Best atmospheric matches I've been to.
1) Great Britain vs Australia 2nd Rugby League test match Old Trafford November 1 1994. The "Briiiiitain Briiitain" chanting was so loud it gave you a headache. As the Aussies run riot the Poms shut up for the most part.
2) Sampdoria vs Genoa (3-2) November 20 1994 Probably my best sporting moment. Standing amongst the Samp Ultras next to a guy hurling fireworks at Tacconi the Genoa goalkeeper. Non-stop singing. Even the grandmas up in stand bouncing up and down when the chant of "If you don't jump your not a Dorian" (translated) got going. At least 40 giant flags over 3 metres tall. And the Genoa "grifoni" hurling everything they could find onto the pitch after the match-sealing goal, including the odd flare or 10. I couldn't sleep all all that night, reliving the songs I'd learnt.
3) Hamburger SV- FC Bayern. Epic match, twisting and turning, with Bayern winning the title with a 94 minute indirect free-kick from Patrick Anderson. Both sets of supporters creating a racket all day. I had seats but like nearly everyone stood all match.
4) Australia-Argentina before the match. Myself and two mates from Melbourne just started the "Aussie !!!" chant from behind the goals in Bay 23. Everyone in the ground joined in. The look on Jason Polak's and John Markovski's face as they heard it all will live with me forever. "Falklands, Falklands 82, Argentina, where were you?"
In AFL the best atmosphere I've seen at a match would be
-Sydney-Brisbane final this year. 71000 all joining in when I got the !! !!! !!!! SYDNEY" chant going. EVERYBODY! The roar when Luke Ablett put his 3rd quarter goal through was deafening. Had we gotten close in the last quarter it would have lifted further. Alas, with Brisbane tearing away, a gloom hit the ground.
-Sydney-Hawthorn final 1996. Far louder in crowd than the Essendon final 2 weeks later. The "SYYYYYYDDDNNNNEY" chant was SCG folklore by that stage. Epic finish, with everyone running on the field, including one crazy bloke with a beard dressed as Santa.
JF