Down to the final 16 in the World Cup, and my attempts to find out more about Algeria ended with their failure to advance. So, I took it upon myself to find out more about the smaller countries not expected to advance this far in the competition. I focused my attention on a little-known country that surprises everyone by their presence in the final 16, the United States of America. Had it not been for American internationals Maurice Edu and DaMarcus Beasley who play for Rangers, I'd never have known the USA existed. Armed with my Rangers 'Edu' top, I ventured into the city trying to find an American bar and hopefully have better success meeting Americans than I did Algerians.
Doing a quick bit of research to find an American-centric bar, I found a pub, common in most American urban centres, called "Hooters". Upon entering, I noted that there was no sign of any estuary. Nor owls, as the name might suggest. But the staff is not only friendly, but attractive, and I'll also assume, American. Paydirt!
Hooters: A Slice of Americana in Toronto's Back Yard!
Some background on the United States: You may be surprised to know that this country actually shares a border with Canada to the south. Not as commonly known, Canada briefly occupied them circa 1812. They also possess the largest population of all the competing countries, and thus surprising that it's a shock that they're doing this well. One would think that such a large population would allow them to have a much larger pool of players to choose from for this competition. It seems in talking to the Americans I find, the country tends to prefer supporting other competitive sports, such as "Basketball", "Baseball" and "Competitive Eating." I am also informed that in the USA, they watch another game, also called "Football". However, in their version of the beautiful game, it is played at a much slower pace on a much smaller field, and the players are able to use their hands to pick up the ball. This is not only alien to me, but unheard of in proper football, but Toronto being the multi-cultural centre that it is, I remind myself not to make fun of other country's customs.
I order what I'm told is a common American beer, a "Budweiser". I quickly note that this microbrew has, through sheer determination and American pluck, found its way into a sponsorship of the World Cup. Hooray for the successes of small business! American Dream indeed! It is Ashley that brings me my pint, with a side of true American hospitality.
Ashley with a Budweiser. Sepp Blatter Would Be Proud.
I find myself sitting beside two Americans named Peter and Ted, from Colorado and Chicago respectively. Both cities have MLS teams, and knowing of the Chicago Fire and their away support at TFC matches, they are well aware of the importance of this match. They are cheering like they're at a Lakers game. Five minutes in Boateng scores for Ghana, commencing the burrowing of the hole the USS have to climb out of. There's a lot of fight in the US team yet, and they wisely bring on Rangers Edu to bring some more punch into the midfield, towing with him his Scottish Premier League experience.
Two Americans Knowing Why the Ball Isn't Being Picked Up
The US begin the second half, still a man down, but are pushing forward, forcing Ghana to defend and rely solely on the counter attack in the opening minutes. Balls are being threaded into the box. There are no Ghana fans here it seems, and it's all-American. Finally, a fruitful search.
USA Away
Suddenly, the US gets the play that they want, Dempsey gets brought down in the Ghana box, and a penalty is awarded. Landon Donovan, no stranger to being part of US success, slots home the penalty to equalize. A more open match is now expected and delivered. Both teams now seem to be trading equivalent blows, this game now mirroring the South Korea-Uruguay match earlier in the day in that this may be the first game that goes to extra-time if not penalty kicks.
Plucky Little USA Still Fights On
At the 81st minute mark, the US are awarded a free kick that hope to put them forward. No such luck. The Americans in attendance are willing their side forward, hoping to advance to the quarters. If they do, I wonder what the streets of Little America in Toronto will look like. I'm sure we'll be able to find them with their chants of "USA! USA! USA!" It is mentioned that the US is the largest purchaser of World Cup final tickets, second only to Africans. As it goes to extra time, it may turn out that their purchases are warranted. Or not.
In the opening moments of extra time, a goal by Gyan puts Ghana up after 93 minutes. It appears that for the US, this plucky little nation's tournament may be over. Africa, meanwhile, hang their hopes on the Ghana result staying. The US seems to be fumbling, frantic to notch the equalizer. Each free kick awarded is lobbed forward on net, the Ghana defence still holding on. Consistently. The US continues to press up to the dying moments, culminating in a corner in the 120th minute of added/injury time. The punched shot is collected and returned to net with a volley, Howard the US keeper up to add strength up front. No avail. The Hooters crowd groans at the miss.
Ghana comes forward again, hoping to kill off the tie. The US meanwhile keeps missing with every attempt. The whistle blows. The US is out and Ghana goes through. Their hopes, including those of my fellow Rangers kin, are dashed. I look up and Peter and Ted are nowhere to be found.
Sadly, it appears that I'm the Death Knell for teams that I cover. First Algeria. Now the USA. Let's see what Germany does. I hope their Hooters is as nice as this one.
Recent Comments