And so the games begin!

Today saw the first ball kicked in anger, for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. It's been a long time coming for Australian fans making the long journey across the world to support the might of the green and gold. But boy was it worth it!

Australians today in Durban had the chance to experience the passion that is instilled into each and every proud South African. The colour, the song, the dance...it seriously doesn't get much better than this.

Approximately 1000 fanatics took the opportunity to walk down to the beach in Durban to experience the World Cup opener between Mexico and Bafana Bafana. (a term of endearment which means 'the boys the boys'). Durban is one of many hosts to the official FIFA live sites, and to the say that the atmosphere was electric would be an overwhelming understatement. The aussies and the South Africans danced and sung as one in the hope that Bafana Bafana could take out a memorable victory.



Over the first 20 or so minutes, the general feeling amongst the aussies was to possibly do an about turn to avoid the potentially imminent disappointment. Mexico pushed forward at will, and it seemed simply a matter of time before Mexico would score the opening goal of the tournament. Thankfully for all, half time eventually turned and the scored remained at 0-0.

But then it came, and I am sure that alot of fanatics on the ground will agree in saying that the euphoria post the South Africans goal was absolutely enchanting. There were kisses and hugs coming like no tomorrow from the home supporters, and that was just the guys! The Vuvuzela's were in full swing sounding the songs of triumph and for that single moment in time, the aussies were the proudest South Africans going around. Sadly for our Bafana Bafana friends, the win was taken away from them late in the game, however our friends appeared still tall and proud of what their national team had achieved.

Now on the Vuvuzela's....for those that are unaware, the South African's introduced an instrument of which is horn like called the Vuvuzela. The Vuvuzela is sometimes also known in Africa as a "lepatata". I for one am all for atmosphere and song, but these Vuvuzela's are starting to drive even the most diehard supporter around the twist. When the HQ Durban panel talk, someone interupts with a Vuvuzela...when you finally drift off to sleep, a car drives past the stadium with the passenger in full swing on a Vuvuzela.......there is no escaping them! In fact, I heard one young child in the camp say he woke up from a bad dream this morning, and it turns out he was being attacked by a Vuvuzela in a German strip! I would like to make it quite clear, that none of the four of us are expecting a Vuvuzela for our next birthdays!

P.S....to Janet's friends and family. I think we may have converted her. It appeared in the first half of the game Janet was partially underwhelmed, as after all, it is just sport.......oh dear. But then thanks to our Bafana Bafana friends, the sleeping giant awoke! Yes, we all saw your hips jiggling from side to side to the beat of a drum Janet. There is no escaping it, football fever that is.....welcome to the club!