As promised, I was at Meytex Cafe (545 Flatbush Ave.(gmap)) this morning to watch Ghana take on Australia in their second game of the World Cup.
While the crowd was a little light at kick-off (10AM on a Saturday, so I understand...), by 10 minutes in the place was buzzing. Sadly, the Australians scored first after Ghana's goalie fumbled a rebound of a free kick right onto the foot of an onrushing Aussie who put it home. Temporarily deflated, the crowd came alive shortly thereafter when a point-blank shot for Ghana was only kept out of the goal by the arm of an Aussie defender, leading to both a penalty kick and the ejection of the Australian. Asamoah Gyan slotted in the tying goal and the crowd went crazy (see below; a bad photo by a horrible photographer).
Unfortunately, despite having over an hour of play with an extra man on the field, Ghana was unable to score the go-ahead goal. In truth, their play didn't warrant an extra goal. Instead of trying to put together a patient attack, any player with an open look from 30 meters away took it, rarely even getting the ball on net. It seemed that every player wanted to be the hero but nobody wanted to be the guy who passed the ball to the hero. To advance to the next round, Ghana will need a tie against a talented and desperate German squad or, failing that, a one-goal loss and a tie by Serbia.
Still, it was great to watch with a crowd so invested in the result. I was invested too - choosing to support my neighbors - and even made the impulse purchase of a Ghana team jersey (modeled here by Sidney). Unfortunately for me, Ghana's final opening round game will be on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30, when I'll be at work. If you are in the neighborhood, I'd suggest stopping in. And ordering the fried chicken with an amazing hot sauce. You won't regret either.
Looks like you may have to come back. This Saturday at 2:30, the Yanks face the Black Stars in the round of 16.
I might show up with some Yank gear for some good-hearted ribbing.
Posted by: Luke M | June 23, 2010 at 05:01 PM
I'm currently writing about this, Luke. I'm not going to Meytex to root against Ghana and I don't think you should either. Maybe I can be convinced otherwise, though.
Posted by: Charles Star | June 23, 2010 at 05:05 PM
I don't think good-hearted ribbing exists in this sport. Probably not a good idea to go here to root for the US.
Posted by: babs | June 23, 2010 at 05:13 PM
You're probably right that it's not the best idea. I will probably hold off, but I disagree that there can't be any good-natured while watching the World Cup. I come from an SEC football school, where we are accustomed to venturing to enemy territory to exchange hostilities. It's our own form of mutual respect, but that's just part of the culture. I get that those at Meytex aren't expecting any fans of the US to be there. Don't want to go where I'm not wanted.
Posted by: Luke M | June 23, 2010 at 10:07 PM
I can't say that you wouldn't be wanted, Luke. I'm only saying that I'd feel self-conscious going to the only conspicuously Ghanaian place to root against the "home" team. I'm with you on traveling to watch your team in a visiting arena but I don't see Meytex as a visiting arena so much as an island in a sea of USA supporters.
Posted by: Charles Star | June 24, 2010 at 12:07 AM
If I am around I am definitely going to cheer on both teams.
Posted by: Matthew | June 24, 2010 at 02:28 PM
Well, I didn't make it over there, but I still couldn't escape some ribbing from some people heading home from Meytex. As I unloaded some stuff out of a car on Ocean Ave., a few excited/obnoxious ladies draped in Ghana flags walked by asked me if I had seen the game. They proceeded to run away laughing at me.
I guess they could read the dejection on my face. Good game though, Black Stars. During any other game I usually enjoy watching Ghana, they're a fun squad to watch and they play hard. It just sucks that they've knocked us out of the past 2 cups.
Posted by: Luke M | June 27, 2010 at 12:58 AM
I made it to the match at Meytex, with what appears to have been half of Brooklyn, or at least anyone who thought that a Ghanaian venue would be a good place to watch a hard fought match between two good teams.
It was a great match and a great venue. Quite a few people showed up wearing both the Black Star and the Stars and Stripes. Our hosts, which included the proprietor and the staff of Meytex, as well as the regulars in the crowd, were very gracious, and they displayed a lovely balance between passionate support for their team and graciousness towards those supporting the US. When the match was tied at 1-1, I spoke with a Ghana supporter and we agreed that this was the moment when we'd see some real football. We were both right, and we both enjoyed the rest of the match -- the only difference was that he got to claim the win at the end!
I truly believe that everyone in the place celebrated the result together, and I believe that the fun at the end of the match would have been the same even if the US had won. Which of course is a big part of the point of football, and PLG as well.
One of the highlights of the experience which I must share includes watching the impromptu halftime jam session outside Meytex on Flatbush Avenue. Including some excellent drumming accompanied by a sax.
This is, I think, the Brooklyn that people are looking for when they come to Brooklyn. And if it aint', well, it ought to be.
Posted by: Matthew | June 28, 2010 at 10:24 AM