July 6, 2010 by kevinserwin
What a night in Pretoria! Needing a win to progress, the US came through in the extra time to send us to the top of the group. All our support was rewarded in the end, although we should have put the game away much sooner, and we were very fortunate not to concede an early one to Algeria. Loftus Versfeld Stadium, normally a rugby field was absolutely electric! US fans gathered 4 hours before game time in the park and rides to tailgate and take photos, and many strangers stopped by to introduce themselves from other States and countries. The park and ride was filled with Americans chanting U-S-A! and snapping photos of all those dressed up in American flags and face paint.
Following Donovan’s last gasp goal, we erupted! Strangers were embracing, drinks were flying, and some were crying. It was absolutely awesome, and the party didn’t end there. When the final whistle sounded, no one left their seats. Well, except the Algeria fans, who made a quick exit. When word came through that England had also progressed through by a 1-0 win over Slovenia, the cheers became deafening when we realized we had won the group. The entire way you could hear the vuvuzelas from the American fans. I’ve actually seen a lot of American fans with vuvuzelas, as surprising as that might sound. Be prepared to hear them at other sporting events.
Two nights later, I had to say goodbye to my wife, who unlike me, couldn’t afford another week away from work. Later that evening, I was to attend the best game of the first round, Spain vs. Chile. That evening, I met a German couple staying in our bed and breakfast and they also had tickets to the game in Pretoria. They offered to drive and we got to the stadium a few hours early to join in the festivities. I bought a Spain scarf, thinking that it would be a safe bet that there would many Spain supporters around me. Wrong. My ticket had me right in the middle of the Chile fan section, and it was the best seat in the house. The passion the Chileans have for their soccer is unmatched anywhere. The entire game, they are living and dying with each play. They are chanting “Vamo, vamo Chileno” and stomping so loud that it makes the stands shake. Although the match ended 2-1 to Spain, the Chileans had progressed to the second round and their fans continued the chants outside the stadium to the car park.
Looking forward to the US v. Ghana game, and the Brazil Chile matchup to follow.
