Hold the Flight Please

The interest and desire for the game is staggering in Joburg, and it doesnt stop in the pubs, stadiums, and streets. No the passion for the game is carried beyond the norm, all the way into the airport there were people watching the Japan, Paraguay game. In the food court we watched the game with hundreds people, all eyes glued to the television waiting for the deciding goal.

Flights were called and people were sadden by the fact they were going to miss the end of the game. At the end of regulation, our flight began boarding of course my eager parents did so immediately. After checking out ticket we, along with 20 to 30 others, gathered in the hall way looking through the glass at perfectly positioned tv from an adjacent bar. While other passengers delayed boarding until the last moment.

Unfortunately the the strict flight attendant, instructed everyone to take their seats. I had never heard so many groans over a sporting event. Thankfully we had a connection to the outside world, Kimmie had her phone as was able to text a friend and get updates for the entire plane(she became popular very quickly). Bbm’s, Blackberry Messages, rang in after each PK and the result was announced in the immediate vicinity. The final score of 5:3 received cheers and sighs from Paraguay’s and Japan’s fans respectively.

Anyone who doubted people are in love with this game, your proof is right here.( I would like to note among the viewers were business men, attorneys, college students, and children.

Who Shall I Support?

Now that the United States has been eliminated from the World Cup, I have been shuffling through which team I should support. Of course I will always be loyal to the US but in the spirit of competition I have to choose a nation still in the tournament.

Instead of choosing the best team or the hottest team(Kimmie thought it was the best way), I will support the team with the best fans. To get a feel for their fans I decided to hit bars and restaurants around Joburg to watch the remaining round of 16 matches.

Strolling into Rosebank, a more hip part of Joburg, I found the English fans fittingly packed into a small pub just off the main drag. Although they looked to be having a great time, I passed up the smoke for an open air restaurant right in the middle of the “The Zone.” The establishment was filled with die hard German fans, drinking beer and watching the huge 10 foot projector screen. The atmosphere was incredible, after every German goal, for those who saw the match there were quite a few, the crowd would sing and toast to a job well done. However their anger equalled their happiness, for every oblivious passerby they had a deep grunt and swift yell commanding them to get out of the way. All together the Germans were great to be around since they were winning, if they were to lose I don’t think I would be telling the same story.

Of course there are more matches to come which means more fans to cheer with. Hoping to find a group of outrageous Brazilian fans tonight! If not I might have to settle for the crazy Chileans down stairs.

USA vs. Africa (Ghana)

Going into the game on Saturday the United States had their work cut out for them. They we not only playing Ghana but the entire African continent. This meant the fans from all nations came in droves to Rostenburg. The parking lot looked liked a Crayol Box, apparently as your nation moves on the fans costumes become more extravagant. There were men dress as professors in Ghanian colors as well as several hundred red, white, and blue outfits that only a mother would be proud of.

Getting in the taxi to the game we quickly realized American fans were drastically outnumbered. The Africans mocked Bill Clinton for coming in to the game in a helicopter and asked if we had tissues on had for the beating we were about to endure. In good conscience we decided not to fire back at the wasted fans, noting we were trapped in a taxi with them for at least another ten minutes. After de-boarding we heading into the stadium where chants of “Robbert Green Robbert Green, why cant we play a team, made up of Robbert Green.” O yes, all those english fan who thought “of course England will win the bracket” were at the pitch cheering on their good ‘ole pals the Americans.

Unlike the previous games were the American fans avoided drunkenness, they were all plastered. While in line for food, I was continually forced to count how much money each person actually had. Also seen were trays full of beer being chauffeured into the grand stand faster than France retreated after their loss to South Africa.

Finding my seat/standing place, I was amped and ready for a great game of football. Instead I watched a passionate team, Ghana, play a lackluster collection of players, USA. The crowd reflected reflected back similar attitudes, there was hardly any singing and chants ended after only a few seconds. However the Ghanian fans were absolutely wild! They were jumping up and down the entire game, blowing their annoying vuvuzelas and dancing. After the US leveling goal they were still cheering their team on, screaming at the referees and showing a passion unlike any other I have ever seen.

At the start of overtime the wind had been taken out sails the United States players and fans. After conceding a goal in the 93rd minute it was obvious the United States lacked the ambition to win the game. Several half chances invigorated the crowd but never gave it the energy as in past matches. When the ref blew the final whistle the Americans put their heads down as the Ghanians began to party!

The stadium was electrified by singing, dancing, and the playing of instruments(besides the vuvuzelas). People were crying, laughing, and hugging everyone in sight. Outside the stadium signs were already up congratulating the team on their victory. Car horns were blowing, fireworks sounded as the fans spread out over the small city.

