WORLD CUP DAY 2


The world cup opening ceremony and opening game has come and gone. At the end of the second day of the tournament and five games completed, the world cup is well and truly into its stride. South Korea and Argentina have thus far won their games, the remaining matches ending in draws. Five of the nine stadiums prepared for the World Cup have been used thus far.
The main centres, Soccer City, Johannesburg and Cape Town enjoyed a respite from the activities. I visited the Cape Town Fan Fest Park on the Grand Parade. Cape Town weather at this time of the year does not make outdoor activities pleasant. The rain threatened, but stayed away. This would have been a bonus for those who have had to watch the games at the Fan Fest parks. I am sure that the atmosphere on the opening day in the fan fest parks was far more heightened than it was today.
The Grand Parade fan fest park can accommodate approximately 15 000 people. Admission to the park is free. The entertainment provided is of a reasonable standard. Toilet facilities were good. For those intending spending hours at the fan fest parks, it is advisable to carry collapsible chairs with you. The seating arrangements accommodate about one thousand people. There is a very noticeable security and police presence. There is a medical emergencies tent available. All in all, I would recommend attendance at these parks if the Cape Town one, is the standard on which the other parks are based.
South Korea beat Greece by 2 goals to nil. Argentina beat Nigeria by 1 goal to nil. The USA and England drew one nil.  For once, the sound of the vuvuzela was drowned out by drum beats and repeated renditions of God Save the Queen. With the goal by the USA, the joke going around is that of God save the Green. Green is the England goalkeeper who let in the goal that should have never been allowed to go in.
Another day of the world cup is done and dusted. 

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