A night at the futbol: Spain vs Slovakia

We had good seats.  Behind the goal so not great, but close enough to be good.  The dancing bull fighters we'd encountered on the way to the stadium had set the mood.  The Slovakian were small in number - two largish groups in different parts on the stadium, and four lonely guys right in front of us - but they were vocal and had a few songs to sing.

The action started with a slightly chubby, slightly bald guy entering the field and kissing the ground.  He was to be our cheerleader for the night, inciting Mexican waves, rounds of Ole Ole Ole, and chants of España! da da dum on his drum.

The Slovakians shot and missed in the first few minutes, and the four in front clutched their heads in frustration.  Soon after, the Spaniards shot and scored much to the elation of the crowd and I lept to my feet with plastic Spanish flags waving.  Tonight, I'm spanish.  I oooooooh when they nearly score, I'm incredulous when the ref falls for the Oscar winning fake falls of the Slovakians, and I'm indignant at the fouls of the opposition.

Much of the first half was spent just in front of us with Spain dominating.  No. 21 always looked dangerous with the ball in er foot. Although number 4 for Slovakia played a fine game in defence.  There was a tense moment and we were outraged when the Slovakian goalie fouled Iniesta.  The ref was on the job with a yellow card and a penalty shot. Iniesta scored, and the crowd sang.  I think Iniesta might be famous cos he was clearly second favourite.  First was number 3, a local boy I think, as the crowd roared whenever he even touched the ball.  And by roar, I mean full on ROAR.

The crowd had much to cheer about although no more goals were scored.