The
weather has been so nice these days.
Forget
about transitional jacket, I cant’t even remember when was the last time I put
on a jacket.
Seemed
like, after winter it just skipped into summer.
Been
wondering if there’s a big screen to watch the match and chill out to beat the
heat.
Belgium vs Panama (June 18, 2018 - 5 pm)
Went to Grand Place after the first goal on the second half, waiting for Prince Charming got back from work.
So excited to go out to show off my new jersey (bought and personalized it at Decathlon just two days ago).
It was such a quiet walk, nobody was around at the street.
We passed a bar and of course people were already inside and watching intensely .
When we’re walking closer to Marché aux Herbes, I suddenly felt the atmosphere. A lot of people were dressing up.. and I could hear people were cheering at Grand Place.
When we got there, had to pass security check (this is something new in Mons). People were not allowed to bring canned beer. It should be opened.
Then to my surprise.. there’s a 3-side big screen installed at the Grand Place. It was so packed full of people, I could barely see anything! Tried to move around and stuck just in front of McDonald's.
There were also drink stand for “Belgium” (Jupiler rebranded during the World Cup) for only 2 Euro, Hyundai photo booth (free), merchandise tent etc.
This year is seriously huge!
Few minutes watching, another goal for Belgium!
Final score 3-0!
Belgium
vs Tunisia (June 23, 2018 - 2 pm)
We
were late because I needed to dress up (of course). Prince Charming was waiting
impatiently.
I just put on my jersey when Belgium scored
the first goal. Another goal when I haven’t even put my lipstick!
More people at the Grand Place because it’s
weekend, including our Mayor (standing few meters away from me, wearing red
polo).
This time’s position: just in the middle of
the crowd/ center screen. Bad choice! I could see the whole match closer but it
was chaotic! After one of the goals, I got hit by a full bottle of Coke and
people were throwing and spraying beers. I was wet and sticky all over.
Final score 5-2!
Belgium vs England (June 28, 2018 - 8 pm)
I skipped an invitation for apéro before match and decided to go yoga. I told Prince
Charming to wait for me while I had a chat with my friend. Long story short.. I
was late for the match. Almost an hour late! So sorry.. you know girls,
chit-chat seemed more interesting than soccer match *grin.
Just when we passed a bar, people were going nuts over our
first goal!
Since we haven’t got dinner, we only spent few minutes at
the Grand Place and went to Bily and had burger frites (it’s like cheating
after yoga), went home and watch the replay on BBC.
Final score 1-0!
Belgium
vs Japan (July 2, 2018 - 8 pm)
Knockout
stage!
An emotional
match.
Tonight we
support both team, the country we called home for the past 13 years. So we were
thinking to watch the match from the sofa, in the comfort of our home (eventhough
it’s uncomfortably hot inside). At the beginning it’s so calm. But when the
second half just started, Japan quickly
scored 2 goals, I got panic!
Was too lazy to
go out but told myself: brace yourself, get out.. we gotta win! I mean Belgium.
So we grab our
lucky jerseys and run to Grand Place.
Along the way
people were looking at us, they probably thought we’re Japanese.
It happened again.. just within minutes we arrived, it
was Belgium’s first goal!
We easily catched up.. even the last few minutes we scored and won the match!
We just smile at the end.
Japan is also the winner, the team bowed to the
audience and picked up the trash at the stadium. Still amazed by their
attitude.
Was started to believe I’m the lucky charm, hahaha…
Final
score 3-2!
Quarter-finals: Belgium vs Brazil
(July 6, 2018 - 8 pm)
 |
| left photo from @gisele instagram |
OMG it’s Brazil!
Feeling
not so optimistic.. since they’re people’s fav.
Decided
to go out for the match, thinking it’s Friday night. Win or loose, it would be
fun anyway.
This
time we came early because I wanted to be with everyone when they sing
the national anthem.
We
noted that it’s actually better to come later, less people at security check so
no queue. Especially today, more people came to watch.
We
got a good spot just near the fountain at piétonnier. Higher
terrain, so we could see the whole screen even it’s not that close. We’re behind
the security barriers, police and gardien de la paix. The only
drawback was a teen boy next to us who didn’t seem to care watching, just shouting
and screaming and felt misplaced.
When we finally win, I got text across my social media to
congrats Belgium.. from friends in the US who just had brunch and even Mom was
still awake around 3 am back home!
We party that night and people parading through the streets.
Final score 2-1!
Semi-finals: Belgium vs France (July 10, 2018 - 8 pm)
Grey
sky and misty evening.. suddenly I felt mellow, even less optimistic.
Forced
myself and we went to Grand Place during the half-time break.. thinking we
could win.
Not
so many people and the atmosphere was so different.
Maybe
because of the weather.
People
were grumpy and scream in desperation.
We
lost today, to our next door neighbour.
On July 14, 2018 watched at home Belgium-England
(2-0), 3rd Place win and marks history as the best result for
Belgium in FIFA World Cup (while Thibaut Courtois awarded the Golden Glove as
best goalkeeper).
The next day watched the
celebration on tv.#WEAREBELGIUM
#REDTOGETHER