This was a match I’d been looking forward to since seeing Holland put 5 goals past Spain in their opening game. It’s also the one match we had 3 tickets for, meaning a whole family affair.
We had put ourselves within striking distance of Fortaleza – where the match was playing – by staying in Paracuru, an hour’s drive north of the city. First though was the matter of checking out of our Pousada, and after a spot of breakfast we were ready to leave.
We set off for Fortaleza – and what turned out to be a scenic drive
Our plan was to park the car at Fortaleza airport, which is close to the stadium, and take a taxi.
Fortunately there were free busses laid on by the city to the stadium!
We arrived to a small army of kids all trying to sell drinks
We dodged the young entrepreneurs and their parents, and made our way towards the stadium
We stopped for a photo outside the stadium
And made our way in
Inside, the atmosphere was heating up, and so was the temperature.
We first noticed it was especially hot on our drive in to Fortaleza. Fortunately we had put on sun screen before abandoning our vehicle. We were about to discover our seats were in the sunshine, really good seats 5 rows from the front. I hadn’t even checked the ticket and we couldn’t believe our luck!
We were surrounded by Mexican fans…
Who all stood to attention during the national anthem
And the game kicked off
It didn’t disappoint… the match and atmosphere were superb
Our new Mexican friends were sad, but we were happy – we were supporting Holland who pulled through with a 2-1 win, right at the end.
It had been an incredible game – played in 100 degree heat. So hot they gave the players two extra breaks during the game – something I’d never seen before.
We filed on out of the stadium…
Posing for photos at the airport with some Holland fans (I love Holland fans).
And then back to our car and the open road, for a 1 hour drive south to Beberibe.
We arrived at the Pousada Flamboyant Village after dark (no pictures sadly) and were warmly met by its owners Sylvana and Luca. Like the night before, we got to know them over drinks – they were super cool – and like the night before we were able to leave Eli asleep in our little bungalow while we were able to hang out.
We had an awesome evening with Sylvana and Luca – a great night!