Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Uruguay Edge South Korea in 2nd Round
Uruguay advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1970 thanks to a Luis Suarez brace.
South Korea was defeated 2-1 Saturday, June 26, at a rain-soaked Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, before nearly 30,000 spectators.
The match was a tale of two halves as Uruguay controlled the opening half while South Korea dominated a large portion of the closing period.
The Sky Blue were rarely tested, their opponents lone shot on goal of the first half came off a Park Cho-Young’s free-kick. It was inches wide and crashed off the outside of the post, five minutes into the game.
Suarez responded quickly with the opening goal three minutes later.
Diego Forlan swiftly cut the ball back creating space on the flank before sending a deceiving cross to Suarez who punished South Korean net minder Jung Sung-Ryon from a tight angle from the corner of the six-yard box.
South Korea appeared deflated as Uruguay controlled the balk of the possession for the first 45 minutes. The Sky Blue mastered the first half with short passes, while sprinkling in effective long balls that switched the point of attack.
Uruguay flustered South Korea with their ball movement but didn’t aggressively search for a second goal.
As listless and lost as the Koreans looked in the first half, they came out with energy and brilliance from the start of the closing half.
The Koreans found their equalizer in the 68th minute when Bolton midfielder Lee Chung-Yong capitalized on poor defending and goalkeeping. A miss clearance led to Yong out jumping the keeper Fernando Muslera for a header into an empty net.
South Korean supporters erupted as the venue came alive. The Koreans had all the momentum and the Uruguay fans were quieted and now sitting down.
As the rain started to pick up in the final 20 minutes of the match, South Korea poured on the pressure.
This set the stage for effective counters attack by the Sky Blue, which had made them look dangerous throughout the day.
With 10 minutes remaining, Forlan’s corner kick was cleared to Suarez on the left side of the box. He took a look at the far post before bending it against the inside of the upright, in another difficult but skillful finish.
South Korea had time for another answer but came up just short as substitute Lee Dong-Gook’s fresh legs almost found the back of the net on a breakaway. Muslera got a hand on the shot as it teasingly rolled toward the goal line before a Uruguay defender cleared it.
The Korean’s dream ends in the Round of 16, but can hold their heads high having advanced past the group stages outside of their country for the first time.
Uruguay is the first side to book their place in the final eight and will match-up with Ghana. The Sky Blue lives to see another day in hopes of lifting their first World Cup Trophy since 1950.
The game kicks off Friday, July 2 in Johannesburg at Soccer City Stadium 8 p.m. local time.
South Korea was defeated 2-1 Saturday, June 26, at a rain-soaked Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, before nearly 30,000 spectators.
The match was a tale of two halves as Uruguay controlled the opening half while South Korea dominated a large portion of the closing period.
The Sky Blue were rarely tested, their opponents lone shot on goal of the first half came off a Park Cho-Young’s free-kick. It was inches wide and crashed off the outside of the post, five minutes into the game.
Suarez responded quickly with the opening goal three minutes later.
Diego Forlan swiftly cut the ball back creating space on the flank before sending a deceiving cross to Suarez who punished South Korean net minder Jung Sung-Ryon from a tight angle from the corner of the six-yard box.
South Korea appeared deflated as Uruguay controlled the balk of the possession for the first 45 minutes. The Sky Blue mastered the first half with short passes, while sprinkling in effective long balls that switched the point of attack.
Uruguay flustered South Korea with their ball movement but didn’t aggressively search for a second goal.
As listless and lost as the Koreans looked in the first half, they came out with energy and brilliance from the start of the closing half.
The Koreans found their equalizer in the 68th minute when Bolton midfielder Lee Chung-Yong capitalized on poor defending and goalkeeping. A miss clearance led to Yong out jumping the keeper Fernando Muslera for a header into an empty net.
South Korean supporters erupted as the venue came alive. The Koreans had all the momentum and the Uruguay fans were quieted and now sitting down.
As the rain started to pick up in the final 20 minutes of the match, South Korea poured on the pressure.
This set the stage for effective counters attack by the Sky Blue, which had made them look dangerous throughout the day.
With 10 minutes remaining, Forlan’s corner kick was cleared to Suarez on the left side of the box. He took a look at the far post before bending it against the inside of the upright, in another difficult but skillful finish.
South Korea had time for another answer but came up just short as substitute Lee Dong-Gook’s fresh legs almost found the back of the net on a breakaway. Muslera got a hand on the shot as it teasingly rolled toward the goal line before a Uruguay defender cleared it.
The Korean’s dream ends in the Round of 16, but can hold their heads high having advanced past the group stages outside of their country for the first time.
Uruguay is the first side to book their place in the final eight and will match-up with Ghana. The Sky Blue lives to see another day in hopes of lifting their first World Cup Trophy since 1950.
