Apparently, It's Not Just a Game

A sad footnote to the big match on Saturday ...

Cameroon media are reporting that angry mobs have burned down the house of Wome, the player who missed the penalty kick against Egypt, and attacked the shop where his girlfriend works. Wome himself reportedly left the country under heavy guard late Saturday night, returning to Italy where he plays for a professional team.

Meanwhile, on the street, conspiracy theories run rife. I've heard everything from reports that the referee was paid off, to the allegation that the Egyptian goalie was offered 3 million CFA to let the penalty kick in, to the rumor that Cote d'Ivoire offered significant financial incentives to the Egyptians to win ...

But nothing changes that final score -- 1-1.