Brazil's Victory Over Ivory Coast Stirs Olde Ship Crowd

The Olde Ship ~ British Pub and Restaurant, Santa Ana

Johannesburg was home to a popular match June 20 as Brazil and Ivory Coast faught for the win. This was the first time these countries played against each other. Brazil, holding the FIFA world ranking of first place, will now advance to the play-offs. The Olde Ship in Santa Ana was the headquarters to cheer on these teams as the place was packed at 11:30 a.m. The atmosphere inside was that of a sailing ship with various flat-screen TVs spread throughout the inside.

Brazilian models were handing out mini referee kits (a whistle, yellow card and red card), match schedules and taster shots of Sagatiba, a Brazilian white rum drink. This brand of Cachaca can be used in a Bloody Mary, Brazilian Lemonade, Sagarita or on the rocks with limes. The models contributed to the air of excitement when fans blew their new whistles after each goal was scored.

The blog writer with Brazilian models promoting Sagatiba

About halfway into the first half, Brazil's Fabiano scored a goal. Ivory Coast's Tiene was yellow-carded in the 30th minute. Fabiano scored again a few minutes after the second half began, earning another point for Brazil. They earned one more point when Elano received a pass to the middle in the 61st minute. He was hurt a short while afterward as his opponent kicked him in the shin. Ivory Coast's Keita was yellow-carded when he kicked his opponent's ankle in the 74th minute. Drogba was their only goalscorer, earning them a point in the 78th minute as he side-headed the ball into the corner of the net. Brazil's Kaka was yellow-carded in the 84th minute, but received a late red card in the 87th minute. His teammates had now lost him and Brazil was forced to play with 10 men. The result of the match was 3-1.

Fans viewing the game

Jose Candelas, born in the U.S. with Mexican parents, said "What I like about the World Cup basically is just bringing all the different countries together and having a real competition...it's just awesome that all these different nationalities get to participate." This Mexico and USA fan thinks the referreeing has been a little "off" when making "bad calls," as did many people at The Olde Ship. Mauricio Joaquin is also rooting for these two teams, but was supporting Brazil during the present match. Marvin "Cas" Castellon, a Spaniard living in Dana Point, grew up with many close Brazilian friends, so his favorite team of the match was Brazil, as well.

Marvin "Cas" Castellon and friends

Eric Galding, from Orange County, was rooting for Greece and Italy, since he is part Greek and part Italian, but also wished the USA would surprise the world. Sam Gursal, originally from Turkey and living in Long Beach, is for any of the underdogs: "Lets get a new team out there for a change...like the Kiwis!" Duncan Lindsay McRae, from the South Island of New Zealand, came to the pub in some "joke" attire: a Kiwi flag used as a cape with the winning odds "5,000 - 1" on it. He is a regular here and believes this hangout is "friggin' fantastic!" He believes the refs have "tried their best to make [the All Whites] lose." He used to play for the Long Beach Tornadoes soccer team and is now a referee. Being a Kiwi, he also shared some interesting words about rugby and even performed part of the "Hukka" for the camera.

Duncan Lindsay McRae and friends

Eric Galding, Duncan Lindsay McRae and Sam Gursal talk World Cup