Behind the Scenes

I thought it might be fun to share with you all what happens at a live World Cup match. There is quite a lot you don't see on TV. I took note the other night when I was at Japan vs. Paraguay. It was not a very high-scoring game, (0-0), but the penalty kicks were something else!! What a devastating way to lose for Japan. :( That was my second and final WC game. Now I sit at home and watch the elimination round with the rest of the world.There are also no more games in Pretoria. Phew!

• Right before the game starts, Could You Be Loved by Bob Marley is played on the speakers. Awesome.
• Warm-up happens about 40 min prior to game time. Each team is welcomed and their name announced separately as they run onto the field.
• At half-time, cheerleaders come onto the field. Yes, there are cheerleaders in World Cup soccer.
• The cheerleaders perform a routine to Waka Waka by Shakira. The entire crowd gets up and dances!
• Right before the players march out onto the field from the tunnel, photographers are allowed to run up beside the tunnel in a clump. It's hilarious to watch them all battle for position within this roped off area.
• The only beer served is Budweiser. Terrible!
• An entire side of the stands is taken up by the press and media. They sit at white tables.
• The vuvuzelas are actually louder than you think.
• The players who sit on the bench go on the field at half-time and run around and stretch in case they play in the second half.
• The wave is usually conducted!
• Finally, people are VERY creative with regards to their costuming and there are face painters on site ready to give everyone a flag of their choice on cheeks!

Here is a video of the noise I took from my camera at Ellis Park Stadium during the USA vs.Slovenia match:

GHANA all the way now!

Brianna