2 - 0 Malmö FF

One thing I have always wanted to experience is a fotboll game in Europe (that's soccer to the rest of you Americans). I have always been fascinated with the crowd interaction at European games. Of course, I hoped that if I ever did get a chance to go to a game in Europe, there would be more singing and flag waving and less cursing, rioting, and molotov cocktail throwing. I am pleased to say that yes I went and the home team won!

The game was Monday night and after having our stuff delivered to the house that morning, I was ready for some relaxing. I attended a Sweden Networking lecture about a week ago, and after the lecture the speaker introduced himself to me. We joked that I was a little out of place since I am one of just a couple of men in the Family Forum group with the ESS. I was in fact the only male in attendance that day so it was fitting. We chatted for a few minute,s and my like for soccer came up. He then made the suggestion that I should join him for a Malmö FF game that was coming up on Monday. Of course, I said YES! So here is a little recap.

Micael met me at the bus stop in Malmö, and we walked to the game. We arrived in enough time to grab a hamburger and a cold one before kickoff at the sports bar outside the stadium, O'Lealry's. Here are some pictures of the "new" stadium. This is the third season that they have been in the stadium. Compared to US stadiums it is rather small, I believe it holds somewhere around the 23,000 range. It was much different than walking into Neyland Stadium to watch the VOLS play an SEC game that's for sure. And don't any of you haters say it's because the home team won. GO VOLS!!!

After a quick bite we made our way into the stadium. Here is something you don't see in the states, betting at the stadium. I guess one of the ways it works is that you can bet on a win and by how many goals each team is going to score. I have never been much of a gambler, but maybe next time I'll give it a try.

We then made our way to our seats. Micael had arranged for the tickets and did a wonderful job, midfield and two rows up, not too shabby. Here are some pics of the game. In case you wonder about the sprinklers (like I did) it is common in the Swedish league for the home team to wet the vistors' side of the field that they will be defending in the second half. It is meant to give the home team a faster pitch to play on for the second half. Those sneaky Swedes!

At the end of the game it is custom for Malmö FF to thank their adoring fans for their loyalty and support during the game. Here are a few of videos of the fans that I managed to get during the game.

I had an amazing time! The crowd was in it the whole game, and I didn't get hit with anything or by anyone. I call that a win, win, win! Big thanks to Micael for inviting me to the game and showing me how they do fotboll, Swedish style!

I hope to go to several more games this season and in the years to come. I'll have to keep you all updated as to who my favorite Swedish team and players are. Hej då!