer) team or WPS (women’s professional soccer) team. You will see, identify, and experience the same kind of passion, determination, and pride as you felt for our boys in the red, white, and blue.

If you want the USA to make it farther in World Cup 2014 Brazil, then do your job as a supporter of soccer. That’s my challenge to you.

Signing Off,

Your USA FUTBOLITA

Check it out WORLD! This brought tears to my eyes (AGAIN)…. Tears of joy! Watch as the world celebrates our well deserved VICTORY!

Tune in Saturday, June 26 as the USA takes on Ghana at 2:30pm Eastern Time. LET’S DO IT!

Signing Off,

Your Proud USA FUTBOLITA

Estas fotos quebrar nossos corações! In the end, Ghana got their revenge from the 1993 loss… and defeated our meninos in the finals of the U-20 World Cup last night. Even with one man down, the selecao’s multiple shots at goal couldn’t a seal a win in extra time. So it went to penalties and you know nobody really wins those…

“There’s a feeling of sadness. We were better in the match, created more chances, against a strong team,” Giuliano said. “If you look at the whole match, it was an unfair result.”

“I told the players to create chances and they did – we were not able to score today but they’ve done a great job throughout the tournament. When it gets to penalties, there’s nothing you can blame or regret,” said Rogerio Lourenco.

After the game, Alex Teixeira picked up the Silver Ball award while Giuliano won the Bronze Ball. Oh chicas, you can always watch this again to cheer yourselves up!

So the Selecao Bebes will play in the finals of the U-20 World Cup against Ghana today and we know how excited you are, so they’d better bring home the title! Iremos gritar!

As you can see, they’re all feeling a little sentimental now but if they can’t lose now. It will be a huge blow to everyone.

“It’s a world title that nobody can take away from us. It’s something which we will carry for life. Just look into the eyes of every one here and you’ll see how much everyone wants this victory,” said midfielder Diogo. “It is certainly the most important moment for me in this shirt. It’s a magical moment that touches everyone’s lives,” added Giuliano.

“I’m sure if we show that on the pitch and throw everything we can, it will give a huge step towards the title,” added Rafael, the goalkeeper.

So the Albicelestes are facing another crisis – and this time, it involves a rift between The Dona and the squad’s general manager and former midfielder, Carlos Bilardo. Can’t anybody get along anymore?!

Anyway, it’s common knowledge that the coach didn’t call up any Europe-based players for Argentina’s friendly against Ghana tomorrow but now, it seems that The Dona has told Bilardo to “stay out of his decisions” because he “prefers a distance”. Bilardo also feeling bitter because apparently, his role as ‘general manager’ has been disregarded. He does not get a say in player selections or other decisions The Dona makes. Basically, his job is “to go and see the stadium and hotel.” Es insultante!

Also, according to Ole, Maradona told Bilardo that “the player lists, meetings … It’s all in the computer,” before adding: “After qualifying, we’ll see (what happens with you).”

Meanwhile, Boca’s Martin Palermo is hopeful that his performance on Wednesday will earn him a place in Argentina’s remaining crucial qualifiers. “(We) must seize the game  if we have a chance to play in Wednesday’s friendly. We must be able to do things (in) the best way possible, to live for the moment, and then wait. Hopefully I can play against Peru and Uruguay,” he said.

Photo de periodical Olé