For the 5th day of Advent, Choto brings you a FIFA World Cup article. Intended for football nerds, as well as for those that don't even know who Maradona was. See you tomorrow!
Many of you reading this will probably have one or two things to say about this year’s World Cup host nation, or about the apparent corruption of the Football Federation, or political and social conflicts that have somewhat marred the competition. And although I would be delighted to write and argue about all that, I’m more inclined to talk about the wonderful game and a certain result, if not for the sole reason that this is an Advent Calendar entry.
I’m not a sports fan. Never have been and I doubt I will ever be. But when the World Cup arrives, everything changes. I’ve lived seven editions of the Championship, France ‘98 being the first one, but it wouldn’t be until Germany ‘06 (Messi’s first) that I’d start paying attention. I remember iconic moments like ‘The Battle of Nuremberg’, North Korea’s goal against Brazil, ‘Suarez’s Handball’, ‘Maradona’s dance’, and so on. Today I’m here to revisit one of those historic moments, and, of course, to talk about all that poetic justice, which I would define as follows: “A negative outcome for someone that deserved it”. The whole concept of “deserving” something is clearly extremely subjective, and when you mix it with the World Cup, it can be explosive.
On the last day of the group stage of this Qatar 2022, Uruguay met Ghana. Both countries needed a win and a favourable outcome in the other match, Portugal vs South Korea. But there was something else apart from the necessity to emerge victorious. 12 (and a half) years ago and 10457 kilometres away from Doha, the Ghanaian midfielder Sulley Muntari scored the 1 – 0 against Uruguay after 45 minutes of play, for a spot in the semi-finals. That goal was catapulting, for the first time in history, an African nation to the last stage of the World Cup. That would unfortunately not last, as the amazing Diego Forlán equalized the board 9 minutes after the start of the second half.
Time kept going, as it tends to do, as both nations fought for a clear win, and tensions were as high as they could be in Soccer City. And when the clock ticked 120 minutes, the fabled ‘last play’ arrived, and it was all for Ghana. The ball arrived in Uruguay’s inner area, and found the head of Dominic Adiyiah, who in turn redirected it to the goal, way past Uruguay’s goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. A whole continent got up from their seats. That was it. Ghana had become the first African nati- wait! It didn’t go in!
Alas, Luis Suárez had saved the goal…with his hands. His infamous ‘handball’, along with his nickname, ‘The Devil’, had been born. But hold your horses, because now this meant that not only he would receive a red card, but that Ghana would earn a penalty. Piece of cake for Asamoah Gyan, ‘The Cannoneer’, who, before aiming, looked around. The full weight of a continent was reflected in the stadium’s banners: “Ghana, make Africa proud”.
He shot.
He missed.
And the final whistle came, and with it, the penalty shoot-outs. Gyan wouldn’t miss at this instance, but the result didn’t care: It showed 4 – 2, for Uruguay.
From that moment until today I have cheered for Uruguay’s opponents. Not only for that match, but for their already classic foul-ridden way of playing. When my dad brought me a fixture for this year’s World Cup, the first thing I did is scout for my neighbours and their group. And yes, Ghana was amongst them. What a golden chance for the African team!
However, yet again, Uruguay won.
With a 2 – 0, ‘The Charrúas’ were advancing to the knock-out stage, leaving a whole country crying once again. 34-year-old Suárez had been replaced at the 66th minute, smile on his face, for his team was still fighting in what is quite certainly his last World Cup. But, close to the end, horrifying news flew to the ears of Diego Alonso, Uruguay’s coach: South Korea had scored at the 91s minute against Portugal and were now winning. This meant that, despite the incoming victory, Uruguay would still be eliminated. The once-relaxed squad suddenly realized they needed one more goal. The clock was ticking, but they were 6 minutes behind the other match, and they still counted with extra time. However, Ghana, already defeated and with no realistic chances of advancing, had also heard about the other game. With some sort of godlike resolve, the African team managed to keep Uruguay at bay and outplay their desperate rivals. But what is that? It’s super veteran Edison Cavani, ‘The Matador’, and he is unstoppable. He is gonna shoot. He will win this match for the glory of Uruguay. But the spirit of South Africa 2010 sparkled to life in Alidu Seidu, who brings Cavani down, and it’s a clear penalty. A penalty that is seen by neither the referee or the VAR, nor any assistant whatsoever. The final whistle sounds, and the story is over.
Ghana lost. But in their grim faces you could see that glimpse of joy. They were out of the World Cup, beaten yet again by an arrogant team that had mocked them the day before. But they had managed to drag Uruguay to the grave as well. As Icelandic poet Kári Tulinius said: “The ghost of Soccer City has been exorcised.” Poetic justice had been served, and no matter how happy I was to see ‘The Devil’ go, his tears remind me of the day Götze scored that devastating goal against my own Argentina.
Did Uruguay really deserve this? Was Ghana on the right side of history? I don’t really know to what extent I am entitled to answer, but it is certainly my wish that those two nations consider this World Cup a new beginning. Revenge is sweet, some say, but a good game is much better. (Looking at you, dutchies)
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
This year we are raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. You can donate directly through our campaign page. If you want to show your appreciation to our streamers, make sure you donate during their streams, as they'll be keeping an eye on incoming donations and reading out donation messages! We also have goals and incentives to hit during the month of December, so keep an eye out for those as well.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and cures childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food—because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.