Source: CRI

06-23-2006 11:11

World Cup debutant Ghana carries the continent's hopes into the next round after they beat the United States 2-1 in the final group match.

World Cup debutant Ghana carries the continent's hopes into the next round after they beat the United States 2-1 in the final group match. The victory has greatly elated African fans and set right the record of African football. Here is reporter Xiaohong with the details.

Encouraged by the continuous African drums at the Nuremberg Stadium, the Black Stars marched into the second round of the World Cup with a 2-1 victory over the United States.

This followed their 2-0 sweep of the Czech Republic, ranked world number two.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah, Ghana's minister of education, science and sports, says he is proud that Ghana is able to stand up against the football giants.

"We're very happy. We're excited. Ghana has been strong in the youth football for many years. Now we're playing with the masters. We're rubbing shoulders with the best of the best in the world."

Minister Papa says messages of congratulations flooded in to him as soon as the team secured the win. He believes that people back home must have all taken to the street for wild celebrations, because Ghana is a football-mad country. He adds that football has been written into the government's development agenda.

He also points out that Ghana's success has also set right the record of African football in general.

A few days prior to the opening of the World Cup, Togo's head coach resigned due to unsettled bonus disputes. This has tarnished the reputation of African football.

But in Ghana, with support from the government, the football association started financial preparations for the team a year ago. He disclosed that the players would have an extra bonus if they are to beat Brazil in the knock-out stage.

However, the minister admits that African football in general lacks financial support.

"Very few African clubs can build up their own stadium. Our domestic leagues are small. Most of our players are playing in Europe. It's difficult to get them altogether."

Minister Papa believes Ghana's success at this World Cup will greatly boost the continent to achieve greater things.

"What has happened signifies what a united, dedicated and committed Africa can achieve."

As the team has now joined Italy to reach the second phase, Ghana is likely to challenge defending champions Brazil next Tuesday. The players, the head coach and the minister are all very confident that the clash between the best of Africa and South America will present the world a great show.

XH, CRI News, Nuremberg, Germany. (For CD, this is XH reporting from Nuremberg, Germany.

 

Editor:Wang Ping