World Cup!

I don’t know why the Italian National Team would choose to play an international friendly at Siena’s tiny football stadium, but they did. And I’m not complaining. The 2006 World Cup Champions invited future 2010 World Cup hosts, South Africa, to play an international match last Wednesday night. I was in complete soccer heaven.

The city hosted a series of events to celebrate the match. The World Cup—as in the actual trophy—was on display in Siena’s Civic Museum. I couldn’t believe how close we were allowed to get to the trophy. It wasn’t enclosed in a glass case or behind any protective barrier. It was just sitting there, on a pedestal, in all of its golden glory for people, like myself, to stare at in wide-eyed amazement.

The morning of the match, a large part of the Campo was sectioned off so 12-15 mini fields could be set up for youth games. Boys and girls probably around 9-10 years old were running around having the time of their lives. I love how happy soccer can make people, especially kids.

The match was that night and we bundled up to see Italy take on South Africa. Most of the major stars were not in attendance—probably off playing with their professional clubs—but nevertheless the soccer was amazing. Italy totally dominated, playing most of the match in South Africa’s half of the field. In the first 45 minutes, Italy had some great chances whereas South Africa hardly got off one good shot on goal. The half ended 0-0, but Italy could have been up a few goals, especially if they had better executed their crosses.

The Italian squad continued their domination in the second half but it was only until late in the match when they scored their first goal—a scrappy garbage goal from inside the six. It happened so fast I pretty much missed it. But with less than five minutes to go, Italy put in another off the head of Lucarelli who finished brilliantly in the air from a cross.

I love soccer and I love it even more in Italy. It was so much fun listening to the crowd: hearing their chants but also listening to what words they use to applaud their team. Bravvisimo! It is such a beautiful word to describe the beautiful game.