It's my daughter's birthday today though so I'm going to enjoy that. England in the meantime can go sit In The naughty corner and think about what they've done.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Well said...
...Groo. I'm not going to dissect the events and blog about the Lampard goal (I'm sure I will in a few days time). I'm just going to say the word pants and try and think of a way to end the simile "their defense had bigger gaps than..."
Friday, June 25, 2010
World Cup round-up - day 15
Slovakia v Italy was the best game so far. Everyone was secretly watching it in the office, and when I say everyone I mean at least three people. Some were watching the world's longest tennis match which became a national obsession for a while, and which ended at the same time as Slovakia Italy, so there a general outbreak of workplace sporting fever. There were goals, disallowed goals, a comedy scuffle in the goal, and weeping Italians on the next plane home after their French 2006 finalist friends/enemies. France were a 'National Disgrace', Italy were merely 'shameful'.
Anyone can win this World Cup. Although it will be almost certainly be Brazil or Argentina. I suppose Spain could still come good, and the Netherlands have yet to be seriously tested. Also, Chile (dark horses).
Japan were good last night - I liked the way they played.
Bob Hope in a million: Brazil to thrash Portugal and Ivory Coast to destroy North Korea later, thus sending Ronaldo and co OUT on goal difference! That would make my World Cup day.
You've got a Welsh lady as your prime minister. Well done.
England v Slovenia was, after we all calmed down, a fairly dull affair not helped by the appalling pitch and our boys looking a bit heavy legged. (Apparently, the French are always going to the doctors with 'heavy legs' - no one knows what this is.)
Other things to note: John Terry's electric worm attempted headblock.
Capello going NUTS on the touchline some say technical area.
Poor Theo Walcott sitting at home. I do think of him sometimes. I still think he'd be so useful to throw on in a last chance saloon style crisis.
David Beckham in the dugout. No one knows what he's doing there.
Play Joe Cole, everyone was saying, play Joe Cole! So the boss put him on and he was a bit ordinary. But playing top opposition always brings out the best in England I think, so... bring on the Germans!
Anyone can win this World Cup. Although it will be almost certainly be Brazil or Argentina. I suppose Spain could still come good, and the Netherlands have yet to be seriously tested. Also, Chile (dark horses).
Japan were good last night - I liked the way they played.
Bob Hope in a million: Brazil to thrash Portugal and Ivory Coast to destroy North Korea later, thus sending Ronaldo and co OUT on goal difference! That would make my World Cup day.
You've got a Welsh lady as your prime minister. Well done.
England v Slovenia was, after we all calmed down, a fairly dull affair not helped by the appalling pitch and our boys looking a bit heavy legged. (Apparently, the French are always going to the doctors with 'heavy legs' - no one knows what this is.)
Other things to note: John Terry's electric worm attempted headblock.
Capello going NUTS on the touchline some say technical area.
Poor Theo Walcott sitting at home. I do think of him sometimes. I still think he'd be so useful to throw on in a last chance saloon style crisis.
David Beckham in the dugout. No one knows what he's doing there.
Play Joe Cole, everyone was saying, play Joe Cole! So the boss put him on and he was a bit ordinary. But playing top opposition always brings out the best in England I think, so... bring on the Germans!
Pens
"All four World Cup meetings between Germany and England have been level at 90 minutes, suggesting penalties may await on Sunday."
Au contraire baby but surely five out of five would break the law of averages and crack the universe in half?!! That statistic says to me that it'll be won inside 90 minutes this time. Doesn't it?
Still, at least we've been practising this time.
Au contraire baby but surely five out of five would break the law of averages and crack the universe in half?!! That statistic says to me that it'll be won inside 90 minutes this time. Doesn't it?
Still, at least we've been practising this time.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Fan Fest Sydney
Weather check - rain. Pft.
Of course, this won't matter in the slightest as long as we win tonight (I like the 2-0 prediction groo).
So please, for the love of all things good, and for the sake of my sanity tomorrow, "Come On En-ger-land..."
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
World Cup Wednesday
I have tomorrow booked off. No way I'm going to suffer a 3pm kick-off in this office, where they haven't even turned a TV on yet. Other floors have the games on because we can hear them react to incidents. But we have to pretend to work while watching the games on our computers, a few crucial seconds behind the live TV action. It's so unfair!
