Getting Home – No Easy Task!

Hard to believe that one day I could say that “I had dinner in Joburg while watching Italy desperately trying to avoid an early trip home, followed by breakfast in Cairo watching Japan show why they belong in the top 16, next lunch in Paris seeing Brazil and Portugal provide soccer magic and finally, dinner in Paris with Spain convincingly defeating Chile on a wall-size screen… triple”

WOW! Lippi, Italy’s coach, claims to be responsible for his boys making “reservations for dinner in Rome for Friday evening.” The truth is Slovakia deservedly beat Italy because La Forza Azzurri put their hopes in a squad with too many senior players… good experience but not enough fitness and hunger to keep up with youth and desire. Ciao Italy.

I stand in line for 90 minutes to find out the plane for Cairo leaves from a different gate. South Africans do not change their procedures and definitely do not break hierarchical protocol… until I shared my view on common sense. Is a good thing somebody is watching over me. Explaining that Vivis was waiting for me to watch World Cup games I convinced the guy responsible for unlocking the airline booths to walk me directly to ticket counter where I got an aisle seat. I pulled my last AYSO shirt and gave it to my guardian angel. Within the last 20-25 minutes before arriving in Cairo, I got to see the pyramids, the ones from Giza and a few more from the plane, awesome!

The world was expecting Japan to play defensively and go for a tie but not Mr. Honda and his teammates. The world now knows there are two Hondas, the one you can drive and the one that drives an entire nation into the top 16 and World Cup history. I got a couple of Egyptian souvenirs and boarded the plane to Paris.

Once I secured a room for the night, I headed for central Paris, Saint Mitchell plaza where all the restaurants have great food and more importantly today, were showing the game. Kaka did not

play, Portugal could not score, but Brazil controlled the game and both teams provided exciting plays and a good show. Two glasses of Sangria and a chocolate crepe later, I went for a walk, getting more souvenirs and finding a good place for dinner. Escargot was in my original plan but I just could not order them! I settle for good French onion soup, French beef pot roast and apple tart pie (yummy).

I decided to go into the restaurant with the biggest wall size TV screen to watch Spain slowly but effectively maneuver its game against Chile. Chile earned the World Cup spot based on good, solid soccer but La Furia Roja executed a technical plan supported by highly technical players who maintained possession and frustrated the Chileans. The only negative point came in the last three minutes when Spain played in their own half and Chile would not cross the halfline… not entertaining soccer.

The evening was young so I went for another walk and I missed the last train to the airport… ooopppsss! Sometime around 1:30 a.m. with the help of Joanna and husband Nacho, their friends Fatuma and “El Gringo” I made it to Gare del East where I catch a bus to the airport. Immediately, I asked for a wake-up call. The next morning, I spend two hours in line to be told you have to go to Terminal A, a 15 minute walk. With an hour and a half until departure (not good for international departures in foreign countries) I looked around for an angel but found none… well not right away. After a looong walk, 2 pounds less (water weight loss) and a few stops to ask if I was moving in the right direction, I see the line for my flight check-in – there was no way I would make it with about 75 minutes before departure.

It was time to apply creative travelling experience so I went to the shorter line for business and first class passengers. I asked, “Do you have space in business or first class?” and all I heard was, “Excusez-moi, je ne comprends pas?” Oh, oh!! I keep explaining, well begging, and the young lady (my next angel) decides to give me my boarding pass, an aisle seat in the first row of coach – great seat! I watched a few movies, ate good food, took a short nap and next thing you know… I’m home! Long, but exciting trip home. I immediately asked and found out we lost against Ghana – more on this later.

Ke Nako – It is time!

Good morning from the Aero Guest Lodge where I’m having my last cup of tea before I head out to start my trip back home. Yes there are conflicting emotions… I really enjoy A&A/Kris friendship but I miss home, I want to watch in person the US/Ghana, Mexico/Argentina and England/Germany games, but I want to watch World Cup games with Viviana.

A special thanks to Annabe and Adrian for taking care of me as family does and to Kris for allowing me to share my futbol passion with him… I suspect they will be visiting me in Artesia, California.

For my last night at the lodge, A&A gave me their best room with tub and everything, wow as they had to sleep up in the attic. However, in the morning the lights kept shutting off and on… perhaps Adrian’s way of letting me know it was time to leave the room so they could get it ready for the next guests.

I started out this trip ready to embrace South Africa, and I’m leaving having had South Africa embraced me through its people, always smiling, always helping out and always offering their warmth and caring attitude… it is great! Then there are the different people from different countries you meet with a common passion for the World Cup, with expert opinions on everything from which team formation to use to what to do with the players that miss scoring opportunities or provide them for the opponent with their errors.

