Yesterday, one of my colleague asks me to accompany him to watch the game between Iraq and Korea at Bukit Jalil National Stadium. It was the 1st Semi, and the 2nd Semi would be between Japan and Saudi Arabia at My Dinh National Stadium, Hanoi. Without hesitation, I agree to watch since I can't find any kaki to watch with me for the last 3 games at the stadium. We move from the office sharp at 5:40pm and direct shoot to Bukit Jalil through the Sungai Besi toll. Stop by at McD to buy some burgers. It was raining a little bit, but nothing can stop our eager mood. The traffic was a bit heavy at Bukt Jalil and we parked far from the stadium. So, each of us took an umbrella and walk to the stadium.
Unexpectedly, there were many people over there- the Koreans, Iraqis, Arabians, Malaysians, and many more. We thought since the Malaysian Team is out of this tournament already (they played “so good” until they are out), there should be less people, but I am happy to see many fans over there. We queue up to buy the ticket, but suddenly a guy approached us whether we want to buy his ticket - Rm30 ticket for Rm10. So, we just grab the ticket and pass him Rm20 and walk quickly to the entrance since we were already late 20 mins.
Once inside the stadium, we need to put our umbrellas at one area. Then, we manage to find 2 seats in the Iraqis fan area. The environment was good, with both team fans cheering loud their National Team. Score at 1st half still nil-nil. In 2dn half, we change our sittings to Korean fans area. It is even more fantastic environment. But, I need to control, since I support Iraq, while my friend support the Koreans. The game was good, with each team attacking and defending against each other. After 90 mins, it was a scoreless draw, The game had to go into extra time for another 30mins. After extra time, the score still nil-nil and penalty shootout has to be decided. Luckily, the penalty shootout was just in front of my sitting place, and I managed to see it clearly.
Finally, after much tensions and worries among the fans, Iraq managed to win the penalty shootout. The players and fans become wild and cheering loud and louder. Overall, I had a good experience watching the match. This will be my 1st Asian Cup game at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, but who knows, maybe next time, I will watch it somewhere else. Even though the stadium with a capacity of 100k only manage to attract around 5000 fans, but the atmosphere was fantastic and great. I can't imagine if the stadium is full, for example like Emirates Stadium (yeah, I am an Arsenal die hard fan) or Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, then it will be superb. I will probably saves money and for once in my life, watch a game at the Emirates Stadium. Gone gone my Rm5000 if I manage to go.
Viva to the AFC Asian Cup 2007.
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