Parade Day Opening Ceremonies and FIRST GAME

The teams of the HWC gathered on the walking avenue preparing for the parade of nations. Performers were intermixed with the teams, clowns, stilt walkers, jumpers, jugglers, and unicycles. There must have been a million cameras in action as the teams sang their national songs and soccer songs. Then the firecrackers announced the beginning of the parade and the march began.

The parade circled the venue and as the teams approached the crowds cheered and the players entered the main field. Tommi and Janne represented Suomi carrying the flag and the national sign. The rest of the team headed to the reserved stands for the opening ceremonies. Once in the stands, there was plenty of action. Tournament t shirts were distributed and were a welcome source of shading their heads from the strong sun. ( Yes we are now using plenty of sunscreen.) Then the entertainment began with the traditional Mariachi band and dancers in traditional dress. A young entertainer then took the stage to sing some songs that all the players seemed to know. (this blog writer has no clue as to the songs). It was amazing to watch the players from all different countries singing along and dancing in the aisles. Finally the official speeches from the dignitaries from a UN representative to the Mayor of Mexico City to Mel Young the founder of the Homeless World Cup. The Mexican woman goalkeeper accepted the challenge of letting the dignitaries try to score a goal. Finally with fireworks in red green and white the games began. Mexico faced South Africa in a fast paced game. Finland made their way to the Gran Hotel for a delicious lunch and some cool air.

Game time was soon approaching, so it was back to the venue to dress for the game, find the practice field and then to the main stadium for Finland's first game of the tournament. The national anthems are played at the first game, the players greet each other and the refs and then the action begins. (As I am busy video taping the game I don't have any action shots this time) What a nervous first half! But then the guys realized that they could use some of the tactics they had been practicing and they were able to outscore  the Swiss team for a final score of 5 - 3. Hyvää Suomi! There were several Finnish flags spotted in the stands supporting our team, thanks!