Soccer City

Today was Soccer City.

Soccer City is the brand new stadium that they built in Johannesburg for the 2010 World Cup. It is quite the sight to see. The fans were absolutely amazing there.

The game on the docket was Argentina versus South Korea. The Argentina team is loaded with star plays from the European professional league. Lionel Messi, their world class striker, was just out of this world to see live. It is so easy to understand why he is generally considered the best player in the world. Even when he picks up the ball in the middle of the pitch, he will make a little run, pick off 3 defenders and open of the other side for other players. I think the most amazing part to me is how close he keeps the ball to his feet.

I wanted to post some pictures of the fans. I have a video of the fans from Argentina singing that I wanted to share. Also, I took a picture of the giant flag that the Koreans got out before the kickoff.

The vuvuzela are so loud. I have a love/hate relationship with them. They bring so much energy, but when the guy behind you on the bus is blowing one it can be a bit much. In the end I think they are good and will most certainly be a enduring symbol (and sound) of this World Cup.

A couple of other random notes before I sign off today. First, neither of the two stadiums that I have been to so far have a score board. They have had video screens for replays, but no place that show the score or the time remaining. I find that odd. Tomorrow we are going to Ellis Park. I am curious to see if it is the same there.

And finally, there are cheerleaders that come out to dance at half time. I didn't expect that. They perform to the official 2010 World song, Waka Waka by Shakira. It's short, but fun.