STARS, GALLANT LOSERS (JULY 3, 2010)

THE Black Stars yesterday came very close but narrowly missed out on a golden opportunity to become the first country on the continent to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup.
In agonising manner, the Stars fought very hard but missed out on penalties after a gruelling 120 minutes that saw them missing chance upon chance including the last-minute penalty by Asamoah Gyan.
It is quite ironic because Gyan’s goals had kept the Stars in the competition until last night.
It was not just a heart-breaking experience for the Stars who felt dejected and disappointed and broke down in tears, but the hope of the entire nation’s and that of the continent of Africa were shattered by that miss.
Nonetheless, the Stars did themselves very proud as they fought tooth and nail to achieve the desired results and write their names in the history books, but perhaps, it was simply not their game to win.
They showed their superiority in all areas of the game. They also exhibited great commitment and resilience but unfortunately, they could not go beyond the stage reached by Cameroun in 1990 and Senegal in 2002.
The Stars have not only demonstrated the promise football in the country and on the continent holds; they have also sent a strong signal to the rest of the world how ready Africa is to take on the game’s traditional superpowers.
Despite this painful loss, the DAILY GRAPHIC congratulates the Black Stars on fighting so gallantly.
It is our hope that the unity that is said to be breezing in the camp of the Stars will be preserved to ensure the team performs better in future.
The DAILY GRAPHIC also commends the technical handlers of the team for their tactical discipline that has no doubt provided the team with an excellent disposition throughout the tournament.
We urge the technical handlers to continue to analyse their tactical and technical approach to future matches, fortify their strong areas and address any weaknesses to put the team in a better position for the challenges ahead.
The DAILY GRAPHIC also urges all Ghanaians to put the defeat behind them and still feel proud of the team. It will be very unfortunate to villify any player, particularly Gyan, in a typical hero to villain style.
He is not the first key player to have missed such crucial penalty kicks. The likes of legendary Diego Maradona, Zico, Roberto Baggio to name a few all went through that painful experience.
On their return, it is our hope that they will be accorded hero’s welcome just as they received in 2006.
Yes, it is painful to bow out in this manner but life must go on and we must all put this behind us, help the Stars move on and pray that come 2014 when the teams line up in Brazil, the Stars will be among the 32 teams and perhaps the dream will be realised.