We arrived in JHB at about 4pm....exhausted and broken. The lads all slept on the Bus so there was no banter.Nice long ride home and I couldnt possibly make teh Rustenburg game. Oz and Mo took off.I said Il watch the Ghana game in Sandton somewhere and save some energy for the Argentina vs Mexico game.
So got home put down the Uruguay vs Korea game on the box. Wached Louis Suarez destroy the hapless Koreansin teh rain and book Uraguays place in the quarter Final.
At night took a drive to Sandton and watched Ghana vs USA. Everyone that were not American were supporting Ghana.And the young Black stars team delighted South Africa and Africa and qualified to a quarter final showdown with Uruguay.And the Jovial US Fans have left South Africa
The Three Lions were in Port Elizabeth Nelson Mandela Stadium and What a thing it was for them.Azee,The Guvee and Talia. I spoke to Azee and he said that the stadium and the English Fans were unbelievable.
I watched the game in JHB liasing with the three lions in PE and it was a different England.Azee sent me the pic above.
But yeah a different England,a different Capello and a different line up......Milner and Defoe. It pad off for Don Fabio as Defoe opened the scoring. But the man that wears his heart on a sleeve John Terry was exceptional,putting his body on the line and making some vital tackles and blocks.Matchwinning tackles. England though put pressure on themselves by not scoring another and they could have paid for missing all those chances. But its Germany next and Bloemfontein will be rocking in this round of 16 game. Many okes I know saved the Rustenburg tickets and sold the Bloem Tickets.Landon Donovan stepped up and scored at the death to put the USA through and England in second.How important one goal is.If England scored more they would have been on top.
I was proud when the three Lions pulled off a big Photo.
We so used to seeing Chris Skudder against a quiet backdrop with English fans making damaal in the back drop uttering the words
"THIS IS CHRIS SKUDDER, FROM A DEJECTED ENGLAND CAMP in Gelsenkhirken"
Good on ya da Guvee.The time was not right but maybe wel get him in Bloemfontein
KILLA & GERMANY await in this mouthwatering round of 16.The Germans and the English.You cant get anything more fierce than that.
Poor Slovenia and Algeria join the Ozzies and Serbs tonight on the plane home.
I had a ticket tonight but didnt end up going. KILLA and the Boys were there so pic soon.
The Germans came,did the business as expected and left.
As for Ghana they became the first African nation to qualify.Germany 1-0 winners.
We saved up the energy on Monday and were off to Bloemfontein on Tuesday.Our backs against the Wall and in search of a miracle.We didnt know what to expect but made the trip.I was sure that the magic of Bloemfontein will have a big role to play.We needed to score at least three goals and hope that Uruguay or Mexico beat each other by at least 2 goals.Tall order.We set off at 10am and traffic was rather hectic.And many of the other lads made the trip so we were anxious.Even though we were virtually out the atmosphere along the way was incredible.The filling stations were buzzing and cars were greeted by township dwellers along the way.The Vuvus albeit controversial were still in full cry
We got to the Bloemfontein Waterfront at 15:15.And the place was yellow.Vuvuz were blasting.Awesome stuff
When the game kicked off SA went 1-0 up,and then 2-0.What a thing.The Magic of Bloemfontein was upon us.Uruguay went a goal up.SA had a disallowed goal.The French were in disarray.It was happening. The crowd and magic of the Bloemfontein crowd was having an effect.The fans believed yet we knew it was tough.Then Mpela struck the bar after a neat lay off from Tshabalala.The Woodwork again.The atmosphere was electric.Half time French fans cursed Domenech and were irate yet they longed for a party should SA Qualify
Then the 10 men French brought on Henry and Malouda and pulled one back.The crowd was silence and in a bit of shock.The dream was over. But we could hold our heads high.A Great performance and a pleasure to watch. Bafana Bafana passed the ball around and gave us something.They made the trip worthwhile. It was fantastic. Even though we were out Bloemfontein was again special.The French fans cheered and celebrated. Group A was concluded and Uruguay and Mexico advanced to every ones surprise as the Uruguayans beat Mexico. For South Africa the nation pondered on what could have been against Mexico and Uruguay. The goals,the woodwork but for a change it was a great match and as a citizen of South Africa I held my head up high.They played Football.
