Rustic Rustenberg - England vs. U.S.A.

RUSTENBERG - I'm standing here in the shadow of Royal Bafokeng Stadium, awaiting today's showdown between ...

Well, that's all I got. And I copied from a radio guy who was practising his introduction outside the bathroom. But then he wandered away, so I'm left with nothing.

The stadium is impressive - rising out of the lonely veld (don't steal that, American radio guy, I'll be listening). Got a chance to take a look at the countryside for the first time today on our three hour drive out west. 

Wisely, we hired a local driver. Otherwise, the car would've been swallowed by one of the truly horriffic potholes. Or we could have hit one of the many pedestrians walking - walking, not running, not jogging - across the highways between cars. Or ended up sideswiping the careening mini pick-up that had a pair of matresses strapped to the cab - with two guys lying on top and hanging on for dear life. This is not a driver's paradise.

To get to the stadium, you have drive through the centre of Rustenberg proper. Very few English and/or American fans on hand, it would seem. And those who are here seem unusually subdued. Too many scary stories heard, one imagines. 

Security - which has been a smiling shambles - the usual. Four chattering young women rummaging through your bag to little effect, and then passing you through. At the opener, they were putting people through metal detectors and passing bags around the metal detectors. Curious.

The whole atmosphere is jarring after yesterday's euphoric opener - a little bit downbeat.

Sun going down as I write. Temperature dropping quickly as well. South Africa generally confounds the seasonal dresser - absolutely frigid in the mornings and evenings, and very hot during the day.

For now, enjoying watching Leo Messi run wild against Nigeria - though without a final product to show for it yet. Who's doubting Argentina now?

C.K.

Update @ 6:45 p.m. local time: The Globe's Steve Brunt just arrived at the press centre after a five-hour road odyssey from Jo'burg. He got taken in through the main toll road - and the toll booths were completely swamped. A 10 km back-up on the highway. Thank God for our man beyond the wheel, Fana.

"And not a cop in sight," Brunt says.

It's going to be fun getting out of here.

Comments

[Bill Taylor]

Argentina looked VERY doubtful, Cathal. They played some pretty football but to little avail after that early goal. And their defence is about as watertight as the Titanic. Nigeria were unlucky not come away with a draw. Messi? A bit sloppy on this showing.

[C.K.]

Bill, I can see that you're talking. But all I can hear is - 'France, France, France, France.'