All of this made for a wonderful experience that I will continue to value as the years go by. It took a lot of people to bring the World Cup to South Africa, but I’m glad that Mr. Blatter started the notion and Mandela sealed the deal when he joined the South African delegation and shared his passion for his country and his continent when he connected with the World Cup committee. Giving us a World Cup in Africa, once in a life time experience! My return trip will take me through Cairo, Paris and then to L.A. to get work done at the office and get ready for the National Games in Florida. We will continue to share our observations of the World Cup games via this blog from other exotic locations and try to provide interesting and fun information that can generate passionate discussion about the World Cup in South Africa.

Torture Your Fans and then Win

My luck continues in South Africa, and this morning I connected with the driver who was picking up four Americans at the airport, bringing them to A&A’s place, and then taking two of them to the USA Algeria game. So of course I tagged along for the ride, and the Americans were the same guys that went with me to the USA/Slovenia game and the driver, Ralze, was the same one who gave us a tour of the area around Ellis Park Stadium and before picking them up, he gave me and my Mexican friends a tour of the parking facility at the airport.

We left the hotel hoping to get there early enough to enjoy the stadium atmosphere. The area around the stadium was covered with red, white and blue in every direction—flags, painted faces, scarves and of course, thousands of U.S. National Team jerseys. The passion for the game was so intense that a couple of my friends and I gave it a shot and sang our National Anthem, which was overtaken by the thousands of people singing – a very good thing.

As tortures go, watching our team come very close to elimination from the World Cup ranks high up there with the worst of the worst tortures known to mankind. The boys played good soccer, creating several scoring opportunities including three in front of the goal in the first half and four more in the second half but could not put the ball in the net during the 90 minutes. The torturing started with Djebbour hitting the crossbar in the sixth minute!

Then we scored a goal to be nullified because of offside… it was close and if I check the video it may have been a good goal. When your team creates a lot of scoring opportunities but keeps missing them, you start thinking about how it will just take one or two quick counter attacks from the opponent for them to score the winning goal. it happens a lot in soccer. Then, Algeria’s Yahia gets send off within the first minute of added time, and Algeria loses composure and concentration enough for us to push one final attack, and to have Donovan score and release the emotional outburst throughout the stadium from all of us and many people from other countries which were supporting our team… just in time to prevent a heart attack!

In other news, England won and moved on. This was good because Adrian was happy and managed to find me a room for tonight – I was going to sleep on the couch in the lobby because the hotel had a lot guests checking in today. Just another great day at the World Cup in South Africa!

Friends Connect Friends

Kris invited me to the press conference with the referees, so I went along hoping to chat with my friends. It was supposed to be difficult as I’m not a member of the FIFA approved media/press. Kris has a good sense of direction which helped us find the high school as it was not clearly mapped on the GPS. I made it through the first gate as Kris’s assistant. Then, I was stopped at the next check point, so I spend time waiting in the car. Tried again later and was lucky to find my friend Armando Benito Archundia who was not participating in the mixer with the press. As in the last couple of World Cups, the referees review the critical decisions and discuss reasons for both making the right ones and the unfortunate ones. Then, they share options to consider in player management as well as 100 percent misconduct where the yellow or red card must be shown. Armando and the rest of the officials seemed very relaxed and a lot of it has to do with how the FIFA World Cup Referee Committee takes a mentoring approach to dealing with referees issues… a much different and nicer approach than 20-30 years ago. This is another great thing about World Cup – my friend Kris helped me connect with my friend Armando.

Culture & Coaching Challenge

Happy Father’s Day from South Africa. My clothes are washed and dried – thanks Annabe. I planned half of my day… very unlikely for me. If you know me, you know that I get a bit passionate about soccer… and I love experiences where people project their passion through what they do. The plan included seeing African Footprint a musical/dancing show that shares South African history. With little or no props, but a lot of dancing talent, amazing energy and a wonderful story flow, the show generates a great connection with the audience. It has music from African musical instruments, African dances portraying the history from the birth of Africa to the influence of Gumboot and Tap dancing to the artistic Pantsula dance. If you ever get a chance to see it, don’t miss it! The show is over and I buy a shirt, a cap and a program – they ran out of the wine bottles (too bad).

I went to the Sports restaurant and watch the second half of the Italy-New Zealand game. Later, I watched Côte d’Ivoire play like the Brazil from the 1970s in the first half, and then Brazil take control of the game once they bring out the Samba futebol rhythms. There have been a few more officiating errors which have impacted the outcome of games and several underdog teams are doing great against the power house teams. All of this has created a very close race for moving to the next phase and several teams still have a chance, even some with just one point like Slovakia. This makes for a better World Cup for the fans; however, there are some teams that are starting to pack their bags.

