Warming Up

To commemorate the 150th (!!) entry on this blog today (although the "official count" is close to 200 entries), & also by way of looking back at the 2010 Soccer World Cup, which is "winding" down, here is some paraphernalia = a by now famous vuvuzela, a FIFA bus-parking-pass & entrance tickets to the various World Cup soccer matches I was privileged to attend.

At various Fan-Fest locations, revellers are treated to musical or cultural "entrees" before the soccer action is transmitted on a large screen - as is the case at this venue = the Piazza at Melrose Arch.


Warming up isn't only a matter of "setting the mood" for fans, but actually takes place on the soccer pitch in front of enthusiastic vuvu-blowing crowds
(= the by now "long-departed" England team).



The "heroic" soccer team from Ghana warming up - heroic, because they were the last "standing" team from Africa.






The referees also "warm up" before a soccer match.








ditto - another group of refs.










ditto Zakumi (= the by now well-known 2010 World Cup mascot).









During intervals (= half-time) a group of young dancers "grace" the sidelines.








The Mexico team warming up "in tandem".








Maradona's by now departed team - to the tune of: Don't cry for me Argentina!?




Before each soccer game, the official 2010 World Cup WakaWaka song is performed by Shakira (on the big screens):
Ooooeeeeeeeehhhh
You're a good soldier
Choosing your battles
Pick yourself up
And dust yourself off
And back in the saddle, etc, etc.

[By the way - WAKA means: DO IT]

This song is performed "in collaboration" with the South African band Freshlyground.