Hoping in the taxi back to our car all I could see were long faces and tired eyes. The Americans had put a good fight but they were playing a team with an army of people behind them.

The Love is Here

Pool play has finished and 16 teams are left standing. Among the survivors is the most beloved in my household, the United States. Going into the final match the goal was simple, win and move on the round of 16.

Arriving at the match 3 hours before kickoff, I was finally able to enjoy and experience the pre-game festivities. Entering the gates I could feel the tension, both Algeria and United States needed to win. However guns were set down as everyone enjoyed each other’s company. Laughing, taking pictures, and playing pick up games took our minds off the game only hours away. The Algerians loved my friend’s Kimmie and Lauren(somehow amongst the 40,000 people I found another friend from home?!?!) because they were blonde and blue eyed. Therefore every man, woman, and child asked to take a photo with the girls in their hard north african accents. After many pictures we began to explore the fan fest which included PS3 consoles with FIFA 2010, a Sony live studio, and two huge soccer balls(one for the US and the other for Algeria) on which fans could sign their name or wish their team good luck. The balls, sponsored by Hyundai, are traveling to all the team’s games as a way to connect all fans. Before our pre-game fun came to an end, we had a huge “family photo”(all of the original and new family) so all could remember the joy each nations fans brought each other.

Minutes before the first kickoff we found our seats, next to two NASA astronauts and three guys clothed head to toe in flag attire. Getting ready for the next 45 minutes we prep’d our vocal chords, stretched our hammys, and double fisted our drink of choice, we were ready to win!

The first half only brought sorrow and despair, hate chants towards the ref were loud and clear as the US suffered another horrible offsides call, disallowing another goal. Also several misses really had the fans in a sorry state but our hopes were revived by the World Cup cheerleaders (they call them cultural dancers but lets face it, they are cheerleaders).

Going into the second half the fans were ready to explode. Shot after shot the crowd grew more restless. Until in the 91st minutes when our savior number 10 finished a open net ball, securing the United States spot in the round of 16. The stadium was ecstatic, fans were hugging, kissing, and even crying because the US was moving on. I must have hugged 35 people, high-fived 50, and smiled at every person who I saw. Liquids were tossed in the air, I saw one man grab his wife kiss her, kiss his jersey and kiss her again. Grown men were brought to their knees and the young ones had the same passion. Only minutes later the final whistle blew and the pandemonium restarted.

Every player was considered a hero, and I heard man say he was going to name his soon to be son Landon after Landon Donvan.

People in the United States and abroad do not believe the US has a passion for soccer, well come to one World Cup game and the love is undeniable.

A Tale of Two Seats

In previous entries I have describe games as beer storms filled with loud hooligans who’s passion out weighs sensibility. Obviously watching the game in the middle of the commotion is entertaining and exciting but on the other hand my clothes still smell like Budweiser and Kimmie has a reoccurring nightmare that she is being followed by three men in eagle suits singing “when the ‘yanks’ coming marching in.”

After talking to an old family friend we were given tickets to the Portugal verse Korea DPR match. We had no clue where our seats were but we were thrilled to be given the chance to watch another World Cup Match, and how can you pass up Portugal tickets? Our only instructions were to arrive at the hotel before the match to be bused over to the stadium. (previousely we had to go to a designated parking lot in order to be bused in-standing room only). When our coach bus arrived I was impressed, and relieved since it had been raining all day and it was quite cold. Arriving at the stadium we realized our tickets had “VIP” printed on them. Intrigued I asked the security guard “where are our seats?” She looked at me then at the tickets than back at me and said in her smooth South African accent “Sir you need to check downstairs then go up in the elevator.” Check in? I already was in the stadium what could I possibly need to check in for?

Hearing the opening whistle I quickly ran down stairs to “check in” where I was given a wristband and told to walk through a huge metal detector. Where was I? Everything was marble and granite, and the men and women were in full dress attire. No spending time to ponder my unusual situation I ran to the elevator took it up to the 4th floor and when those glass doors drifted open. I saw a seen I had only dreamed about. In front of me lay a bountiful buffet filled with local favorites and old classics. Followed by a dessert table and an open bar that almost brought me to tears. But before I could dive into the treats there was a game to be played.

Asking the usher for the location of my seat, I was directed past the red carpet(yes I am still in a stadium at a football match) to a leather upholstered chair. as the game progressed everything appeared to be the same, the fans cheered at close shots, and boo’d at poor calls. They even got up and partied for the first Portugal goal (minus the beer shower). At the end of the first half our privileged group escaped the rain to the warm restaurant, mingling, eating, and drinking to our heart’s desire.

