What a really exciting game. Okay, the quality of the football was not really there for a lot of the time, but the tension and interest was maintained to the very end. After the USA scored just 30 seconds into the game, it was pretty much one way traffic, and when the second half started, I thought it was a matter of time before Ghana equalised, and then scored again.
The clock ticked, and the referee maintained inexplicable leniency, allowing Ghana to finish the game with all eleven players. There is no doubt that had he issued yellow cards appropriately during the game, this would not have been so. Ghana were not muscling people off the ball, nor were they "strong" - they simply fouled a lot and generally got away with things. Atsu didn't take a single throw-in that was legitimate, and I suggest that a World Cup is not really the stage to demonstrate foul throws. Still, the ultra-lenient referee ignored this. Robbie Savage, during his pathetic 'commentary' was saying how shocking some of the challenges were, and this from a man whose own conduct on the pitch was never short of 'savage' for years! He said nothing all game that was worth listening to.
When Ghana equalised with eight minutes of normal time to go, I expected them to serve a hammer blow to the USA. Okay, their finishing all game had been diabolical, but the mounting pressure was sure to count for something. Then, a perfect example of determination winning out was evident when the USA won a corner. The defender did not so much "shield" the ball, hoping to gain a goal kick, but forcibly stuck his body and arse into the path of the chasing USA player. It was actually a foul, but the ref gave a corner, seeing as the defender accidentally touch the ball as it crossed the line. The corner yielded a headed goal, and I was so pleased for the USA.
So, not so much for footballing reasons, but for determination, persistence, patience and resilience, the victory by the USA was actually quite inspirational.
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