Always nice to see a Mexico loss

The stadium in Gelsinkirchen is amazing. The closed the roof because it was drizzling which made the crowd very, very loud. Of course, how quiet is it when the guy ten rows in front of you is banging two frying pans together? Yes, frying pans. If you´re wondering about security, there has been very little. I took by bag with saline solution, razor, cd player, cd book, toothpaste, etc. into the match. The only thing the guy made me take out was a bottle of water. He said I could throw it at someone. I suppose a bottle of water is far more dangerous than a frying pan. Go figure.

Anyway, it was a zoo (per usual) on the train out to the station. Thankfully, everytime you think your´re going to get crushed some savior police officer or train official cuts off the crowd and closes the door. Not before things, get a little nerve-racking, however.

The Mexican fans did the usual chants on the way out but I gotta give them props for an inspired "Deutchland! Deutchland!" in appreciation of our great hosts. The ohter nice one was, "The roof! The roof! The roof is on fire! We don´t need no water let the motherfucker burn! Burn, motherfucker, burn!" That was done in English.

My seats were fabulous as usual - 21st row just shy of midfield. It was a big bummer that Ronaldo and Deco were rested but Figo and co. put on a good display by getting two quick goals and then giving up. Mexico had around 345 chances but only got one goal. Yeah. For a moment it looked like Angola could bust through but it wasn´t to be since they drew with Iran. The poor Portuguese fans were vastly outnumbered. It looked like it was 75% Mexican. At least the Portos could take home a win.

After the match I hightailed it to the station via cab to avoid the mayhem. Money well spent. Two hours later I was in my room in Köln and relaxing with a cold beer (kölsch). Dinner was the Beerman´s skillet and some 19th century brewery. Chicken, steak, sausage, potatoes, vegetables and cheese. Wünderbar!

Tonight? USA and GHANA in Nürnberg!!! My final match and a crucial one for the Yanks. If we win and Italy beats the Czechs we are in like Flynn. Tough but doable.