If that sounds surreal, it was nothing compared with the pre-match backdrop here: a Giant's Causeway down the middle of the pitch, stands shaking to Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline and the former Wales and Lions flanker John Taylor acting as the "Voice of God".
Thinking of last season's extraordinary menswear — Art Nouveau printed suits disappearing into a matching backdrop — was to be reminded that Mr. McQueen was not only deeply creative but an exceptional showman.
"Aesthetically, it certainly looks better, with the matching backdrop, but the tone of blue offers that nice contrast to the ball as well," said Steven Lock, the facilities manager for Melbourne Park, where the Australian Open is held.
The men's skintight unitards in camouflage-patterned shades of peach, pink and daffodil against a matching backdrop by the very chic Isaac Mizrahi subvert the point of the piece by trumpeting it loudly.
Glynnis (8 22 24 PM): John Edwards' eyes match the backdrop.
The costumes of the dancers matched the backdrop view in near camouflage, and the work evoked scenes by Monet and Seurat while also suggesting a wildlife documentary.
Cobalt blue silk crepe, with cap sleeves, a flared skirt and a neat waist, it was by the designer Christian Siriano, and it pretty much matched the backdrop, playing down Mrs. Obama's appearance and playing to the patriotic theme, especially when contrasted with the bright red jacket that Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts wore during her speech.
And a cricket match: the hazy backdrop to family secrets in Beryl Bainbridge's "The Longstop".
Perhaps it's because the hotel building incorporates local stone and rock to create a warm tone that will weather to match the natural backdrop.
As intriguing, though, is the match's cultural backdrop: while Hungary has a terrible reputation for racism, a new book by Simon Kuper, "Ajax, the Dutch, the War: The Strange Tale of Soccer During Europe's Darkest Hour," was released on Tuesday, questioning the Dutch's sterling reputation.
Appiah had been under pressure since Ghana's turbulent World Cup campaign, where they failed to win a single match against a backdrop of off-field issues.
