Football is more than a game

We, too, bought some gear. We took a few pictures with some Algerian fans and exchanged wishful scorelines with smiles and handshakes. Everyone thinks their team is going to win 2-0. This is an almost universal truth at this (and maybe every) World Cup. I think I heard a 3-1 boast yesterday, which turned out to not be too far from the trutch, alas. But on this day all was right with the world as both teams had dreams of going through with a victory and everyone was in a good mood and hopeful.

The weather didn't hurt. I should note here that the weather in this part of the country has been near perfect to my tastes - a lot like September weather in the northeast. Warm and sunny in the day and cool to cold at night.

Once we took our seats, we held onto them for 90 minutes as the teams battled to a scoreless draw. Algeria played brilliantly and had a couple of great chances to put in a goal. The US played better, but managed only a few real chances. That all changed when Donovan slotted home. The place erupted. Beer, water, clothes all flew around in the celebration as everyone jumped into each others arms. The party continued well after the final whistle too. A crowd of over a hundred fans gathered just outside the stadium and sang for nearly an hour. Many fans gathered at the square to keep the night going. It was far and away the best sporting atmosphere I've been a part of, better even than the Sox winning the series. The great thing was that the celbration was for the Americans what this whole World Cup has been for the world -- a time to put all of our differences aside and to be one people without concern for strife or wrongs both perceived and real.

I'm running out of time on the Web, so I'll leave for later my praise of Algerian fans.