Several minutes later the second half began and fans filed out of the restaurant back to our cozy seats. That is when I noticed a familiar looking gentlemen sitting a couple row in front of us. O yes that was the president of Portugal and several of his delegates, you know just another game in the park. Next to the stately looking man were the representatives from Korea DPR(they left early, I don’t blame them). I was sitting with heads of state in my jeans and soccer coat. Nevertheless the match continued as Portugal racked up the score to a final of 7-0.

At this point I was completely satisfied with my day at the stadium but it wasn’t over. After exiting, aka walking underneath Green Point to the bus to return us to the hotel, the North Korean team drove past waving( I don’t think they were too phased by the loss). The day in the life of a FIFA big shot was amazing and it ended with a soccer ball shaped coke and lopsided match report. The only bad part of the whole experience is tomorrow at USA verse Algeria I am back to the beer storm.

“The British are Coming”

All it took was a couple of terrible matches and the Camps Bay, Cape Town’s quiet beach town to erupt with drunken English fans had visibly upset at the their teams performance. Dinning in the al fresca style restaurant, English fans blanketed the beach and packed the bars. Beach goers were seen reading the local newspaper who’s headline read “BOO HOO ROO,” referring to the English hot-head Wayne Rooney, while others focused on trying to tan their pale skin.

In the bars and restaurants, final match scenarios were mulled over and debated by patrons of all nations. And just when it appeared the British were ready to jump ship, their joys were renewed in their beloved team was renewed by a good ole’ Joe Cole.

As the star tried to grab a bite to eat on the trendy coastline he was mobbed by fans of all nations, taking pictures and asking for autographs. There was no mention of their poor performance the previous day. Only joy in the fact he was standing in front of their faces, dazzling them with his “charm” according to one lady. After a half a hour or so the excited fans let him carry on to a great seafood restaurant on the boardwalk.

The World Cup is truly a community experience, every bar, restaurant, and hang out has the game on and fans from everywhere are choosing sides and on edge. And when you thought life couldn’t get much better great soccer stars stroll into the local hangouts to cheer up the fan base and experience the nation as a tourist, instead of an footballer.

USA! USA! USA!

I am have finally made a full recovery from the gut wrenching United States tie yesterday but this is not a resounding theme throughout the american fan base. Many are morning the draw and cursing the referees responsible for calling back the United State’s final goal. Others are taking it out on Slovenia(most notably the family from NYC on my flight today who decided to get in a yelling match in the airport with the two Slovenian fans on our flight. Thankfully nothing came of the argument.) somehow deeming them responsible for the loss. Regardless of the culprit tensions are high in the american camp, going into the last game of pool play against the pesky Algerians. The game is a must win for both teams to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Although the outcome was less than desired, I will focus on the fans that make the stands the most incredible place to be during any football(soccer) match. Not only do the fans bring energy and an unparalleled passion for their country but also an incredible sense of style, Ralph Lauren would be jealous of. Now there is a wide variety of fan from the classic to the highly creative and all have made my list.

First and foremost we have the very original face paint. The beautiful display of true artistry is undeniable, especially because his artist was most likely drunk during the production of the masterpiece.

Secondly, the one all beauticians would be proud of is always popular hair spray paint! Nothing says I love my country like paint one’s head red, white and blue. Plus it’s permanent so you only have to do it once and you’re set for the whole World Cup.

As we go down our list our fans are becoming a little smarter and passionate. My next fan put quite a bit of effort into his outfit, buying red, white, and blue pants, a blue tailcoat and a nifty hat. Although he does not top the list, Uncle Sam would be proud.

The last two were creative, intelligent, and all around awesome. If I could crown both of them winners I would but this is american and we like winners and losers. So second best fan costume goes to the Three Blaring Eagles. These guys spent hours thinking up and putting together their bird outfits. Each could have gone solo but the camaraderie screams american! The one down fall of the outfit, flapping produced a beer windstorm costing the eagles the coveted number one spot.

Our winner of the best fan outfit goes to Mr. Franklin. Yes the founding father himself showed up for the match in full dress attire and he brought along his iconic kite! I never actually met Ben but over the last hundred years he must have been really bored because he was going wild. I have never seen a man of his stature throw beer in the air or curse at an official of any type. I guess time has changed the old man.

My first World Cup match was nothing less than life changing. I am still getting the beer out of my hair from the sudden rain that spontaneously fell after both US goals. And my ears are still ringing from the vuvezlous but I can not wait for the United States next match verse Algeria!

