The Last 8

FANS,

They are 8 teams left. The South African media are fanatically supporting the Ghana team - the Black Star - how appropriate!! All Africans in South Africa should wear the Ghana colours (colors) on Friday. I will have to go buy me a Black Star jersey tomorrow. I think they have a very good chance of beating Uruguay. BTW how come Uruguay has 4 stars on their uniform (over their crest) when they have only won the cup twice?

The previous winners are Brazil (5), Germany (3), Argentina (2), and Uruguay (2) and the unusual suspects of Netherlands, Paraguay, Spain, and our adopted Ghana. It is amazing how Germany, Argentina, and Spain will have to knock each other out to get to the final. If Brazil crushes the Oranges then it might be a cake walk to the finals. I have Brazil over Spain in one poll and Spain over Brazil in another. The South Americans have 4 out of the 8 and a possibility to have all 4 semi-final teams.

The reason for their dominance is simple. All the South American teams played 18 games to qualify in their final phase of qualification while the Africans only played 6 games. I have a suggestion for CAF - African governing body, the final phase of qualifications currently consist of 20 teams and instead of having 5 groups of 4 while not have 2 groups of 10 with the first 2 teams getting automatic qualification to the World Cup while the two third team play a home and away to get the fifth and final spot to the world cup. Imagine that Uruguay had to play a home and away match with Costa Rica to get in and now they are at worst the 8th best team in the world. Argentina used over 100 players during qualification and who is laughing now? Yes, Maradona is laughing all the way Capetown to play Germany.

In all sincerity, Ghana has won 1 (Serbia), lost 1 (Germany), and drew 2 (Australia and USA - advanced after aet). That is not exactly a superb performance. Hence, my suggestion for more competitive representation before FIFA takes away an African slot.

Today and tomorrow is a day of rest from the games and I will be spending the day sipping tea and watching the ocean waves; however, tomorrow is shopping day for the wifey and children - Lord, have mercy!

Until the next time, please say a prayer for me!