The Big Blank

Espagnole !!!

The shout went like this Ess-paa-neole!!. Again it went Ess-paa-neole!!, Ess-paa-neole!!. Then with the drumbeat doom(Ess) doom(Paa) doom(Neole). And then came the Mexican wave all over us. The atmosphere was electric in the Koning Boudewijn stadium, Brussles, Belgium. The occassion was world cup qualifiers Spain vs Belgium. We were supporting Spain as tickets on their side were cheaper. They divide up the seats so that there is lesser chances of a fight. Belgium had a very slim chances of qualifying even after winning. Spain has to win to make it.

We went to Brussels and Brugge this weekend and landed in Brussels on saturday for this match. Outside the stadium there were policemen on horses of the size of an elephant!! and over that people with trumpets were teasing the horses by blowing close to them. People go crazy after a few beers and at such a place. The cars running around were all covered in flags and people were wearing caps and t-shirts of their national colors. Both conutry's flag have red and yellow and Belgium has black too. So it was kind of confusing as to who was supporting whom. We anyway went to enjoy the occassion and to watch some good football.

And good football it was. We were sitting behind the goal posts and where Belgium was attacking. Belgium dominated the first half with some very good chances but they were poor finishers. The spanish golakeeper made some amazing saves and score remained 0-0 at half time. Next half, Spain was attacking and they thoroughly dominated the half. We were kind of lucky to have sat on this side as all the action in both halves was on our side. Final score was 2-0 and both the goals were scored by Torres. It was good stuff and total paisa vasool. Though we missed the train back to our staying place and had to hike back which deserves a whole new post. May be next time.

posted by Pankaj Jain @ 6:04 AM