The game kicks off Friday, July 2 in Johannesburg at Soccer City Stadium 8 p.m. local time.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
My Experiance in Africa
My journey to South Africa was a once in a lifetime trip.
I met and talked to over a hundred people from a handful of countries ranging from Sweden, Norway, Germany, England, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Canada, and America. We discussed more soccer than I think I have in my whole life and about the political and every day differences between our countries. One South African supported Ghana after her home country was knocked out of the World Cup. She said Africa was united and that the whole continent’s hopes were behind the Black Stars.
I went on a couple game drives or safaris in the wild life where my peers and I saw elephants, zebras, hippopotamuses, rhinos and lions to name a few. I was an eyewitness of African farm life. Many of the typical things like butchering a Bontebok or castrating sheep was not as gruesome as I expected. I was skeptical in the beginning but by the end I was keen to take it all in.
I picked up a lot of information about South African culture and life style. In a way it was very similar to my experiences in visiting other countries. There is less importance placed on time, and often they take the approach that things will get done when they get done. For instance servers here will not give you your bill until you ask for it no matter how long you have been finished with your meal. I also encountered internet cafes and retail stores closing for 15 minutes during a lunch break.
My South African history course gave me insight on the overhaul the country went through to get to where it is today. The role of Rugby and sport during the aftermath of apartheid was critical to holding the rainbow nation together. One former Springbok came into our class and taught us the fundamentals of a scrum.
I went to the intensely graphic Red Location Museum. There I got an overview of the apartheid struggle and some of the leaders of transformation movement. I have never in my life seen more gruesome pictures of people being executed during that time.
I joined South Africans at FIFA Fan Parks for the Bafana Bafana matches. They took great pride in their country hosting the most viewed tournament in the world but also in seeing their team play on the biggest stage.
I was one of 3.18 million people according to FIFA,to attend the World Cup.
My peer students and I visited an impoverished township. There we saw hundreds of diminutive houses with tin roofs lined up in close proximity to each other. Stray dogs could be found on every street corner. The heart of the township had a large number of barefoot children, some without shirts playing soccer with a poor quality ball. They were very friendly and posed for pictures with huge smiles that showed they still had hope. I gave one of them my Ronaldinho, Barcelona shirt. They all knew who he was, when I first walked past them they kept saying his name. The girl thanked me for the gift.
The highlight of my trip as an aspiring sports journalist was interviewing one of the best soccer players in the world, Steven Gerrard. It began when I received the word that the English National team would be practicing at the University where I was studying. I thought that would be the perfect chance to see them practice and then interview a player. However that never panned out because there was high security including a helicopter around the training facility. Also the A.D. didn't receive word of when they were training until 30 minutes before the session. I improvised.
I called the local newspaper and found out when and where the press conference would be held for England. The media availability was at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium that night, the sit of the match the next day. I took a cab full of FIFA volunteers to the stadium. On the way I asked all of them how much money they wanted for their FIFA jackets hoping that would be enough to get me into the stadium. They all said no and that it wouldn't work anyway and that I was wasting my time trying to attend the press conference. I knew better.
As I approached the stadium I found the gate opening where security was letting cars in. I walked right past them and didn't utter a word as I acted like I knew what I was doing. Once I was in the venue, I asked a police officer where the media room was and he led me there. From there the rest was history. I asked Steven Gerrard my question and wrote my preview for the England game. There was around 200 English journalist there covering the event and nearly 50 cameramen televising and shooting the media session. I was the lone person from the U.S. and subsequently the only one with an American accent. I managed to sneak into a worldwide televised event with no credential. I must say, not bad for an amateur-freelancing journalist.
I met and talked to over a hundred people from a handful of countries ranging from Sweden, Norway, Germany, England, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Canada, and America. We discussed more soccer than I think I have in my whole life and about the political and every day differences between our countries. One South African supported Ghana after her home country was knocked out of the World Cup. She said Africa was united and that the whole continent’s hopes were behind the Black Stars.
I went on a couple game drives or safaris in the wild life where my peers and I saw elephants, zebras, hippopotamuses, rhinos and lions to name a few. I was an eyewitness of African farm life. Many of the typical things like butchering a Bontebok or castrating sheep was not as gruesome as I expected. I was skeptical in the beginning but by the end I was keen to take it all in.
I picked up a lot of information about South African culture and life style. In a way it was very similar to my experiences in visiting other countries. There is less importance placed on time, and often they take the approach that things will get done when they get done. For instance servers here will not give you your bill until you ask for it no matter how long you have been finished with your meal. I also encountered internet cafes and retail stores closing for 15 minutes during a lunch break.
My South African history course gave me insight on the overhaul the country went through to get to where it is today. The role of Rugby and sport during the aftermath of apartheid was critical to holding the rainbow nation together. One former Springbok came into our class and taught us the fundamentals of a scrum.
