Ramblings
Having been a rabid football fan for as long as I care to remember, following my infection as a child, the FIFA World Cup has almost always been something to look forward to. The greatest sporting spectacle on Earth.
I remember “staying up late” to see an 18-year-old Michael Owen charge through a helpless Argentine defence, that David Beckham petty kick and resulting red card, and England’s eventual loss on penalties in 1998.
Continue reading “A FIFA World Cup Boycott”
Oscar Levant once said: “There’s a fine line between genius and insanity” and though he was talking about himself at the time, his words are true for many of the figures that waltz into the gaze of the public.
In all walks of life we encounter people that could be deemed genius or mad, depending on which argument you find most convincing.
In music there were the Beatles, or Michael Jackson, in art you need look no further than Salvadore Dali, in academia there was Einstein, and even sport has its fair share of genius and madmen.
As predicted a few weeks ago, England have slumped out of the World Cup. I am not surprised in the least, and my pessimistic mood is set to continue now that Roy Hodgson has been given another two years as manager.
The blame can be placed on the players, on the heat, on the long season, or on whatever else you wish to turn to, but the fact of the matter is that the manager is ultimately responsible.
Honduras’ blend of high physicality and dirty tackling has put them on a collision course with the footballing world.
This may not worry Honduras as they seem to enjoy the odd collision, but for the rest of the teams in the tournament it is a dangerous prospect to encounter.
Neutrals love to support an underdog, but it is hard to get behind one that is stamping on opposition players, kicking the world class talents they are up against, and generally behaving rather rabid.
If anyone watched the Honduras – France game, then you will know what I am talking about.
I don’t expect much from England this summer, and here is why.
Despite the media hype, despite the undoubted talent, and despite being a man born and raised under the flag of the England football team, I have prepared myself for the worst.
Trouble & Squeak 