The day had finally arrived and we were on our way to watch Germany vs Australia in the first FIFA Soccer World Cup match, played here in Durban at the new Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Armed with our German flags, ear plugs, painted faces and my Eldest son sporting a striped mohawk of black, red and yellow, we headed out four hours before kick off. The atmosphere was electric as we neared the stadium with both Australian, German and South African supporters walking around. Some wearing official gear, some wearing next to nothing but body paint in their respective countries national colours and I think I saw nearly every type of wig, hat, cap and Makarapa hat (a hat fashioned from a hard hat that has been cut out into elaborate designs and colours, representative of the wearers team.), imaginable!
As night fell, we made our way towards the stadium lights that glowed in the distance. Vendors were selling flags, a lady walked about on stilts greeting everybody and people who had spotted a gap in the market were selling a “Shushuzela”, (ear plugs to combat the dreaded Vuvuzela!).
Walking up the stairs I caught my first glimpse of the pitch and the enormity of the stadium and couldn’t help but let out a whoop of joy! It was beautiful as the white arch of the Moses Mabhida stadium crossed over against the dark sky. Fans were singing and flags from all over parts of Germany and Australia were hung from the different levels.
I may not be a soccer fanatic but I enjoy the game and watching the fans was entertaining! A block of German spectators, a little way off from us, got the Mexican Wave started a few times, singing songs and doing “magic fingers” towards the goal. It must worked, considering Germany won a 4 – 0 victory against Australia.
We were lucky to have only a few Vuvuzela enthusiasts around us and even they did not blow their horns the whole game. For the first few minutes of the game I thought I would not need the earplugs I had hastily purchased the day before, however the constant drone and not the volume of the Vuvuzela eventually had me digging around for them! The noise became so irritating, it was as if I had a swarm of bees buzzing around in my head. Hubby also pointed out that it was a shame that we were unable to hear the songs being sung by the German and Aussie supporters around us.
After the final whistle blew and the stadium was vibrant with the colours of the German flag, we slowly made our way back home, falling into bed well after midnight!
Ayoba Deutschland! Ayoba!
* Tonight I will be changing my colours to those of Bafana Bafana as they play their second match against Uruguay.
Twaddle & Twak 