How South America stole Africa’s thunder

South Africa 2010 was supposed to mark the end of one era and the beginning of another, more promising, for the great continent of Africa. Finally trusted with hosting the most prestigious competition of the most popular sport on the planet and allocated a generous six nations into the final stages, the tide appeared to be turning for African football. Yet South America have come from seemingly nowhere to steal the show from under their noses.

The event itself has been seamless, with little of the anticipated trouble appearing to materialise and a grand spectacle coughed up by the hosts. Hats off to them, I think most people will be nothing but delighted for a recovering nation such as South Africa to have proved the doubters wrong and succeeded in pulling off the World Cup in style. Although the less said about the vuvuzelas, the better…

Yet the African entrants, on the whole, have disappointed. Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Cameroon were all in with a chance of making an impact of sorts on this tournament, but have failed to deliver, the latter somehow defeated in every game they played despite having a decent enough side. South Africa always had an uphill task on their plate but bowed out with enormous credit after slaying the once-great French and losing out only on goal difference, while Algeria simply weren’t good enough despite England’s best efforts to prove otherwise.

Of course, Ghana remain having impressed throughout the competition, and have become only the third African team to reach a World Cup quarter final. They will perhaps never a greater chance of bettering that record when they face Uruguay on Friday.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, only five places were given to the South Americans. Of the remaining eight teams, this continent makes up half the number, and there is even a chance they could all make the last 4. Indeed, the only South American side to have been eliminated were defeated by their cousin, when Brazil ousted an otherwise impressive Chile team.

Of the remaining teams, Brazil and Argentina were always likely contenders. The former has lacked the ‘samba’ football their punters demand, but have replaced this with a highly effective game based on discipline, efficiency and possession, with the quality of players still available to finish off opponents when necessary. Maradona’s Argentina, on the other hand, are blessed with some of the best attacking players in the world. They may be vulnerable at the back, but with Messi, Higuain and Tevez in top form it hardly matters. Indeed, their only obstacle to success initially appeared to lie in the form of their ego-inspired manager, but the loathable midget seems to know what he’s doing when it matters.

Uruguay and Paraguay, however, are surprise packages. Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez have driven the former, the last team to book their place in South Africa, and have looked one of the better teams in the whole tournament. Their 3-0 defeat of South Africa was so one-sided it was painful to watch. Paraguay haven’t been quite as flamboyant, reaching the last eight for the first time in their  history courtesy of penalties after a totally uninspiring goalless draw with Japan. Yet, they have looked good in flashes, matching Italy in the opening game and brushing Slovakia aside with such ease, and deserve their place here. Spanish opposition may be a game too far for them, however.

It has been a painful lesson for Europe this time round. Only three teams remain: Germany, Spain and Netherlands, with all three facing very tough tests in order to progress. Italy, France and England have all fallen early on under heavy expectation, and South America appears to have benefited most from their failings. And deservedly so, as some of the football served up by European sides has been pitiful, a pale shadow of the game played in their native leagues.

But this was never about Europe. Or South America, for that matter. It was supposed to be Africa’s party. And now Ghana are flying the flag for a continent populated by over a billion and tasked with restoring stripped pride. A tall order, indeed, but should the Black Stars win their next match to become the most successful African team ever then not even the sporting eloquence of South America will stand in their way. Even a semi-final defeat to Brazil or Netherlands would not interrupt the African party.

So good luck to Ghana!