For me I can now go to Platini whom I met a while back and tell him Remember me. When I met the French legend I said to him..."Michele Forza Bianconero! I told him then that Remember this day as a lad from SA that approached you and said "That we will Beat the French in Bloemfontein."
Ariovour Michelle. Platini was really friendly and gave us time of day and actually entertained our banter. Later that day I met Patrcik Viera also and Oz met Arsene Wenger
As the cold rages on Monday was a rest day and I was just out of it due to the events that con cured on Sunday Night. I chatted to SupersportsIrfaan Adam, a Spanish fan and well RIyadLoonat and the Spanish armada can be pleased with teh victory against Honduras. Villa scoring a cracker. The game against Chile now is BEEEEEG. Switzerland lost to Chile in the afternoon.
Earlier on Penaltinho and co were emphatic as the Portuguese showed us how scoring should be done and its not the Jabulani by thumping the Koreans seven.Portugal vs Brazil now is gonna be fantastic...and so will the fans on Durban Breach front...Cant Wait
Myself,Freds and his family made the trip to Nelspruit to watch Italy vs New Zealand,and ay we began the build up in true Italian Style with Kolvid Hospitality. Whilstwriting this post we were saddened this morning by the death of good friend Muhammed JD Jada. They were tragically killed in a car accident after returning from the game. JD and four others were killed.
Its really a sad and sombre moment and we send out our condolences the families of those involved.
Myself and Freds met JD and Radya during half time at the Italy Game. We always take a pic before game time,but somehow we didnt this time
A fellow Azurri supporter we always chatted before game time.
Its really tragic and for now Ill post what I can.
Swoosh0018 again extends our condolences to all the families and loved ones in this tragedy
this is a pic of JD Italy vs Brazil Confeds Cup. Duas...
You know its kinda tough,You at a big event,sharing the build up with someone over the years,You meet up,get home and get shocked by tragic news.
ITALY NATIONAL ANTHEM
NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL ANTHEM
ITALY VS NEW ZEALAND
ITALY VS NEW ZEALAND PICS
BRAZIL VS IVORY COAST
Whoever was at this game said the atmosphere was electric. Zobes,Moe and Faaiz,Hoosain Mayet..the guys said that it was top class.Also Farhad from Cape Town phoned me on our way back from Nelspruit and said "WATCH HOW FOOTBALL SHOULD BE PLAYED."
Pics coming up. Thanks Zobes for the insight
Soccer City according to many tonight was OFF THE HOOK and breathtaking and so were the Brazilians.I seen the goals when I got back. Top Class, although the second was with the aid of the arm.No Kaka against Portugal
Brazil vs Ivory Coast,Brazil National Anthem World Cup 2010
Brazil vs Ivory Coast,Ivory Coast National Anthem World Cup 2010
Cameroon vs Denmark, Cameroon National Anthem, World Cup 2010.
Cameroon vs Denmark, Denmark National Anthem, World Cup 2010.
Cameroon vs Denmark, Danish Fans, World Cup 2010.
As myself and Freds drove to nelspruit on Saturday and chilled out in warmer climates Ebie Ahmed,Faaiz and Mo were at Loftus to capture the action between Cameroon and Denmark. According to them it was Tops.
Just Over a week gone and Swaar offered me his ticket to USA vs SLOVENIA, We didnt refuse.My crew of Moe and Faaiz were there,,And what a game.Although considered as minnows of the game the action and the fans were sublime. One of the better games I enjoyed.
