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.
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