It looked like it was truly "coming home". Then there was a mighty bang. Then it wildly veered off track into the bush. More like "One Corner" hit maker Patapaa and the Most Popular Song of the Year award at the recent Ghana Music Awards.
That was how England watched their World Cup hopes fade into thin air in Russia.
The 1966 champions stepped into Wednesday's semi-final against Croatia in high confidence. The Three Lions, having earlier accounted for a Radamel Falcao-led Colombia in the round of 16, dispatched Sweden to make the last four.
Optimism had gone out of the roof. Fans began making plans for a public holiday on July 16 - the day after The Three Lions supposedly won the World Cup - and the "It's coming home!" mantra had gained ground more than ever.
Mario Mandzukic's extra-time goal, however, threw everything into disarray for England as the goal earned Croatia a 2-1 triumph in Moscow.
Interestingly, it was The Three Lions who drew first blood at the Luzhniki Stadium - as early as in the fifth minute - when Tottenham Hotspur full-back Kieran Trippier calmly curled a free-kick into the net.
Ivan Perisic, however, restored parity in the 68th minute for Croatia, sending the game into extra-time following a 1-1 score after normal time.
Croatia, in the final for the first time ever, are set to face France in Sunday's showdown, while England take on Belgium in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
Ghanaians were not lost on Wednesday's World Cup action, and were certainly not missing from the buzz on social media.
Below are some reactions:
England is coming home. Football isn't.#WorldCup #CROENG
— Enn Y. Frimpong (@the_logoleptic) July 11, 2018
England have given it all they have. They should be encouraged. This team can get better.
— Nathan Quao (@nathan_quao) July 11, 2018
Well done to Croatia. Deserved. The two best teams actually made the World Cup final.
— Godfred Akoto Boafo (@eastsportsman) July 11, 2018
Awesome ride for these English lads but the coming home pressure proved a tad too heavy.
Croatia ???????? saving the World ???? from a possible meltdown #WorldCup
— Akosua Addai Amoo (@akosuaamoo) July 11, 2018
To be honest, this English team has been magnificent. Not many expected them to get this far. They played some good football and can walk with their heads up high. Congratulations England. Well fought. #worldcup
— Kwame Gyan (@KwameGyan) July 11, 2018
England have had a fantastic tournament nonetheless. Think the it’s coming hone pressure proved costly in the end.
— Veronica Commey (@VeronicaCommey) July 11, 2018