At Night we went to Melrose Fan Zone to watch England vs Algeria.Disappointing. Thats all Im gonna say. England are missing something and are under pressure.Why no Joe Cole.Why does he persist with Heskey.The USA fans were full up and cheering for Algeria.It was freeezing Cold but as we say in South Africa LEKKER
Day 7, and the World Cup has been magical for me and I intend to make the best of this month. For me its the Ultimate. The Fans, the vibe and obviusly the game. On Day 7,the Argentines were too good to resist and obviously the thought of watching Lionel Messi was too appealing. No Tickets but we thought we would try our luck anyway.A CAT 4 outside the stadium. And well we got lucky. Myself and Moe got in and it was freaking awesome.
I must admit in a week the Vuvuzelas are getting to me. Its like a hornets nest. Throughout the week I have spoken to Fans from all ove rthe World and even on You Tube, many seem to hate the Vuvuzela.
To me World Cup is about culture and with the Vuvuzela you cant seem to hear the songs and chants of the countries. Its like the a disturbed hornets nest and is getting to me after week one.
Nevertherless I ended up inside Soccer City and it was incredible.Messi makes the game look so simple.Great also to see guys ike Tevez,Macherano and Higuain.Again amazing. Toward the end of the game I worked my way toward the Argentinian dancing in the crowds.The Chanting,The Drums and the Argies.Truely memmorable on and off the pitch.And the Argentina Fans were sublime...erm and so were the Korean Fans
ARGENTINA VS SOUTH KOREA
UP CLOSE WITH THE ARGENTINIAN FANS
I met up with my man on the scene Ebie Ahmed who shared his views and pics and vids
MAN ON THE SCENE...Ebrahim Ahmed
We were treated today to arguably the best game of the WORLD CUP thus far!
Gonzalo Gerardo "El Pipita" HiguaÃn scored a Hat-Trick and was supplied by none other than Argentina Star Player Lionel Messi playing incredibly in this match to by assisting in the three Goals which brings back memories of Diego Maradona After the match Maradona ran out of superlatives in his praise of the 22 year-old's ability. "I want Messi to be very close to the ball. As long as he has fun, then we are all going to have fun," Maradona said.
"Football wouldn't be beautiful unless Messi is touching the ball all the time. He performed magic today on the pitch."
More to follow...
Argentina vs South Korea, Argentina National Anthem World Cup 2010
Argentina vs South Korea, South Korea National Anthem World Cup 2010
Argentina vs South Korea, 1st goal from free kick, World Cup 2010
Argentina vs South Korea, Post Match, Sandton Square, World Cup 2010
RIA VIA ROCKS
Ive done the Park And Walks,The Park and Rides and I must say the RIA VIA is Tops.Parked my car in Fordsburg.Myself and Mo walked to Westgate.Ten minutes tops with the fans.Watched the game and ten minutes back.Fantastic and Highly recomended.Its the way to go really if they are not on strike.
Im impressed really
It was a bruising week but action packed all the way and I said to the lads that we head back to Sandton and have a nice supper. We relaxed..Chilled out,gathered some energy and awaited the result of the Mexico vs France game.Being optimistic a draw would have been perfect for Bafana Bafana. The French under Domenech are crap and good to see Mexico Win.At least the Mexicans will be around more longer. For Bafana its bad news. Uraguay must lose heaviy and we have to thump the French.An I correct?
With that being said well we kept up the Foreign relations and well met some more fans.....Babo Babo Argentina.
In another shock result the Greeks beat Nigeria and the Super Eagles are on they way out. Unless they beat Korea,Greece lose to Argentina and its all about goal difference or do they take head to head
DAY 6.....Youth day in South Africa, a public holiday and a big day for Bafana Bafan. Secound round of group A and against Uraguay or Diego Forlan and Suarez. The nation awaited,we awaited this night and were expecting the result.After Mexico we believed.It was freezing cold in Gauteng and the lads decided that we take the Metro Rail to Pretoria. The Metro rail stops of outside Loftus Stadium
The vibe in the train was sublime,Bafana Bafana fans dancing and anticipating the massive night in Pretoria.