Cameroon is numerically out and France has a lot of internal issues. Some teams will have to play a third game with little or no chance to qualify for the next phase and the coaches have to find a way to influence their motivation so they can deliver the right game… a challenging task for some. The principles aka AYSO Philosophies that we share with our coaches could come in handy for some of the World Cup coaches. Positive Coaching generates a lot of support from players for the coach and makes them want to give 100 percent every time. In AYSO, we say that it’s about more than the game and at the World Cup it sure is true. While most World Cup players put their best effort for their country, a few will find it difficult to get up for that third game, missing one of the best opportunities in their lives. AYSO coaches do not deal with World Cup players but they sure influence thousands of kids into playing every weekend, feeling like if it was a World Cup!

Another TV Watching Day...

Good morning, I need another easy day so I’ll work on my computer, watch games on TV and later tonight go out for dinner with A&A and Kris. At the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, Holland defeated Japan in a so-so game. Back home, it was not the game you get up early for.

Japan played a very disciplined but defensive game in the first half and most of the second half making it challenging for Holland to create opportunities for shots. In the 53 minute, Sneijder puts the ball in for Holland and Japan started to attack more. It makes for better soccer. Nakamura, former international, and Holland’s Eljero Elia came and gave us more exciting plays but the score stood in favor of Holland.

To get ready for Ghana vs. Australia, we played a couple of ping pong rounds and Adrian let us score a few points but then put us away… nice sandbagging to let the guests feel good. Ghana could have secured their pass to the next phase but instead got in trouble early when Australia scored in the 10 minute. A few minutes later, with a great call, the referee gave a penalty kick to Ghana and a red card to Kewell (Australia) for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity as he handled the ball. He intentionally made himself bigger by extending his arm to play the ball. Then Ghana could not find a way to score against 10 players. Now, they have tie or defeat Germany who by tradition, gets better from game to game.

Too many, including me, Cameroon was supposed to play exciting, good

soccer and move to the next phase. They played exciting soccer but fell to Denmark 1 to 2 and now they are leaving the World Cup after their next match. Eto’o who was now playing in his best position, up front, scored the first goal within 10 minutes, painting a picture of hope and exciting things to come. Twenty-two minutes later Denmark’s Bendtner score a great goal to tie the score and now Denmark is starting to dictate game flow and control. By halftime, both teams had missed several opportunities to score the second goal, providing exciting soccer. At the 61 minute, Denmark’s Rommedahl got the winning goal and then they just defended against Cameroon’s persistent attacks on goal that kept missing every opportunity. Now Cameroon needs to find the courage and strength to deliver their best performance in their last game against Holland before they say good bye… I have no doubt that they will.

Dinner was great! We made our way to Tribes, a South African restaurant with great food at the Cesar Emporium casino. Our waiter described the menu items in such exquisite and tantalizing way that it became difficult to decide what to order. Kris had his mind on the biggest steak he could find but Annabe went for the prawns which look more like shrimps on a diet… but I’m sure they tasted good. For me, Ostrich Sausage appetizer and Kudu (cousins with deer) steak, which were very tender and delicious. Adrian got the Warthog and we share around the table so we could taste all of the exotic items. Then Adrian pulled a “Tom” and told the waiter that it was my birth date… soon waiters surrounded our table, playing drums, singing and smiling. I got to celebrate my African birth date with great friends, a wonderful way to end the day.

Referees are Human – Good Mantra

Yes from everyone’s perspective, the referee made an incorrect call on our team’s third goal. There were blue shirts being pulled by the defenders, at least one of our players was being strongly hugged and not necessarily out of love. It would have been easy and accepted by Slovenia and the whole world to let the goal stand. However, in the referee’s opinion, he saw a foul committed and he decided to call it before the ball was kicked into the net. So I give him the benefit of the doubt and even if he made a mistake, he remains human.

My day started out very lucky when I walked out of my room and by the hotel lobby—there was taxi with two USA fans with the faces painted ready to go to the game, and they said, “Good morning Tom. Yes you can tag along.” Our driver decided to use a shortcut which actually took longer as we went all around Ellis Park. The benefit – we got a short tour of the area. Walking to the stadium with hundreds of Americans, I enjoyed the food stands, the sidewalk vendors, the competition - people selling tickets and I had one to unload. I made an effort, not much, and eventually gave the ticket to Christian who followed me hoping I give him the ticket. He made it to the security checkpoint and said, “Thank you but I will go into the stadium later,” which meant he went to sell the ticket. Five minutes before the game started, Kirk, a compatriot who has been in South African working on development projects for the last three years, joined me and when I asked he said, “You don’t want to know how much I paid but I paid local cost. I had bought tickets for this game but I gave them to a visiting U.S. family. And now I have a better seat!” Everyone won today… I got my tickets from a coworkers parents, Christian got some money, the visiting family got to see the game, and Kirk ended up with a good seat and we all enjoyed the game – this is what World Cup soccer is about!

