All five of the South American representatives in the 2010 World Cup have made it to the second round.  (Add to that the 2 North and Central American representatives–Mexico and the USA, and that makes for a very successful tournament thus far for the Americas). My money is still on either Brazil or Argentina to win the whole thing.

As for Africa–on the field at least–this not our World Cup thus far.

Nigeria did not want to win and made elementary mistakes, South Africa failed to put Mexico away and got found out against Uruguay, Cote d’Ivoire was unlucky (they had to overcome a 9 goal difference to overtake Portugal; something which was North Korea’s fault). As for Cameroon, the less said the better. Algeria, after a sloppy start, played well against England short of scoring a goal but could not score against the USA.

That leaves Ghana, The hope of Africa.

Footnote: One thing I noticed while in South Africa last week, apart from the fickleness of South African fans, were the cold reception for African teams.

I can only speak for Cape Town where I traveled last week to see some first round matches–I scored tickets to 3 matches in the end. But local fans have been more inclined to support “traditional powerhouse” teams  (i.e. European as well as Argentina and Brazil) first.  It may because they were just realistic (hey, I ultimately favor Brazil and Argentina) or it might be a function of television (the English Premier League and European Champions League dominate football broadcasts on local TV) or because the local leagues are badly organized.  No problem with those explanations.

But I think there is another reason.  It is well known that South Africans display high levels of xenophobia against other Africans. In fact, there is a rumor going around again of renewed attacks against African migrants once the World Cup is over.

South Africans are also uncomfortable about their continental identity. I can’t count how many looks I got for variously wearing a Ghana or Cameroon beenie or jacket in a mall or my Algeria scarf to the latter’s game with England.  Oh, and finding paraphernalia of any other African team apart from South Africa proved quite a mission.

EDIT: Oops. Photo Credit: Dundas FC.

— Sean Jacobs