Cape Town — Tens of thousands of fans gathered in cold and unfriendly Cape Town winter weather on Monday to witness the defending World Cup champions, Italy, play against the South American team, Paraguay, at the Green Point stadium.

Despite the freezing rain, fans created a lively, celebratory atmosphere and colourful scenes in their impressive Italian and Paraguayan jerseys. Some had national flags draped across their backs and their faces painted in their national colours. The blaring sounds of the infamous vuvuzelas filled the stadium with excitement.

Italian fans were crushed when their opponents took the lead, 1-0, in the first half with a goal by Antolin Alcaraz in the 39th minute. This was a major upset – and thus a wake-up call – for the holders of the 2006 FIFA World Cup title.

There was a spectacular turnaround in the second half, when the Italians came back smoking and broke the deadlock with an equaliser, scored by Daniele De Rossi off a corner kick by Simone Pepe in the 63rd minute. Their fans leaped to their feet, roaring and cheering with joy.

It was not surprising that the title-holders fought back hard to avoid defeat, but many expectant Italian fans were disappointed by the score. If they had come to South Africa expecting both decisive wins for their team and hot, sunny African weather, their hopes were dashed.