Fun facts about the Republic of Ghana, today’s World Cup opponent for the US. Ghana is the second largest producer of cocoa in the world. If you like chocolate, then you like Ghana. Originally a colony, like the US, Ghana also cast off the shackles of English rule–but only in 1957. (Before then, the colony was known as the Gold Coast.) See–they hate the Brits, too! The country only numbers some 24 million, but soccer is its most popular sport. This the second World Cup appearance for the Black Stars, as the national team is known. Keep an eye on swift striker Quincy Owusu-Abeyie and the surefooted Asamoah Gyan, who scored on a penalty kick against Australia to draw the match. Their sole win in the tournament thus far was against Serbia, 1-0. As for Buckley’s, we recommend the Buckley Breakfast or Denver Omelet for the brunch crowd, given the game’s start time. Moving into the match, try the Juicy Lucy Cheesesteak or Mushroom Swiss Burger. On draft, you can’t go wrong with a Mannys Pale Ale or Guinness. But no trash talking about Ghana–what has that plucky little country ever done to you? (Also see our ever-expanding list of worthwhile soccer bars all during the Cup.) T-BONE BONILLA
Sat., June 26, 11:30 a.m., 2010
