Denmark – Tunisia. Kind of random. When Dave told me we’d got that match in the ticket lottery we almost turned them back in. That would have been a mistake. I mostly decided to keep them because I wanted to see Christian Erikson play live. Since his death and resurrection he’s one of my hero’s. Disappointing however that the Tunisian’s pretty much shut him down for this match. But no: this game was an exceptional experience quite simply for the pure joy of the Tunisian fans. A good 80% of the stadium were Tunisia and they sang, cheered, jeered, whistled non stop for 90 minutes. My ears are still ringing this morning from the whistles – how could they be so shrill???
Simply loved the Tunisian’s. Young old. Women men. All just having a great time and happy to be there.
But we actually had two Saudis to our left. Two Argentinians to our right. Fresh from the other match this morning. Awkward!!! Lol
Talking of inclusion……our seats were right in front of the wheelchair section. Great access for those folks with plenty of volunteers in attendance for them. I’m fact I was in line for another of those Bud Zeros when the second half started. Tunisia broke through and the crowd roared. The Tunisians in line rushed back to see what happened, blocking the view of the wheelchair fans. They got short shrift from the volunteers!!!! Lol
Zero zero, while fair, didn’t really reflect the match. It was very entertaining with lots of commitment and chances. Denmark impressed, maintaining their composure in front of that partisan crowd. Typically disciplined well organized. Tunisia rugged strong, urged on by their support. I’d like to know how many miles their number 9 covered in the game. He chased everything. One of those World Cup matches that would have received very little attention outside of the two countries but was in fact the true spirit of the Cup.
And, not fully filled with football, then we head to the fan zone for Mexico Poland. The game was one thing. Anticipation that the beer tents, finally, would be open, was our higher priority. The wait for beer was worth it – if only to witness that literally half the queue in front of us were Saudis! I well know that once they leave their country, Saudi morals tend to be a little more flexible. But I didn’t know whether to accuse these guys of hypocrisy or congratulate them for flouting Saudi oppression
Arguable the most enjoyable part of the World Cup is the casual conversations with people from all over the world. I find the Saudis the most difficult to approach. It’s the perceived attitude to women and minorities. I walked back from the fan zone last night behind a Saudi family. Mum dad walking along hand in hand two kids skipping along. Obviously really happy. Normal family outing. Except mum wore full niqab. I just don’t understand. I’m going to make a special effort on the rest of this trip to talk to more Saudis.
It was kind of a Saudi evening. I guess they were all celebrating that win over Argentina today. Watching it again this morning it looks like they deserved it! Cynically, my first reaction on hearing the result was it sounded very match-fixy. But, no. This win was well earned! But, talking of niqab I wish I’d got my camera out a bit faster to video the two Saudi women dancing (in their niqab) to Diplo at the fan zone.
So it’s fully underway here! Wall to wall football. A fan fantasy. The teething troubles sorted out and we’re properly in the groove. Hard to believe it’s only day two! We got a long way to go.
(as I’m finishing this up I’m aware of the call to prayer singing out over the city. First time I’ve noticed that. Although Dave has complained it keeps waking him up at 4:30am every day!)
What! Scotland Qualified!!! 