http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/06/world_cup_voice_1.html
World Cup voices: Cheers for the red, white, and blue
June 22, 2010
Dispatches from Boston-area residents who are attending the largest international sporting event. Here, David Micley of Newton, who is studying at the University of Cape Town, describes the flag-waving camaraderie of American fans at last Friday's US-Slovenia match.
By David Micley
When applying for World Cup tickets, I made sure to purchase matches that would bring out the wildest and craziest fans. So far, to tell you the truth, I had been disappointed in many of the followers I have seen, which has included blockbuster teams France and Spain.
David Micley (center) with other US fans.Not so with the red-white-and-blue-painted fans at Friday's USA vs. Slovenia game. I've heard that there are more US fans in South Africa than any other country, and the game proved that to me without a doubt.
Upon arriving a half mile away from Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg, the streets were already filled with bodies clad in American-flag capes. Walking closer to the stadium, the buzz of the vuvuzelas continued to increase along with the display of American pride in the form of painted faces, cowboys, and even Thing 1 and Thing 2 (Everybody knows Dr. Suess was American).
More than the Spanish, French, Uruguayan, and Spanish combined, the Americans came out to cheer for their side like nothing I've seen in this World Cup. The sense of camaraderie was most apparent in fellow Americans sympathizing with me with a hug in the wake of the Celtics game 7 loss when I told them I was from Boston.
Upon entering into the stadium, the Stars and Stripes fluttered from all directions, including from the stadium's ceiling. The best part of it all was that almost all the South African locals were supporting our nation, as I could hear the South African accents joining in the constant chants of U-S-A.
In the stands, there was the scarce Slovenian here and there, one of whom unfortunately happened to be sitting next to me, alone, deep in pure-bred American territory.
Until Friday, I never fully understood the excitement behind a soccer game. I realized that what makes watching the sport such an intense experience is not the goals themselves, which are few and far between, but the build-up to the ecstatic moment of release when your team finally puts one in.
I can't begin to describe how frustrated I was watching Team USA play. Slovenia was up 2-0 at the half. They scored with ease, burning our defense multiple times, allowing easy one-on-goalie shots. Meanwhile, the USA offense blew one chance after another. The angst and tension was reflected in the energy of the USA crowd.
Then, in the second half, Landon Donovan aggressively attacked the goal, shooting one straight to the top of the net, and the crowd exploded. A pale friend of mine turned red in the face like a sirloin steak. In celebration, strangers embraced, and little children cried amongst the chaos and noise.
Yet we were still down 2-1. As the time ticked on, each and every missed opportunity brought about a drastic rise and fall in my heartbeat. We passed the 80th minute, butterflies flapped in my stomach at the dreadful thought of a nation of more than 300 million losing to one with a mere 2 million.
On the 82d minute, Michael Bradley struck with destiny, tying up the game 2-2. The crowd erupted again.
Before the end of the game, the US scored another goal that was immediately taken back. Without a doubt, the call was incorrect and the US deserved to win the game. Nonethess, the US fans were stoked, as the tie against Slovenia leaves our World Cup destiny in our own hands. America is here to play.
World Cup voices: Cheers for the red, white, and blue
June 22, 2010
Dispatches from Boston-area residents who are attending the largest international sporting event. Here, David Micley of Newton, who is studying at the University of Cape Town, describes the flag-waving camaraderie of American fans at last Friday's US-Slovenia match.
By David Micley
When applying for World Cup tickets, I made sure to purchase matches that would bring out the wildest and craziest fans. So far, to tell you the truth, I had been disappointed in many of the followers I have seen, which has included blockbuster teams France and Spain.
David Micley (center) with other US fans.Not so with the red-white-and-blue-painted fans at Friday's USA vs. Slovenia game. I've heard that there are more US fans in South Africa than any other country, and the game proved that to me without a doubt.
Upon arriving a half mile away from Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg, the streets were already filled with bodies clad in American-flag capes. Walking closer to the stadium, the buzz of the vuvuzelas continued to increase along with the display of American pride in the form of painted faces, cowboys, and even Thing 1 and Thing 2 (Everybody knows Dr. Suess was American).
More than the Spanish, French, Uruguayan, and Spanish combined, the Americans came out to cheer for their side like nothing I've seen in this World Cup. The sense of camaraderie was most apparent in fellow Americans sympathizing with me with a hug in the wake of the Celtics game 7 loss when I told them I was from Boston.
Upon entering into the stadium, the Stars and Stripes fluttered from all directions, including from the stadium's ceiling. The best part of it all was that almost all the South African locals were supporting our nation, as I could hear the South African accents joining in the constant chants of U-S-A.
In the stands, there was the scarce Slovenian here and there, one of whom unfortunately happened to be sitting next to me, alone, deep in pure-bred American territory.
Until Friday, I never fully understood the excitement behind a soccer game. I realized that what makes watching the sport such an intense experience is not the goals themselves, which are few and far between, but the build-up to the ecstatic moment of release when your team finally puts one in.
I can't begin to describe how frustrated I was watching Team USA play. Slovenia was up 2-0 at the half. They scored with ease, burning our defense multiple times, allowing easy one-on-goalie shots. Meanwhile, the USA offense blew one chance after another. The angst and tension was reflected in the energy of the USA crowd.
Then, in the second half, Landon Donovan aggressively attacked the goal, shooting one straight to the top of the net, and the crowd exploded. A pale friend of mine turned red in the face like a sirloin steak. In celebration, strangers embraced, and little children cried amongst the chaos and noise.
Yet we were still down 2-1. As the time ticked on, each and every missed opportunity brought about a drastic rise and fall in my heartbeat. We passed the 80th minute, butterflies flapped in my stomach at the dreadful thought of a nation of more than 300 million losing to one with a mere 2 million.
On the 82d minute, Michael Bradley struck with destiny, tying up the game 2-2. The crowd erupted again.
Before the end of the game, the US scored another goal that was immediately taken back. Without a doubt, the call was incorrect and the US deserved to win the game. Nonethess, the US fans were stoked, as the tie against Slovenia leaves our World Cup destiny in our own hands. America is here to play.
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ CRAIG MAXIM
Facebook: http://facebook.com/craigmaxim
MySpace: http://myspace.com/craigmaxim
Reverb Nation: http://reverbnation.com/craigmaxim
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ CRAIG MAXIM
Facebook: http://facebook.com/craigmaxim
MySpace: http://myspace.com/craigmaxim
Reverb Nation: http://reverbnation.com/craigmaxim
