The party has begun!

Well who said a camping ground was a tough way to live? As I write this morning and reflect on the day that had been, I sit perched high in the stands of Kingsmead cricket stadium located at approximately 3rd man. The only sad thought that runs through one’s mind is the site of 3 or 4 “athletes” going for their daily morning run....now ok, applause must go to them for their dedication, but please, this is not a boot camp. I thought we were on the tour of former players and coaches who now dedicated their time to enhancing their drinking capabilities?

June 12 in Durban saw the fanatics as a whole come to life, and I am sure this day will last forever in the minds of most of us. The day began with the allocation of the official match tickets. Now something so simple could be dismissed for most at a whim. However along with the tickets came the realisation that we were all at a Fifa World Cup and were privileged enough to be able to witness it firsthand. The excitement on some of the younger fanatics faces was absolutely priceless and for them there is no doubt this will be an experience of a lifetime to treasure.

But when did reality of the World Cup really hit? This day marked the dress rehearsal for game day, as around 1000 aussies disembarked on the march to Moses Mobheda Stadium. With the assistance of a police escort, the aussie contingent managed to shut down 3 lanes of a 4 lane highway and in the process enlist the support of hundreds of local South Africans to the Green and Gold Army. Voices were in fine form and the atmosphere was euphoric. There was however a process to the march, and some 20 mins after arrival to the ground, our beloved Socceroos team bus arrived for a late afternoon training session. The bus struggled to turn the corner into the stadium entry as everyone took the opportunity to get as close to their hero’s as possible. You could see the smiles on the players faces and their appreciation for the trek of many across to the other side of the world to support them.



Unfortunately, FIFA would not allow entry to the ground at this point, so the focus of the night now turned to England vs the USA. The rumours circulating that the U.S would be more or less a no show were soon in the short term confirmed as after just a few minutes Gerrard tucked away the opener. As the game wore on one could sense that at least a draw or possibly an upset was imminent, and then it presented. Why is it always England that manage to receive the almost improbable? Hand of god, Calamity James and now Mr Green.....the heart of a nation must have sunk. It will be interesting now to see if the England gaffa will look to replace one calamity with another? Mr Capello, I believe I have some gloves in my bag if you require someone who can walk and catch at the same time?

Now if this day had not have been brilliant enough as it was, things were only about to get better. Durban HQ became the epicentre of live music as Brissie boys Powderfinger graced us with a live performance. It was great to see some additions to tonight’s audience, with the panel of Mark Bosnich, Charlie Yankos and Mel McLaughlin along with the federal minister for sport Kate Ellis and the Sydney Morning Herald’s Paul Kent in...Well let’s just say in fine form. The boys are unfortunately going their separate ways at the end of the year, so the privilege for us to see them before they do so was a very memorable occasion. The fanatics were in fine voice and you can only hope that the voice transcends in to today’s support for our national pride.



After the concert in the early hours of the morning, most were content with a days’ work and were on the move back to their tents....but wait! Little had we realised that just 40 metres away Simon Hill was preparing for his live 8am cross, Weekend sunrise were also doing live updates and if that wasn’t enough, Cameron Williams from channel 9’s today show was also doing his thing to make sure Australia was up to date. So of course be would have to wait for the time being. And so the song continued for another hour, as the presenters struggled to hear themselves speak. I am sure that everyone seeing these reports is starting to get an understanding of the emotion here on the ground, and believe me it is an experience that is worth more than the time and expense to get there.

And now to today....as I sit overlooking the camp come to life, our fellow fanatics have arrived on an overnight bus trip from Capetown. Some 500 strong have come to join forces to take on the German supporters. We can only hope that no one mentions the war....oops, there you go I mentioned the war. It’s all in good banter, and I for one can’t wait to hear the new tunes that present to us over the course of the day.