A week late I know, but the memories still linger………….
Despite us being avid England fans, we decided to dedicate the opening day to being a South Africa fan in honor of this nation bringing the World Cup to our doorstep. Scott and I left home and set off for a Park and Ride just outside Cape Town. In less than 5 minutes we were on a bus to the station and within a further 5 minutes we were on the train to Cape Town city centre. Despite an overcrowded carriage and the doors remaining open (a typical SA custom I think) we arrived safely and were soon following the well sign posted route to the stadium. The plan was to watch the opening match between SA and Mexico at the Fan Park, but news soon reached us that the venue had been full since 7am already. So we followed the 2.5km fan walk through town in search of other available big screen and tv viewing areas in the Waterfront and soon found our spot in amongst the thousands that were there. Despite all the countdown clocks in streets, shopping centres, and on radio and tv, it still only became a reality when the first whistle blew. The euphoria of Bafana Bafana scoring the opening goal was later spoilt by a Uruguayan equalizer and then the width of an upright. Nevertheless the fans were happy and left with plenty of hope for the rest of the campaign. What a difference a week makes……following Sunday night's defeat to Uruguay, all South African hopes were dashed with many fans not evening waiting for the final whistle, and many others going to bed early to prepare for a dreary day at work.
But back to Opening Day…….the second match of World Cup 2010, the opening game for Cape Town stadium….France v Uruguay. We took the easy 5 minute walk from the Waterfront to the stadium, and were there well before kickoff. By now it was getting dark and chilly but we warmed up in the crowds alongside some Uruguayan fans in full voice and plenty of vuvuzela blowing. The shuffle through the security gates did not take too long and we were soon through the turnstiles. Our seats were high up in the roof in line with the goal line, giving us a spectacular view of the pitch. The atmosphere was already building and huge cheers rang out when the teams came out for their warm-up. All the fans now trying to pick out the stars that they had only ever seen on tv. Less than an hour later, it was down to the serious stuff of flag bearers, national anthems, handshaking and coin tossing…..and within minutes the eruption of applause signaled the start of Game 2…..a chin quivering, tear-jerking experience even for a 43yr old fogey like me.
Although the game never reached any spectacular heights, it was a special experience (especially as a footy coach) to see the field, the formation, the shape, the patience and the ease at which these guys play the game. They make it look so easy, that you almost believe you could run out there, join in and hold your own alongside the best players in the world. Yeah right……!! It was clearly a cautious start for both teams with neither of them wanting to ruin their chances in the first game of progressing to the next round. Despite the goalless score line, the game was still captivating and thankfully the 90 minutes took it's time, and allowed us to savor each and every moment. Again what a difference a week makes…..last night saw the French go down 2-0 to Mexico, and now find themselves in the same queue as South Africa for a World Cup miracle. 
The chilly trip home was as quick and easy as coming in, with no fuss at all. There was no sign of any trouble as everybody was…finally…caught up in what the World Cup was all about. A fitting and successful reflection of the many, many hours of preparation that had gone into hosting the Greatest Show on Earth.
Tonight it's England v Algeria…….and we'll be there! Let's hope our lads pitch up with their scoring boots….and gloves.
Cheers
phil
Pictures copyright of Phil Monk