BAFANA BAFANA!!!

The World Cup has begun!!! On Friday, the first World Cup ever held on the continent of Africa started in Johannesburg. Bafana Bafana (translation: The boys! The boys!, meaning: South African soccer team) took on Mexico Friday afternoon to kick off (no pun intended) the games. Along with tens of thousands of fans, I went downtown to catch the first game. The city was wild! Everyone was decked out in their Bafana gear and there were celebrations in the street. Cape Town was a completely different place. I watched the first game from a little coffee shop on Long St. that was absolutely packed with fans. There were people on the street crowded around the windows looking in to watch the game. When Bafana scored that first, absolutely BEAUTIFUL goal against Mexico the city erupted. I can't describe it. South Africans have so much pride in their country, their athletes, themselves, and especially in stepping up and hosting the world for the first time ever. I don't think people can know how big of a deal it is for the South Africans that they're hosting the World Cup unless they've witnessed and experienced being here for it. Bafana pride is contagious. All the Americans were rooting for Bafana, myself included.

Parade in the streets

Another parade down Long St.

Watching the game in Rcaffe

Taking it to the streets

After the Bafana game it was Cape Town's turn to host a game. Thousands of fans paraded to Greenpoint Stadium for the France v. Uruguay game AND I WAS ONE OF THEM. I can't explain my excitement in going to a World Cup game. Even though the game proved to be somewhat boring, it was still totally awesome. I mean, I was at a World Cup game! How cool is that? The stadium is amazing. It's so bright and white and new. I loved it. My friend Dan and I sat together and we had great seats. We were in the lowest level, 23 rows back from one of the corners. I'd never been to a soccer game besides ETHS games, and I'd say this was a pretty good introduction.

My tickets

Greenpoint Stadium

Inside, view from my seat

Yesterday I went to an English bar with some friends to watch the USA v. England game. The eight of us were the only Americans in a place full of English fans. After a couple hours of speculation and trash talk with the English fans, it was pretty depressing when England scored that first goal. The draw was sweet, though, since we knew we were the underdogs. There was a good camaraderie between us and the English fans, making for a fun time. Hopefully the USA or Bafana goes all the way!

-Sarah