Golden Goal Leaves Fans Confused

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RUSTENBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (GaeaTimes.com)- The golden goal became a hot search after USA lost to Ghana to end their dream run in the FIFA World Cup 2010. The American team found themselves on the wrong side of the drama as Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan scored a determining goal in the 3rd minute of extra time. Some fans, however, felt confused because the match continued after the goal was scored unlike in earlier times when the extra time goal was the winning one.

Ghana got off to a good start with an early goal in the first half and a gritty defense to maintain the lead at the end of the 45 minutes. In the second half, USA looked far more determined and aggressive than the first half. They came close to scoring several times and looked keen for an equalizer that eventually came with a Landon Donovan penalty kick. At the end of the 90 minutes the teams were tied at one goals each and the match headed for extra time. Ghana’s 3rd minute goal in the extra time made sure that another half of extra time is not necessary. This goal, however, was not a golden goal that meant the end of the match.

The end of USA’s dream run in the World Cup left fans curious and confused about the extra time system introduced in the FIFA World Cup. Unlike the previous tournaments, there is no match winning golden goal in the extra time that is provided. Now there are two 15 minute halves of extra time that take place if the first 90 minutes do not yield results. If the scores are tied at the end of the extra time then the teams will head for a penalty shoot out.