Now I hope the good mantra goes to our team when they face Algeria who is looking very good. We quickly got back to the hotel, got some work done and prepare to watch the last match of the day, England vs. Algeria. In the common TV room, we had several Americans, one in particular whose strong, unfounded opinions made Adrian go watch the game in his room and my friend Kris stay quiet for the whole game. Me, I just go with the flow and try to share. By halftime, I had purchased a ticket for the USA vs. Algeria game so I’m happy. After the game. Kris and I visited the casino to unwind a little and listened to a guitar player/singer perform Carlos Santana and classics from the 60s. We discussed the England-Algeria game without the expertise of our friend back in the hotel and took a taxi back to the hotel. A pretty good day for me… well there is never a bad day for me.

Youth Day in South Africa

I worked all morning and watched good games on TV as I have to prioritize my game ticket money allocations. Today is Youth Day in South Africa, so kids were given tickets to see World Cup games. One of the great things about soccer is that things don’t always go according to expectations. On paper, a team may be better but once the players go on the pitch, anything can happen and a good example is Switzerland vs. Spain.

Spain dominated throughout the entire game and could not put the ball in the net even though they had a lot of good chances. The need to win and team skills provided one of the best games yet in terms of exciting and entertaining soccer. Things are looking tough for Spain with Chile having a good solid team, and Honduras able to defend themselves strongly for at least 70 minutes. Spain not moving to the next phase can be the biggest upset yet. And again in the Chile vs. Honduras game it was nice to see the underdog holding on and creating a few opportunities of its own.

Chile another favored team to move on had a tough time scoring. Chile was in control of the game with lots of ball possession and nice infiltrations into Honduras’ penalty area. They just could not find the net for 34 minutes and throughout the second half. At the end, Chile is happy to have its first victory in World Cup games since 1962! The theme for the World Cup so far is strong defensive lines and great attackers who have been off their mark a lot. Making offside decisions is the toughest task in officiating because of human eye viewing physical limitations. It takes a lot of concentration and at times, a little bit of luck. In the 62 minute, the assistant referee signaled for offside when the attacker was on but luckily it did not impact the outcome of the game as Chile won. After a nice “Philly” steak dinner, Adrian’s specialty, we’re ready for the Bafana Bafana to take on “La Garra Charrua” aka Uruguay.

Controversy first… in the 76 minute, the player that is fouled for the penalty kick was in an offside position when his teammate deflected the ball therefore it should have been just an assistant referee flag and an indirect free kick for South Africa instead of the goal and the goalkeeper send off. For the first 25 minutes, things were even with both teams having difficulty putting three consecutive passes together. Slowly Uruguay took control of the game creating good opportunities to score. In the end, Uruguay’s teamwork ability to maintain possession and set a slower rhythm took the Bafana Bafana’s best weapon away… their speed.

A big hug to my nephews Chris, Fabian and Michael who are watching all of the World Cup games… dreaming to one day be playing for our national team.

Long But Exciting Journey

Adrian dropped me off at the airport and I started the day with a quick veggie sandwich from Subway and a bottle of water. Dessert to go: pain du chocolate, apple pastry and chocolate donut… yummy yummy. I hope to find a ride to Polokwane for the Mexico vs. France game. Is a four plus hour drive so I’ll watch the other games later. 440 Rands for a round trip in a mini-bus with 18 small seats, not bad. Francisco, now named “Panchito,” is coordinating our shuttle ride to the mini-bus parking lot and I help by encouraging an earlier departure since we have enough passengers. Our driver Lefur gives us his cell number so we can call after the game if we get lost. We leave the city within 20 minutes and for the next 4 hours, nothing but open space with mountains on the West side and flat land as far as you can see to the East side. Hoping to see exotic animals I have my camera ready but all that we see is many vehicles pass us by with a lot of supporters for “El Tri,” blowing the vuvuzelas, waiving the flags and screaming “Viva Mexico.” It is going to be a good game. Our new German friend in the back requests a pit stop so Lefur pulls over and points towards the trees and bushes.

As the road signs keep showing less and less kilometers to Polokwane people start chanting in the mini-van, a little of Cielito Lindo, a German cheer, a cheer for the Bafana Bafana, and several cheers for Mexico… we have a party in the mini-van and Lefur is singing better than he drives. We get to Polokwane and the stadium looks impressive and very new. I called my friends as I have the ticket for their Dad and they said… “Sell it because my Dad got a ticket.” OK this is now twice the Dad has let me down and now I’m stuck with an extra ticket. There are many people selling tickets and nobody buying so I’m not about to get in trouble for scalping. I walk around the stadium to enjoy the atmosphere which has about 300 Mexicans per each French.

Tonight, Polokwane is the city with the second largest Mexican contingency next to Mexico City! The game starts and this time the result would be different than the “Pastry War” from 1838 where Mexico lost and had to pay reparations to the French nationals living in Mexico or the 5 times that France has defeated Mexico in the past World Cups. It was strange to see Thierry Henry on the bench where he could not help Les Bleus. Mexico kept pushing the ball forward creating good opportunities with close misses. With the Mexican substitutions came the goals and the final demise of the French team who had just one clear chance in the last 15 minutes. The referee had his hands full with Mexico wanting to chat with him throughout the game but he delivered consistent officiating.

