Oranje is the Colour and a slight Football Rant (Netherlands v Costa Rica – Game 8)

The final game of our trip and a chance to see a team that started my wider exposure to football, different nationalities and their associated cultural heritage, Holland. I suspect the Netherlands is now more technically and politically correct but they'll always be Holland to me and my reference point to how the beautiful game … Continue reading Oranje is the Colour and a slight Football Rant (Netherlands v Costa Rica – Game 8) →

Mayo with your Fries (Belgium v USA – Game 7)

A great view in the arena Fonte Nova. Up in the gods but you could watch the game unfold and the gaps open as Belgium tried to pry open the American nut. Plus the sunset over the stadium was pretty special. A tough game to watch for a US fan as chances were thin on … Continue reading Mayo with your Fries (Belgium v USA – Game 7) →

Tico Time and off the beaten path (Costa Rica v Greece – Game 6)

Our last game, and last full day, in Recife and so a lot to fit in... First up, take the metro to the stadium. No significant issue there though the metro station did look like it doubled as a set for a post apocalyptic film. Recife, it a should be noted, was the least prepared … Continue reading Tico Time and off the beaten path (Costa Rica v Greece – Game 6) →

Buses, a Deluge and Muller Lite (Germany v USA – Game 5)

So we checked out of Fortaleza and, due to a friend's sense of adventure (and slight fear of flying), we headed for the rodoviaria (bus station) for a night bus to Recife. A mere 13.5 hours distant. These old bones aren't made for that kind of sitting so we'd opted for the leito (sleeper) service … Continue reading Buses, a Deluge and Muller Lite (Germany v USA – Game 5) →

Greek Bailout and Grace Jones (Greece vs Ivory Coast – Game 4)

Our lowest key game in terms of football expectations, perhaps unfairly, but there's anyways something to be seen at the world cup. But first lunch. A local restaurant just across from the ground, friendly and well at up for local events judging by the great menu, though I did skip the hot drinks. The order … Continue reading Greek Bailout and Grace Jones (Greece vs Ivory Coast – Game 4) →

Bring a Book

Just in case the game is a snooze fest, bring a book and a phone to cover all your bases. Definitely a lady with a plan who likes to stay occupied. Greece vs Ivory Coast if you're asking. Tchau

Goal Line Technology

Who needs the fancy dan goal line tech when a compact camera from 70 yards away at the wrong angle clearly does the business? He shoots, he scores (him and me). Greece's, at the death, winning penalty against Ivory Coast (Tuesday, June 24th).

The Black Stars (Germany v Ghana – game 3)

Ghana's nickname is the black stars, as you can see on the side of their team bus here. On going out for a morning constitutional yesterday we noticed the Ghanaian team bus just a few streets over from our hotel. Not five minutes later the team walked past on there morning walk too. They were … Continue reading The Black Stars (Germany v Ghana – game 3) →

Espana vs Chile (flashback to game 2 of the tour)

I didn't have time to post this before so a quick note on game two of our football watching extravaganzas. This was our second trip to the Maracana and no less exciting for it. A tube train across town that at every station gathered more fans till we were full to bursting. To all intents … Continue reading Espana vs Chile (flashback to game 2 of the tour) →

Argentina vs Bosnia-H

First Game and a trip to the Maracana. Intense, atmospheric and in your face. Arrival: Riot police, fandemonium and 4 helicopters overhead. The fans were trading songs and chants for 45 minutes before kick off trying to drown out the PA. With a mix of fans styles from standard through crazy to period. Argentina won … Continue reading Argentina vs Bosnia-H →