Day 11: Australia v Brazil
On the train to the game, we are in a carriage full of Australians, and they are not only lively and vocal, but they have a surprisingly wide repertoire of songs. When did this happen? Some songs are crude, such as “You’re Just a Third World Country” (and we’ll ignore the fact that you’ve won the WC five times), and “You Fat Bastard” references to Ronaldo, but most are amusing.
The CFS group puts on quite a show, with everyone in their Aussie gear. Amber’s green and gold hair looks a bit like Kath’s in Kath & Kim, and Matt, Kylie and Ben all have extravagant hats. There is a festive mood, but not the spread of Brazilian girls in bikinis that some were hoping for. One girl is somewhat underdressed but runs away when dozens of Aussie cameras, including mine, converge on her.
Sarah and I go to the Prestige area for lunch with Christoph Weller, an Executive Director at WestLB, and another of his clients. It’s a great setup and we have a fine lunch (salmon entrée, venison main, black forest cake dessert) before heading into the glaring sunshine.
Australia plays exceptionally well in the first half, and the team is certainly not overawed by their opponents. We are near the pitch on half-way and it is special to watch the likes of Ronaldo and Ronaldhino a few metres away. Brazil score immediately after half-time when Adriano is not closed down, but Australia press forward and have many chances. Kewell is brought on with 35 minutes to go and misses an absolute sitter. He also has other good chances, and although he plays well, he’s simply not as deadly as he was a couple of years ago. Bresciano also fluffs one, and Brazil score late to make it 2-0. My Man of the Match was Lucas Neill, an absolute tower of strength at the back, and Emerton played well. It was a game that Australia could have taken a point from, and it was splendid entertainment.
After the game, back in the hospitality area, we have a local speciality, warm leberkase, which is tasty and another of Germany’s ‘manufactured meats’. The only beer in the stadium is Bud (brewed in London), which the Germans think is hilarious, "I'd never drink that, I've never seen it in a restaurant or bar".
Earlier, Japan and Croatia drew nil-all, a good result for Australia. Assuming Brazil beats Japan, Australia only needs a draw with Croatia to progress to the next round. On today’s form, the lads have the skills, fitness and team work to make it happen.
The CFS group puts on quite a show, with everyone in their Aussie gear. Amber’s green and gold hair looks a bit like Kath’s in Kath & Kim, and Matt, Kylie and Ben all have extravagant hats. There is a festive mood, but not the spread of Brazilian girls in bikinis that some were hoping for. One girl is somewhat underdressed but runs away when dozens of Aussie cameras, including mine, converge on her.
Sarah and I go to the Prestige area for lunch with Christoph Weller, an Executive Director at WestLB, and another of his clients. It’s a great setup and we have a fine lunch (salmon entrée, venison main, black forest cake dessert) before heading into the glaring sunshine.
Australia plays exceptionally well in the first half, and the team is certainly not overawed by their opponents. We are near the pitch on half-way and it is special to watch the likes of Ronaldo and Ronaldhino a few metres away. Brazil score immediately after half-time when Adriano is not closed down, but Australia press forward and have many chances. Kewell is brought on with 35 minutes to go and misses an absolute sitter. He also has other good chances, and although he plays well, he’s simply not as deadly as he was a couple of years ago. Bresciano also fluffs one, and Brazil score late to make it 2-0. My Man of the Match was Lucas Neill, an absolute tower of strength at the back, and Emerton played well. It was a game that Australia could have taken a point from, and it was splendid entertainment.
After the game, back in the hospitality area, we have a local speciality, warm leberkase, which is tasty and another of Germany’s ‘manufactured meats’. The only beer in the stadium is Bud (brewed in London), which the Germans think is hilarious, "I'd never drink that, I've never seen it in a restaurant or bar".
Earlier, Japan and Croatia drew nil-all, a good result for Australia. Assuming Brazil beats Japan, Australia only needs a draw with Croatia to progress to the next round. On today’s form, the lads have the skills, fitness and team work to make it happen.
posted by Graham Hand | 11:53 PM
2 Comments:
Yes, stadium was amazing, with steeply-banked seating so veryone had a good view close to the pitch. At night, it was spectacular lit up, unfortunately only in white.
I'm only perving to ensure comprehensive coverage for my blog.
I read your blog of the Qust/Brazil footie match last night,it was great, you lucky guy.I wish I was on that trip with you. Not only to see that wonderful game but catch a glimpse of those bakini clad chicks walk by. Reuben
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