I am writing to you from the press gallery, about an hour before the kick off of the Costa Rica-Canada match, at the Estadio Nacional in San José. Outside. The weather is cool: 20°C.
Posted at 7:00 a.m.
A crowd leader hollers, and encourages the crowd that is gradually making its way to the bleachers to sing along.
Normally, this noise would completely prevent me from writing.
But this is not the normal time. Canada is about to qualify for the World Cup of soccer, a first since 1986. And it will have to do it in front of a swollen crowd.
I witnessed it only a few minutes ago. I was in the streets around the compound. Thousands of Costa Rican supporters were singing, dancing, cracking smoke bombs. There was an orchestra of a hundred musicians, dancers and mascots to raise the decibels and the excitement even more. They came to a head when the Costa Rican bus arrived, moving quietly, safely, while people yielded to it.
Me, I was at the top of stairs of a modest height. Even from there, I couldn’t see anything. Come on, let’s step on the fence. You still have to document the moment.
It’s crazy. A burning smell rises in my nose. They are other smokers. I am surrounded by enthusiasts. I have chills. Of happiness. To witness such synergy.
I know how good a team Canada is. Strong solidly. Mentally ready. She’s been rock solid for the previous 11 games.
But I can’t help but tell myself that John Herdman’s men won’t have it easy. Not in front of such a crowd, filled with so much energy. And of will.
Already, the trip to San José had been worth it.
And yet, the show had only just begun.