World Cup Moments | The Scribblings of Robs

World Cup Moments

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30 Jun 2010

Paul: The Oracle Octopus

Latest Prediction:

There are now several pschic creatures trying to carve the niche in the world but according to CNN, the famous Paul has called Spain to win the World Cup final in Jozi on Sunday. I love that squid!

Go Spain!

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I was a little early for a meeting this morning so I read the paper… how old school right? It seems Papers have got a bit strange since my last encounter… clearly there were no modern-day pirates or assisted trespassers popping into English dressing rooms. Anyway this slow news day is how I found out about Paul.

Germany has placed their betting faith in a soothsaying Octopus. Yes you read right. That does say Octopus.

Paul The Octopus has correctly predicted all of Germanys World Cup match results, including their win over England and Serbias upset over Germany.

He is offered two boxes, each containing exactly the same food. One box the German flag on it and the other, the flag of their opponents.

Good news is that he picked Germany to win against Argentina after an agonizing 45 minute decision process. This apparently indicates it will come down to penalties.

I love Argentinas colours but I’ll go with Paul on this one. Let’s face it, you’re just not living unless you can say you’ve taken advice from an Octopus.

I got a bit squeamish when I watched it because it has 8 legs ( spider-phobia ) but for the purposes of bringing random, quirky, happy things into your life , here is the vid
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17 Jun 2010

BP Adverts: Unite The Nation

I came across these yesterday.

Since BP has been pumping oil into the ocean at a furious rate and dealing with a PR nightmare far worse than anything Janet Jackson could’ve worn ( or not worn), people have forgotten that they are in fact an official sponsor of the 2010 World Cup. Pity they went and made this mess, as these ads have been severely overshadowed.

Their Unite The Nation adverts are aimed at South African soccer fans and depict several unlikely teams facing off against one another. They have won several awards and I think they’re brilliant, especially the banners of support for Team Car Guard.

Well done Ogilvy SA.

Very Sharp

The Car Guards vs. The Boyties

Watch it here

The Taxi Drivers vs The Divas

The Mama’s vs. The Cafe Owners
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17 Jun 2010

Kulula Helps Dry Our Eyes

South Africa definitely has a unique sense of humour! Hosting the World Cup, discovering Gees and dealing with FIFA’s rules, regulations and ridiculousness left agencies ample opportunities to come up with hilarious ads.

Kulula has been quick to capitalise, especially handing out tissues to heartbroken Bafana supporters on their flights, following Bafana’s defeat 3-0 against Uruguay last night. I was at the Waterfront and after that first goal from Forlan, a deathly hush fell over the entire venue. In fact, I still have not heard a Vuvuzela today.

Kulula are not Negative Nancys, they were prepared for both outcomes. There is also a pack for when Bafana win,to wipe away the Tears of Joy. Let’s hope that pack appears on flights after Bafana’s clash against France on 22 June.
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14 Jun 2010

Vuvuzela: I Vote Stay

To be honest I didn’t even know what a vuvuzela was until a few months ago and now suddenly every other street corner in South Africa is equipped with it’s own flag, smiling local and of course a trumpeting Vuvuzela.

It’s even trending on Twitter.

I love this passionate display of patriotism that is rocking our country.

Trust me I was one of the last to be convinced about FIFA and the World Cup.FIFIA hijacking South Africa was and still is annoying me, but I am really overwhelmed by the positive spirit surging through South Africans.

I hope this Proudly South African , we’re going to show the world attitude is going to stick.

There is tons of controversy surrounding the plastic horn ( whose origins are disputed) but I want it to stay. Sure it’s noisy, but that didn’t stop Germany kicking off their World Cup campaign with a stunning 4 goal win against Australia did it? So certain European teams might want to rethink using it as a convenient scapegoat ( cough cough France).

The British Media has been far less than complimentary in their coverage about South Africa in the run up to the World Cup ( their SA correspondent is a twit) problems with the official ball, the pitches being too level, the vuvuzelas … in fact according to them we have done little right. There was even talk of Germany coming to our rescue and hosting it there, as poor South Africa was sure to fail.

So hearing dear Eamonn and his crew moaning about the Vuvuzelas this morning made me want to wrap a few up and send them straight to the Sky News studio with fondest love and compliments.

Because I sat in a venue and watched the opening game with South Africans I didn’t know, sang our anthem with them, cried with them, was moved, celebrated madly when Tshabalala scored and drove home thinking wouldn’t it be awesome if we surprise the world and make it through? And I did all of this to the soundtrack of vuvuzelas.. even on the drive home kids were lining the streets with painted faces, smiling and blowing them at passing cars.

I know I wasn’t the only South African to have a moment like this.

South Africans needed a little hope in their lives. So if it takes a month of listening to a couple of noisy horns to bring our country together, then they’re welcome to stay.

Frankly I would also much rather hear the Vuvuzelas than the charming slurs and abuse that some English fans come up with … against their own players. We can do without idiots wishing that players kids get cancer, thanks. Here in Africa, we have hearts.

Germany gave the World military precision and impressive football.

South Africa is giving the World an experience and smiling faces.

I know which of the two I would rather have, do you?

As BBC sports commentator Farayi Mungazi stated in defense of the Vuvuzela ” There is no point in taking the World Cup to Africa and then trying to give it a European feel.”

I really wish you were all here to feel the Pride, Love, Patriotism and the Hope.

Ps Thanks To Angel Campey for the pic of the Madly Patriotic Car
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