Posted by Leander Schaerlaeckens

CAPE TOWN, South Africa -- For some reason, I can't help but laugh about it.

Yesterday, on my way back from doing a story in the townships, tearing down the highway with my driver, you would have been forgiven for thinking every head of state on the planet was about to come through.

A dozen cops on motorcycles zipped past us, going at least 100 miles an hour. They disappeared out of sight. Then, suddenly, there they were again, materializing before us, ordering us and every other vehicle to come to a complete stop in the middle of the highway. We, like everybody else, complied.

Whatever for?

Over flew some helicopters. Table Mountain was already in sight. At length, a big orange bus appeared on the horizon. As it zoomed by, you could read its contents off the front: "Netherlands." Two dozen scrawny men with sunglasses and big headphones peered out of the windows. We, and the rest of the road, had been stopped for a bunch of soccer players to pass us by in safety. For 15 minutes, our lives were put on hold.

So it was with some glee that I learned that the Netherlands has been kicked out of the Sandton Hilton in Johannesburg, its headquarters, as they had booked it only through yesterday and the hotel is full for the rest of the tournament. Since all of Johannesburg is pretty much without vacancies -- especially for no less than 40 people -- the Dutch could have a problem on their hands once (or if) they return from their semifinals.

Enjoy sleeping on that oh-so-important bus of yours, boys. I'll be thinking of you in my king-size bed.