Kickoff of the 2010 Fifa World Cup

On June 11,2010-me and 94,499 of my closest friends witnessed one of the greatest spectacles in all of sports. The opening match of the 2010 Fifa World Cup for the first time ever on African soil. Leading up to the stadium traffic was backed up 3-5 hours. The streets were littered with South African supporters who were running through the streets blowing the vuvuzulea horn non stop. Everywhere you looked you saw the colors yellow and green. As the group from WNEC entered the stadium we were in awe of how big Soccer City was up close. The stadium is massive to say the least. It was a complete mob scene trying to enter the stadium. Once we got into the 94,500 seat stadium the energy and electricity in the buidling was evident. The opening ceremonies featured dancers and performances from top known singers in the world. The fans in the stadium were one in a million. It was a sea of yellow in soccer city. The vuvuzela did not stop once during the entire game. Unfortunately Mandela was unable to attend but Sepp Blatter, Fifa President officially opened the 2010 Fifa World Cup in outstanding fashion.

The game itself was crazy. Each team South Africa and Mexico had numerous chances to score in the first half but the first half ended in a scoreless tie. Every time South Africa had the ball attacking the goal the entire stadium stood up waiting to erupt. And finally midway through the second half glory ensued. Steven Piennar, center midfielder for South Africa played a brillian through ball to the left side of the 18 yard box and the outside midfielder for South Africa sent a brilliant strike upper 90, top corner far post for the magnificant goal. I think the stadium began to shake. I joined in with the whole stadium in yelling as loud as possible and blew the vuvuzela horn that I bought for at least 5 minutes straight. In that second alone I'm pretty sure I damaged my hearing indefinitely but it was worth it. Later in the second half Mexico tied the game up on a goal by center back Rafa Marquez. I had never seen the stadium so quiet. Although it would have been the best win in South African national team history a tie vs. Mexico is great news for Bafana Bafana, "the boys" of South Africa.

This game was the pinnacle of my sports career. I feel truly blessed to have been a part of this game. Watching this game from the 5th row added to how classic this match was. Watching the game live from that perspective is much different then watching it on television.

In closing, the game, the emotions, and the passion were incredible. I cannot wait for the USA England game, look for the Western New England College sign.