Bet on Black

Football is a continent. No other continent converges like Africa does on a football pitch. FIFA 2014 has brought five African squads to Brazil to chase passion and glory that otherwise stays divided in its 54 countries. But will the cheer last? Cameroon wound up quick and headed home. The star-studded Ivory Coast, highest on the bet with their superstars Didier Drogba – Sachin of African football, on a signing-off note and Yaya Toure - uncrowned king on the midfield, and an assortment of a good but ill-aligned side that couldn’t salvage their dream; in spite of playing against all odds (Brothers on the squad Yaya And Kolo lost their youngest brother Ibrahim, right ahead of their clash with Greece). 

They can be plastered as a classic case of too many stars and no sunshine!  But Ghana was sure to re-chart its QF entry! And then Ronaldo’s bowing-out spell happened to them. But is it just that? They started off on a bad note too, against USA. Not to speak of that unwitting self-goal – which broke into tiny pieces, an entire nation’s heart - irreparably so!  For soccer is what Ghanaians practically thrive on. However, with a whiff of fresh air Algeria, like a carefree toddler went past the group stage while nobody was pinning any hope on them. It’s their first time in QFs. Cheers! The most hopeful Nigeria, on the other stuttered its way to the QFs. But hey, they have arrived. 

In the 16! Africa has got talent. Folks here have oozing passion – after all, just so many soccer superstars have been of African origin! They go to European leagues for growth and money, but they remain African, don’t they? When will this bet on black pay off? There is lot of desperation and prayers happening in the cradle continent. Ghana ushered in a moment of cheer as they broke into an uninhibited dance when striker Asamoah Gyan flipped the tie and got the Germans on a tight spot.

The fact is Algeria and Nigeria have qualified! Africa, hail the ball – break the jinx! Go.