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Since the first blast of the whistle, South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup’s been a wonderful sight to behold. From the colourful South African supporters to the unceasing sound (more aptly noise) of the Vuvuzela to the breathtaking displays and goals scored; it’s been quite rewarding partaking of it all. Nevertheless and without sounding sore or angry, Super Eagles performance was an anticlimax! They played like a bunch of drunks who lack stamina to arrive at their destination.

As usual in any endeavour despite our failure to excel, football continues. Other serious and more prepared teams have moved on while like our undisciplined European ‘brothers’, France and Italy, we crashed out in the in the group stage. The only standout player for Nigeria was Vincent Enyeama who, I should quickly add should be our new captain. I don’t think anyone can contest this except of course we are determined to continue on a path of stagnation in our football.

Nigeria had other standout performers but in a negative way. Yakubu for instance missed a goal that my three years old son would definitely put away! Secondly, Sanni Kaita showed a serious lack of class by lashing out at another player over a simple throw-in. We led at that time and if the lad had not gone overboard to collect that card, we could have beaten the Greeks. Did I hear you say ‘not likely’? Well with the benefit of hindsight, I’d be quick to agree with you. It’s been a roller coaster indeed!

Now I have been pretty impressed with the Black Stars of Ghana. They have indeed shone like very bright stars and having become the only third African country to have reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup, one must be excused for purring over their performance so far. And they didn’t play in an easy group too as they had to contend with a vastly experienced Australian and Serbian team. They could have put Germany to bed had they within them another Asamoah Gyan who’s been shouldering all the goal scoring burden of the team.

Taking a good look at most of the teams that came to this tournament, Ghana and Germany are tops in the area of infusion of youth into the national set up. A sincere confession gentlemen; I’m very envious of Ghana football at the moment. Take a look at the names: Kwadwo Asamoah, Addiyah, Dede Ayew, Prince Boateng, Annan, Jonathan etc. these guys are in their 21s to 22s and playing like veterans. Ayew for me is the pick of the pack; I mean the young man is nerveless. He’s been playing like a real champion and ‘am sure his dad must be very proud.

I love the fact that their Serbian coach is not afraid of utilizing the youth in his team. More than ever, he exposed the weakness of the arrogant and almost uncontrollable Sulley Muntari by consistently starting Kwadwo Asamoah. Unlike Nigeria that had only Lukman Haruna and maybe Enyeama as good prospects for the future, Ghana can look ahead with great enthusiasm. Their future indeed is bright.

The exploits of the very young German team is another thing entirely. What with the manner of their defeat of England in the round of 16. The likes of Mesut Ozil, Muller, Sammi Khedira, Anne Friedrich, Marko Marin, Badstuber etc have light the World Cup in South Africa. Is it possible to forget left foot volley from Mesut against Ghana or the blistering counter attack that ripped open England’s defense like a hot knife through butter?

Some beautiful goals have been scored at this tournament. From the unbelievable strike by Maicon against the North Koreans to the trail blazers from Tshabalala and Carlos Tervez to the impossible curler from Luiz Suarez. SA 2010’s been full of quality goals. We’ve had some howlers too thanks to Jahbulani!

Robert Green in particular would be very cross with the nature of the ‘treacherous’ official ball for this World Cup. I mean the poor guy lost his place to James due to a blooper! Richard Kingson and Vincent Enyeama for all their heroism got their nose bloodied by Jahbulani. I must test that ball to find out if it indeed travels as fast as we’ve seen on TV; believe me, I could shoot too! LOL.

We are down to eight teams and the list is very impressive. Apart from the aged Azzuris, lackluster France, unreliable England and defensive Portugal that have been ousted, the world’s top teams are still alive and kicking in the country of Mandela. Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Holland and Spain are still holding forth as they play in the quarterfinals. This is the business end and only the gritty, classy and determined move on.

Brazil is up against Holland, Argentina confronts Germany, Uruguay faces Ghana (history in the making) and Spain goes for broke against Paraguay. These are interesting match ups and I think only Spain can smile and say they have one leg in the next round; it’s as tight as this! We are in for a time of our lives and I know that I won’t miss the spectacle that’s set to continue within the next few days. Welcome on board gentlemen and Ke naa ko!

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