I haven't addressed the England v Algeria incident (you can't really call it a game) and I don't think I ever will. Mere words cannot do justice to those 90 minutes, which many felt lasted three hours, an incident so lacking in incident that many suspect it never really took place and was a collective hallucination that enslaved the entire world. Experts say it was the worst game of football since history began and I suppose we should at least be proud that 'our boys' were at the heart of such a non-event.
Encouraging signs for England: none really, although I enjoyed John Terry's call for revolution. All the lads were on his side, he reckoned, but when it came to the crunch they pretended not to know him and Capello gave him one of his stern looks and JT remembered he wasn't actually captain anymore, and didn't say a thing. Still, if all his outburst does is remind Capello that Joe Cole's in the squad...
At least we're not like France. They're having a World Cup meltdown.
And Italy are just as bad as us, with their two draws, and they always end up in the final. So what I'm saying is... don't worry, we'll be fine, we'll win 2-0. (And then go out to Serbia.)
I haven't addressed the England v Algeria incident (you can't really call it a game) and I don't think I ever will. Mere words cannot do justice to those 90 minutes, which many felt lasted three hours, an incident so lacking in incident that many suspect it never really took place and was a collective hallucination that enslaved the entire world. Experts say it was the worst game of football since history began and I suppose we should at least be proud that 'our boys' were at the heart of such a non-event.
Encouraging signs for England: none really, although I enjoyed John Terry's call for revolution. All the lads were on his side, he reckoned, but when it came to the crunch they pretended not to know him and Capello gave him one of his stern looks and JT remembered he wasn't actually captain anymore, and didn't say a thing. Still, if all his outburst does is remind Capello that Joe Cole's in the squad...
At least we're not like France. They're having a World Cup meltdown.
And Italy are just as bad as us, with their two draws, and they always end up in the final. So what I'm saying is... don't worry, we'll be fine, we'll win 2-0. (And then go out to Serbia.)
Sunday, June 20, 2010
World Cup jetlag
I have World Cup jetlag.
After 2 hours sleep on Friday night to wake up to watch England, I had a normal Saturday then readied myself to watch Holland v Japan on the couch. Got to the 10 mins mark and fell asleep. So I set my alarm for midnight, woke up for the Socceroos and fell asleep. I decided to set the alarm for the last 15 mins of the Australia game, but then slept through it.
In the end, I had 10 hours sleep last night, saw 15 minutes of football but I feel great today. Ready for Brazil v Ivory Coast and the Red Bull Air Race from New York tomorrow morning at 4am.
After 2 hours sleep on Friday night to wake up to watch England, I had a normal Saturday then readied myself to watch Holland v Japan on the couch. Got to the 10 mins mark and fell asleep. So I set my alarm for midnight, woke up for the Socceroos and fell asleep. I decided to set the alarm for the last 15 mins of the Australia game, but then slept through it.
In the end, I had 10 hours sleep last night, saw 15 minutes of football but I feel great today. Ready for Brazil v Ivory Coast and the Red Bull Air Race from New York tomorrow morning at 4am.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
For England
stand outside for 3 hours.
We'd better win...
Friday afternoon round-up (never mind that it says Saturday up above!)
It's all livened up in the last couple of days. A clueless, gutless France lose to spunky Mexico (now officially my second team, until I change my mind).
Also Mexico's goalie is the shortest man who has ever played football - FACT.
Greece come from behind to beat Nigeria, who shot themselves in the foot with a petulant kick. African teams not doing at all well = bad for tournament.
Gabby Logan sings the Beatles to a completely bemused Fabio Capello and gives him a bottle of wine for his birthday. He doesn't drink.
Maradona kisses all his team and slags off Platini and Pele. I hope they stay in it for as long as possible because he's completely nuts and is easily the greatest character in the game. You have to love him - you have to!
'Ambush marketing' is the most popular thing to talk about after vuvuzelas.
Argentina look good. I mean, really good. Mind you, so did Germany in their first game, and they LOST to Serbia today (dark horses, remember). Sadly for the Germans, they were the victims of an appalling referee and can feel very hard done by.
