World Cup Viewing Party Guests Expect More from England

The most anticipated game of the World Cup occurred June 12. The USA battled it out against England in Rustenburg. A World Cup house party was the place to be in Mission Viejo on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Hosted by a South African family, this party housed about 50 guests. There were less than 10 Americans, two South Americans, some South Africans and the remaining were all British. During the prematch segment of the game, these Brits proudly sang along to the English anthem: "God Save the Queen." However, when it came to the American national anthem, the few Americans kept quiet.

At three and a half minutes into the game, England's Gerrard scored their first goal as a result of a clean pass to the middle of the goal. England received the first yellow card, followed by the Americans. Minutes later, the USA scored a goal as the ball rolled right past the goalie. It was an embarrassing attempt to save the ball which cost England from winning the match. The final score was 1-1, because no goals were scored in the second half.

USA's first goal does not impress crowd

The match was a tough one with several injuries. The USA goalie was hurt as he was successfully trying to block a goal. Though an English player's kleet struck him in his ribs, he got up and kept playing. Furthermore, an English athlete had a bloody lip to take care of.

World Cup house party guests gathering around to watch the game

Fans from England, South Africa, America and even Equador were and still are on a soccer team together. They play every Sunday. At halftime, DJ Bywell from England said "the English team needs to play with a little bit more passion, little bit more zest." Paul Redmand from England sarcastically predicted that "England is gonna win 6-1. The plan was to let America wear themselves out in the first half and also to give them a goal, very important...so we're gonna score five goals in the second half, it's that simple." On the other hand, Dave from America says that America is looking forward to winning again. Doug Lawson from South Africa gave a message to the previous fans in Afrikaans. Obviously, he did not want them to know what he was saying! Continuing the comments about the game, Nigel Grainger from England was concerned about the second half for England. Michael Owen from England joked, "I got hurt for the World Cup so I wasn't able to make the squad, but if I had have been there, things will be a little bit different!"

A Brit and an American exchange caps

German Ivarra from Equador has been to a live World Cup game in Germany: England vs. Ecuador. He claimed the referee helped England win 1-0. Soccer caused a union between him and Redmand. Relating to the game played at the party, he said he "was expecting more from England. The U.S. gave a surprise...England was afraid."

Overall, the party was a success. Plenty of food was provided, including barbecued Boerewors, South Africa's most popular sausage. To add to the fun, beer and mimosas were served, allowing people to loosen up and enjoy the game as well as the company.

Soccer talk with British, American, South African and Equadorian fans