After listening to Mexico celebrate big in a section of the Stadium, I went looking for Lefur’s mini-van which was nowhere to be found. The pick-up spot was full with the big, coach buses and mini-vans taking people to Polokwane. After 25 minutes or so I find Lefur, who already has five passengers in the van. Rodrigo and the two girls decided to stay in town and celebrate so we looked around and found the South African family and the young Frenchman so we started our return to Joburg. Lefur started playing local music very loud which at first it was cool but after 40 minutes or so… it was torturing as it is midnight and we’re tired and sleepy. For the rest of the trip, we listened to the same music which kept all of us awake as well as Lefur, which was good since he was driving.

When we get to Joburg ,Lefur drives by the airport towards the parking lot where we departed but is now 3:00 a.m. and there is no shuttle to the airport. So the mom in the South African family yelled, “Take us to airport!” which is good because I was not about to tell Lefur what to do. Lefur ignored mom, but she kept insisting and 20 minutes later, Lefur drove to the airport and dropped us off… THANK YOU Mom!! I was not ready to walk the two miles to the airport at 3:30 a.m., so I would have just walk the few blocks to the Cesar Emporium casino. Next, I started negotiating a taxi ride to the hotel which is only five minutes away. The price started at 120 Rands so I walked back into the airport. After a short walk I went back to the negotiation table and eventually secure a 50 Rands taxi ride. As I approach the hotel, I’m thinking great game and good long day but the night security guard was not by the gate so I had to wake Adrian up and he opened the gate… thank you Adrian.

Footballers and Life

Good morning. Vivis emailed me an “I love you Papa” with a picture… I’m so fortunate.

They have the fame, the money, the extra benefits and many more things but World Cup players are humans and like the rest of us, they’re dealing with everyday life. They enjoy special moments like th

eir National anthem before the game in the same manner I enjoy ours every afternoon at 4:30 when it is played at the school next

to our office… I miss it.

Here are a few interesting facts, “411,” about WC players. Our own

Jonathan Bornstein comes to mind as I’m watching Honduras struggling against Chile. He scored a goal in the last seconds against Costa Rica in the last qualifying game, allowing Honduras to qualify directly to the World Cup. Honduras’ president invited Jonathan to visit their country as he is considered a national hero and thousands of fans wear a Honduras national shirt with Bornstein’s name on it. Bornstein finds this a special and difficult to understand way of

recognition but smiles and enjoys the adulation.

In a more critical way, Islamic players have to deal with decisions which sometimes

compromise their strong religious beliefs. It is very common for pro clubs to recruit sponsors, including alcohol and gambling related businesses, who provide significant amounts of money which pay for club operations such as player salaries. Part of the deal is to wear the sponsor’s name on the players’ shirts and this creates a challenge for Islamic players. Association with alcohol and gambling is strongly forbidden and at the same time, players have to be team members and wear the shirt. One way that players deal with this issue is by donating money earned by playing to good religious and social causes.

Lionel Messi from Argentina, who started playing when he was 5, was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at the age of 11 when he was playing youth soccer for Rosario’s Newell’s Old Boys. River Plate was interested in Messi but could not pay for the medical treatment, $900 per month, so his father Jorge moved his family to Europe where Barcelona offered the treatment. Messi and his family will forever be grateful to Barcelona and he tries to show it by the way he plays for them every day. So you see, World Cup players deal with life just like we do. If only my friends and I could play just like they do… well in our minds we do.

Brazil is... Brazil

Only 10 minutes into the Ivory Coast vs. Portugal game and already we have received beautiful futbol! Ronaldo takes a long shot which hits the post! What a game, back and forth with great passing and good scoring opportunities. Minute 21, number #20 should have been cautioned for his foul on Ronaldo… instead both players get cautioned for exchanging poetic words. I have to get ready to go watch Brazil so I’ll miss the rest of this game which will continue to be very intense and probably end in a tie.

OK we’re on our way with Adrian & Annebe (A&A) driving us. I don’t have a ticket, but I feel lucky. We finally found the media parking area, and we had to get out of the car so Kris can park it using his media credential… is good to know people. While Kris hassles with parking I just negotiated a good deal… Class 1 ticket at face value or maybe less – Yes!! There are thousands of Brazilians, dancing Samba, singing, taking pictures with everyone, and hardly any North Koreans.

After a quick security checkpoint, we find ourselves by the tunnel entrance. The policeman tells me I cannot go in to talk to the referees even when I say that I can put in a word for the Bafana Bafana. We walk around the stadium, soaking in the noise, smiles, funny disguises, colorful characters – lots of them, and taking a few pictures. A&A will be sitting behind the goal slightly to the left where Brazil attacks first and I got lucky with a seat six rows back right above the tunnel where the FIFA/Fair Play flags and players come out. This is so cool that I don’t even notice the cold, zero degrees (centigrade).

