World Cup Diary - Day 3

Day 3

It was our first full day in Germany and with the hosts kicking off the tournament that afternoon Frankfurt was alive with fans from all over the globe. But the day started off with a meeting with some one from England. Down in the car park hotel we bumped into actor Ray Winston. The lovable cockney was in town working for the F.A. as an ambassador. We got a quick photo and then moved onto the main square in Frankfurt centre.

Me, David, Ray and Chris

With in two minutes of being in the centre, even early in the morning it was clear that the invasion of England fans had begun, every second person being an England fan. Flags were erected in the square and with television crews everywhere everyone was having a great time.

With the Nationwide bus and Nationwide flag in the square the atmosphere was building and it was great to see it being all friendly.

Me, David and Chris on the Nationwide bus

Midday we moved away from the centre and down to the focal point of the football in Frankfurt, the Fan Zone by the river Main.

The Fan Zone consisted of bars and eating areas along both sides of the river, the variety was wide with almost every nation at the competition having a stall. The focal point of the Fan Zone was a massive screen situated in the middle of the river. Either side of the river bank were temporary stands to house the thousands of supporters who would get one of the best viewing experiences of the opening game of the tournament.

The Fan Zone was packed before the opening game so it was a small bar on the Fan Zone for us. The German fans who watched the game in the bar with us were very nervous but by full time they were in a jubilant mood after a great start to the tournament.

The Fan Zone with the big screen on the river

Frankfurt was alive that night with all sets of fans getting along and enjoying a wonderful city. The next day would see the invasion of England fans in Germany at its peak for the England v Paraguay match.