The Israeli national soccer team failed to qualify the World Cup Finals, so the local fans were stunned when the Israeli flag made a surprise appearance on a field in Germany Saturday.
John Pantsil, a Ghana defender who plays professionally for Hapoel Tel Aviv, pulled a blue-and-white flag out from his sock following both of his team's goals against the Czech Republic as the "Black Stars" pulled off the tournament's most significant upset so far.
The frequently criticized and underrated side from West Africa played a tactically sound game, including an effective defensive effort against Juventus left winger Pavel Nedved. Pantsil was a major contributor in shutting Nedved down.
Ghana shocked the Czech Republic - which defeated the United States 3-0 last Monday - with brilliant strikes by Gyan Asamoah and Sulley Muntari, after which Pantsil showed his loyalty to his club's home.
Sources at Hapoel Tel Aviv disclosed later that the Ghanaian international had promised to perform the act if his team scored in the World Cup.
