HANGZHOU, 20 September 2007
The party began in Hangzhou at 16:00, one hour before Norway vs Ghana kicked off. First there was the noise of drums, then singing, then clapping, and then the multi-coloured wigs, flags, t-shirts and scarves, and the smiling, smiling faces of the Ghanaian National Supporters Union came through the gates at the Hangzhou Dragon Stadium. Handing out flags, pulling other fans into their conga-line, they did not stop from that moment until I watched them bounding off into the distance just after seven o’clock while I waited behind for the next match to start.
Most had come here specially for the tournament, though others had made their way from studies in Beijing. “Y’know, we are Africans.” explained Jon, “This is our culture and we want to, we need to share it.”
The poor performance of the team so far hadn’t dampened their spirits at all – in fact, it had made them more determined. “The team has been so bad, so disappointing. But we’ll keep on singing and dancing.” And that they did. As they went to collect their match tickets. As they went to the gate. As they descended the stairs to their seats. And throughout every single one of the 90 minutes and beyond.
The locals were certainly impressed, too. Every one who passed wanted to take the generously offered paper flags. Half a dozen or so joined the dancing and singing with gusto. Others were content simply to have their pictures taken with the energetic visitors.
“They’re great!” said a volunteer from Hangzhou. “Every team should have fans like this.”
Sadly, the Ghanaian team once more failed to live up to its fans’ performance. Despite creating chances with some fast, clever play, their finishing was poor. In his post-match comments, head coach Isaac Paha emphasized his side’s youth and inexperience. He must hope they can learn from the ruthless Norwegians, who went 3-0 up at half time barely breaking a sweat.
The pattern continued after the restart, with Ragnhild Gulbrandsen completing a hat-trick that not only included the 500th goal in the history of the Women’s World Cup, but took her to the top of the tournament’s scoring chart.
Consolation came to Ghana and their long-suffering fans with a delightfully chipped free kick from Adjoa Bayor and a late penalty from Florence Okoe.
There was never any doubt as to who would win, but the goals certainly gave the Ghanaian fans something to cheer about. They probably would have kept on cheering regardless…
Norway 7 (Storlokken 4, Gulbrandsen 39, 59, 62, Stangeland Horpestead 45pen, Herlovsen 56, Klaveness 69)
Ghana 2 (Bayor 73, Okoe 80pen)
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