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Published: September 28th 2011
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Warm sunshine pelted the concrete surrounding World Cup Stadium this past Saturday afternoon as hundreds of Expats came out for the
FC Seoul Annual Expat Festival. Admission to the game included a general admission ticket, a hot dog and beer for 10,000won about $8.70 CAD.
Standing inside the makeshift courtyard on the north end of the stadium enjoying a local Expats band strumming 50s swing tunes
while people-watching. Shortly we spotted "Mad Victor" standing on top of a short ladder adding spray paint to an in-progress graffiti wall. Wondering through the crowd three tents on the far side stated
Brazilian Tacos, Peruvian Rellenos and Mexican Quesadillas. Nostrils smelling sweet scents we stood in line for ten minutes until a man shouted, "I am sorry everyone but we have no more materials. We are sold out," a large smile growing on his lips.
Fifteen minutes before five o'clock strolling into the stadium to look for seats. Scanning the section above mid-field near the cheerleaders box but it was slim pickings. Down the steps our heads turning left and right looking for vacant seats but only finding people and jackets on chairs. Twice we inquired. Twice we were
denied. Moving slowly entering into the reserved seating area I stood five rows off the field. Two open seats appeared. Excusing ourselves we jostled around seated legs reaching our newly acquired seats for the game.
On the dot of five o'clock the players were introduced then scattered out across the playing field. Moments later the ball was kicked into play. Immediately FC Seoul struck out towards the Citizens goal. Within four minutes FC Seoul had scored. Fans cheering at the north end of the stadium began waving flags as red fireworks burst into the air. Hanging above our heads gigantic FC Seoul banners flapped in the small breeze. Fans around us waved banners, shouted encouragement and sang along with the cheer-squad as play continued.
Twenty-minutes into the first half and FC Seoul had scored a second time. Again red fireworks burst into the air as the north stands erupted into cheering, swaying fans their banners waving side to side. As the anger welled up inside Daejeon's goalkeeper his face an expression of anger as he yelled at his defensive squad. Halftime break came and went as we picked up our hot dogs and beers. Returning to our seats
after taking a few interior photographs of the stadium.
Eight minutes into the second half and Daejeon finally struck back with a goal of its own. Players scrambled to get the ball back into play as quickly as possible. Another fifteen minutes of play fans began cheering for any reason, a good pass, a decent block, a beautiful save by the goalie. More dancing in the stands. More banners swaying back and forth until FC Seoul struck again. Fireworks, banners, songs, cheering all over again as the lead went up by two. Unsure of what was happening the ball was set in motion. Ten minutes later with just under ten minutes to play FC Seoul struck the final nail in the coffin scoring its 4th goal of the night.
Packing it in, we gathered our belongings and made our way out of the stands praising the likes of FC Seoul and the enjoyment of watching Korean Professional Soccer also known as K-League. Laughing as we headed out the gate we paused taking snapshots of World Cup Stadium's exterior glow.
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