Uruguay vs Netherlands Semi Final Pictures

Once again, my cousin sent me additional photographs of the World Cup vibe in Cape Town. My South African cousins went to the Uruguay vs Netherlands semi final match July 6 at Green Point Stadium. Justin Marsh, just one of the Dutch supporters, said he "saw two goals on [their] half and the players up close...it was really special, once in a lifetime experience to be remembered." He mentioned the stadium was packed with 62,500 spectators. Check out the images below.

The real Uruguay fan club / Orange Army

Stadium Security for the Uruguay hooligans / Camera people

Uruguay vs Netherlands game

Uruguay vs Netherlands game

Close seats behind goal / Semi Final tickets / Vuvuzela fun

Before game at V&A Waterfront / Sixth row in stands

Outside the Cape Town stadium in Green Point

On the way to the FanWalk / Jubulani soccer ball at the V&A Waterfront

Credit: Justin Marsh

Spain fans dance to the sound of victory

There's no better place than Lizarran Tapas Restaurant to watch the Spain matches. With the many fans in attendance, good tapas, and not to mention the salsa music, Lizarran's atmosphere is great to be in with sports-strangers that come to watch the matches. That's why I decided to head over to Lizarran once again to watch Wednesday's semi-final game against Germany.

Spain began by dominating the first 20 minutes of the match. They had a few chances of scoring but failed to make the goal. Towards the end of the half both teams seemed to be playing conservatively and the match remained scoreless. 

Spain fan, Eric Felix gave his opinion on the game at half-time. "I think it's been two teams that have been cautious not really attacking too much, not wanting to give up a goal but I think Spain's done better, more possession and more shots on goal," he said. 

Chase Valencia said, "Spain's defense is pretty solid and the Spanish have to watch out for the German counter-attack but I predict 1-0 Spain." Valencia predicted correctly and ecstatic after the game he made sure to let me know he was right. 

Bosco Morales said, "It's a really good game, both teams are playing good defense, Spain hasn't been able to get that goal but that's what they need. Morales hoped Spain would score in the second half and win the game. "I think Spain is favored, they have the chance to win the final if they beat Germany today I know they can win it, Morales added.

[Friends going for opposing teams]

The second half began like the first, with Spain threatening. The Spanish came forward and after 73 minutes they scored a goal. The fans at Lizarran were thrilled, yelling, dancing, and getting on top of chairs to cheer. Definitely a great sight. 

[after Spain's goal]

After the goal from Spain, it's now frantic times for Germany, but as time runs out Germany is unsuccessful.  

Spain has finally made it to the World Cup final.

Spain fan, Manuel Garcia gave his opinion after Spain's win. "It was going to be a close game, if you saw the Euro Cup, it was a 1-0 game too and it was just a matter of tactics and holding the midfield to win this one." Garcia added, "Spain did a lot better than most expected."

[last seconds of match, fans cheer and dance around Lizarran]
Spain is the lowest-scoring team ever to reach the final. The Dutch have scored more goals in this tournament than Spain;12 to 7. The statistics back up the theory that Spain use the ball more carefully. First Europe Cup and now, possibly, the World Cup for Spain. They'll face the Netherlands this Sunday and we'll definitely have a new champion.

High hopes are gone for Uruguay fans

After Uruguay loses World Cup semi-final against the Netherlands, Uruguayan fans are feeling disappointed. The Uruguay team was the last South American team left in the tournament. However, fans should be satisfied by how close the team came to the golden trophy.

Uruguay fans gathered at Puerto Madero Market today to watch the disheartening match. The small market has a butcher case in the back, a small section for fresh bread and pastries in the middle and a deli section on the right. Patrons ate and had their eyes glued to the large LCDs playing the match in the front of the room.

The match got off to a measured start and the Netherlands struck first in the 18th minute. Uruguay replied in the 41st minute and at half time the score was tied 1-1.

In the 70th minute Netherlands makes another goal. Although, many will say that it was a very offside goal. It's now 2-1 Netherlands and three minutes later, Netherlands scores once again. At this point the fans become  frustrated and the room turns somber.

With two minutes left in the game Uruguay scores in the 92nd minute and they trail by one goal. The game instantly turns into a clock-watching nail-biter.

 The time runs out and Uruguay fails to score, Netherlands moves on to the final.

The second goal by Netherlands that looked like an offside goal ultimately may have cost Uruguay a spot on the final and given the Dutch a win they didn’t entirely deserve.

[on right: distraught fan refused to give interview because he was"dead"]

Argentine Sebastian Naum said, "It was a great game it was very passionate on both sides Holland is a very strong team and Uruguay put up a great fight." He was just one the fans who thought the Netherlands second goal was offsides and if it wasn't counted Uruguay might have had the chance to win. 

[last seconds of game and fans are anxious]

Uruguay fan Diego Godi also believed that the game was defined by an offside goal that shouldn't have counted. "I hope that the Mexican press that yelled and cried for 2 weeks about the offside goal that Argentina made against Mexico, cries 2 weeks about this offside goal," Godi said. Now that Uruguay is out, "Germany is the champion," Godi added.

Four weeks and 61 matches into the first World Cup in Africa, there's just one semifinal, Sunday's final and the third-place game left to play. The remaining teams just prove that the sport's center is in Europe now more than ever.

Netherlands Convoy Through South Africa

This is World Cup fever at its best! One can only imagine the excitement from the fans of the Netherlands after their team beat Uruguay July 6 at the Green Point stadium.

The Dutch have real passion! One of my South African friends sent me some photos of dedicated Oranje fans. Peter Nichol, from Cape Town said, "Many of these crazy Hollanders have driven all the way from Holland!" Don't forget to check out the men in their tight little orange tunics toward the end!

Led by an orange double-decker bus, the Dutch supporters were on route from their camp site in Pretoria to their next game against Japan in Durban. Their 6 km-long convoy--comprised of 175 campers, trucks, busses and jeeps--travelled the 636-km route.

Credit: Peter Nichol

Cape Town Fan Fest Images

Residents of nations other than South Africa might feel somewhat deprived of the soccer vibe felt in that lucky country. My cousin's photographs are below and are meant to be shared so we can all become aware of all of the fun taking place. There was a buzz everywhere July 3 as thousands of people attended the Fan Park and Fan Walk. World Cup enthusiasts watched Germany thrash Argentina at the V&A Waterfront, as well. Enjoy the pictures!

Fan Park on the Cape Town Parade

Masses of fans taking over Green Point streets

Vuvuzela and Ayoba MTN men

V&A Waterfront: Celebrating Germany's victory with 3-story-high Coca Cola man

Credit: Justin Marsh

Spain Sends Thrilled Tapas Guests Soaring

Tapas, Newport Beach

Spain had no other choice but to rely on David Villa's goal to progress to the semifinals with Germany as Paraguay has been eliminated. Tension was in the air as fans at Tapas in Newport Beach July 3 awaited the final second of the 11:30 a.m. match in Johannesburg. A 0-1 victory for the European nation was the subject of positive emotions running through these individuals.

Spanish flags hang from the ceiling

Not many severe injuries occurred, besides Spain's Ramos' bleeding forehead as he headed the ball well into the second half, resulting in first aid treatment. Yellow cards awaited six team players throughout the match, one resulting from Spanish player, Pique pulling the arm of an opponent. Paraguay was therefore awarded a penalty kick only to be blocked. The nail-biter of the game occurred when Spain tried to utilize a penalty kick to their advantage. Though the ball traveled through the net, Spanish players already had crossed the line, which is forbidden, and thus, the goal was not counted. Unfortunately for Spain, the ball was blocked on the second attempt. The team eventually scored in the 83rd minute as Villa took advantage of a huge rebound off the left goal post. His shot hit the right goal post, ending up on the other side of the goal. The crowd cheered every time Paraguay missed a goal and whenever Spain took shots at the net. One girl was screaming, "Yeahhh! Wooo!" for Paraguay's first shot that crossed into the net, though it was later learned that it was offsides. She was brave to visit a Spanish location while Spain played for their fans.

Crowd gathers inside the restaurant while eating tapas and paella

Antonio Gonzalez, born in Madrid, Spain and from Riverbank of Northern California, believes Spain is "number one," especially since Villa and Torres are on the team. He thought the match was a "rollercoaster game," noting that he prefers emotional-driven duals. "That's the main reason of this game...everybody puts their soul, their best to play" into it. He is excited that his team has finally qualified for the quarterfinals and even the semifinals, currently being a part of the top four in the world. Gonzalez also coached two U-14 soccer teams in the Bay Area: "It was an exciting experience...I would do it again." He hopes to travel to Brazil in four years for World Cup 2014.

Crowd's reactions to Spain's false and actual goals

Antonio Gonzalez proudly speaks of his home team

Tapas is located just minutes from John Wayne Airport and has an authentic Spanish vibe to it. They show the World Cup in Spanish, adding to the cultural atmosphere. Many of their guests speak Spanish as well, but they also welcome other languages. To visit this place is to emmerse oneself in a whole new experience while still being in the same Orange County.

European Experience in the OC: The Phoenix Club fans thrilled

The Phoenix Club fans couldn't be happier about Germany's victory. Germany fans filled the large auditorium inside The Phoenix Club in Anaheim, CA. The Phoenix Club is a German-American cultural center, inspired by German heritage and traditions. 

Usually one has pay dues to be a member of the exclusive Club, but during the World Cup everyone is welcome.

The large room had only 1 projector screen where fans watched the game. The lights were dimmed so everyone had a good view of the big screen. Phoenix Club provided breakfast specials for all who attended. Many of the fans who got up early to watch the game enjoyed a hearty breakfast complete with eggs, bacon, fried potatoes and french toast.

Germany started out great, shooting the ball into the net during the first three minutes. Although Argentina seemed to be working their way back into the game and had possession of the ball for the rest of the first half, they failed to score and at half-time it was 1-0 Germany.

Germany fan Anthony Sticks said, "I think Germany is playing ok, Argentina is being real aggressive which is good. I'd rather see Germany try for more goals, but it looks like it's a hard fought game."

Dieter Himmler from Germany said enthusiastically, "It's [the match] fantastic, Germany shot a goal in the first three minutes, it's fantastic!" Himmler predicted Brazil to be in the final and was shocked when I told him they were out. Since when? he asked. Friday against the Netherlands and Brazil lost, I said. "They did?" with a confused look on his face because he said he saw the game. "I think I've been watching too many games," he added.

In the 68th minute Germany shoots another goal and the crowd at The Phoenix Club goes wild, it's now 2-0 Germany.

(After 2nd Goal)

Not even ten minutes later in the 74th minute Germany scores once again. Germany now leads 3-0 at this 

point and it looks like it's going to be hard for Argentina to come back. Germany takes complete control over the second half, scoring a 4th goal in the 89th minute.

[After 3rd Goal]

[4th Goal]

Germany Fan, Fritz Schiessl said, "When we beat Argentina we won the World Cup, that's always our toughest contender." [Referring to the 91' World Cup final and the 2006 penalty kicks shootout] Schiessl believes Germany can win the World Cup now that Argentina is out. "Germany had the arrangements down, they played conservatively but they knew what they were doing," he said. 

George Herzberg, said "Germany is team that progresses every time they go into a tournament, I predict they will win the World Cup." Herzberg added that before the start of the match he honestly thought Germany was going to lose but they proved him wrong.  

As the game ended in a victory for Germany the fans at Phoenix Club sang "Ole, Ole, Ole!" Germany had an easier than expected 4-0 win over Argentina, reaching the World Cup semifinals. 

On Wednesday Germany faces Spain and that match decides who will be in the finals.

[fans chanting at end of match]

Uruguay defeats Ghana in Penalty Kicks

Emotions were running high at Uruguay Cafe during the intense match between Uruguay and Ghana. The Uruguayans wanted their home country to advance and they suffered during Friday's game. From nail biting, anger, joy, and cries of happiness it was all present. Fans filled the restaurant from wall to wall, some even had to watch through windows.

 Uruguay Cafe is the only Uruguayan restaurant in the Los Angeles area and there were many Uruguayans gathered to watch their homeland side play. Most of the Uruguayan fans were decked out in their country's jerseys or had flags draped over their shoulders. 

In the final seconds of the first half Ghana makes a goal leading 1-0.

Uruguayan fan, Debru Petrov said, "I'm optimistic, we can't give up and we just have to keep on fighting because we want this game and we need it." Petrov is just one of the fans at Uruguay Cafe, who wanted to be among fellow Uruguayans to celebrate if their homeland team won.  

Raymond Lopez, a supporter of the Uruguayan team said, "Uruguay has to put everything they've got to be able to move forward against Ghana because they are a very fast team." Lopez has many Uruguayan and Argentine friends and roots for both teams although he is not from either country. He hopes both teams play in the final but would like to see Uruguay win the Cup.

With both teams refusing to give up they decided to go into overtime. At the end of normal time the team was tied 1-1.

Daniel Sosa said, "It's an interesting game, very tense and we're very worried. Ghana runs very fast, I think we can win, but it'll be defined in the next 30 minutes." Sosa is originally from Uruguay and has been living in Los Angeles for the last 25 years. He hopes the World Cup goes to "The River of Silver" meaning either  Argentina or Uruguay. The River of Silver forms part of the border between Argentina and Uruguay.

Ghana seemed certain to win, as Luis Suarez set up a penalty kick for them. Suarez was sent off for a deliberate handball on the line that denied Ghana a winning goal. Ghana's shot missed just as time expired and it was now time for a shootout.

Ghana makes 2 shots during the penalty kicks shootout and Uruguay makes 4 shots. Uruguay wins and it takes them the semifinals for the first time in 40 years. 

The fans at Uruguay Cafe went into a frenzy and took the celebration onto the streets. Dancing and chanting "Soy Celeste" which means "we are divine" and also the Uruguayan team nickname.

Fernando Velasquez said, "Uruguay was the better team and they proved that on the field today." Velasquez says he hopes they defeat the Netherlands next but believes it will be hard without Luis Suarez.

After two periods, extra time and a penalty shoot-out, Uruguay wins a nerve-wracking quarterfinal match against Ghana. Uruguay advances on to a semifinal game Tuesday against the Netherlands.

(Last penalty kick and Uruguay wins match)

Workplace Witnesses Brazil Elimination

Who says the only way to enjoy the World Cup is to watch the matches in bars and restaurants? Working individuals have the option to view the games at their workplace, as well. That is what people did July 2 at the Digital Media Center in Santa Ana. As can be expected, they followed Uruguay's victory over Ghana at lunchtime, but they even had their eyes glued to the TV at 7 a.m. in the building's break room.

No one saw it coming: the Dutch dominated Brazil, sending them packing. The dual in Port Elizabeth may be one of the most surprising in this tournament. After the game's first goal was scored, fans were convinced that Brazil would rise to the top. However, Oranje players scored two goals from free and corner kicks in the second half. One was scored when the ball brushed the head of Brazilian player, Melo, though it was still on its way to the inside of the net. The unexpected result was a 2-1 win for the players in Orange.

G.Y. Hanna, originally from Lebanon, but living in California, was one business man who felt witnessing this outcome outweighed the need to do his work for about two hours. He grew up playing soccer on the right wing of the field. He never expected his home country to make it into the competition, since it is a small nation with "bad teams." Hanna believed Brazil was dominating, though "the Dutch deserved to win," since "Brazil didn't play well in the second half." Though they were defensive, "Brazil didn't mark the goal," and thus allowed the Netherlands to defeat them. He was not very surprised, comparing the game to the sport of hockey, which gives the lesser team an ability to win. In contrast, dominating teams can "hide their deficiencies" and win sporting matches, such as in football. Currently, Hanna's favorite teams to win the World Cup are Spain and Argentina, noting they have many offensive players. In addition, he thinks the Netherlands still have a chance, so "if these three teams win, [he] wouldn't be surprised."