I went to the intensely graphic Red Location Museum. There I got an overview of the apartheid struggle and some of the leaders of transformation movement. I have never in my life seen more gruesome pictures of people being executed during that time.
I joined South Africans at FIFA Fan Parks for the Bafana Bafana matches. They took great pride in their country hosting the most viewed tournament in the world but also in seeing their team play on the biggest stage.
I was one of 3.18 million people according to FIFA,to attend the World Cup.
My peer students and I visited an impoverished township. There we saw hundreds of diminutive houses with tin roofs lined up in close proximity to each other. Stray dogs could be found on every street corner. The heart of the township had a large number of barefoot children, some without shirts playing soccer with a poor quality ball. They were very friendly and posed for pictures with huge smiles that showed they still had hope. I gave one of them my Ronaldinho, Barcelona shirt. They all knew who he was, when I first walked past them they kept saying his name. The girl thanked me for the gift.
The highlight of my trip as an aspiring sports journalist was interviewing one of the best soccer players in the world, Steven Gerrard. It began when I received the word that the English National team would be practicing at the University where I was studying. I thought that would be the perfect chance to see them practice and then interview a player. However that never panned out because there was high security including a helicopter around the training facility. Also the A.D. didn't receive word of when they were training until 30 minutes before the session. I improvised.
I called the local newspaper and found out when and where the press conference would be held for England. The media availability was at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium that night, the sit of the match the next day. I took a cab full of FIFA volunteers to the stadium. On the way I asked all of them how much money they wanted for their FIFA jackets hoping that would be enough to get me into the stadium. They all said no and that it wouldn't work anyway and that I was wasting my time trying to attend the press conference. I knew better.
As I approached the stadium I found the gate opening where security was letting cars in. I walked right past them and didn't utter a word as I acted like I knew what I was doing. Once I was in the venue, I asked a police officer where the media room was and he led me there. From there the rest was history. I asked Steven Gerrard my question and wrote my preview for the England game. There was around 200 English journalist there covering the event and nearly 50 cameramen televising and shooting the media session. I was the lone person from the U.S. and subsequently the only one with an American accent. I managed to sneak into a worldwide televised event with no credential. I must say, not bad for an amateur-freelancing journalist.
Community Service
I was blessed to have the chance to work with South African orphans and children from townships for four two-hour sessions.
I witnessed another side of impoverished kids on the other side of the world. We both learned and taught each other a lot. When my classmates and I first arrived, there was a social barrier between us. To ease this tension we started a pick up game of soccer, which created a common ground. I was surprised to see how well dressed the kids were. Some wore button down shirts, khakis and dress shoes. There were around 100 children; I was able to learn some first names when I started coaching soccer. I didn’t expect them to show me as much respect as they did. They listened to my instructions and followed through. They also called me coach. I established camaraderie with my team I was coaching. As a current player, I found their skill and knowledge of the game impressive. I told them specific tactics and they were able to comprehend the strategy.
The second day of community service the children remembered my face and were more open. The age group ranged from roughly 7 to 17 and it shocked me most of the younger children had not yet learned English. The older kids made my job easier by translating for me.
I learned that there were a lot more similarities among children here to those in the U.S. The first one that I observed was that they were just there to have fun and to be apart of a social community. The second way was they all need someone their age and an elder to talk and listen to. I took the approach of letting them talk more while giving some advice. They could tell that I was not there to force feed them and this created a deeper relationship. I found it refreshing that they didn’t have any preconceived notions of me as a Caucasian American.
The knowledge and experience I gained from community service with the orphans was rewarding. I held conversions with more kids and knew them on a first-name basis; it was a smaller group of children compared to the townships. I was proud of them because they didn’t seem to have any anger built up over not having parents. They appeared to be really satisfied with the attention my group of classmates and I showed them. One 15-year-old child had just gotten home from school and appeared frustrated. We consoled him about his studies and told him everything would be all right. I think we gave him confidence that he would make it through it.
The children were bright and picked new things up quickly. We taught them a form of handball and they were open-minded about trying it. By the end they were masters at the game. Working with these kids over the course of a week allowed us to mess around and joke around with them. Like American children, there was an adjustment period before they were able to warm up to us.
I came into this service hoping to develop relationships, learn and teach. And I feel I accomplished all of these things. This experience will always be memorable.
I witnessed another side of impoverished kids on the other side of the world. We both learned and taught each other a lot. When my classmates and I first arrived, there was a social barrier between us. To ease this tension we started a pick up game of soccer, which created a common ground. I was surprised to see how well dressed the kids were. Some wore button down shirts, khakis and dress shoes. There were around 100 children; I was able to learn some first names when I started coaching soccer. I didn’t expect them to show me as much respect as they did. They listened to my instructions and followed through. They also called me coach. I established camaraderie with my team I was coaching. As a current player, I found their skill and knowledge of the game impressive. I told them specific tactics and they were able to comprehend the strategy.