So can the USA, who deserved their disallowed third goal to stand. They were MAD - especially boss Bob Bradley who the commentator said resembled Hannibal Lecter. It was a great comeback against Slovenia to gain a 2-2 draw.
And that looks like the best result from England's point of view.
And England play next.
And I'm going home to watch it!
Also Mexico's goalie is the shortest man who has ever played football - FACT.
Greece come from behind to beat Nigeria, who shot themselves in the foot with a petulant kick. African teams not doing at all well = bad for tournament.
Gabby Logan sings the Beatles to a completely bemused Fabio Capello and gives him a bottle of wine for his birthday. He doesn't drink.
Maradona kisses all his team and slags off Platini and Pele. I hope they stay in it for as long as possible because he's completely nuts and is easily the greatest character in the game. You have to love him - you have to!
'Ambush marketing' is the most popular thing to talk about after vuvuzelas.
Argentina look good. I mean, really good. Mind you, so did Germany in their first game, and they LOST to Serbia today (dark horses, remember). Sadly for the Germans, they were the victims of an appalling referee and can feel very hard done by.
So can the USA, who deserved their disallowed third goal to stand. They were MAD - especially boss Bob Bradley who the commentator said resembled Hannibal Lecter. It was a great comeback against Slovenia to gain a 2-2 draw.
And that looks like the best result from England's point of view.
And England play next.
And I'm going home to watch it!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Temperature rising
Over the last 24 hours I think I've contracted a nasty case of WORLD CUP FEVER!!! After a slow start which has put down to a case of everyone's desperate not to lose their first game syndrome, it's brightened up with some goals and a surprise or two.
Since it's becoming a bit of a blur, and I'm weak with hunger, let me retrace my World Cup steps to day six. It began with Honduras v Chile, which might have been a cracker for all I know, and I do have some memory of having it on the desktop telly, but I wasn't really paying attention and the overall dullness continued. Next, there was a World Cup shock as Switzerland beat Spain 1-0. To be fair, this was another underwhelming game but we all enjoy an upset, and the favourites were put in their place by a well-executed display of defensive organisation by nobody's favourites (least of all the Swiss), the Swiss. I had to leave before the end of that game to play five-a-side myself and scored five goals, which makes me officially better than anyone at the tournament.
Later, though, was South Africa against Uruguay. It's become a given to say that every neutral wants the hosts to do well in this tournament but sadly, the Bafanas weren't up to it and lost 3-0, much to the disappointment of their hornblowing fans.
It has been rumoured that Spain's Iker Casillas was distracted from his goalkeeping duties by his journalist girlfriend - the excitingly named Sarah Carbonara - who was doing a report behind his goal during the game. It has also been rumoured that Rob Green was dumped two weeks before the tournament and he could have been thinking about that as the Jubilani swerved towards him. Who knows what goes on in the minds of men? Football, women and beer - that's all they think about!
In other news, and to shamelessly steal something I heard on one of the numerous podcasts I've been trying to keep up with, it has been reported that Rob Green came through three hours of training without conceding a single goal from a thousand shots. Him and Emile Heskey will train with the rest of the squad today. Ha. Ha.
Also, on the controversial Jubilani, England only started training with it a couple of weeks ago because a) they lost the consignment of balls FIFA sent them back in January, and b) they're contractually obligated to play with Umbro balls in all their games. Unlike the Germans who've been using it all season.
It's a World Cup swervy bouncy ball conspiracy!
Since it's becoming a bit of a blur, and I'm weak with hunger, let me retrace my World Cup steps to day six. It began with Honduras v Chile, which might have been a cracker for all I know, and I do have some memory of having it on the desktop telly, but I wasn't really paying attention and the overall dullness continued. Next, there was a World Cup shock as Switzerland beat Spain 1-0. To be fair, this was another underwhelming game but we all enjoy an upset, and the favourites were put in their place by a well-executed display of defensive organisation by nobody's favourites (least of all the Swiss), the Swiss. I had to leave before the end of that game to play five-a-side myself and scored five goals, which makes me officially better than anyone at the tournament.
