Saturday 24 June 2006

World Cup #7 Germany/Sweden 2:0

After Australia's first win, I had purchased 3 tickets to Potsdamer Platz for the round of 16 game - of course at that time no-one could know who it would be. As it turned out, it was Germany/Sweden! 









Alan, Gordon and I left Summerfest and made our way into PotsdamnerPlatz.  Our tickets were for an outside table at the Australian restaurant, which included a meal & 3 drinks. The weather was great, the beer went down well, and the food was excellent! 

The atmosphere was unbelievable. The crowd were really excited and the match very pleasing (2 goals and lots of other chances!) We were sitting was right in the line of sight of the cameras for the intro/half-time feed for the German TV station covering the game, and I got on TV several times! 









The crowd went mad and it was really great to see the locals get such enjoyment out of the match. After the game we were ushered out of Potsdamerplatz (the next game began in a few hours). The crowds celebrated in the streets, it was all wonderful to be amongst it! 

We made our way to the fan mile and spent the evening enjoying ourselves. The Mexico/Argentina game was on the big screens. As an Aussie wearing an Aussie T-shirt and hat, I was constantly being stopped by people to share the excitement and joy of Australia's success so far. I had at least 30 conversations with random people about the football, the Socceroos and Australia. I even had to speak on a mobile phone to someone in Brisbane who was a mate of the German I was speaking to. The things you do when alcohol is involved! 

However, it was really good practice for my German, and it is a fantastic time to be in Germany. Everyone is so friendly and happy, the whole World Cup is such a buzz. It is the same sort of experience I had in Sydney 2000, for the Olympic Games. The three of us had a super evening.

2 comments:

Nia said...

Here in Aus we're gearing up for a very late night (or early morning) depending on who you are I guess...Italy vs Australia tomorrow at 1.00 a.m. I can't wait - will be very exciting.

You sound like you're having an absolute ball in Germany right now - what a place to be!

Beaman said...

The Fan Mile in Berlin is a great experience. Wonderful to see so many people from all over the world.

Fellow Berliner. :)