Despite the freezing temperatures and promise of rain, over 37 000 people crowded to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth to watch Portugal take on Côte d’Ivoire.
With parking a fair distance from the stadium, people streamed in from all sides to join a colourful sea of high spirited fans.
Despite the freezing temperatures and promise of rain, over 37 000 people crowded to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth to watch Portugal take on Côte d’Ivoire.
With parking a fair distance from the stadium, people streamed in from all sides to join a colourful sea of high spirited fans.
Not a single person wasn’t dressed for the occasion, and for those who wished to go all out, football fan shops were situated throughout the stadium.
There was no lack of security, as heavily armed police were tactfully stationed and constantly visible. A further array of ambulances and medical tents also assisted in assuring that the match went smoothly.
Music flooded the air around the stadium as performers danced and sang, creating a vibrant mood. Inside, the thundering echoes of vuvuzelas and excited spectators was overwhelming.
Budweiser, the official beer of the 2010 World Cup, was pouring over the counters with some barely managing to balance three bottles at a time.
But fans were not condemned to a liquid diet as mash and gravy as well as all sorts of hot dogs were just some of the simple foods that the vendors had provided.
As kick off time neared, it was clear by the red and green throng that Portugal, by miles, had the largest presence.
However, a rowdy group of Côte d’Ivoire supporters, banging with drums, made up for their low numbers in spirit and liveliness.
Regardless of origin, everyone joined in the merriment as young and old jumped to their feet, orchestrating a magnificent Mexican wave that gained immense momentum, managing to make a full four rounds.
Portugal captain and soccer superstar Christiano Ronaldo held the unwavering attention of the crowd until popular Côte d’Ivoire striker, Didier Drogba, joined the game.
Drogba was greeted by a roar of applause, with vuvuzelas rumbling through the stadium in approval. Despite the disappointment that two of the world’s most dangerous strikers failed to produce a goal, the thrill of being part of this momentoussporting tournament was electric.
“It was like being at a carnival” says avid sports fan Andrew Chapman, “not even the rain seemed to dampen everyone’s spirits.”