The second day of community service the children remembered my face and were more open. The age group ranged from roughly 7 to 17 and it shocked me most of the younger children had not yet learned English. The older kids made my job easier by translating for me.
I learned that there were a lot more similarities among children here to those in the U.S. The first one that I observed was that they were just there to have fun and to be apart of a social community. The second way was they all need someone their age and an elder to talk and listen to. I took the approach of letting them talk more while giving some advice. They could tell that I was not there to force feed them and this created a deeper relationship. I found it refreshing that they didn’t have any preconceived notions of me as a Caucasian American.
The knowledge and experience I gained from community service with the orphans was rewarding. I held conversions with more kids and knew them on a first-name basis; it was a smaller group of children compared to the townships. I was proud of them because they didn’t seem to have any anger built up over not having parents. They appeared to be really satisfied with the attention my group of classmates and I showed them. One 15-year-old child had just gotten home from school and appeared frustrated. We consoled him about his studies and told him everything would be all right. I think we gave him confidence that he would make it through it.
The children were bright and picked new things up quickly. We taught them a form of handball and they were open-minded about trying it. By the end they were masters at the game. Working with these kids over the course of a week allowed us to mess around and joke around with them. Like American children, there was an adjustment period before they were able to warm up to us.
I came into this service hoping to develop relationships, learn and teach. And I feel I accomplished all of these things. This experience will always be memorable.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Post World Cup
Two days following the conclusion of the 19th installment of the World Cup, there are substantial changes throughout Port Elizabeth.
The first thing I observed was workers wasted no time in taking down roadside FIFA banners posted around the city. This surprised me considering that South Africans are less prompt on getting things done compared to the U.S. My classmates and I wagered that it would take around a month for the banners to be removed.
There is half the amount of ambulances and police cars roaming the streets compared to last month. I predicted this would happen because it’s the host nation’s job to paint a better picture of the country than in reality. There was also nearly twice the amount of people in the city with matches taking place at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. I have yet to cross paths with higher crime rates as a result of the reduced security.
The FIFA volunteer’s and security guards who were ever present during the tournament or nowhere to be found. I doubt I’ll see any more groups of three wearing green and yellow jackets sitting around doing nothing or managing to somehow get in the way.
The Kings Beach parking lot, which provided transports to Fan Parks and the stadium, is completely deserted. The night of the third-place game in Port Elizabeth, the sizable parking lot was filled with parked cars, taxis, shuttle buses and fans. There is zero traffic going to Kings Beach. I saw this coming and it is a bit disappointing that some of this public transit didn’t remain. I’m curious of what will happen to this large vacant area next to the coast.
My hypothesis that this host city would become a ghost town prior to the World Cup, hasn’t completely formulated. Although restaurants and business in Port Elizabeth does seemed to have died down a little. The festive atmosphere the tournament brought is gone.
The reaction from locals regarding their overall prognosis as hosts is it’s been a huge success. One Port Elizabeth native said that the World Cup has brought a lot of confidence to South Africans. I’m eager to see if the millions of dollars raised can help the country maintain economic stability, reduce unemployment, provide transportation and lower crime rates.
The first thing I observed was workers wasted no time in taking down roadside FIFA banners posted around the city. This surprised me considering that South Africans are less prompt on getting things done compared to the U.S. My classmates and I wagered that it would take around a month for the banners to be removed.
There is half the amount of ambulances and police cars roaming the streets compared to last month. I predicted this would happen because it’s the host nation’s job to paint a better picture of the country than in reality. There was also nearly twice the amount of people in the city with matches taking place at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. I have yet to cross paths with higher crime rates as a result of the reduced security.
The FIFA volunteer’s and security guards who were ever present during the tournament or nowhere to be found. I doubt I’ll see any more groups of three wearing green and yellow jackets sitting around doing nothing or managing to somehow get in the way.
The Kings Beach parking lot, which provided transports to Fan Parks and the stadium, is completely deserted. The night of the third-place game in Port Elizabeth, the sizable parking lot was filled with parked cars, taxis, shuttle buses and fans. There is zero traffic going to Kings Beach. I saw this coming and it is a bit disappointing that some of this public transit didn’t remain. I’m curious of what will happen to this large vacant area next to the coast.
My hypothesis that this host city would become a ghost town prior to the World Cup, hasn’t completely formulated. Although restaurants and business in Port Elizabeth does seemed to have died down a little. The festive atmosphere the tournament brought is gone.
The reaction from locals regarding their overall prognosis as hosts is it’s been a huge success. One Port Elizabeth native said that the World Cup has brought a lot of confidence to South Africans. I’m eager to see if the millions of dollars raised can help the country maintain economic stability, reduce unemployment, provide transportation and lower crime rates.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Outlook for World Cup Stadiums
In preparation for the 2010 World Cup, South Africa built seven new soccer stadiums.
