Ghana Wins!

Ghana wins! The FIFA Under 20 World Cup! And my heart. Aww.

First: the football. As Ghana made it through match after match of qualifying rounds, the hopes of Ghana’s people for their team climbed higher and higher. They were the only African team in the quarter finals and Ghanaians were proud to have the chance to show off on the world stage. Ghana and Brazil were to face off in the final and people all around the country gathered around televisions in their homes, at public bars, and even at shops on the side of the street to watch the fate of their young players.

A red card early in the game against Ghana couldn’t stop Ghana from defending strong and maintaining a 0 – 0 score through the regulation time and the two 15 minute overtime halves. The entire game came down to a shootout and everyone held their breath as Ghana went goal for goal with Brazil. But then victory! The entire city erupted in celebration – an amazing sight!

I’m a self professed band wagon sports fan and usually can’t be too bothered with watching pro sports until the stakes are high. It was as I watched the game that I realized Ghana had stolen my heart. I wanted so badly for Ghana to win. For a country that is so accustomed to receiving assistance and handouts, and being told that it must ‘develop’ to a better state, to legitimately prove that they could be the best at something in their own right.

Thanks for not letting me down Ghana.