Later, though, was South Africa against Uruguay. It's become a given to say that every neutral wants the hosts to do well in this tournament but sadly, the Bafanas weren't up to it and lost 3-0, much to the disappointment of their hornblowing fans.
It has been rumoured that Spain's Iker Casillas was distracted from his goalkeeping duties by his journalist girlfriend - the excitingly named Sarah Carbonara - who was doing a report behind his goal during the game. It has also been rumoured that Rob Green was dumped two weeks before the tournament and he could have been thinking about that as the Jubilani swerved towards him. Who knows what goes on in the minds of men? Football, women and beer - that's all they think about!
In other news, and to shamelessly steal something I heard on one of the numerous podcasts I've been trying to keep up with, it has been reported that Rob Green came through three hours of training without conceding a single goal from a thousand shots. Him and Emile Heskey will train with the rest of the squad today. Ha. Ha.
Also, on the controversial Jubilani, England only started training with it a couple of weeks ago because a) they lost the consignment of balls FIFA sent them back in January, and b) they're contractually obligated to play with Umbro balls in all their games. Unlike the Germans who've been using it all season.
It's a World Cup swervy bouncy ball conspiracy!
iPhone Vuvuzela app
from the iTunes store.
You can choose the colour of your horn (phnar), turn up your volume
then toot away for as long as you like, or until you get punched.
Apparently it's been downloaded over 2 million times already, what a
brilliant age we live in.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
ARG v KOR at the Ivanhoe Manly
Argentina are 2 goals up as I took this photo.
There is one argentinian fan here and a handful of koreans. The rest
are most likely Brits.
There is a group of youths drinking shots as well. Shots, on a
Thursday night, I don't know.
Serbia win the World Cup!
It was a little tense in the final, but I am pleased to announce that I have just won the World Cup at the first attempt - on behalf of Serbia, whose name I clicked on randomly - in this BBC quiz. Who would have thought France had what it takes this year as well?
Give it a go, and let me know how you get on.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Day 5 in the World Cup house
Day 5: I kept an eye on New Zealand v Slovakia while at my desk (the benefits of some jobs) and was very pleased when the all-whites, as we have to call them, equalised. I managed to keep less of an eye on Ivory Coast v Portugal, but apart from an unlucky Ronaldo shot (haha), an outbreak of handbags and Drogba's subtle arm cast, there didn't see much to get excited about.
I was back home (great song) for the intruiging Brazil v North Korea and it was a fascinating contest. I was desperate for the Koreans to hold out for a draw but it wasn't to be.
Now it is Day 6 and I'm doing some less than dedicated eye-keeping on Honduras v Chile. I have had no beers and am struggling to stay awake at my desk. It is 2pm.
I was back home (great song) for the intruiging Brazil v North Korea and it was a fascinating contest. I was desperate for the Koreans to hold out for a draw but it wasn't to be.
Now it is Day 6 and I'm doing some less than dedicated eye-keeping on Honduras v Chile. I have had no beers and am struggling to stay awake at my desk. It is 2pm.
Chile v Honduras
Chile have just scored against Honduras.
I am struggling to work out if I care about that or not. I have had 5 beers at the time of writing this, so I think the answer will be no.
I am struggling to work out if I care about that or not. I have had 5 beers at the time of writing this, so I think the answer will be no.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Vuvuzela trending on twitter
Most comments are not favourable towards the loud horns that have accompanied each game for the full 90mins non-stop.
A popular joke is also being circulated, ahem: "What is the difference between [INSERT ANNOYING CELEBRITY] and a Vuvuzela? One emits an annoying whining sound, and the other is a plastic trumpet."
Office tipping - coming 4th
I am currently 4th out of 55 competitors in this year's office World Cup tipping competition, one point behind the leader.
I give it 2 more days and I'll have slipped down to 10th. I'll end up mid-table Tottenham style, I predict 27th.
Quote of the day
"Playing for England is like driving with a police car in your rear view mirror." Frank Skinner
Monday, June 14, 2010
Work gets in the way (again)
It's been a long weekend here in Australia - today is the Queen's Birthday bank holiday, happy birthday Ma'am - so I've had the luxury of the first 3 days of the World Cup off work.
