Last night, we attended the Brazil v. Ivory Coast at Soccer City in downtown Johannesburg. You really couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the culture here. Our group took a spin on the park & ride, which had us weave through a fairly scenic city and finally around the stadium. After a long walk, some bargaining with local vendors and a security check, the stroll up to the stadium was breathtaking (see below). The atmosphere both inside and out of the stadium was like nothing I've ever experienced before in my life. Think Super Bowl...but bigger.
The starting lineups were greeted by the insanely loud vuvuzelas, which apparently everyone and their mother owns now. This match was heavily anticipated due to Ivory Coast's Dider Drogba vs. Brazil's...entire team. As patriotic Americans, we each double-fisted Budweisers (coincidentally the sponsor of the World Cup) and made friends with the locals and the many, many fans from other countries. The Brazilian fans below had a makeshift sign that read "1 picture = 1 beer" which instantly had us bite the bullet for a chance to pose with the homemade World Cup trophy.
In short, Luis Fabiano joga bonito-ed all over the entire Ivory Coast team -- topping it all off with a beautiful volley past the keeper (one of the best solo efforts I've ever seen). Tomorrow, we're headed to Rustenberg to watch Mexico v. Uruguay in a highly anticipated Group A matchup. That's all for now, but before we call it a night...here's a recap of tonight's Spain v. Honduras match at Ellis Park.
Bennett looks and sounds like you're getting acclimated to the Southern Hemisphere quite nicely. Hope the weather is being cooperative for your outdoor activities. How is the sound level at the games? It also seems as though you fellas are eating high off the hog. Keep up with the great reporting and we all hope to see lots more pictures in the blog .
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having a fantastic time. We're enjoying keeping up with you on the blog. Glad to know group 2 arrived safely. Looking forward to your next posting. Maybe you can get one of the locals you've made friends with to take a picture of your entire group!
ReplyDeleteDon't you love how cheap the beer is!? I'll take R30 for a beer any day of the week.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the daily updates, we are so enjoying your trip along with you, be sure Tom King gets a Ghana scarf and hat when you go to that game for old time sake! Cheer on the USA team tomorrow for us!! Love to all.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the posting boys... tomorrow will hopefully bring great results... Just fyi a few writers back here in the States are calling for Jon to start tomorrow, we shall see.
ReplyDeleteDilly,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. Thank TJ for updating the Group C situation and for letting us know who is advancing. This is my understanding...
So, if the Beers beat Detroit and Denver beats Atlanta in the American Southwestern Division East Northern, then Milwaukee goes to the Denslow Cup, unless Baltimore can upset Buffalo and Charlotte ties Toronto, then Oakland would play LA and Pittsburgh in a blind choice round robin. And if no clear winner emerges from all of this, a two-man sack race will be held on consecutive Sundays until a champion can be crowned.
I don't know, I might have it wrong.
Also, tell Michael 'Hye' Cavers that I'm going up to the family lakehouse this weekend, but not to worry about telling his family, I know where the spare key is.
Have fun boys.