Todos Alaben (All Hail) Argentina

It won't be easy; you'll think it strange when I try to explain how I feel… Don't cry for me Argentina… Julie Covington

As keen competitors of the “What Do You Know” competition in the 1970s, we had to learn everything that came our way from Archaeology to Zoology-and Dr. Kofi Frimpong, the quiz master's questions made sure we did that. For geography, we had to know all the continents and countries of the world-not only in Africa or Europe, but also the Americas (North and South), Asia.

Argentina was one of the countries we had difficulty with. We had to know that it was not an altogether rich country, but the country's highest mountain was Aconcagua. The country's corned beef was tasty, with barbecues (Asado) all over.

The population was 40,000,000 – plus and the capital, Buenos Aires, meant “good airs”. The flag is blue and white with a yellow ensign (the Sun of May) adopted in 1812 after gaining independence from Spain. Historically, we knew of Che Guevara (Ernesto Guevara), and Che's picture adorned the rooms of many students who saw themselves as socialists. “Yerba mate” is a very popular drink socially shared by friends and relations, and it is usually a toast at many social functions.

Argentina has produced many world-class footballers. Diego Maradona is a familiar name in Ghana and other countries of the world. When Maradona used his hand to flip the ball into the English goal in 1986 World Cup, the hand was dubbed “the hand of God”.

The name Argentina is derived from the Latin word for silver, “argentum”. This precious metal attracted the Spanish, Italians, French to Argentina. It was in this country that the largest remains of the extinct dinosaur (Patagonian Mayorum) were found. Roman Catholics would be titillated to know that Pope Francis comes from Argentina, (from Italian parents) where he once worked as a night club bouncer (to prevent trouble makers or eject them).

The British may rue the “Falklands War” with Argentina in 1982 and the Argentines may recall sadly the turnover of five (5) Presidents in ten days, in 2001, the peso becoming almost worthless.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar had many intriguing stories. It was the first time a World Cup was being hosted in an Arabian country. Qatar herself had been edged out after only two games and Senegal whipped her 3-1. Netherlands had given her a 2-0 spanking. The more than 10-year preparation had yielded the Qataris no dividend Joining South Africa as the hosts eliminated at the group stage. Morocco became the first African country to reach the quarter-finals. Sorrily, Ghana was kicked out of the World Cup by Uruguay dishing Ghana 2-0 – the very country which had seen to Ghana's ouster in South Africa in 2010, Ghanaian sports enthusiasts may find it difficult to come to terms with Andre Ayew for missing the 20-minute penalty – just as Asamoah-Gyan did in South Africa in 2010.

On 10/12/22 Portugal's Ronaldo's race with Argentina's Lionel Messi was shot down when Portugal was kicked out by Morocco 1-0 and Ronaldo wept; Brazil, who had been touted by football pundits as a possible winner was knocked out 4-2 by Croatia; and Germany was out at the group stage and Japan shot up. England could not fly again after her wings were clipped by France.

All the big names in Qatar, including Spain and Croatia fumbled, and Ghana could refer to these falterings and say: Meda bre m'abow, me dee meda bre m'abrow. Nom whisky, nom Schnapps, White Horse ne Brandy, yen nyinaa y'abrow pepeepe.

It was then left with Argentina and France, the latter relied on Kylian Mbappe and the former on Lionel Messi. France had been the winner in the 2018 World Cup in Russia in the 21^st edition of World Cup. France beating Croatia 4-2 in the finals. And Les Bleus could enjoy “celebration at Stade de France”. Of course, Mbappe had been in the French team that won the World Cup in Russia in 2018.

In the 23^rd minute, Messi opened the scoring, and after 36 minutes, Argentines were up 2-0. And the 'Albicelestes' were gearing for a goal harvest. Then, the tide turned, and Les Bleus levelled up 2-2 at full time.

The game went into extra time. The Argentines scored first at extra time, and France was sitting on thorns. Mbappe scored to level up in the 118^th minute. It became imperative for the decider to be done-on penalties. Mbappe scored; Messi scored; then followed failures of France players to score. It was 4-2 at the penalties and Argentina won!

French sports fans had an early doss, but the Argentines did not have a wink. It was celebration all the way. At Paris Place de la Concorde, thousands of fans gave the French team a heroes' welcome on landing at the Charles de Gaulle Airport. It was 'Merci' (Thank you) and 'Paris loves you' (Paris vous aime) the mood was somber-quite unlike the hilarious moments in 2018 at Champs-Elysees. Mbappe was devastated, and it showed on his demeanour.

In the case of Argentina, the celebration started in Qatar, the team driven along the Lusail Boulevard in an open-top bus. In Buenos Aires the celebrations ran late into the night. Streets packed with fans, and the following day, the players arrived, led by Lionel Messi who held aloft the trophy won after thirty-six years drought Tuesday (20/12/22) was declared a holiday for the whole of Argentina. So, it happened that Argentina won the World Cup 2022, France was the runner-up, and Messi becomes the greatest footballer of all time.

Croatia dealt a dastardly blow to Morocco beating Morocco 2-1 to place third on the table. Of course, Morocco's fourth place on the list renders her the topmost football nation in Africa.

Arriving home, the players received wild cheers from the football fans, and in Rabat the enthusiastic fans spilled from the sidewalks onto a four-lane highway. King Mohammed VI was ready to receive the Atlas Lions at his Palace. They had made history, being the first African and Arab team to reach the semifinals, and despite all odds, had beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal. It had been sensational, and “… will be remembered in history books as one of the most exciting campaigns since the tournament's inception”, says café owner, Reda Ghazi. Walid Regragui's side had become a toast of Africa and the Arab world. The team donated their earnings to charity.

Croatia returned home to a tumultuous welcome after winning third place in the play-off Luka Modric and his team mates received a heroes' welcome in Zagreb-despite the West description of the Croatian team as “embarrassing”. Why?

You see how the world can be better for all of us in football, not war, not violence?

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By Africanus Owusu-Ansah