Brazil starts the show, passing the ball around like it was the easiest thing in the world to do… well it is for them! Robinho controls and dribbles through half the North Koreans and gently gives the ball to Kaka who is caught off guard by a defender. The rest of the first half Robinho runs more than he ever did before, especially with Manchester, helping Brazil totally overwhelm North Korea. But Brazil cannot score as the North Koreans back line has good timing on when to step in and block the many shots or take the ball away. Dunga is getting impatient as well as the thousands of Brazilians around me who are now chanting every known Brazilian voodoo song against him and when he goes into the tunnel, two beer (luckily plastic) bottles go flying in his direction. The second half starts with Brazil opening the game more and making quicker passes down the middle, left, right, well in every direction. This pays off in the 56 or so minute when Maicon puts the ball in the back of the net from an impossible angle… wow!!

Brazil continues to dominate with beautiful game and gets the second goal around the 70 minute. North Korea with great courage and skill from #9 Jong Tae Se get a goal in the last minutes… well worked and deserved. Brazil has nothing to worry about in making it to the next round but Portugal and Cote d’Ivoire do as North Korea is no easy win. We quickly got on our way and with Adrian’s good sense of direction we left all of the traffic behind us. We had a cup of tea to make the final game comments, settle down and get ready for bed. Good night from Joburg where Brazilians are celebrating all night long.

Shopping in a South Africa mall

This morning, I was about to do some work when Adrian and Annebe invited me to the mall. I quickly jumped on it as I believe in contributing to the local economy so we headed for my first shopping experience. We visited a place which has a giant supermarket, all the typical department stores and several small one-table businesses that sell everything from souvenirs to jewelry and other trinkets. I bought two vuvuzelas, one for Jambita and one for Margie’s silent auction, from a lady who told me that she had the best prices in the mall. After some fierce bargaining (mostly by her), I paid 10 Rand more than what a guy was asking for just a few steps away. You are expected to bargain… I love it.

We picked up veggies, juice and other items and got back to the hotel where I am workingand watching New Zealand vs. Slovakia. In the first half, Slovakia’s attackers sensed that it was easy to infiltrate the New Zealand’s defense so all of them wanted to score the winning goal. Finally, at the start of the second half, by passing the ball around, Slovakia scores via a beautiful header. With 20 minutes to go, New Zealand is working hard and not letting Slovakia get their second goal. In the 70 minute, #7 (Slovakia) who first pushes the opponent, tries to fool the referee into giving the opponent a caution. The referee working with the fourth official determines that the only action needed is a verbal warning for #7… good referee teamwork, well done. New Zealand generates few opportunities but with 30 seconds to go, it ties the score with another great header… the game is never over until the last whistle blows!!

Last word for now… check this link to see a video by the Lego toy company.

Holland is back!

After breakfast with our Dutch friends, Kristof and I departed to the stadium. The GPS provided correct directions which Kristof ignored because it was a woman’s voice. After a couple of turn-arounds we made it to the stadium with plenty of time after five security check points which only foreigners respect.

It is an amazing feeling to see the stadium empty, overwhelming you with its personality yet majestically ready for the big game! Over the next two hours people kept filling the seats with orange and red shirts (see pictures). The referees warmed up to a synchronized routine helping the ground crew get the final markings right… it’s FIFA but it has the same details as our AYSO games. While waiting for the game to start I checked with every

shop for the USA-England scarf for Margie Close’s AYSO silent auction but no luck. I have to get one. The game starts, and Holland provides several minutes of controlled, precise passing game. The referee applies two consecutive advantages which the players accepted (it’s going to be a good game). My seat is at the very top with just four rows behind me and the pigeons nest over my head… great view! I could get all offside decisions correct from here. There is a Mexican couple a few seats down who missed most of the game because they were just hugging and kissing. World Cups always prompt a lot of love.

Thirty five minutes into the game and Holland still controls the action with Denmark missing a couple of counter attack opportunities. The Mexican couple is buying beer for everyone except me… I had water and they tell me they are in their honeymoon. Wow, soccer does generate passion. It’s the second half and Holland scores via an own goal by Denmark’s Agger and remains in control of the game. Number 17, Elia, from Holland comes in for the last 23-25 minutes and provides superb game creativity and control for Holland and a beautiful show for all of us… should have been the player of the match. Holland wins 2-0. I have to wait for Kris so I walk

around and end up talking to my friend from CONCACAF in the FIFA lounge, watching the photographers wait for players in the underground tunnel and, watching the second half of the Japan-Cameroon game in the Media center. We get back to the hotel quickly as Kris follows the directions from the GPS’s “Hinga” and have dinner with our Dutch friends to celebrate their victory.

