It turns out I was wrong about Germany vs. Australia; it was a good butt kicking. Despite my disappointment in the result it was certainly a fantastic event to attend. We started off by heading down to one of the Durban Fan zones. The Fan zones are public locations where fans gather to watch the matches on a big screen, drink beer and eat food; much like they do on Lane Avenue for an OSU Football Game. There are about 3 fan zones located in Durban, all of them along the beaches about a mile and a half from each other. We watched the Ghana vs. Serbia game there and the place erupted when Ghana scored the winning goal from the penalty spot. The South Africans are very proud of hosting this World Cup and its very evident that if their very own “Bafana Bafana” aren’t successful, which is very likely, than they are rooting for their continent and that showed with the excitement when Ghana eventually won the match.
On to my game; The Amazing Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban lit up the sky as we walked toward it. The Stadium was named after him to recognize his achievements for being one of the founders of the African National Congress. Surrounded by Vuvuzelas blown by both Germans and Australians I started to feel extremely excited about attending my first ever World Cup game. Our seats were fantastic, right on the halfway line at the very front of the second tier. They were just below the suite that hosted Kelly Preston and John Travolta, who I had recently learned was the ambassador for Quantas Airlines after flying a commercial plane from Australia to South Africa. Everyone around me rushed to get photos of them.
Then the game started. 1-0, 2-0, Red Card, 3-0, 4-0. The game was over as quick as that, and as I mentioned despite the turn of events I savored an unbelievable experience. The production was brilliant, the sold out crowd of over 60,000 was great. To my right the Germans were in jubilation knowing that the efficiency in their culture transcended into the efficiency in the way they play. It will probably get them through to the very late stages of this tournament. And on my left, a surprisingly huge army of Australian fans draped in green and gold, just like me, realistic though disappointed. As I suspected however, the Aussies were there to have a good time and they certainly remained in high spirits after the game.
I headed straight back to the bed and breakfast after the game. I have to get a good night sleep before waking up at 4 in the morning for my flight to Nelspruit. I am going to Kruger Park for a 2 day Safari tomorrow and I cannot wait.
Fan Zone in Durban
My brother and I outside Moses Mabhida Stadium
Inside Moses Mabhida Stadium
Aussie Fans
John Travolta a few seats behind me
June 18th, 2010 at 10:42 am
wow, pics look amazing!
June 21st, 2010 at 11:51 am
I wish I were there! You make it sound so exhilarating -
The excitement is palpable! Post your safari and shark diving experiences as well.