Part 1/5 of Olympic Events: Men's Soccer

After seeing the Opening Ceremonies Dress Rehearsal, I had to "Save the Surprise" from the world for two days before being able to post any pictures or talk about what had happened in that sacred arena. But come Friday, I sat with the rest of Britain (or those on the same grassy patch with me at a local viewing party) to sing the National Anthem of the UK and celebrate in the display of their historic pride in their country. After watching the ceremonies, and then running over to my 14th Floor Student Apartment to watch the Firework Spectacle from my room, I took a well deserved rest, preparing for a busy weekend.

The view from my room.

Come Sunday, the group ventured off back to our favorite place, Coventry for two group stage men's soccer games. First on our slate was Mexico vs. Gabon (a country in Africa). Traveling to the stadium from the Coventry train station, the crowds were littered with the Red, White, and Green of Mexico....and Mexican Wrestler Masks...

Why hasn't America developed something like this?

And Gabon, as much as we hoped they would bring a following, had trouble figuring out which way their flag was held. In the end, Mexico played strong against Gabon and won 2-0. With most of the crowd cheering for them, with Spanish spoken all around me, I felt closer to Tucson han ever before on this trip.

The Coventry Stadium

Interesting side note: Because the Olympics have official sponsors, and the Coventry Stadium has official sponsors all over their stadium, the Coventry sponsors have to be covered up with black tape. Even inside the men's bathroom, the Xcelerator hand dryer had it's logo covered up. I guess if you're the official bathroom supplier of the Olympics, that's what you get.

Outside my entrance to the stadium

Inside the Stadium with my Level 2 pass, which provided us with a Lunch before the game.

MEXICOOOOOOOO

  

Check out the wide arrangement of flags behind me.
This truly is the center of the world. 

Mary, one of our faculty on the trip

Mexico and Gabon standing for their national anthems

If you're thinking that Mexicans came all the way over here with a sombrero, you're wrong.
The British men in front of us bought Sombreros and moustaches to cheer on their new-found amigos.

A penalty kick in the extra time for Mexico.

After the goal in extra time!

Once the first game finished, a large majority of the fans left to leave a 60% filled stadium to watch South Korea vs. Switzerland. The game itself bored me, but the culture behind South Korea was something to be interested in. As the fans started showing up around the arena, fan sections formed and started singing Korean songs and chants. Switzerland, on the other hand stood in their corner with cowbells ringing loudly. I keep bringing the topics back to American customs, and honestly what do we have as Americans in terms of chants. From my perspective, our pride runs more in our ability to win consistently, not in an actual cultural pride in our revolution and subsequent strong democratic position in this crazy world. Maybe in time our country will develop the same chants and traditions as the other much older countries have. 

Either way, South Korea made sure to separate their association with North Korea and go on to win this group stage match, which resulted in dancing and cheering from the South Koreans outside of the arena. 

Before South Korea's win

After South Korea's win!
Mayhem in the form of Green South Korean Poncho Men