British Pub Guests Happy for El Tri and Bafana

Bafana Bafana and El Tri fans gathered together at 7 a.m. to cheer on the teams June 22 at The Olde Ship. This English pub in Santa Ana has proved to be a fun hangout with a unique atmosphere that draws Southern Californians in. Most of the crowd was there to watch Mexico play Uruguay in Rustenburg, though there were a select few who were intensely following South Africa's match against France in Bloemfontein.

South Africa's Khumalo headed the ball into the net in the 19th minute. French player Gourcuff was red-carded for what looked like a completely deliberate foul, therefore, France had to begin playing with 10 men and Bafana's Sibaya had to leave the field on a stretcher. The African nation scored again in the 36th minute when Mphela, practically right on the goal line, easily kicked the ball into the net. An attempt to score the next minute resulted in an offsides call. Bafana athletes continued to get injured as Tshabalala went down and Mphela was escorted off the pitch on another stretcher. France's Malouda made a shot into a wide open goal in the second half as South Africa's defense was not capitalizing. French player Diaby also fouled his opponent and received a yellow card.

The final result was 1-2 in favor of the host team. Though South Africa was victorious, both teams have exited the competition. France were the FIFA World Cup winners in 1998 when they claimed the title after defeating Brazil 3-0.

Juan Mendoza and Jaime Olina after watching the games

Jaime Olina, from Anaheim, is rooting for Mexico and England, but Germany overall. Making predictions about Argentina, he said they will be a "powerhouse...they're strong." He thought Mexico's game was "disappointing" as they "didn't play the defense that [they] had to." Juan Mendoza, from Santa Ana, believes many of the South American teams have a great opportunity to advance: "they have the powerhouse going on right now." Regarding South Africa's recent match, he was hoping the host team would win for their country. He also presumes that Ivory Coast has a chance of making it to the finals.

South African Saul Hirschmann, from Johannesburg, has been living in America for 21 years and is rooting for Bafana Bafana. "This is a great opportunity for us to bond with South Africa again." Hirschmann comes from the apartheid era of South Africa, but this nation is now "completely integrated" as well as "a fantastic and successful country." David Garfitt, from Sheffield, England, has called the USA home for 23 years now. He wanted South Africa to beat France, but is supporting England during this tournament overall. After viewing them play so far, he said, "To be honest, England's been really frustrating these first couple games."

The morning started off well with coffee and complete English breakfasts served all around. To add to the flavor of the experience, a Mexico fan--wearing a giant sombrero and holding the Mexican flag--was pumping up the crowd by blowing what seemed to be a mini vuvuzela. It was so loud, that it quite possibly could have awakened the whole city!