Most of these venues have hosted around six games over the course of one month. I’m not convinced that South Africa has the resources to maintain these venues after the tournament ends, today.
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium hosted eight games of which I attended three. It finished completion in 2009 and seats 42,000. The venue failed to sellout a game, including the Quarterfinal between Holland and Brazil. I think this was due to the high price for sideline seats and boxes. There were 37,000 spectators for several games, while others had glaring empty seats.
South Africa has been a successful host of the greatest sporting event in the universe, but the next step maybe it’s most critical one. Billions of dollars have been spent building these stadiums and renovating three others. According to Bloomberg Businessweek in an article from July 6, it will cost between 350 million rand and 500 million rand year to sustain these stadiums. Udesh Pillay, co-author of “Development and Dreams: The Urban Legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” estimates each stadium will have to sellout between 12 to 15 events with tickets sold at an average of 200 rand.
The outlook of this happening in reality is bleak. Garth, from Grahamstown and a fan at a World Cup game, said that the stadiums would be able to be maintained with the help of Rugby. Many people in the country are speculating that this is the direction these venues will take. He said that they are already 32 events scheduled at Nelson Mandela Bay from the conclusion of the World Cup through December. These events include Rugby games and concerts.
The problem with keeping this pace up is the local team in Port Elizabeth isn’t very good. He predicts that that team will draw around 16,000 fans for games, which would leave two-thirds of the stadium empty. However a Springboks game, South Africa’s national team, would surely fill the stadium to capacity.
I hope that several of these venues will continue on for years to come, but I just don’t see it being probable. Like Garth said, at least there is a system and plan in place for stadiums after the tournament is over, whether or not it will be successful, only the future will tell us.
Most of these venues have hosted around six games over the course of one month. I’m not convinced that South Africa has the resources to maintain these venues after the tournament ends, today.
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium hosted eight games of which I attended three. It finished completion in 2009 and seats 42,000. The venue failed to sellout a game, including the Quarterfinal between Holland and Brazil. I think this was due to the high price for sideline seats and boxes. There were 37,000 spectators for several games, while others had glaring empty seats.
South Africa has been a successful host of the greatest sporting event in the universe, but the next step maybe it’s most critical one. Billions of dollars have been spent building these stadiums and renovating three others. According to Bloomberg Businessweek in an article from July 6, it will cost between 350 million rand and 500 million rand year to sustain these stadiums. Udesh Pillay, co-author of “Development and Dreams: The Urban Legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” estimates each stadium will have to sellout between 12 to 15 events with tickets sold at an average of 200 rand.
The outlook of this happening in reality is bleak. Garth, from Grahamstown and a fan at a World Cup game, said that the stadiums would be able to be maintained with the help of Rugby. Many people in the country are speculating that this is the direction these venues will take. He said that they are already 32 events scheduled at Nelson Mandela Bay from the conclusion of the World Cup through December. These events include Rugby games and concerts.
The problem with keeping this pace up is the local team in Port Elizabeth isn’t very good. He predicts that that team will draw around 16,000 fans for games, which would leave two-thirds of the stadium empty. However a Springboks game, South Africa’s national team, would surely fill the stadium to capacity.
I hope that several of these venues will continue on for years to come, but I just don’t see it being probable. Like Garth said, at least there is a system and plan in place for stadiums after the tournament is over, whether or not it will be successful, only the future will tell us.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Currency
The U.S. and South Africa have completely opposite Economic systems.
For starters, our coinage is referred to as the dollar, while theirs is called the rand. Our money is significantly stronger, seven rand equals a dollar. Before the World Cup the dollar was worth nearly twice as much.
There is also a substantial contrasting method of payment in America. In South Africa everything is paid for in advance. This includes electricity, cell phones, Internet and as I found out today, hotels.
While in the U.S., we have bills for all of those things that we pay at the end of the month. Some locals here believe it helps people stay out of debt and prohibits people from over spending. While I believe this is partly true and that Americans shouldn’t have more than one credit card, I still think their system is flawed.
One hotel that we had reservations for required a 30-day in advance cancellation notice. This startled me, then I found out that we were supposed to pay for our accommodation nearly one week before our visit. It seemed backwards and unnecessary to me. I’m used to canceling three days to one to day in advance. I understand there is a high demand for rooms because of the World Cup, but if that is the case they should have no problem in finding someone to book the room.
We have also had a couple of nights without electricity because we used our allotted amount. This is a situation I have never experienced back home. I bought a cell phone but rarely use it because I never have airtime. While this keeps me from over spending on my phone, it also can prohibit me from making an emergency call if I have no minutes remaining.
