Yes, We can!!

I went to a biergarten yesterday with a contingent of other Americans - some of whom I got to know here in Marburg and others from Millersville - to watch the US vs. Algeria game of the World Cup. It was the last game in the qualifying round, and surprisingly the US was playing well this year. Normally, we are considered a poor team against the likes of other, "soccer" nations. But we were gifted a goal in our first game against England, and since, we're really picked up our game. If it wouldn't have been for that freebie goal from our good friends across the pond, we wouldn't be where we are now.

Anyhow...we went to the biergarten, and the game ran it's course of 90 minutes. Neither Algeria nor the US scored a goal in the whole game (Well, I lie. We scored a goal, but the ref wouldn't count it for the US - "offsides..."). But because of procedural stuff during the game, playtime was extended another four minutes. And then it happened!



In the first minute of additional playtime, the US scores a goal! The Americans erupted when they saw it happen. (Some beer might have gone flying too...) Screaming, shouting, clapping, laughter...it was great. It was a good moment to be an American. I was even a bit proud. Yes, we can!! The guy running the biergarten started to play "Born in the USA" a few moments after the goal - and the Americans started to join in with the chorus.

Good times. Good times. The Germans take the World Cup very seriously. They hosted it last time in 2006 and since then, they have been very patriotic about their country in matters of soccer. Last night, Germany played against Ghana. They scored too, so that means they'll advance to the next round. I went with Julia to watch the game at one of her friend's house, and we had a great time there as well. Julia and I had to take the bus to head back to Marburg, and the city was chaotic. Downtown was shut and the streets were blocked off - people were hanging out of car windows, waving German flags, blowing Vuvuzelas, playing bullhorns. Car horns honking, people screaming. You name, it was happening. Julia and I were waiting for her bus at the train station when we heard a car put on its breaks for the red light. It lost control and skidded onto the curb - sparks and all. Julia and I decided it was safer to move ourselves from the edge of the street back closer to a restaurant beside the train station. Along come the police after few minutes later to do whatever it is that they do when that happens. It looked like so many laws were being broken, the police just gave up and left it happen!

It was a good day - a US and German victory. Wouldn't it be ironic if we both proceeded to the finale?!