On 2 July 2010, the Ghanaian soccer team’s dreams of becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup came to an end after they were defeated by Uruguay on penalties.
The team, known as the Black Stars, took the lead shortly before half-time due to Sulley Muntari’s goal. Moments later, Diego Forlan scored an equaliser through a free-kick, taking the match into extra-time. After finishing one-all at the end of regulation time, the Black Stars went down to Uruguay 4 – 2 based on penalties.
The Black Stars were Africa’s last team standing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter finals.
After Cameroon, Algeria, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and the host country, South Africa, were eliminated in the group stage, it seemed the whole of Africa would be left disappointed; but Ghana kept traditional African drums ringing.
References:
Anon, (2010), ‘World Cup 2010: Uruguay 1-1 Ghana (4-2 pen) – South Americans through to semi-finals after Gyan’s 120th minute penalty miss costs Black Stars final four place,’from Goal.com, [online] Available at www.goal.com[Accessed: 2 June 2011]
Audo S, (2010), ‘ANALYSIS: "Africa's Brazil," Ghana, out to make World Cup history,’from M&G [online] Available at www.monstersandcritics.com[Accessed: 2 June 2011]
