Rain, cold does little to dampen stadium spirits

Soccer fans braved one of the coldest and wettest days of the year to watch Italy take on Paraguay in the second 2010 FIFA World Cup™ match to be played at Cape Town Stadium on Monday night.

Pouring rain and a temperature of only 8 degrees Centigrade did little to dampen the spirits of the 62,869 spectators, most of whom appeared to be supporting Italy.

The match produced the first two World Cup™ goals to be scored at the new stadium.

Fans also mostly respected the request that vuvuzelas not be blasted during the teams' national anthems.

Paraguay dominated the first half, and the contingent of supporters, brightly decked out in red, white and blue attire, erupted with elation when Paraguay scored first. However, an initial lacklustre Italy came back to dominate the second half, managing to equalise, but failing to capitalise on a few more opportunities to score.

Heavy rain at times appeared to affect the teams, with an Italian fan later complaining that the conditions were not conducive to a good game.

"How can you play properly when it's raining like that. It must be very difficult for them on the pitch," he complained.

However, others noted that the noise levels in the stadium were generally higher than the France/Uruguay game, and the Mexican waves certainly were more spirited.

A Paraguayan supporter said in broken English that the overall experience was good, and she had enjoyed her time in Cape Town so far. "It's very beautiful, and everything seems to be working well, but you can't help the weather," she said.

The adverse weather also seemed to affect stallholders along the Fan Walk, but many of the restaurants and pubs along the route provided welcome relief and sustenance to those walking to the stadium.

One trader along the route, Michelle Gradwell, had the foresight to factor in the Cape's winter weather, and designed ponchos in different team colours. Made of waterproof fabric and complete with hoods, she said she expected to do a roaring trade. "I thought to myself beforehand, what would fans need, and I realised it would be during winter, so I made up a sample and then had a lot manufactured. They are really unique," she said.

Police were in attendance following an internal pay dispute between the security guards and their operator, which resulted in security officials walking out. Stadium safety and operations were not compromised.