However, tomorrow I'm back and will have to start making decisions like "I have a big day tomorrow so I should stay in bed and not wake up to watch the Italy v Paraguay game else I'll be tired and my boss will shout at me again."
This clearly sucks. So I am appealing to anyone out there who would like to sponsor me to not go to work for the rest of the World Cup. Please transfer $4,000 AUD to bank account #18276532 name: Stef's Nigerian Savings and post your details in the comments.
This clearly sucks. So I am appealing to anyone out there who would like to sponsor me to not go to work for the rest of the World Cup. Please transfer $4,000 AUD to bank account #18276532 name: Stef's Nigerian Savings and post your details in the comments.
Australia v Germany
Harbour is buzzing, it's probably Australia's biggest International
game ever so I'm watching it ... at home on my sofa.
Well it is 4.30am, and it's warm in here. Oh and I have twisties too.
Hmm, and Podolski just scored for Germany.
I wonder if I'll fall asleep on the couch...
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Algeria v Slovenia...
... was so boring I switched over and started watching Glee.
What a World Cup traitor!
What a World Cup traitor!
Barley Mow, Chiswick, England v USA
It was so rammed I couldn't even get my hand in my pocket to take any pics until it was all over. (Oh, and I was carrying two pints.)
England build-up in pub
A bit of WC atmosphere for you... Everyone was singing along to the DJ (Three Lions, World in Motion, Back Home, Three Lions, World in Motion, Back Home, repeat until sick), buying as many drinks as they could carry because getting to the bar was a victory in itself... standing room only. Generally a very uncivilised place to be, and this was Chiswick! I'm glad it wasn't five in the morning.
And then there was some football and then it ended and we were reaccquainted with a very special feeling that comes around once every four yars... World Cup disappointment.
I bet Fabio's mad. I am. I told him Robert Green was a disaster waiting to happen and he should pick Old Man Calamity James. But then again, it's just the start, we'll win the next two games and then go out to Serbia.
Sorry, and then we'll march on to victory!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
African dance track
Seems everyone is getting into the African theme at the moment. Heard this track in a shop today which I am sure was played specifically because the World Cup is currently on...
Either way, it's a corker, and a great motivator before the next game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MelyDrP8WEw
Either way, it's a corker, and a great motivator before the next game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MelyDrP8WEw
Tutu much fun and a pair of draws
I ended up watching the opening game on the comfort of my sofa. Club Totem wasn't really buzzing and the bloke playing the guitar was good but not really setting the right mood.
I thought the opening ceremony was enjoyable, complete with its motivating African beats (loved the smiling fella from Algeria) and watching Desmond Tutu dancing was a highlight for me.
I wasn't all that blown away by the opening game, but I was somewhat impressed by South Africa who put on a more skilled display than I was expecting from them. I think Mexico would be disappointed with the draw though.
Didn't end up staying up to watch the France game, I'm saving my early morning game this weekend for the important one tomorrow. In preparation I am heading into the city to do a little shopping, a trip around the markets and then a quiet night before waking up at 4am tomorrow.
I thought the opening ceremony was enjoyable, complete with its motivating African beats (loved the smiling fella from Algeria) and watching Desmond Tutu dancing was a highlight for me.
I wasn't all that blown away by the opening game, but I was somewhat impressed by South Africa who put on a more skilled display than I was expecting from them. I think Mexico would be disappointed with the draw though.
Didn't end up staying up to watch the France game, I'm saving my early morning game this weekend for the important one tomorrow. In preparation I am heading into the city to do a little shopping, a trip around the markets and then a quiet night before waking up at 4am tomorrow.
Friday, June 11, 2010
TAB Sportsbet supporter pack
For the record, $20 each on Argentina and Holland to win.
Bets
Bets made in the pub:
Team to go furthest - S Spain J France (2 course dinner)
Team to score most goals - S Netherlands J Brazil ($30 bottle of wine)
Hours to go
Just a few hours to go, and I'm about to head out and get a spot at
the local pub.
the local pub.
What surprises will we experience for the opening ceremony? I hope
there is fire, children being hoisted into the air and a fly-by.
Club Totem - venue for World Cup opening ceremony
The main reason for choosing Club Totem is that beers are about $4 a schooner, so I can have at least 6. Wine is around the same price, so Jacq will no doubt have 6 as well.
