Random Rants: World Cup Blog

World Cup action has been great and the fans fantastic.

These Spain supporters seem to be enjoying a party in the streets. -- Photos by Chris Courtney --

By Chris Courtney
SoccerTimes

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany (Sunday, June 25, 2006) -- The World Cup finals are just past the halfway point and its time to reflect on some of the highlights and observations from the last few weeks.

Yesterday, I was trying to find an explanation to tell my brother for what the World Cup experience is really like. I got stuck somewhere between describing it as a global form of March Madness (only much more intense) and a situation where every night is like New Year's Eve. The play on the field has been fantastic and the fans have been great (and tireless). The United States team is no longer in the tournament but the party goes on.

Highlight: Seeing the German fans adopt teams at every game (usually the underdog) and show up wearing their colors and waving their flags. There were Germans wearing USA jerseys at the Americans' match with the Czech Republic, waving Togo flags at its matches, and dressed up like Saudis (complete with flags, etc) at Saudi Arabia's games. Thanks to the German fans adopting different teams, no one has been underrepresented at any game.

The contribution of the volunteer 'Blue Shirts' will not be part of the recorded history of the 2006 World Cup, but their efforts will be remembered by countless visitors to Germany. This pair was stationed at Kaiserslautern's Fritz Walter Stadion.

Observation: Closet England fans. There are more than a few Germans who are closet England fans and England fans who support the USA as their second team. Despite what one might hear about any enmity between England and Germany supporters, every pub contains a few Germans who are incredulous that England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson does not pair Steven Gerrard up front with Wayne Rooney. They all seem to favor Arsenal, but a few have a soft spot for Chelsea.

Highlight: Saudi Arabia's spirited play against a heavily-favored Spanish side, which won 1-0 . After being trounced by Germany 8-0 at its opener in 2002, Sami Al-Jeber and the Saudi team have improved greatly and nearly stole a point from Spain on Friday here in Kaiserslautern. Sure, they were playing primarily a reserve Spanish side, but the Saudis looked dangerous the entire match and managed in one game to get as many shots on goal, four, as the U.S. did in its three Group E matches.

Observation: Fake Brazil fans are everywhere. Any man or woman can walk into any store in Germany and get fitted out with the entire Brazil kit. There are always people who like to jump on the bandwagon, but it is pretty easy to pick out the real Brazil fans from the fake ones. Real Brazil fans have a smile on their face and will coax you into joining them in a samba dance (probably blowing their ever-present whistles the whole time).

Spanish fans, clad in the the prevalent red and yellow, started a party in the streets of Kaiserslautern.

Highlight: The Spanish fans. There are plenty of great supporters in Germany, but when the Spanish show up, one is instantly transported to a beach bar in Ibiza or Mallorca. They brought their infectious smiles, summer party attitude and music. Just a few of them could start a party in an empty house. Their team is looking good and its supporters are hoping against hope that this will be their year. After watching Fernando Torres, Cesc Fabregas and company in their first three matches, it may be their year indeed.

Observation: Germany was not nearly ready for the influx of American fans that came over for the World Cup, with or without tickets. Stores did not stock much USA gear and they were not expecting many to cross The Pond to support their team. As those clad in red, white, and blue walked and sang their way through the cities, one could always hear a nearby local saying, "But I thought Americans did not like soccer." Now they know better.

Is this a real Brazil fan or one of the legions who have jumped on the bandwagon of the defending World Cup champion.

Highlight: The Incredible Goals. As an American, I am partial to Clint Dempsey's blast from a perfect DaMarcus Beasley cross in the USA-Ghana game, but let's not be too biased here. I think last night we all saw a piece of magic when Argentina's Maxi Rodriguez' made a perfect chest trap and a delivered a slick one-touch volley which has got to be the best goal of the World Cup so far. Another great goal was when England's Joe Cole's lofted a looping ball into Sweden's net in their 2-2 draw. This is the kind of cheeky shot pub league players will try, but Cole made it count in the big show.

Observation: Female Fans. There are thousands of women attending this year's tournament and no, they did not just tag along with their boyfriends. Female interest in the game is quite high and they know their stuff. A table full of female fans in Germany is more likely to be discussing the merits of The U.S. starting Eddie Johnson than picking colors of lipstick.

Highlight: The Blue Shirts. This looks like the name of a punk rock band, but this group made each game a better experience. People from all over Germany (and the world) volunteered to wear the light blue shirt and help visitors and fans, both at the stadium and in town. Their friendly demeanor and willingness to help (in many languages) helped fans find their hotels, areas of the stadium and a chance to learn about the area.

Highlight: Mexico's attitude in playing Argentina in its second round game last night. One's got to hand it to the U.S.'s neighbors to the south -- they showed no fear and expected to win. They ended up losing 2-1 in overtime, but gave a terrific performance (and nearly pulled off an upset).

Chris Courtney is SoccerTimes European correspondent and lives in Brussels. He is in Germany covering the World Cup.

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