Only problem was that a few of us had no match tickets.It was freezing in the streets of Hatfield. So we were not so fortunate. Oz and Mo went in and well myself,Swaar,Killa and Shazo watched it in a bar in Hatfield.Ebie Ahmed was in there and got the pics and vids. The streets of Hatfield were rocking.
We travelled far in the cold and the nation jolted when Forlan scored a cracker. Next thing we down 3-0 and down to ten men.Misery,cold and a hearltess performance. A nation mourned.
I mean if we lose lets lose with heart. We were poor, We lacked something, We didnt deserve to win honestly.We were outplayed.
Fans were gutted.We didnt even show up.Perriera plays a 4-5-1. I cant understand. No excuses. A cold miserable night, I felt let down.We didnt put up a fight.I expected so much after Mexico.Now it will take a miracle if the Mexico France result doesnt go according to plan. It was cold, we had a long drive as news filtered in that the Metro rail was stuck as there was no electricity.We hired a taxi and I got home,had a piping shower to defrost or thaw out and thats football.Thats how it goes.But the host nation was on the brink of an exit.
THE NATIONS MOURNED
SA vs URAGUAY
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM
URAGUAY NATIONAL ANTHEM
TAKING THE METRO RAIL TO LOFTUS
Moe though had a top seat.With the Springboks.right next to the Springboks.Pierre Spies.........and Os Du Randt
Day 5.Frrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeezing Cold in JHB.i MEAN FRRRRRRRREEEEEEZING.At least for me.
Tomorow being a public holiday everyone was gearing up for the Brazillians to make their debut against North Korea.Samba in the cold.I bailed out on Moe and Oz and so did Killa.We f34ked around in Sandton.Saw 3D technology in Sandton Square.DId some business from Melrose Arch to Sandton.Met some fans..Ready to party Hondurans...learnt about Honduras and myslef and Killa had a nice supper and headed home to regroup for the big one in Loftus against Uraguay.
Mo and Oz headed to Ellis Park. Trust our guys to find the creators.The Chap above is the main owe of the Brazillian supporters.Im sure you recognise him. They witnessed a fight between rival Brazilian supporters Corinthians and Sao Paulo.
Ebie Ahmed was the Swoosh0018 Man on the Scene in the game between Holand and Denmmark and describes the sea of orange as fantastic and great to be a part of. The Dutch ran out 2-0 winners at Soccer City with goals from Dirk kuyt and an own goal from Denmark. Good three points by the Dutch and although the Dutch Fans I spoke too at Melrose Arch said that it wasnt all that convinving the Dutch are happy and have arrived,
Pictures and media by Ebie Ahmed and Hazrat Yusuf Rasool
Dutch Fans I met at Melrose Arch
THE DUTCH NATIONAL ANTHEM
MEXICAN WAVE DURING THR GAME
HOLLAND vs DENMARK PICTURES
MY NEPHEW READY TO GO
ITALY VS PARAGUAY
MELROSE ARCH FAN ZONE
The Lads decided to watch the Italy vs Paraguay game at Innesfree Park.En Route to the Fan Park we met some Swiss Fans that were loving South Africa...We got there and well decided to relocate to Melrose Arch Fan Zone. Glad we did.The Atmosphere was superb. Plenty of fans to exerience the vibe with and well for me it was a big one as Italy opened their account in a rainy and Cold Cape Town..
It was a decent line up by Lippi but still theres something missing.
When we went one down I thought here it goes. Although Italy were not impressive they got their equaliser and I thought pushed on rather well. Danielle De Rossi to the rescue after a goalkeeping error and well we were lucky to escape with a point. Off to New Zealand now and well.
I thought Italy lacked punch upfront and Montolivio and Pepe were the outstanding players on the pitch. As for the goal...Cannavaro and Chielini beaten in the air....Thats worrying. Also worrying is the injury sustained by Gigi Buffon.Its certain that he will miss the game agains new Zealand Forza Azurri To Nelspruit we hunt
In the other game in Boemfontein Cameroon who have never lost an opening ga,e in the World Cup were shocked by the Japanese. Cameroon are in Danger
