Nah. Nigeria's win was better. YES, IT WAS. And sue me for being biased, I could give three cigarettes. This was not a Nations Cup to be remembered for the football, but more about the incredible DRAMA that ensued in a penalty shootout that will be legendary in African football.
Maybe it's because I was watching it at a Ghanaian bar, so it seemed to be more Nollywood than Hollywood entertainment. But the football was not of the greatest quality. As I expected, it was two teams more afraid to lose than having a desperation to win.
Ghana had the better chances, the better play and looked more likely to score, as they hit the post twice. But ask yourselves, is that something to be happy about? Would you rather hit the post seven times or score once?
Ivory Coast kept hanging in there, and Renard's team's plan was clear; be strong defensively, and if the opportunity presents itself, then take it with both hands, but don't force the issue. Whilst Ghana smelled blood, but could not quench that thirst of the red liquid. Perhaps it was just a lack of quality up front, something that has been the bane of this very talented and young team. Very strong in defence and midfield, but without a star man at the top.
Just think how different things could be for this Ghana team if Balotelli had decided to opt to play for them?
I have seen MANY penalties in my time, easily one of the most nerve-racking inventions by man. But I cannot remember seeing one where one team were ahead, seemingly with their hands on the trophy, and with all the pressure on the opposing team...and still lose.
I predicted an Ivory win, but when Ghana were up by two, I just could not see anyway back. I could NOT envision Ivory missing their first TWO penalty kicks. But who the hell could have foreseen Ghana then missing their next two and allowing Ivory back in the game?
Barry.
Love him or hate, and this man is now BANNED from Ghana for all time officially, this man is BOX TO THE OFFICE!
Faking injury, tongue boasting, and smirking, he used all the psychological tricks that he could to psyche out the Ghana boys. And it just might have worked. Yes, there has to be a loser and who likes to see someone in tears? Unless you are sick in the head and are a masochist then yes, you would love to see that.
But Barry, being plucked off the bench, and being part of so many excursions with this generation that ended in failure with the label of "underachievers". And in superstar team, he was always the odd one out, the final piece just thrown in, but the one who the photographer says to keep moving till he's out of the frame...completely.
So isn't it fitting that the non-star was the one who SEALED THAT DEAL for Ivory Coast and gave them only their second ever title? Isn't that just a great story that would make any hollywood screenwriter or producer BITE YOUR PAWS OFF TO MAKE INTO A MOVIE?!
The Nations Cup was not great and this has to be the worst one I have seen in terms of footballing quality. But for drama, that penalty shootout alone has to be very special one. It ebbed and flowed, swung in one direction then the other, and as it was a test of nerve that so many players including defenders answered in SUPER fashion...it was for the registered psychopath to come up and be that hero for Ivory and villain for Ghana.
As you saw the celebrations and release of happiness....this is what makes this tournament so much more special than others. For a lot of this countries were life is hard and tough, this is a small respite, very small, that just puts a smile on people's faces. And the party in Ivory will be good oh....
As said in Nigeria...."Dat one no be lie!"
HH
