SSR Vol5 FIFA- WC-SA

Canada Media Report B y John Molinaro

John Molinaro was gracious enough to give Stars Soccer Review magazine his thoughts on several topics surrounding the South Africa’ World Cup

On the People of South Africa, “ Honestly, I had a tainted view of South Africa before I arrived, just due to its history of apartheid. The county still has many social problems, but I think South Africans made a very good impression by welcoming the world to their country.

I was impressed with the hospitality of South Africans and how they embraced the tournament, even after their Bafana Bafana team was eliminated.

On the Tournament? “ For me the actual soccer was less than impressive - Spain's form aside - but I thought South Africa did a very good job of hosting the event. From a soccer perspective, the one thing I will never forget is the Uruguay-Ghana quarter-final and the at- mosphere inside Soccer City. It seemed as though the entire con-

tinent of Africa was behind Ghana, and it was a game with great drama.

On the Vuvuzelas? “if I never hear another Vuvuzela again, it will be too soon. “They are annoying” On the African Cities, “ Visiting Durban, a beautiful costal city, was amazing, but the highlight for me was going to Soweto, and experiencing the history there.

Ghana celebrates on advancing to Round of 16 KO stage

B y Kris Anderson The hopes and dreams of Africans were pinned on Ghana, after numerous disappointments from the other five African teams, that failed to live up to high expectations on home soil. Under the great leadership of Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac, Ghana battled hard early on and grew stronger and more confident as the tournament progressed. Ghana played a dynamic style that gave fans some of the greatest value for their hard spent dollars and the game against the U.S. was easily one of the best matches of the entire tournament. Their performance against Uruguay was thrilling to say the least and describing their heart wrenching defeat as devastating, is an epic understatement. What is even more remarkable, is the accomplishment of so much without their best player, Michael Essien. Canada Report on pg 28)

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