http://www.foxsportsworld.com/content/view?contentId=1724264 Associated Press Oct. 5, 2003 10:55 p.m. PORTLAND, Oregon (AP)— Two female streakers interrupted the Women's World Cup semifinal match between the United States and Germany on Sunday. The two women ran onto the field in the 57th minute with signs which read, "Boycott Adidas" and "Adidas Kills Kangaroos." Both were taken off the field by security. Adidas is the World Cup sponsor and the protest by a California-based animal rights group was aimed at the use of kangaroo skin in athletic shoes.
I actually thought that this delay really hurt the United States, which was breaking down Germany at this point and was about to take a free kick. It seemed that the delay gave the Germans an opportunity to rest for two or three minutes. Then, Rottenberg's magnificent goalkeeping restored their confidence, and the US was never as dangerous as they were in the first 12 minutes of the second half. Unrelated note. While I agree with the boosters of a pro women's soccer league in the US, the "Save the USA" displays, after a while, tended to diffuse the crowds' energy, which needed to be channeled to boost the national side.
I agree that this display didn't help the US side at all, it probably would have better without it. Then again anything would have been better. I was there, they weren't in drag. I have photos and I will put them up on my web site probably tonight. Although I haven't really thought about my web site going r-rated. Didn't think that would be an issues in the world cup. It was funny people weren't cheering them on, mostly it seemed that people just wanted them off the field. But there was a collected murming of "What was that?!?" But unrelated reply to unrelated note. How did the Save the WUSA (I assune you mean this and not USA), get in the way of anthing? Where was this difusing any of the crowd's energy? There were just banners and signs to try and get a message on TV or newspaper, its not like people were creating cheers, or yelling out "Save the WUSA".
Again, I think this is a minor point and I don't want to belabor it, but the energy spent by a few dedicated folks wearing black armbands or trying to coordinate displays of small "Save the WUSA" or "Boycott [whomever]" placards could have been channeled into displays, chants and signs supporting the WNT and its players. After all, the best thing for professional women's soccer in this country would have been a US victory in the WWC. I'm not knocking the pro-WUSA stuff. I have been a backer of pro women's soccer in the US, with my time, energy and wallet. I just think fans of US women's soccer should have been at the games primarily to back our team.
adidas does suck save for the Salomon arm of the company. Doubt that there any skate skiers here on BigSoccer. That would be funny though. Put me in a 10K race up at Bogus on a pair of brand new Fischers and I would destroy them. ------ I was sitting on the press box side of the stadium when the gal sitting next to me said "Look...streakers". I was all until I saw the both of 'em. It seemed like they came from the "E" side of the stadium where the temp bleachers were. No clue how they got in with their poles and how they were able to undress in the crowd. On our side of the stadium...I don't think security was at the railing. There were some on the actual ground...but I don't recollect seeing anyone at the bottom of the stairs. One of the streakers (not the big boobed one), got to run around a bit. No big suprise there since most security I've seen at various stadiums would get winded after running 10 yards. Next thing you know...the guy that was affiliated with the German team (the dude with the bad haircut) sprinted out onto the field and helped catch her.
The US and German players earned their place on that field. Two self-indulgent twits stole their time on the field, and may have altered the momentum of the match (which was swinging in the US' direction).
I was at the game, and when they ran onto the field, the audience got pretty interested. Then, when they saw that the streakers looked just like the German women that were on the field, they pretty much lost interest.
Well, I have photos from further, but showing more on my web site www.sanjosefan.com But maybe what you want is: http://www.sanjosefan.com/wwc2003/gallery_images/1005wwc_usa_germany/info/pa050108.html Although it might not be close enough. Didn't think I would have to worry about being r-rated putting up shots from the world cup on the web.
The streaker during the UEFA Cup final was better. Although the negative as that beign live, we saw all his glory.
protesters....... I was at the game, and they were headed in our direction. Do I think it "changed the momentum" of the game? Nope. Was it at all harmful? Well, I took a look over at Mia, and she was not amused. It may have broken everyone's concentration for a moment, so in that respect, I guess it was a little harmful. For BOTH teams, though. I thought it was funny...I looked below me to see the reaction on the bench, and all I saw was Mac laughing her head off. I was interested to see if she'd be mad, being she is sponsored by Adidas, but it was taken in stride. The people in Portland are very laid back, so it was no big deal. Just another day in a socially-conscious city.