Soccer World Cup & Soccer City

[DenSweeP]

WOW! Gobsmacked. This is how I would describe some of my reactions thus far to SWC 2010. I've attended two matches now, one in Pretoria (Ghana vs Serbia) and last nights' game at Soccer City (Ghana vs Germany). What an experience. The Loftus game was massive fun seeing fellow Africans rejoice to a African victory and now Ghana also being the sole African nation left in the World Cup. Last was the turn of the Germans to celebrate their victory.

Getting to the stadium was a breeze, having left well ahead time to avoid the traffic. It was worth it, as we missed almost all of the late rush to get in. I don't understand why so many people leave it to the last second to leave and arrive and then get upset when they get their late. We met a few Germans walking into the stadium and they were suitably impressed with everything and a really nice bunch. Getting past security was also quick and painless. We then had quite some time before kickoff and just walked around and took photos. We then entered the stadium and I was struck breathless. A truly magnificent stadium to behold. It just feels so first class. Everything just looked and felt so professional. The seats are laid out well and everything flows. My only real issue I had was the cost of food and drinks. Now I understand the sponsors need to recoup the money they paid FIFA for the rights to be there, but charging someone R30.00 for a boerie roll is insane! Or R30 for a beer and a pretty dull beer at that.

The game was brilliant and unfortunately Ghana lost 1-0, but still managed to qualify, thanks to some blokes who hail from Down Under. There was even some action from our boys in blue who had to remove a disorderly German. Was probably about 10 armed and armored policemen who quickly escorted said German. Bye bye and thank you for coming. After the game we had been told to wait about 30-50 minutes after the game to avoid the mad rush of people leaving. It was very impressive to see how quickly and orderly the stadium emptied. There was a bit of a q for the buses, but even so, they moved quickly and efficiently. Once we reached our vehicle, we sat in some traffic for approximately 5 minutes and once we were on the highway we on our way home.

I can say today that even though Bafana Bafana has been eliminated, I am still proudly South African. We are still the host nation and thus far in my opinion based on what I've experienced first hand and on TV, we are doing a top notch job.

If you can somehow manage secure tickets, DO IT. Even if you don't like soccer or sport, then go for the experience. This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for probably 95% of South Africans and not too be missed. If you do like soccer, so much the better, because it is so cool to watch these guys plying their trade right in front of you.

GO GHANA!!!!

 

[Kiruna]

I went to the opening match France vs Uruguay in CPT. (only the one game, the rest watched on and off at home and at the gym)

My experience for the stadium event: (I did a blog of this elsewhere the day after but will post here for the hell of it)
We left at 1:00pm from Lakeside and drove through to Green Point, no traffic at this point except in the opposite direction of people trying to get out of town before the madness set in.
It was smooth sailing all the way to the hotel where we checked in and watched an hour of the Opening Ceremony on TV. From there we walked to the Waterfront as we had some time to kill before the first game. The cop presence was something to behold, they were everywhere, and in big groups.

The Victoria & Alfred mall was packed; the vuvezela’s created an echo effect so I am pretty sure we ended up deaf before going to the actual game. We grabbed some coffee and watched the fans stream by supporting all sorts of different countries. This alone was entertaining!

After a short while, we went to the MTN Fifa World Cup function where we were invited as VIP guests.

It was quite a sight when we first walked in, yellow and black set up, TV screens everywhere, Foozeball tables, tables with snacks, casual seating all over the place so you could watch on any big screen TV you wished to, a bar with different whiskies, beers, drinks and ciders. Everything was free! There were drinks and snacks available to help yourself too and some really awesome cars to drool over.
We received a gift pack of 2 black fleece blankets, 2 yellow fleece scarves and 2 yellow fleece beanies. Very good quality and much needed over the game!!


The game begun. We sat amongst a large crowd gathered by the most central screen.
Not usually being a soccer fan, I was glued to the screen for this as over 90% of SA I am sure.
The first half was slow, with Mexico controlling the game far more than they should have.
When the second half came, and when that goal was scored, the cheering and noise felt like the glass would shatter all around us. It was awesome. An in time stand up and jump by us all, followed by a roaring cheer, clapping and horns blowing. Hearing the crowd on TV in the stadium gave me goosebumps. The game continues... A few close calls for us to score, but a single horrific mistake on our defence that enabled Mexico to even out the game. There was no victory, but there was no loss either. A good and exciting game to watch. I really wish we could have been there at the stadium watching it in all its glory.
After the game, they whipped out some entertainment, a really excellent violinist who danced around performing various songs. She was amazing and entrancing to watch.

Prawns, Salmon, Thai dishes, Puddings and various other snacks where handed around by waitrons and then we went on our way to the second game at the stadium.
We did a short walk with an escort and arrived at the stadium. There were masses of people queuing to get in to the security checks. The vibe was good and as strangers we were chatting to each other about the SA game, the joy of the first goal and the frustration of the second. The most impressive thing of it all was that it only took roughly 30 minutes in total to get inside the stadium. Once you cleared the security checks, it was a free walk to get inside with no more clog ups or queuing.

We took a walk to the commercial sector to check it out, it was packed, so proceeded to go take our seats. There were only FIFA endorsed products being sold inside this section, and the beer of choice was a Bud. Our seats were amazing. Red Zone. The ground floor seats and right near the middle line. We had a good view of both sides and it was close enough to see the players without them being little stick men running around.

The vastness of the stadium and the amount of people in it was overwhelming. To be a part of something so big was truly an awesome experience.
I won’t say much about this game, it was a bit of a let down from the first one. (for obvious reasons)


There was big crowd support, and it was loud! We were sitting amongst a mixture of French / Uruguay and SA fans.
We braved it without the ear plugs, but it was worth it.
You get caught up in the moment with the crowd, there was a Mexican wave that made it around the stadium 2.5 times, and it was hectic to watch it. Something so spectacular when you are right there a part of it.

After the game, the stadium emptied out quickly and with no fuss. The mood was very mellow now. Mostly because I think everyone had frozen over. There was an icy wind blowing being right by the sea, and it was a little misty. We walked to our hotel across the main road and stayed the night.
Most awesome idea ever to avoid the traffic going back home.

All in all, a great experience and I would be very keen to do it all again.