Plus it is 6 minutes walk from my house.
Plus they do nuts for $1 in a little pot which is cool.
Oh and the chips come with mayo.
I'm ready
Things I have done to get ready:
- Submitted my tips in our company's tipping competition (Mexico, France and Greece to win the first days games)
- Checked out the "Fan Fest" in Darling Harbour online. I think I will go there for the 2nd England game
- Downloaded my SBS viewing schedule
- Stocked up on chocolate and tea (the games are 4.30am over here)
- Resolved to go to bed no later than 9am for the next 4 weeks
- Got Dizzee Rascal's world cup song ready on youTube for half times
Predictions
Quick. It's nearly here. Who's going to win? My choice is...
Spain.
Unless it's the Netherlands. Watch out for them! Dark horses: Chile and Serbia. First plane home: Uruguay. Top scorer: Can't decide. Could be anyone. Come on, decide! Messi then. Why not, Spain will share their goals. (So will Argentina, and they won't score many anyway.) So... rethink. It's ROONEY - come on! Tears before bedtime: Cristiano Ronaldo.
Come on World Cup! Hurry up and get started!
Spain.
Unless it's the Netherlands. Watch out for them! Dark horses: Chile and Serbia. First plane home: Uruguay. Top scorer: Can't decide. Could be anyone. Come on, decide! Messi then. Why not, Spain will share their goals. (So will Argentina, and they won't score many anyway.) So... rethink. It's ROONEY - come on! Tears before bedtime: Cristiano Ronaldo.
Come on World Cup! Hurry up and get started!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
A couple of kitheth
Remember when Little Britain was all over the news and really funny (about 2004)? Well, the Nationwide think it's still hot hot hot so they did a commercial featuring Lou and Andy, along with Fabio Capello and some of the England players. I do find it rather amusing to be honest.
Poor Theo though. There he is in the ad, thinking he's one of Fabio's chosen men... I'm still gutted he wasn't picked, although it looks like Joe Cole could be an Arsenal player next season. Does that count?
Poor Theo though. There he is in the ad, thinking he's one of Fabio's chosen men... I'm still gutted he wasn't picked, although it looks like Joe Cole could be an Arsenal player next season. Does that count?
World Cup listening
It's not long now! I am struggling to maintain a full-on schedule of World Cup preparation at the same time as 'real life', but I am keeping an eye on developing news stories - Capello shouts at photographers, Wayne Rooney sees an elephant - as well as working my way through the many podcasts I've subscribed to.
I've just enjoyed Jonathan Creek's Armchair World Cup, and am looking forward to the next one from Baddiel and Skinner.
Then there's the Danny Baker Show (always a delight), and a not bad one called It'll Go To Penalties.
I signed up for Gabby Logan's World Cup Guide weeks ago but she's not delivered anything yet which isn't so bad as I've still got the BBC's World Cup Daily to catch up with. That one's got the great Stuart Hall on it. (And Nicky Campbell.) I haven't signed up to the Guardian one yet, as that may be a step too far.
Also, after a bit of research, I see there's a Pop World Cup podcast from Freaky Trigger, which I have to investigate next.
After the podcasts, I really must get to grips with the many videos on here.
I've just enjoyed Jonathan Creek's Armchair World Cup, and am looking forward to the next one from Baddiel and Skinner.
Then there's the Danny Baker Show (always a delight), and a not bad one called It'll Go To Penalties.
I signed up for Gabby Logan's World Cup Guide weeks ago but she's not delivered anything yet which isn't so bad as I've still got the BBC's World Cup Daily to catch up with. That one's got the great Stuart Hall on it. (And Nicky Campbell.) I haven't signed up to the Guardian one yet, as that may be a step too far.
Also, after a bit of research, I see there's a Pop World Cup podcast from Freaky Trigger, which I have to investigate next.
After the podcasts, I really must get to grips with the many videos on here.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
World Cup hanger-on-er-ers
Have you noticed how loads of shops associate themselves with football when the World Cup is on when ordinarily they have nothing to do with sport whatsoever.
