Port Elizabeth: MyPE - Dear Netherlands Please Don't Qualify for the Final

www.MyPE.co.za: Tears of disappointment flowed down the faces of many yellow-clad supporters after the Netherlands won the much anticipated quarterfinal match in Port Elizabeth 2 - 1 against Brazil on Friday 2 July.

Geert Wijngaardt, a 32-year-old engineer from Amsterdam, said he was astonished as well as ecstatic at his team's victory. "I honestly expected the Brazilians to finish us off. They had been the most feared team; how they lost is something I still cannot comprehend."

Coming to South Africa had been a huge experience but he would return for a family holiday, Wijngaardt said. "And Port Elizabeth has been, without a doubt, my favourite destination so far."

He particularly enjoyed watching the game on the big screen at St George's Park. "The atmosphere was simply magnificent and sharing this special moment with this crowd is something I will treasure forever."

Preceding the match the Netherlands Supporters sea of orange supporters walked from the St Georges Park, Port Elizabeth Fan Fest down Albany Road, and along Govan Mbeki Avenue to the Stadium to attend the match.

A Sea of Orange wends it's way along Govan Mbeki Avenue, Port Elizabeth

MyPE joined the citizens of Port Elizabeth on the Albany Road pedestrian bridge to watch the spectacle.

What a sight we observed as thousands of supporters marched past in traditional gear, we spotted Miss Orange World Cup 2010, Kaaskop Vuvuzela and more all accompanied by police on foot, in vehicles, mounted and in the SAPS Chopper. We feel it was mighty generous of the SAPS to turn a blind eye to the drinking in public that was going on and even allowing weary marchers to cadge a lift in their vehicles.

BUT, the most special spine chilling moment for me was reserved for when the vanguard of the SAPS and Mounted policemen went by under the Albany Road Bridge and the citizens present spontaneously called out messages of congratulations and encouragement to the SAPS members, thanking them for giving up their time and families to help ensure that the World Cup is a success and incident free in Port Elizabeth.

What an incredible feeling it was to be part of this outpouring of love for our men and women in blue - I get goosebumps just recounting the incident.

So, for entirely selfish reasons and with my deepest apologies to the Netherlands Soccer Team; "Please Guys, Port Elizabeth needs you to lose against Uruguay in Cape Town on Tuesday 6 July as that will put you in the playoff for 3rd and 4th place back in Port Elizabeth on 10 July against Germany or Spain. If that happens then I can once again feel that immense sense of pride and love. Thank You."

Images from the Netherlands Supporters March.

Entrance is free.

Fan Fest prohibited items: Weapons, Bottles, Cups, Jugs, Cans, Recording of sound or images is only allowed for private use, Alcohol, Drugs, Racist or Xenophobic material, Banners or Flags larger than 2m x 1.5m, Motorcycle Helmets, Objects which could compromise public safety, Food, Drink, Gas Spray Cans, Corrosives or anything that could cause a fire, Fireworks, Megaphones, Hooters, Gas Powered Horns (Vuvuzelas ARE Allowed), Selling of Goods or Tickets, Animals, Promotional or Commercial Material.

Venue Conduct: Arrive at least 2 hours early, Co-operate during security inspections and body checks, Stay out of restricted areas, Keep all emergency entrances and exits clear at all times.

Send your images from the Port Elizabeth Fan Fest to alan[at]mype.co.za.

Submit your images and article from your host city fan fest to www.MyZA.co.za HERE.

2010 FIFA World Cup Port Elizabeth Contact | Port Elizabeth Fifa Fan Fest Images.