FIFA World Cup Fan Fest Experience

(ATR) For the thousands gathered at Cape Town's FIFA World Cup Fan Fest, Spain's hard-fought 1-0 win over Germany in tonight's semi-final was the right result.

Around three-quarters of the hordes of football fans who descended on Grand Parade in the heart of The Mother City appeared to be South Africans supporting Spain, the Euro 2008 champions.

Many were wrapped in the red and gold colours of Spain, some with their faces painted and others sporting outrageous red wigs; quite a few people blended all three.

But it was hard to spot any native Spanish supporters, with many travelling to Durban to watch the match either at Moses MabhidaStadium or in the city's bars. Genuine Germany fans were also conspicuous by their absence.

No matter. South African or not, the thousands who congregated at one of the most popular fan park locations of World Cup 2010 were in good cheer and determined to create a carnival atmosphere.

They didn't quite manage it on a cold winter's night in Cape Town but the chorus of vuvuzelas every time Spain looked like scoring was a constant reminder of who they wanted to win.

Fans could follow all the action on 70 square-meter main screen and three smaller screens located elsewhere in the park.

When Carles Puyol's powerful header from a corner hit the back of the net 17 minutes from time to secure Spain's first ever World Cup final appearance, there was an almighty roar heard across the huge fan park. The scoreline was a repeat of their victory over Joachim Low's side at the Austria-Switzerland tournament that won them the Euro 2008 crown.

World Cup underachievers Spain dominated possession and had more tricks in their locker than Germany, who were hoping to reach the FIFA final for the eighth time.

Spain play the Netherlands in Sunday's final at Soccer City in Johannesburg. The Dutch who beat Uruguay 3-2 last night are also bidding to be crowned world champions for the first time after missing out to West Germany in 1974 and Argentina in 1978.

Fans told Around the Rings they enjoyed the relaxed, fun atmosphere at the venue, which is at the foot of Table Mountain, in front of the City Hall and next to the Historic Castle of Good Hope.

After spending 27 years behind bars under the apartheid regime, it was the place where Nelson Mandela addressed his fellow South Africans as a free man in February 1990.

"It's a good atmosphere. Everything is very spread out and it is well priced... I thought it would be more expensive," said Roz, a citizen of Cape Town rooting for Spain.

Another fan said it had a "nice vibe".

The Cape Town FIFA Fan Fest, like the other nine in the World Cup host cities, is not ticketed and free to get in. It is also an alcohol-free zone.

There were eight channels for people to enter the fan park but 30 minutes before the match there were no queues and after security checks on bags and pat downs fans gained quick entry.

Coca-Cola is presenting the Fan Fest experience, with support coming from sponsors Neo Africa, MTN and SABC, the official broadcaster. All four had branded marquees at the venue, while FIFA Partner Visa also had a lower-profile presence.

The giant screen hung above the main stage which has been the focal point for pre-match entertainment and half-time promotions on match days.

South African artists such as Goldfish and K'naan are among the artists who have featured in the 100-plus performances staged at the Fan Fest during the month-long tournament. In that time, Cape Town's Green Point Stadium has hosted eight matches.

More than 1,000 people can also be accommodate in a grandstand that divides the fan park in two. On the other side are benches and tables and two smaller screens behind which are food and beverage refreshment stands sponsored by Coca-Cola, whose slogan "Open happiness" was everywhere.

Food is not exorbitantly priced but not cheap either - a Malay chicken curry meal costs 35 rand ($4.60) and a pie 15 rand ($2). A Coke is 12 rand ($1.60).

Other attractions at the fan park include an official fan shop, a South African craft market selling handmade football souvenirs, a Chill Zone as well as interactive activity zones, including 5-a-side soccer pitches.

If you weren't sure there was football to be watched, an emcee blasted announcements hyping the Spain v Germany clash. Adverts for the Fan Fest sponsors also formed part of the big-screen preview package.

The official World Cup anthem, Shakira/Freshlyground's Waka Waka, along with South African favourite K'Naan's Waving Flag, were among the songs targeting the many youngsters present with their familities and pepped up the atmosphere before, during and after the match.

"Time to wave your flags", urged the emcee, "Now let's get this thing going Cape Town."

The FIFA Fan Fest is a well-organised concept that has blossomed since it launched at the Germany 2006 World Cup. The Cape Town venue even has its own website, an offshoot of FIFA.com.

Cape Town's locals thought the city had done a good job, and noted a little surprise at how well everything had come together for the World Cup in South Africa as a whole.

South African football fan Ruan said: "Everything has worked so well and we didn't expect it to."

Roz said she started out a sceptic. "I didn't think it would be pulled off... a first-class, world-standard event. I was worried about the transport and the stadiums.

"I am very proud of my country," she added.

With only two matches remaining in the World Cup, the third-fourth place play-off on Friday and Sunday's final, Cape Town's Fan Fest has plenty more to offer in the next few days.

By INSIDER editor Mark Bisson in Cape Town

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