I was inside the stadium for England’s World Cup game – here’s what you don’t see on TV | World | News

As soon as the turquoise seats of the Miami Dolphins stadium came into view, the only thing that came to mind was Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Maybe I’m just a child of the 1990s, but this reminds me of memories of Jim Carrey solving the mystery of who stole the American football team’s aquatic mascot from the swimming pool in the corner of the stadium.

When I come to watch the 2026 World Cup quarter-final between England and Norway, it is reassuring to see that the Hollywood excitement I associate with the venue is still alive and well.

While there’s no dolphin being cruelly kept in a majestic pond in the corner of the stadium like in the movie, there is a scene that could easily serve as a UK arena venue.

As I entered the stadium, I was greeted by a gold-clad singer and a full-support band serenading the crowd with the kind of American classics you’d expect from a venue known as Hard Rock Stadium, a result of sponsorship from the popular cafe chain.

We are then introduced to two cheerleaders; a man and a woman inexplicably dressed in orange and black. I think the orange color is a crossover between the two countries’ jerseys, but that probably gives them a bit too much credibility.

The only thing that cannot be doubted is their enthusiasm; “Come on!” they cry. to two sets of fans with the passion of lifelong supporters.

As the clock approaches for kickoff, a giant boxing announcer appears on screen holding a metallic microphone that fell from the skies before a fight in Las Vegas. Asking different fans “Are you ready?” He starts by asking: and “Let’s get ready to rumble!” He signs by saying. It seems like the slogan of the wrong sport, but it gets the crowd excited regardless.

At the end of the anthems, fireworks and smoke clouds in the colors of the two countries exploded, leaving a pink fog over the stadium. The cloud smells quite musty as it returns.

After a spirited countdown to kick-off, the action begins and the atmosphere becomes a little more familiar to European fans.

Hydration breaks are a very American invention and are greeted with boos from the crowd. But unlike Dallas, where the DJ pumping up Mr. Brightside was met with the expected harsh backlash at the Killers concert, in Miami people seem to have relaxed a bit about the hiatus.

This is probably because the Texas stadium is air-conditioned, while the Florida stadium is extremely hot.

As the whistle blows, fans can be seen diving under their seats, grabbing plastic fans and waving wildly to cool themselves down a bit. Head towards the exits more, undoubtedly get some fluids.

The next interruption in play came courtesy of David Beckham, who received huge cheers when he appeared on screen to take a Harry Kane free-kick.

Halftime brings us a long commercial break that flogs everything from Coca-Cola to cell phone broadcasts.

Once the sponsors have had their fill, attention turns to the stage in the corner of the stadium, where DJ Steve Aoki is ready to play electronic dance music. He tries to get those who remain seated to wave their arms, but gets only a lukewarm response.

As the beats get more intense, he starts jumping around the stage and shaking his fists. He has the air of an embarrassing uncle who drank too much beer at the wedding.

Once his set was over, the DJ, for some unknown reason, delivered a giant birthday cake, which, rather than being eaten, was thrown in the face of the male cheerleader, who promised to be covered in icing if “everyone screams.”

The strange but fascinating entertainment show ends and we return to the game.

By the time the second hydration break arrives, the crowd has perked up a bit because they’re belting out Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer with gusto; Maybe The Killers didn’t quite fit the Hard Rock vibe.

A UK fan, clearly enjoying the tune, waves two beers at the camera as he sways to the music.

With the score locked at 1-1, the tension builds and builds, and it’s no surprise that the final whistle of the match is met with a more muted reaction. Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses blares, but fans maintain their energy due to the possibility of impending punishment. That is, except for everyone depicted on the big screen; They’re definitely going for it.

During the half-time of overtime, we begin to get the feeling that the venue’s entertainment plan has come to an end. But when the big screen moves to Sir Mick Jagger being photo-bombed by a man wagging his tongue next to him, there are wild cheers.

The mini-break ended with a sigh of disappointment from the crowd as the big screen showed Erling Haaland being substituted. It was clearly a star draw; I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many caps for a single player in an international match. Not just Norwegians; It seems that the US and even the Mexican fans who attended the match were amazed by the Manchester City player.

England eventually won 2-1, but Norway’s morale did little to calm down. When the final whistle blows, the majority of fans of both teams remain in the stadium.

There is a sharp divide on both sides of the pitch as the England team line up to receive the applause, while the Norway team stand in unison to applaud their fans.

This is followed by amusing footage of John Stones repeating the joke, pretending to have an injured shoulder before swinging a fist.

As the stadium finally empties, I stare at the turquoise seats and wonder: What would Ace Ventura make of all this?