I am traveling to Cape Town today, lets see if the “Mother City” has in store for a diehard soccer fan.

I Am Finally Here

Stepping off the plane in Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, a.k.a. Jo’burg, the sights and sounds of the World Cup hit me like a ball to the face. Banners lined the walkways throughout the airport and the monotone hum of vuvuzelas pieced the air. Once in the main terminal our rambunctious fellow passengers moved like a pack of elephants, one after the other passing through customs and on to baggage claim. At the carousel fans began unraveling flags they had taken on the plane(flag pole and all, tell me that isn’t a security risk) and bundled up in national team scarfs as the brisk air passed through the terminal. After collecting our suitcases and passing ten different World Cup souvenir stands, we had finally exited the hectic main terminal are were on our way to new age ticket counters. Apparently new age means a couple red ATMs programmed to print tickets instead of giving out money. Acquiring our tickets was alarmingly simple, swipe a credit card and confirm the buyer then the tickets were printed right in front of our eyes. I felt like schoolboy waiting for the gum ball to make its journey down the spiral ramp, the tickets couldn’t print fast enough! Grabbing the tickets, it hit me “I am at the World Cup.” Each ticket has the official 2010 FIFA World Cup emblem and is adorned with a gold hologram seal. They were more precious than anything I had ever touched, even a baby did not come close to the joy I felt holding the bold faced tickets.

Although I wanted to kiss the tickets and never touch them again the day wasn’t over. We arrived at the Budget Rent A Car and were on our way, in our 10 passenger Eurovan. I was scared when I heard the news my dad was driving and my fears were renewed when he tried to get in on the wrong side of the car. Yes, in South Africa they drive on the opposite side of the road therefore the wheel is no longer on the left side but the side of the vehicle( O and they didn’t have any GPS units left). Sitting shotgun I saw my life flash before my eyes several times as I tried reading a combination of representative(road names are correct but actual roads stray much differently than what is on the paper) and real road maps. Heading down the R24, which changes names at least four times between airport and downtown, I contemplated if I would ever see a World Cup or if my final moments would be in a horribly designed stick-shift Eurovan. To take my mind off of my final fate were thousands upon thousands of World Cup signs, banners, and stickers plastered on building after building. Then we rounded a corner and for the first time we laid our eyes on the gigantic soccer ball shish kabobed by the symbol of Jo’burg, Hillborrow Tower. Only a few minutes later, by the power of God arrived at our hotel in downtown Jo’burg without making a single wrong turn or hitting a South African national-they tend to dodge out into traffic often.

My arrival in South Africa coincides with the completion of the first games of pool play. In this first round of pool play upsets came in the form of ties for most, however poor old Spain suffered a terrible loss to the always neutral Swiss. Currently in the beginning stages of teams second match nations are fight for chance to move onto the round of 16.

I will attend my first FIFA World Cup match tomorrow, USA verse Slovenia (don’t think I am going to sleep tonight)! The United States are primed and ready for a big win over the Slovenia.

My dreams are starting to be answered right before my eyes!

The Journey Has Begun

For the past few days I have been writing from home, but now I am on my way! Only two flights stand in my way, a 15 hour and 4 hour respectively. Sitting in the Los Angeles International Airport(LAX) I am gitty with anticipation. The guy next to me is wearing a Mexico jersey and doesn’t seem to happy, wonder why? He shouldn’t fret, the second round of pool play games aren’t far off.

I did just learned some frightening news, my dad has an international drivers license. Folks when I first heard my family would be traveling to the World Cup, I went through the dangers of traveling to South Africa: shootings, animal attacks, and adduction were all on the list. Now my father’s driving is more likely to kill me than any gangster or wild animal.

We are about to board and the hooligans on the flight are lining up, this is going to be a fun flight. The majority of the passengers have had a beer. I hope the train keeps rolling because a drunk flight is a fun flight!

Why Are My Ears Still Ringing?

Half of the teams have played their opening match as the cities swell to capacity. The parties are becoming longer as the nights get shorter in host cities across South Africa. Chants from all nations can be heard from sun up until wee hours of the morning. Vuvuzelas, African horns, blare day in and day out and echo through the streets for miles. The horn is simple in design and weighs less than football(soccer ball). (These characteristics insure every fan has one and carries it where ever they may venture) The sound is nothing more than air vibrating through the long neck of the horn then expanding at the mouth of the instrument. It's constant hum is typically deemed annoying, however the noise comes at a steep price for the fan. After playing the vulgar instrument, "musicians" are known to have terribly chapped lips and a horrible ringing in their ears.