American’s like to use credit cards; in South Africa they are generally accepted, but they are still frowned upon. One local said using your card is the American way so that is one stereotype of Americans. I have found that I carry a lot more cash on me here than I did back home.
South Africa’s Economy is triggered toward keeping people out of debit with everything paid for upfront, where as in the U.S., the preferred payment among some businesses and most consumers is credit.
For starters, our coinage is referred to as the dollar, while theirs is called the rand. Our money is significantly stronger, seven rand equals a dollar. Before the World Cup the dollar was worth nearly twice as much.
There is also a substantial contrasting method of payment in America. In South Africa everything is paid for in advance. This includes electricity, cell phones, Internet and as I found out today, hotels.
While in the U.S., we have bills for all of those things that we pay at the end of the month. Some locals here believe it helps people stay out of debt and prohibits people from over spending. While I believe this is partly true and that Americans shouldn’t have more than one credit card, I still think their system is flawed.
One hotel that we had reservations for required a 30-day in advance cancellation notice. This startled me, then I found out that we were supposed to pay for our accommodation nearly one week before our visit. It seemed backwards and unnecessary to me. I’m used to canceling three days to one to day in advance. I understand there is a high demand for rooms because of the World Cup, but if that is the case they should have no problem in finding someone to book the room.
We have also had a couple of nights without electricity because we used our allotted amount. This is a situation I have never experienced back home. I bought a cell phone but rarely use it because I never have airtime. While this keeps me from over spending on my phone, it also can prohibit me from making an emergency call if I have no minutes remaining.
American’s like to use credit cards; in South Africa they are generally accepted, but they are still frowned upon. One local said using your card is the American way so that is one stereotype of Americans. I have found that I carry a lot more cash on me here than I did back home.
South Africa’s Economy is triggered toward keeping people out of debit with everything paid for upfront, where as in the U.S., the preferred payment among some businesses and most consumers is credit.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
South African's Take on Americans
Over the course of almost four weeks, I have been fortunate enough to gain insight from native Africans and whites.
Africans represent fewer than 80 percent of the population, whites nine percent and the rest are Asian and colored. I have also interacted with several Xhosa people. Xhosa is a native dialect in South Africa and is the second most spoken national language, third is African. Communicating with these various groups of people has allowed me to take in several opinions about the U.S.
I have found that the majority of people in South Africa either like America or they’re indifferent. A lot of them are still enthused over Obama’s election. I asked a local FIFA volunteer what it would take for me to get into the stadium for a press conference and she said to tell them I love Obama. While it was wishful thinking, it points out that Obama is well received in this nation. Even though he hasn’t delivered on all of his promises. Although there was always going to be a huge security threat if Obama were to travel here. Security officials even hoped the U.S. would get knocked out in the first round, so that they would not be hassled by the risk of him in Africa.
People in South Africa refer to the “American Dream” every time we discuss the U.S. The local who is showing us around the country has worked in the U.S., and he says the consensus here is that America is the land of promise. There are a lot more job opportunities in the U.S. than South Africa. This kind of made me take a step back, because I only work summers and winters when I’m not taking classes. I feel like I take our job field for granted. I also never realized how easy it was to find a job in Cincinnati compared to other nations.
The U.S. and South Africa are on relatively good terms politically, which may contribute to their respect for us. We are both apart of the United Nations and typically support each other in wars. One exception would be the war in Iraq. It’s not that people despise us for going to war with the Middle Eastern nation, they just don’t see the point. I agree with this stance because I think ultimately we will have to setup a government and then pull out and hope it works. This war, like the Vietnam War, cannot be won, and Africans agree.
There are few stereotypes about Americans in South Africa, which has surprised me. The one about Americans being very rich exists, a realtor in South Africa picked us out while we were watching the U.S. play. He gave us his business card and expected us to call him and buy land here in 2010 and sell next year. To Americans it would seem bizarre for poor college students to buy land. This idea of wealth will probably always be there, and it has some truth to it. I have yet to come across any other reoccurring assumptions about Americans.
Africans represent fewer than 80 percent of the population, whites nine percent and the rest are Asian and colored. I have also interacted with several Xhosa people. Xhosa is a native dialect in South Africa and is the second most spoken national language, third is African. Communicating with these various groups of people has allowed me to take in several opinions about the U.S.
I have found that the majority of people in South Africa either like America or they’re indifferent. A lot of them are still enthused over Obama’s election. I asked a local FIFA volunteer what it would take for me to get into the stadium for a press conference and she said to tell them I love Obama. While it was wishful thinking, it points out that Obama is well received in this nation. Even though he hasn’t delivered on all of his promises. Although there was always going to be a huge security threat if Obama were to travel here. Security officials even hoped the U.S. would get knocked out in the first round, so that they would not be hassled by the risk of him in Africa.