Like our local Coles Supermarket are selling Socceroos footballs in "bargain alley". (They also have Cadbury's chocolate blocks at 2 for $5, which is a bargain worth writing about). But selling footballs in a supermarket is cheating.
I also saw Borders (bookshop) had a huge cutout of Les Murray wrapped in a Socceroos scarf in their window. I mean come on.
I am waiting for the moment I am offered a flag and an Australia t-shirt when filling up my car.
Like our local Coles Supermarket are selling Socceroos footballs in "bargain alley". (They also have Cadbury's chocolate blocks at 2 for $5, which is a bargain worth writing about). But selling footballs in a supermarket is cheating.
I also saw Borders (bookshop) had a huge cutout of Les Murray wrapped in a Socceroos scarf in their window. I mean come on.
I am waiting for the moment I am offered a flag and an Australia t-shirt when filling up my car.
Just a thought
I just had a disturbing thought. If England win the World Cup we could face a frankly unacceptable situation where a certain section of society will forever delight in claiming that 'Spurs won it!'. Just like West Ham fans like to claim they won it in 1966.
Say, if Ledley King and his knee make it that far, and prove to be a defensive colossus, then Aaron Lennon sets up Crouch and Defoe to score in the final (that is a lot of ifs, I know)... I'm afraid that would rather spoil the whole unlikely event in my small-minded mind.
Talking of which, I enjoyed this Lego re-enactment of the 66 final.
Say, if Ledley King and his knee make it that far, and prove to be a defensive colossus, then Aaron Lennon sets up Crouch and Defoe to score in the final (that is a lot of ifs, I know)... I'm afraid that would rather spoil the whole unlikely event in my small-minded mind.
Talking of which, I enjoyed this Lego re-enactment of the 66 final.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Rio Ferdinand is out
He was a little uncertain from what I've been reading, but now it's confirmed that Rio Ferdinand is not going to captain England, or even be a part of the squad for this year's tournament.
Michael Dawson from Spurs is replacing him according to the SMH article: http://tinyurl.com/23yh3m8
I have also realised that there are a lot of the England squad whom I do not know. So now that my daughter is asleep in bed I am going to do some studying.
Michael Dawson from Spurs is replacing him according to the SMH article: http://tinyurl.com/23yh3m8
I have also realised that there are a lot of the England squad whom I do not know. So now that my daughter is asleep in bed I am going to do some studying.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Why the Dutch are World Champions
I was just looking at this site which explains why the Netherlands (some say Holland) are currently the Unofficial Football World Champions. And also, sensationally, how Scotland are top of the all-time rankings.
Australia v Denmark
Australia 0-0 Denmark after 41mins in some friendly by the looks of it.
Is this live or was this from like ages ago?
Office sweepstake in Sydney
Over here in Aus, this is the current status of our office sweepstake.Sweepstake
In further World Cup build-up news, we have an office sweepstake on the go. I picked out Algeria. Thanks a lot. Although there are a range of small prizes on offer - runners-up, Golden Boot... - including one for Worst Team, so I could still be a winner.
I won the Grand National this year. And the FA Cup.
Which channel's World Cup trail is better?
Is it The Beeb?
Is it ITV?
Even though the BBC's has better production values and tells you the World Cup's in South Africa, I prefer ITV's more in-your-face offering. I feel it has the edge in terms of raw footballing excitement, and also gets point for featuring Jimi Hendrix (Seattle Sounders FC and USA national squad 1966-1970).
(Dude, the page isn't wide enough for embedding videos!)
Is it ITV?
Even though the BBC's has better production values and tells you the World Cup's in South Africa, I prefer ITV's more in-your-face offering. I feel it has the edge in terms of raw footballing excitement, and also gets point for featuring Jimi Hendrix (Seattle Sounders FC and USA national squad 1966-1970).
(Dude, the page isn't wide enough for embedding videos!)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Online stickers
The good news if you're unable to procure a Panini album is that you can 'collect' the same stickers for free in an online album at the FIFA site. Sign up and you get three packets a day and you can do swaps too. It's almost as good as the real thing. This sounds like I'm being paid to promote the official WC website. In the interests of being balanced, I can't get their World Football Trivia to work at at all (it's always 'Connecting to Game Server'). I think it's because they know I'd WIN.
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