A for-Ghana Conclusion

So the United States is knocked out of the World Cup by Ghana, a country with a gross national product half that of Arkansas. Soccer’s just not our sport, OK? But look out, world, when you come up against us in true American games, like basketball or baseball. Or maybe not.

DAVID RESKIN

Los Angeles

*

The United States loses to Ghana, thus continuing our embarrassing legacy in World Cup play. But their loss is our gain. Now soccer fans can go back in the closet for another four years.

Face facts. Until they find a way to make the game more exciting for television -- a game where point totals are often lower than Bob Gibson’s ERA in 1968 -- soccer is doomed to remain at the AYSO level in this country. Then again, if our teams continue to represent our country the way they did against Ghana, maybe we’re better off.

JEFF PHILLIPS

Huntington Beach

*

The crooked officials and referees of FIFA make Al Capone look like a two-bit shoplifter. First they robbed Ghana to help pet Italy advance, then they used Ghana to oust the U.S. with a phantom penalty shot.

The only way for the U.S. to overcome this, short of jailing the crooks, is to build a super team. The Donovan-Beasley squad doesn’t stand a chance.

CHARLES K. SERGIS

Calabasas