Game Day: Republic of Ireland vs Italy

We went on a bus tour of Lille Wednesday afternoon. It was nice to be driven around to see all the old Flemish buildings from a higher vantage point. We had some time to kill before the game at 9 pm. anyway.

The stadium is about the size of BC Place

 We left for the game about 6:30 pm. The route to the stadium was easier than some places we've been - just at the end of the Metro line then a short walk. Unfortunately all the Irish supporters knew this too. The line up just to get down to the Metro was horrendous - not just loud with boisterous singing but cramped and hot. I remember thinking, "This is how people get trampled to death." However it was just 'Skytrain rush hour' busy when we actually got on the train except the humidity seemed about 100%.






They were not selling alcohol in the stadium or on the grounds outside.  The Irish supporters were aware of this too; they were milling around with their bottles of beer just outside the gates.

Laurie said that of all the games he has been too, this game had the best supporter atmosphere - he is including the outstanding fans at the Korea game he went to in Germany 2006. Although the attendees at this game were roughly evenly divided between blue shirts (Italy) and green shirts (Ireland) the green shirts dominated entirely. They stood the entire time and sang and sang and sang. Not just the usual cheers but words to an Irish rebel song were projected on the Jumbotron T.V. and everyone sung along. The score for those that don't follow these things was 1-0 for the Irish.















For those that would like to save a bundle of money but still sample the EUFA Cup experience:
1. Get 15 of your friends and relations to come over; specify that they wear something green (anything will do, it could be curtains)
2. Issue each person 6 beer on arrival and tell him (or her) "He (or she) has 10 minutes to get it down. The games about to start."
3. Run the shower in the bathroom for 10 minutes with the door closed.
4. Have some warm-up clapping exercises and cheers - "Stand up for the boys in green"; Oh lay, oh lay, oh lay"; that creepy one by the White Stripes called Seven Nation Army that Mateo had memorized at two. Emphasize loudness and coordination of hopping and fist pumps
5. Herd everyone into the bathroom
6. Set the t.v. in the hall outside the bathroom and have fun!