My friend Abdulla from motorsouq.ae encouraged me to watch this match. So I spent the evening of 19th December watching football in Abu Dhabi. And taking pictures. Lots.
It was the first Football World Cup I have watched live. While you can see very good pictures of the game on the internet and in the newspapers - the pictures below are to share my experience of being there among the chanting, cheering, passionate fans of the game.
It was a new experience - and I was lucky to be sitting right next to the RCA Argentina fans. They had what you call the sports spirit. And it was sad to see them head back home without victory.
Barcelona played a consistently powerful game, dominating the offensive. RCA defended very well but spent more time in its own side trying to save goals. Barcelona moved like lightening most of the time, and the passing and teamwork was extraordinary.
Made me wish that in real life, people played so well as a team too.
The Sheikh Zayed Sports Stadium - venue of the FIFA Club Football World Cup 2009 - Final match
The FIFA Club Football World Cup 2009 - Final match was sold out according to the sign
Abu Dhabi Police on duty to ensure football fans' safety
Volunteers at the FIFA Club Football World Cup 2009
Medics doing their rounds at the FIFA Club Football World Cup 2009 - Final match
Workers and staff working behind the scenes to make the event a success
Information staff helping fans find their way around the stadium
Fans arrive all geared up for action in an Abu Dhabi public bus
Once a fan, always a fan...
Isn't that the sweetest fan - loyal RCA supporter!
The best seat in the house - view from the top
Stepping in for the FIFA Club Football World Cup 2009
Now that's what you call a real fan
This guy's a real fan too... he's the one who was on the RCA drums
Watching foootball is serious business for the die-hard fans
Football is fun for fans too - games in the Fan Zone
Ready to throw in a fresh ball if one goes out of the field
Running around to make sure viewers around the world can see the match
For a world-class match like the FIFA Club Football World Cup, this is the kind of a beast that is used for the live coverage - I'd love to try it out some day
One needs a huge lens for sports coverage - the lens has its own stand
Look at all that photography equipment... and a seat to boot
Local Emirati fan captures a moment
A volunteer helps the audience locate their seats
The stadium is packed with fans ready to watch their favourite teams
Argentina supporters were all over the place
What a view - so many football lovers gathered in one place
Argentina supporters cheer their team
War drums were on the house
Go RCA!
Look at that support!
They had their act together - you heard these guys from anywhere in the stadium
A blurry but magical moment - wearing his team's colours on his cheeks
Local fans raise their hands for their team - Barcelona
I just couldn't miss this slogan, being the advertising guy that I am
Spotted some cool beards (like mine) in the crowd
See - isn't that a cool beard?
Football on his mind...
The closing ceremony of the FIFA Club Football World Cup 2009
The closing ceremony of the FIFA Club Football World Cup 2009
The closing ceremony of the FIFA Club Football World Cup 2009
The one face that I will remember from my visit to the FIFA Club World Cup Final Abu Dhabi, UAE. I asked him for his email but he was too disappointed to have a conversation after the match.
Next time, my friend. Just keep up that spirit. Football is nothing without crazy, passionate fans...
2 comments:
Assalamualaikum I'm not arab i am Muslim and Malaysia
Wa Aleikum As Salam Aaron - welcome and thanks for letting us know.
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