What is all this ruckus about? Maybe it was the 1-1 tie between United States and England, where poor Mr. Green officially ended his soccer career by missing handling a routine strike from the Clint Dempsey. Others point to Argentina's 1-0 victory over Nigeria, where fans burst out of the stadium in a stampede and paraded down the street throughout the night.

Regardless of who you are rooting for, there is a riot awaiting your presence! Just follow the hum.

The Unbeaten Streak is Perserved

The tradition was continued today, after struggling for the first 15 minutes South Africa settled into a rhythm upsetting Mexico's complete control of possession. Off a beautiful corner kick Mexico's Carlos Vela put in the go ahead goal, which was called back due to offsides. Although controversial, the call was correct according to FIFA's "The Laws of the Game": "A player is offsides if he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent." By South Africa's goalie, Itumeleng Khune, attacking the ball he left Carlos Vela with only one player between himself in the goal therefore putting him in an offsides position.

Banfana Banfana struck first with a rocket by Siphiwe Tshabalala's (try to say that fast three times) followed by a beautiful choreographed dance routine. However, the tears of joy were quickly dashed after Mexico's Rafael Marquez slipped in an easy one-one with the keeper. In the final moments Banfana Banfana had a last ditch chance as shot hit the post rolled out of play.

As the final whistle was blown there was a mixed feeling of achievement and sorrow of what could have been. Regardless the host nation unbeaten streak is preserved, giving fans a reason to celebrate through the night.

Looking at the stadium this morning(via web cam) it is clear the celebration lived up to the South Africa's passion and love for football.

Day two has already started and pool play will continue throughout the week, many dreams have already been fulfilled but who will be the African nation to advance beyond the the ranking?What team will be upset in the last 60 seconds? The FIFA World Cup has begun, hold on it's going to be a wild ride.

IT"S ALMOST HERE

In less than 12 hours the first game of the FIFA World Cup will kick off in South Africa! My jersey is clean, my alarm clock is set(I don't know why, I can't sleep), and the couch has been waterproofed(so the beer won't seep into the cushions) I am ready for the dreams to be mad and other to be broken. I am ready for stars to rise, while others collapse under the pressure. I am ready to see passion stronger than most people have for their own family. Lives will be changed and scores will be settled all in 90 minutes of play.

The stage is set, Mexico verse South Africa. Followed by the highly touted France facing the first ever World Cup champions Uruguay. Via the live wedcam, stadium staff looks to be showing up., while the military has been here for hours. As preparations come to a close, excitement and energy are on the rise!

Turn in the brackets boys and turn off your cell phones the World Cup is hours away.

T Minus 3 Days

Three days until South Africa and Mexico face off in the most awaited World Cup to date. For the first time the Cup will me held on African soil and the world will be watching as powerhouse Mexico faces the host country South Africa. Family and friends have all made their predictions, many on a whim since it seems America is still naive to the sport. Nevertheless day is approaching fast and I am scrambling to clear my schedule of all unnecessary distractions. Women, children, and the elderly please refrain from walking near the tv, I do not want to miss a minute of the nail bitting action! Get those last pools set and put life on hold. Kickoff is coming!

Preparing for Madness

How does one prepare for the World Cup? Besides the obvious shirts, shorts, toiletries, and shoes, there is another list specifically made for the world's biggest event. The list is not written on a piece of lined notebook paper or sent around in an annoying chain email. Rather, the list is rightfully scribbled on a bar napkin from a local pub. The items might seem odd but remember, we are going to the FIFA World Cup. An event so large, half of the world's countries do not have the hotel space to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of crazed fans flocking to the event.

The first item is by far the most important. Regardless if your country is in the hunt for the Cup or not, one MUST bring a jersey from the motherland!

As everyone knows, the crowd is the twelfth man on the pitch and in times of need can be the benefactor. Therefore, a terribly loud noise horn/drum should be packed right up against the beloved jersey.

Since wearing your country's jersey is clearly not enough and using foreign paint has been proven to be dangerous, splurge on quality face paint. Remember, you might be on international TV and no one wants to be the Spain fan who looks like blood is running down face because his face paint is water based.

Lastly, bring a huge bottle of Tylenol, the party isn't going to stop for anyone so come prepared.!

Now my bags are ready for the long road ahead. FIFA 2010 is set to kickoff in 5 days, so find your favorite chair, barstool, or just a place on the floor. Actually what am I talking about, get your lucky shoes and your team's jersey and get ready to stand for 90 minutes of unforgettable football.