On Tuesday we started off by going to Menlyn Park shopping centre in Pretoria, before we made our way to the hallowed turf of Loftus to watch the second round clash between Japan and Paraguay – obviously it is my favourite stadium in the world as it is home to the Bulls. Driving to Pretoria it struck us for the first time how different Pretoria is to Jozi. There are so many more trees and the quieter nature gives it a much more peacful feel compared to Johannesburg.

It’s only been 2 years since we were last at Loftus, but boy has it changed. It was orignally built in 1923, and much of the structure is still the same. Old concrete hallways dominate the architecture, but there have been some major improvements, including the seats, and the addition of the roof on the far grandstand.

You can even see Union Buildings (office of the President) in the background.

Sanjay with some art along the road	Rheanna and Zakumi
Hallowed Loftus	Sanjay in his beloved Loftus

Pretoria Union Buildings from Loftus	Crazy fans at Loftus - no, Bafana Bafana weren't playing

I had told Rheanna I wanted to see penalties, (and we were lucky enough?) which we got after the game and extra-time ended in a 0-0 draw.

Unfortunately Japan came out on the losing end after their third penalty taker hit the crossbar.

Japan vs Paraguay	Loftus at night
Japan vs Paraguay - he's going to miss it	Japan vs Paraguay - he missed that one too