Okay, so it wasn’t meant to be for the Team U.S.A. Again.
But it was a good run and there is no doubting the positive overall impact this World Cup has had on the always tenuous place soccer holds in the American consciousness.
And we had the goal seen ’round the world (and heard: for the best call of any goal ever, check out the inimitable genius of Andres Cantor here).
And at least we didn’t get beaten by the insufferable prima donnas from Italy (they were already gone–ha!) or any of the other bullies who have tormented us on the international stage (Brazil, Germany, etc.) If we were going to bow out gracefully, who better than Ghana to show us the door? It’s more than a little unlikely that Ghana will go further, but it will be fun to root for them. Plus, how can you not get behind a country who has made such amazing music?
Back in March I encouraged anyone with adventurous ears to check out the indispensable double disc Ghana Special. It was an endless and brutal winter in and around D.C. and these discs considerably brightened the days and warmed the spirits.
The Sweet Talks, “Akampanye”:
K. Frimpong & His Cubanos Fiestas, “Kyenkyen Bi Adi M’Awu”:
Bokoor Band, “You Can Go”:
The Wellis Band, “Bindiga”:
The African Brothers International Band, “Yerewensa Wo Se Shirt”:
