I somehow managed not to apply for tickets for the Quarter Final here in Port Elizabeth, but we were very kindly offered tickets by Microsoft for the match. It was set up to be quite a clash, with the Brazilians looking as strong as ever, but the Dutch had also shown a lot of class leading up to the match. The day started off just after lunch with us meeting the rest of the Microsoft group at News Café for some pre-game eats and drinks. We were then shuttled down to the stadium and thanks to the suite tickets were allowed the easiest of entries which made quite a change from worrying about parking/the train etc.
It was my first time in a suite at the stadium and even though I had already considered the stadium here in Port Elizabeth world class, the hospitality in the suites really took that to the next level. The actual suite itself is well furnished and modern including the advantage of a TV for replays otherwise absent from live games, there was a 3 course meal on offer (As well as a separate meal for closer to the end of the game), loads of snacks and the friendly bar staff were always happy to assist with liquid refreshments. The seats themselves were considerably more comfortable than the normal stadium seats, with cushioned leather and we had a great view of the game from quite close to the corner flag.
The game itself started off fairly worryingly with the Netherlands conceding an easy goal straight down the middle of their defence, but this single mistake in the first half must have resulted in quite a team talk at half time as they came back a different side and much to the joy of most of the people around us took the game away from the Brazilians in the second half to seal an incredible comeback.
After the game we were allowed to enjoy the hospitality for a while longer followed by being driven back to the Boardwalk where some of us went to the newly opened Cubana for dinner and the Ghana (They were cheated) game. Still the Semi Finals to go, but a Germany vs Netherlands Final on Sunday would be something special.
Thanks again Microsoft (And Lindi)!
You lucky dog! I'm heartbroken about Brazil... but have to admit netherlands simply outplayed them throughout the game.
Posted by: Mitch Labrador | July 06, 2010 at 03:44 PM
It was a game of 2 halves definitely, but the Dutch came back really strongly. They played well against last night. Reckon whoever faces them in the final (Hopefully Germany) will have quite a game on their hands.
Posted by: Pat Ramadass | July 07, 2010 at 09:30 AM