A Quiet Sunday

It’s Sunday, and I got up late as I needed the rest! I watched half of the Algeria/Slovenia game from my bed, half-asleep and the rest of today’s games in the pool room. The fitness of the Algerian team is amazing… they ran the entire game and they have the heart of a lion… we’ll have a tough challenge. Like most games so far, the battle was primarily in the midfield with Algeria’s Nadir providing the sparks of attacking futbol. Batres delivered good officiating, setting a good tone from the first foul (within 40 seconds). He gave two cautions in the last minute of the game which maintained game control to the very last second.

On what may be the first fan arrest… an Algerian fan climbed up one of the poles to wave his flag. Immediately, several policemen surrounded the area and waited for him to get down and be escorted into the “ice room” (the place where you end up if you misbehave). This has been a great World Cup as there have been little or no negative incidents… great for South Africa and futbol! If Australia would have put the ball in the net in the first opportunity… maybe Germany would have taken longer to take control of the game. Good officiating by Marco (Mexico). I’m still waiting to play my first “cascarita” (see attached picture). OK time to go rest and get ready for tomorrow’s game… Holland vs. Denmark. Oh wait, Adrian just got me a ticket and I’m catching a ride with my friend the journalist from Belgium who is getting married when he gets back. Adrian… please knock on my door at 8:00 a.m.

We Have Arrived!!

A very good way to watch this game was with my English friend, Adrian, who earned enough points for Annebe to let him go. We parked his car 1.5 miles away from the stadium hoping we would find it after the game. There were hundreds of people all around the stadium, drinking, selling tickets, making bets, always smiling and enjoying the atmosphere. After a couple of “root beers,” we found our seats in one of the few U.S. sections. Our fans were ready to support our team, and while we had less fans, we had our Vice President in the locker room inspiring the players and our President encouraged our fans on the stands. Rooney is just above most players… he kept coming on strong against our defense but they managed to contain him throughout the game.

On paper and for the first 30 minutes, England was superior but our midfield and backline teamed up to stop them time after time. Then we score and Adrian decided he needed more root beers. While our goal was a mistake, we deserved it as we had a couple of clear opportunities. All we need now is for Donovan to show up for the next two games (yes he did a lot of running and defending but his attack was missing) as Algeria looks tough and Slovenia already has 3 points. Overall the referee, did well. Two observations: he could have replaced two cautions with a strong butt-chewing (verbal warning) and IMO should have cautioned Heskey in the first half when he “made himself bigger” to handle the ball. Batres (Guatemala) correctly cautioned #9 from Algeria for a similar handling of the ball. With one point each, Adrian and I took a nice jog to the car, beating most vehicles to the first toll gate. He was a bit (a lot) disappointed so it is a good thing we have become good friends or he may have kicked me out of the car One final note… people are beginning to blame the Jabulani (ball) and yes, it picks up speed when it bounces but it has been goalkeeper issues and not the Jabulani.

World Cup Day 2... Begins

Good morning! It feels good to wear clean clothes! On the way to get the tickets for today’s game, USA-England, we stopped at Lion’s Park where I found the shot glass for Sahar and the first gifts for Vivis. Breakfast was a spicy curry chicken turnover which reminded me of the Empanadas Argentinas... a lot of meat and hot sauce.

I’m watching Korea beat Greece 1-0 in the second half and it seems like the ball picks up speed off the bounces. Several players have difficulty catching up with and controlling the ball. Oh Korea just scored the 2nd goal... it looks bad for Greece. There was a sleeping hyena, a couple of lions dragging themselves around, a giraffe who seems to be asking... “Please adopt me and take me home.” I wanted to open the gates and just let them all out into the open land around the park. As expected, frustration is taking over the Greeks who are now playing choppy soccer. With Korea in control of the match we’ll probably see a red card soon. The referee could use his body language/stronger verbal warnings to bring the game back into total control. Adrian and I will start our journey to Rustenburg as soon as this game is over and this time I do have the memory card for the camera.

Thoughts on France/Uruguay

Things remained as they started with Uruguay and France drawing 0-0 in the match. With the vuvuzelas (horns, thousands of them always making noise) melody still ringing in my ears, I got a chance to see the TV long version highlights of the second match. Before falling sleep, I think I saw some good things happening.

Around the 68 minute you get an example of the emphasis on teamwork as the fourth official manages Raymond Domenech (French coach) who wanted to enter the field to participate in a possible “group hug” (two or more players having a misdirected-passion moment). “Cracking down” to set a good tone for the World Cup comes around the 82 minute when Nicolas Lodeiro (Uruguay) gets sent off for a second caution. This one was for a late and dangerous tackle which if I get to see it in slow motion… it may be a direct send off. Good referee decision (perhaps poetic justice) on the 88 minute when the ball bounces up into Eguran’s (Uruguay) hand and yes, Thierry Henry complains to the referee. OK, I’m going to bed and rest so I can make a quick stop at the Fan Fest in Rustenburg before heading to the stadium where Jozy Altidore will be playing as he has recovered from the ankle sprain.