People in South Africa refer to the “American Dream” every time we discuss the U.S. The local who is showing us around the country has worked in the U.S., and he says the consensus here is that America is the land of promise. There are a lot more job opportunities in the U.S. than South Africa. This kind of made me take a step back, because I only work summers and winters when I’m not taking classes. I feel like I take our job field for granted. I also never realized how easy it was to find a job in Cincinnati compared to other nations.
The U.S. and South Africa are on relatively good terms politically, which may contribute to their respect for us. We are both apart of the United Nations and typically support each other in wars. One exception would be the war in Iraq. It’s not that people despise us for going to war with the Middle Eastern nation, they just don’t see the point. I agree with this stance because I think ultimately we will have to setup a government and then pull out and hope it works. This war, like the Vietnam War, cannot be won, and Africans agree.
There are few stereotypes about Americans in South Africa, which has surprised me. The one about Americans being very rich exists, a realtor in South Africa picked us out while we were watching the U.S. play. He gave us his business card and expected us to call him and buy land here in 2010 and sell next year. To Americans it would seem bizarre for poor college students to buy land. This idea of wealth will probably always be there, and it has some truth to it. I have yet to come across any other reoccurring assumptions about Americans.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
World Cup Finals Atmosphere
Yesterday, I fulfilled my life-long dream of attending a World Cup Finals match.
There was no shortage of celebration and camaraderie amongst fans before, during and after the game.
I sat behind the goal right next to the South Korean supporters. At first I was skeptical because as an American, I would like to see the winner of the tournament come from a country on our side of the world, a.k.a Uruguay.
But as the fans started to filter in my allegiance switched to the Koreans. Korea has one of the biggest fan bases in the world considering the size of their population. I’m sure their spirit and support throughout the match emulates the popularity of the sport in their nation.
A huge South Korean flag blanketed the entire section of stands I was sitting in, during the national anthem. Hundreds of fingertips rippled the white flag, with blue and red in the middle, up and down.
Fans representing around 30 nations were in attendance. The countries on display ranged from the U.S. to England to South Africa. Avid supporters draped themselves in flags, rocked replica jerseys, covered their face in paint and some wore team scarves.
Most of the Korean fans wore a national bandana around their head with hand held flags secured in the back of it.
The Vuvuzuela that most Americans have been complaining about were ever present. The Koreans seemed to have embraced them just as much as the African continent. They blew red and black ones throughout the game. They voiced their appreciation for their team as the horns got louder.
The Vuvuzuela was the best part of the game experience. I think without this instrument, the World Cup would not be truly African. It originated in Africa, so to ban it would be injustice. With it though, you have a true taste of the continent.
Similarly to attending a game live, the Vuvuzuela is more enjoyable in person than on TV. And if you are still fed up with the buzzing sound of it on your TV, clearly you have not been watching the tournament regularly. It annoyed me when I first heard it, but it has gotten to the point where I don’t even notice it anymore. I think most countries have accepted it and it appears like a small portion of them will live on for the next couple of World Cups, especially when African teams take the field.
A Mexican player said that it didn’t affect his performance on the field. He said there is pressure to perform and it adds a lot of noise, but it is the player’s responsibility to worry about what is happening on the field. He added that Vuvuzuelas are what makes this World Cup African.
Another way in which this sporting event was different from any other in America, and something that surprised me, was the respect shown by opposing fans towards each other. With thousands of Vuvuzuelas sprinkled throughout the stadium, it shocked me that there was dead silence for both national anthems.
My preconceived notions before the tournament were that fans are hostile, but I have not witnessed any violence. Korean fans honored Uruguayan goal scorer Luis Suarez when he was subbed off with a round of applause him for his solid performance. They also never wavered, standing behind their team the entire match even though they trailed for the majority of it. Koreans are the biggest die-hard fans I have ever seen. After the match the South Korean players stood in front of our section and bowed in unison in gratification of the Korean faithful.
The world’s biggest sporting event lived up to it’s billing.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
England Face Must Win Against Slovenia
In a group labeled “easy” by the English press, England has two mere points heading into its final 1st round match of the World Cup.
The Three Lions face group leaders Slovenia Wednesday, June 23 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in a critical tilt for both teams.
Slovenia needs a draw in order to feel safe; while it’s likely England will need a win to avoid a shocking elimination.
England tied the U.S. and Algeria in their first two matches while scoring only one goal. Even with these disappointing results, head coach Fabio Capello has maintained a positive relationship with his players.
“Really good, every time I speak to the players they follow me,” Capello said. “Whether they win or lose, we are still a team.”
Some of the blame has been placed on the shoulders of former captain John Terry, who lost his armband after his affair. Terry won back the attitudes of some fans and teammates with his recent apology. Capello has backed him through all the controversy and said he never considered dropping him for the squad.
