African Odyssey: Report 3

June 23, 2010

As Gameday 3 arrive for the teams, the very real prospect of either win or go home sets in. The French, the North Koreans, and others have already experienced this bitter taste.

The South Africans, despite having little chance to move on in the tournament, shifted their focus from advancing to merely playing well and giving their nation something to be proud of. Their opponent, the French, did exactly the opposite. Thus, France returns on a long trip home with glum faces - as usual for the French, I suppose. The South Africans, on the other hand, are happy and content with their effort, the score, and the rest of the cup to come. Ahhh, the joy of perspective. This morning all of South Africa awoke to sign of "Well done, boys" and "A great ending!". Their team's fine display gave them something to cheer about, and this will keep the vuvuzelas blowing and the fans showing up for the remaining games, which only get better with time as the tournament progresses. Hooray! There is nothin woes than a disinterested host nation.
And so, the South Africans go about finding their new team to root for the remaining two weeks. Many are choosing Argentina for their attacking style so far in the tourney. Many choose Brazil, because they are Brazil (soccer's version of the Lakers or Yankees, except nobody hates them). Many Afrikaans choose the Ditch, given their Dutch heritage. Many English SAers will inevitably support England (despite their play, which has been anemic).

I will be pulling for the United States to become the adopted team of the people. After all, on soccer we are a good underdog. We have struggled to come back and get ties in our first two games. And today we can win the hearts of many a fan with a good effort. Many here are already cheering for us - I know because they tell me so.

Win, and we're through. Lose, and we're out. Tie, and all bets are off. Folks, the knockout rounds have officiallly begun for the USA. We are four wins from the World Cup finals. Frankly, if we can't beat Algeria, we don't deserve to move on past the group stage.

This is must see tv. And, look for the Texas flag, now hoisted on a pole, in the USA section.

That's me - I've got the only one!

Matthew-