Failing the cricket test
June 22nd, 2006
I watched the US v Ghana World Cup match this morning, and I confess that I failed the cricket test. I’m an American and generally happy to be so, but where football is concerned I certainly couldn’t rouse any enthusiasm for the US of A.
There are three problems. First, the workmanlike and thoroughly uninspiring play of the Americans. It is a well-organized, athletic team, but completely lacking in creativity and invention. No joga bonito. Second, the relentless boosterism of the American television announcers and many of the American sports journalists. It’s an okay team – stop claiming it’s the the fifth best in the world. (I know the English media can be even worse in this regard, but at least England has some claim to its pretensions – until you see the team play.) Third, I like rooting for a team where the result has greater meaning. In Ghana, and in the other 55 countries of Africa, football is the alpha and omega of sport. I’d love to see Ghana advance further, although I fear for them against Brazil without the wonderful Michael Essien.
Update If evidence were needed about Ghana’s passions, read Sarah Left in The Guardian (I wonder if there’s a Sarah Right who writes for The Telegraph?).