03JUL2010: Germany v. Argentina at Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa
I can't believe we bought tickets for this game 15 months ago and that the day is finally here to see a World Cup quarterfinals match. We couldn't ask for a better pairing of teams as well. From the moment I saw Germany walk over Australia in their first WC game, I wondered if they were on their way to the finals. They come into this game having given England a similar spanking. I expected Argentina to give them a bit more challenge since they bring good speed and footwork and have one of the most dangerous strikers in the tournament, Lionel Messi, who was the lead scorer in the EUFA Champions League last winter playing for Barcelona.
German fans placed a flag on signal hill the morning of the match. This was visible to all the fans entering the stadium:
Today's Match-up:
The Argentina fans showed up early to plaster the stadium with banners and flags. I respect that they left their vuvuzelas behind and brought instead drums and the singing voices. During warm-ups, Argentina coach Diego Maradona came out to wave to the fans, folded his hands in prayer, and crossed himself.
The teams lined up for the playing of the national anthems:
The backdrop of Table Mountain was nicely visible from our seats. It makes an amazing backdrop to the city and the stadium.
Here's the sillouette of the mountains at the end of the game.
Here are the proof we were there photos:
It was a very good game. Germany took an early lead with a goal at the third minute, which was great since I was rooting for a German win, but in hindsight that was the only disappointment because this seemed to dampen the spirits of the Argentina fans a bit. Argentina fought to the end but Germany's defense proved too strong and their offense was always ready to capitalize on any moments of weakness. Germany 4 - Argentina 0.
German fans placed a flag on signal hill the morning of the match. This was visible to all the fans entering the stadium:
Today's Match-up:
The Argentina fans showed up early to plaster the stadium with banners and flags. I respect that they left their vuvuzelas behind and brought instead drums and the singing voices. During warm-ups, Argentina coach Diego Maradona came out to wave to the fans, folded his hands in prayer, and crossed himself.
The teams lined up for the playing of the national anthems:
The backdrop of Table Mountain was nicely visible from our seats. It makes an amazing backdrop to the city and the stadium.
Here's the sillouette of the mountains at the end of the game.
Here are the proof we were there photos:
It was a very good game. Germany took an early lead with a goal at the third minute, which was great since I was rooting for a German win, but in hindsight that was the only disappointment because this seemed to dampen the spirits of the Argentina fans a bit. Argentina fought to the end but Germany's defense proved too strong and their offense was always ready to capitalize on any moments of weakness. Germany 4 - Argentina 0.