Blog: johnloguk

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS - GHANA 2008

How many other people are making a point of watching this tournament? Personally I find it intriguing and try to catch the highlights of every game on the BBC.

The official website at http://www.ghanacan2008.com/index.php is pretty good, with background info and match reports.

There was a time when African football was characterised by all out attack and a refreshing naivity. Sadly that has just about disappeared, but the standard of football itself has improved out of sight. When Nigeria played The Ivory Coast the other night, nearly every single player was from the English League, with most at top clubs. The vast majority of coaches are vastly experienced in world football too. The games are far more tactical, even defensive, compared to a few years ago, but there have already been some sparkling goals.

On the downside, the modern disease of diving and cheating has reared its ugly head, but the referees have been excellent and punished it.

How long will it be before an African team wins the World Cup? I actually think one of them will win in 2010 when South Africa hosts the competition. Ivory Coast look very good, physically fit, strong, technically gifted and well organised. But there are many others who could challenge too. Watch this space. But in the meantime I'll keep watching the games and marvel at the progress everyone has made.

by johnloguk on 18:35 on 23rd January 2008