Aussie Aussie Aussie
Cafune and I were looking for a nice place to have dinner and watch the game. So we walked to Kichijoji and the first place we found was The Peppamint Cafe. The friendly waitress was out the front and invited us in. I was the only Aussie in the whole place, everyone else was a 100% Japan supporter.
The restaurant slowly filled up, and we ended up sharing our table with six young, vocal Japanese.
When Japan scored their first goal the whlole room went crazy, and I was left with my head in my hands. Of course all the commentating was in Japanese so I didn’t even realize their goal had been disputed. The others at my table were saying “We’re sorry for beating you this time”.
Anyway, we continued ordering more delicious Thai food, and more beers, and cheering on the Aussie boys in their first World Cup final in 32 years.
Then Australia did it. They scored their first goal in a World Cup final, ever! I stood out of my chair, and threw my hands into the air. And just minutes later, Cahill did it again, scoring another ripper and getting me out of my seat once more. The Japanese crowd started to look nervous. Cigarettes started lighting up, beers were frantically ordered, and people were saying “it’s not over yet, it’s not over yet”.
Finally, Australia kicked the goal now known as “the icing on the cake”, I realized Japan wasn’t going to come back, and with a huge grin on my face tried to remain calm enough not to ruin my warm welcome. After that third goal, it seemed like every Japanese fan lit up a cigarette and sucked that nicotine down as hard and fast as they could to calm their nerves. Many drunk Japanese supporters came up to me, shook my hand, and said congratulations, as if I was the one who kicked all three goals. But it was a really nice feeling, being in Tokyo when Australia won their first World Cup finals game, ever!
Brazil, here we come!
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