The World Cup is getting nearer and nearer. And as such, I've discovered another advantage to being a Teaching Fellow at a University. Our HoD (Head of Dept) is a sporty man, and as should, has asked (ordered?) the technicians to link the lecture room projectors to the TV for the football to come. Nice one.
The papers today are full of Wayne Rooney, or rather, news of his rapidly healing foot. The Mail calls it a "Metatarsal Miracle". For some reason I'm actually starting to believe we can win - but I think that's more an effect of reading it/being told it by others. But it'll be a hard slog even if we do. And even though we beat Jamaica 6-0 on Saturday, we can't take too much to heart. In all fairness, Jamaica weren't all that good. We may have fired six goals past them, but they're a team so disorganised, their management could only rustle up three clean towels for their last friendly - and Sven and Co. seem to think they're now masters of Planet Football. [Alex may have read the same article as me as we're both Daily Mail readers]. Still, we have faith - faith being the voice in your head telling you to listen to the voice in your head. :-)
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16 comments:
Do you have a chance, yes, but it's just that - merely a chance. But then every other team also have a chance - they're all there and taking part after all.
I have nothing against the English, hell I'm even living here now. But why does English patriotism only come out at sport? And why is it so misguided? The Welsh, Irish and Scots are very proud and patriotic of their heritage and country all the time. Yes, finally you've got into the tradition of supporting your Saint on St. George's Day, if only he wasn't a Turk! :)
But why do the pundits and the media talk such tripe about sporting prowess and then try convince the nation of the same thing?
Am I supporting them at the World Cup? No. Am I being blamed of not supporting my cross-border cousins because of some age-old rivalry? Let me put it to you another way.....if Brazil were playing Germany in the final this year. Who would the majority of English fans support? Their cross-border European cousins or would the much prefer seeing them getting stuffed!!?!?!?
I leave it with you... :)
Good point, Gareth. I'd probably pick Brazil too, but purely on the fact that they'll come out and play top-notch, attacking football that's fun to watch. Then again, if Germany put on a great World Cup, I might swing back. I certianly don't like this anti-German "Who do you think you are kidding Jurgan Klinsmann" rubbish to the tune of Dad's Army - that's tasteless and disgraceful!! Even so, I'll probably only watch the England matches and a few others. Australia vs Japan could be good. As would Argentina vs Holland (the winner of that one is in with an excellent chance). But I digress.
English patriotism is a funny thing. I'm half-Scottish so I don't count, but I genuinely feel that if Scotland were in and England weren't, the 100% English would support Scotland. Still, just goes to show that Britain is an English invention than only the English are happy with. (Thoughts anyone?)
Ha ha - Love your last comment.
Soon we'll be suggesting that the Signing of the Magna Carta is an ideal date to celebrate 'Britishness'!!
Oops, oh yeah we've done that already!
You can't escape it. Lots of the English call themselves British. The Scots and the Welsh *don't*. But that Magna Carta/Britishness thing? - that's just plain ignorant. lol. Anything before 1707 shouldn't be allowed!! :-)
I have to say that I found the Anti-English attitude in Scotland to be rather annoying. Being stood in a bar in Edinburgh during England v Tunisia and being booed for cheering Alan Sheerer's goal was not fun. I was also verbally abused (not light hearted) during Euro 96 when we beat Scotland.
I know this is an uneducated minority, but it is not one I ever felt comfortable around. (Ranks up there with "Go Home Packy" which was shouted at Serena one day.)
I admit "we" (the English) go way overboard on the 1966 rubbish, especially given that Scotland beat us at Wembly in 1967, and that is part of the problem.
Anyway, slightly more light hearted... When in Sydney, Serena and I went to see Australia vs France (Rugby) in the Olympic Stadium (who says I am not romantic - Kylie was a couple of weeks after as well!). Serena supported Australia 100%... My toes curled! I decided that "Allez Les Bleus!" was my cry for the night. If ever we emigrate I am going to have serious issues! At least my Australian co-workers kept the ribbing light-hearted during the Ashes.
I'm suprised you found anyone Scottish in Edinburgh!! They're all English or Australian there....(I'm missing the point again aren't i?)
I think the key question we all need to be asking about all of this World Cup malarky is this...
WHO THE F*** CARES!!!! I am sick to death of it already and as I understand it it hasn't even started!!!!
If one more bloody person asks me what I think of England's sodding chances or Rooney's bloody foot I am going to hurt them.. expect bloodshed here today...
Taz - the ardent Football Anti-Fan
So, what do you think of England's chances, Taz? :-)
Whilst I would love for England to win, I do partially agree with Taz.
Its all got a bit too much this year!
My main concern is when are the France games, so I can eat around them. Getting waiter service is impossible on the continent during a football game!
Sally,
Do me a favour please.. slap James when you next see him.. pretty please????
It'll save him a lot of pain later :)
Taz
I hate football. Wish it would just feck off.... :(
Im in two minds on this point. On one hand it winds me up when the whole country goes out on lash for st patricks day and doesnt give a toss on St georges day. But also i always feel slightly ashamed to wear my england shirt (Euro 2000 and WC 2002 version) because i dont want everyone to think im a pikey who lives on a council estate in liverpool. We have a great country, great infrastructure its clean, organised, no one starves, there is low unemployment. The only problem is i find most of the people contemptible and annoyingly stupid. (Present company excepted).
kean
PS ive just got back from travelling and am trying to get used to being back in blighty.
pps I love football, and will be glued to the box for the next few weeks. Come on england!
ppps question: why bring theo to world cup when you're not going to play him?
Taz, you can consider it done! :-) Sal
In fact, you don't even need to ask! S
Welcome back to Blighty, Kean mate. Pintage?
Sal and Julian (Taz) ganging up on me? Heh, some things never change. ;-)
pintage?
you bet...its been too god damn long since i supped 15 pints of lager avec toi mon ami! Not to mention talk absolute shite about various issues!! BUT first i need to get a job and some cash but mate as soon as this is achieved i shall wing my way up to Hull or associated area!
kean
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