USA Viewing Party in Cape Town...

Shaun Donovan, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, was on hand to cheer the USA in gaining a tie with England in their opening match while at a viewing party organized by myself and U.S. Consul General Dr. Alberta Mayberry at the One & Only Resort in Cape Town.

Pictured above with Jerry Inzerillo of the One & Only Resorts, Secretary Donovan receives a CONCACAF medal from me commemorating his presence at the viewing party.

Other VIPs included (right to left) FIFA Vice President Geoffrey Thompson (England), FIFA Venue Coordinator Hugo Salcedo (USA) and FIFA Executive Committee Member Dr. Michel D'Hooghe (Belgium), all intensely wrapped in the tension of the match.

Brazilian Referee Carlos Simon makes the coin toss and Captains Steven Gerrard (England) and Carlos Bocanegra (USA) stand by to begin the game ultimately resulting in a 1-1 tie.

There were plenty of opportunities to yell and shout as both teams put on a great show in their opening match of the World Cup.

Staff and LOC members made good use of the Saturday night invitation to establish better relations with seven more matches still to be played in the Cape Town venue.

CONCACAF Deputy General Secretary Italo Zanzi overlooks the group at the bar during the viewing to see that everyone is happy and comfortable.