Congratulation Italy

Congratulation to the Italian football team in winning the FIFA World Cup 2006. If you look at how Italy win the Final, it's kind of ironic. In 1994, Italy lose the Final to Brazil on a penalty shoot out. The universe is now in balance that they finally win the Final on a penalty shootout. In the 7th minute of the game, Zinédine Zidane hit the penalty shot to the cross bar and the ball bounce IN across the goal line. In the penalty shootout, David Trézéguet hit the penalty shot to the cross bar and the ball bounce ON the goal line and didn't cross the goal line. Well, sometimes, luck and help you and sometime it can go against you. Overall, it was a very well played game by both teams, but it is difficult to see Zidane's professional career have to end like this. Also difficult to see is the World Cup have to be decided on a penalty shootout.

I watched the game in the Rio Theatre in the corner of Commerical Drive and E Broadway. The venue is part of Soccerio event organized by the Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club. Proceed from the admission goes to SOS Children Village charity. Eventhough I have get there 2 hours before the game start in order to secure tickets and seats in the theatre, it was well worth the wait. The alternative is to jam into a standing room only cafe with little ventilation. Althought it is close to where everyone is celebrating after the game, I have made a right decision in choosing to watch the game in the theatre.

After the game, my friend and I walk along Commerical Drive. The police have already closed down the street between E 1st Avenue and Venable St. There was this one dump truck that drove along E 1st Ave with a truck load of Italian fans waving Italian flags. Outside Cafe Roma, people are dancing on top of cars, pickups, SUV. Luckily I didn't park there. People gather around a hand made World Cup trophy made from a shopping cart, some recycle paper, and gold wrap. They are dancing, waving flags, playing football. It was quite some celebration.

Vancouver is such a great place to watch international football tournament. You have all the different ethnic community gather in the sports bar to watch the game. Even though they cheer for different teams, they can still start up a conversation without getting into a fight. After the game fans celebrate the joy of victory while the fans for the losing team wait for their turn for celebration next time. This is what make watching the World Cup on Commerical Drive so enjoyable.