Day One in South Africa

To enjoy a World Cup, you must be willing to embrace adventure and I do! I reserved a room for the first two nights via the Internet two days before departing. The owners Adrian and Annebe did not ask for a credit card or money, but when I got here they welcomed me with opened arms. The airlines lost my luggage, so I only had my backpack with my laptop, so I was good.

Their driver, Shindey, picked me up at the airport, and brought me to the hotel and then dropped me off at the nearby casino, Cesar’s Emporium (it felt like being in Vegas), where Adrian and Annebe and four other hotel guests were waiting for me! They planned the get together to welcome the guests. We had a couple of drinks (South African wine is good), and we discussed soccer and determine who will win the World Cup, provided wedding advice to our new friend from Belgium who is getting married when he gets back.

I was asked to pick up my bag at 7:00 in the morning, but I had more important things to do. I had to get a ticket for the Mexico vs. South Africa match and to find transportation to the stadium. I started the next day late, and I went to the airport with three paisanos (Mexican fans) who told me they were meeting up with their Dad who had an extra ticket. Eventually we found transportation, hooked up with Dad who could not get the extra tickets. After helping them get into the Stadium, I worked on getting my ticket which I purchased outside the stadium 15 minutes later for a “50-yrds-line-three-rows-up” seat for just $100 more than face value. The pregame show was outstanding giving us a good taste of African culture.

Back to the ticket, which turned out to be a stolen ticket… Mamma mia! The ticket belonged to the grandson of the lady in seat #5 (I had #4). Security came by and we discussed options. He said… “You know I have to take you out of the stadium.” Eventually, because of my sad story his good heart, he gave me a ticket to a different seat. I apologized to the grandma (I can’t help it is what I do) and went to my new seat, eight rows up slightly to the right behind one of the goals… it was great! I was surrounded by 300 South Africans, just in my section that let me know they were happy when the Bufana Bufana scored first. The referee had set a good tone for the game when he cautioned the first player so most of the game, players played hard but fair. And of course Mexico put the ball in the net later at which point I jumped up, realizing in midair (about two inches off the steps) that I was drowning in a sea of yellow shirts! Here is another example of great cultural enjoyment at World Cups… at least 25 people (OK, maybe just three) smiled, hugged me and said congratulations! I better get some rest/sleep as I will need it.

I picked up my bag so I will have clean clothes and I did showered today.

Greetings From South Africa

Hi everyone, Tom Bobadilla here from 35,000 feet above Entebbe, Uganda, on my way to Johannesburg, South Africa.

South Africa is ready to share its culture with the world and provide adventure and excitement for all and what better way to do this than through the World Cup! With several World Cups under my belt, and a lot of passion for the game—I’m ready (and very lucky too) to enjoy South Africa.

Let’s watch great soccer, and send good vibes to Landon Donovan and the rest of our U.S. team. There is always an opportunity to learn a country’s culture by connecting with its people and allowing yourself to get lost in their ways, so I’m looking forward to making new friends, running into old World Cup friends, finding new places to explore, trying new foods and hopefully play a few “cascaritas” (short-sided games) with the locals.

In my heart, I want the U.S. in the final, but to have great things come to South Africa will be amazing. I will never forget the experience on Champs Elysee celebrating with the French when they won the 1998 World Cup.

As far as results go, it is difficult to pick who will make it into the finals because teams are much closer in skill, and with the right mindset any team could end up in the top four. If the U.S. beat England, we’ll make it to the semi-final against Brazil. Look for Holland to provide beautiful soccer, and Brazil to give us simple effective soccer.

In the beginning, referees will concentrate on two things… cracking down on verbal/gestured dissent and teamwork to get the critical decisions right. The assistant referees and the fourth official will be more active in assisting the referee in managing the game. To pick up tips in player management observe Archundia’s (Mexico) body language and how he sets the tone early in the game.

There will be more to share as I drink from the fountain of World Cup knowledge, carefully gargling so that I only consume fun, interesting and passionate moments in this South Africa World Cup. Enjoy the games, add South African culinary delicacies to your game parties, wear your team’s shirt and throw your passion behind them. A special thanks to Sahar Milani, who will be loading content into the blog, and un beso for Mamucha, Vivis, Jambita and Chimbumbis. We’ll connect again soon and for now, eat more vegetables and fruits.

Tom Bobadilla's Off to the World Cup

Guess where AYSO's National Referee and former FIFA referee, Tom Bobadilla, is spending his summer vacation? At the World Cup in South Africa. So we can all share in the excitement, Tom will be sharing his observations and experiences, so check back often to see what Tom has to say!