“He is an important player for us,” Capello said.
New elected captain Steven Gerrard is aware that England’s clock is ticking following their listless games.
“After the Algeria performance, we need to focus on getting a win,” Gerrard said. “I have already seen the signs the last few days in training. We can’t wait for this game.”
The Three Lions dominated qualifying winning their group while losing one game when their World Cup berth was secured.
“In our qualifying games we were really confident, we played aggressive football, we pressed really well, we were compact and difficult to beat,” Gerrard said.
England has resembled a shell of the side that cruised through its European qualification in South Africa. Progression to the Round of 16 will be determined by England’s finishing ability in this match.
“Although we haven’t lost a game here [World Cup], things mess up in our performance,” Gerrard said. “We want to start the game very well–get the goal that we need in the final third.”
Following the Algeria game, the English were booed off the field by their fans. Gerrard said it’s up to his team to respond to the criticism in a positive manner.
“I can certainly understand it,” he said. “People have expectations; we have a lot of support out there. They expect us to win football matches and we as players take responsibility.”
It’s evident the media and fans in England are unhappy with the team. Gerrard and the rest of the English side will look to restore nationalism in their country.
“We want to change the perception of our team so far,” Gerrard said. “We want to make the nation proud and happy. A good win tomorrow will certainly give the people more confidence.”
The majority of teams under performing at the World Cup hail from the European continent. There’s speculation that the long club season in Europe, especially the EPL, where most of England’s internationals ply their trade, has contributed to these struggles.
“Maybe the long season in England does affect us, it is a difficult question to answer,” Gerrard said. “If you look at how we’re training we look fit and hungry. We need to translate that onto the pitch.”
Thursday, June 17, 2010
First impressions in South Africa
South Africans live, breath and drink soccer.
The atmosphere here in Nelson Mandela Bay is incredible.
South Africa is the host of the World Cup currently taking place, and is the first African country to host the world's biggest sporting event. The team is known as the Bafana Bafana, which is Cosa and is translated as the boys.
They got off to a fitting start in the tournament's first match when they scored the first goal of the competition. South Africa held on for a 1-1 draw.
The South African side is the team the locals are watching either. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if I meet somone who has watched every game.
Last night I went to a Fan Park. A local cricket stadium hosted a live viewing party with a jumbo TV screen and stage for a pre-concert.
One of the songs performed before the game was by Jackson 5. South Africa and the rest of the world play a lot of American music at most bars, clubs and convience stores.
The enthusiasim displayed at the stadium was sensational. If the match I attend is half as lively, my life-long dream will become a reality.
The cricket stadium was packed to the upper rafters. I would say around 30,000 South Africans gathered with fellow countrymen to watch their nation play on TV.
This type of Nationalism just doesn't exist in the States for any sporting event because the World Cup is so much bigger and American's fail to reconignize it.
The only event that we can compare it to is the Olympics, but we still don't gather in enormous crowds in public, paint our faces nor spend the entire day in large stadiums celebrating our team.
Another sign of this World Cup fever is foreign exchange students are the only ones currently taking classes. For the rest of the month, which is the middle of the winter term, no South African student will set foot in a classroom.
I will be attending tommorrow's match Germany vs. Serbia and will follow up with a recap and post.
Cheers from Nelson Mandela Bay.
The atmosphere here in Nelson Mandela Bay is incredible.
South Africa is the host of the World Cup currently taking place, and is the first African country to host the world's biggest sporting event. The team is known as the Bafana Bafana, which is Cosa and is translated as the boys.
They got off to a fitting start in the tournament's first match when they scored the first goal of the competition. South Africa held on for a 1-1 draw.
The South African side is the team the locals are watching either. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if I meet somone who has watched every game.
Last night I went to a Fan Park. A local cricket stadium hosted a live viewing party with a jumbo TV screen and stage for a pre-concert.
One of the songs performed before the game was by Jackson 5. South Africa and the rest of the world play a lot of American music at most bars, clubs and convience stores.
The enthusiasim displayed at the stadium was sensational. If the match I attend is half as lively, my life-long dream will become a reality.
The cricket stadium was packed to the upper rafters. I would say around 30,000 South Africans gathered with fellow countrymen to watch their nation play on TV.
This type of Nationalism just doesn't exist in the States for any sporting event because the World Cup is so much bigger and American's fail to reconignize it.
The only event that we can compare it to is the Olympics, but we still don't gather in enormous crowds in public, paint our faces nor spend the entire day in large stadiums celebrating our team.
Another sign of this World Cup fever is foreign exchange students are the only ones currently taking classes. For the rest of the month, which is the middle of the winter term, no South African student will set foot in a classroom.
I will be attending tommorrow's match Germany vs. Serbia and will follow up with a recap and post.
Cheers from Nelson Mandela Bay.
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