After weighing up everything, I have come to the conclusion that England's participation in the World Cup was their worst ever. I am not saying this because of the bitterness hangover from yesterday or whether I'm trying to locate an outlet to channel my fury. This is not a measurement of technical peformance either. If anything, England showed signs of displaying greater technical skill than in any previous tournament, especially in the second half of yesterday's encounter with Portugal. I will not remember this World Cup, in relation to England's participation, because there is nothing to remember.
Let me explain. In 1990, England stumbled their way to the Semi-Finals and were undeservedly beaten by West Germany in a memorable penalty decider. David Platt scored that goal against Belgium in the dying seconds of extra time in the second round, Cameroon provided us with arguably England's most entertaining international match ever in the quarter-finals and Gazza's tears in the semi-final were almost a catalyst for the fanatical support that the England team receive today. England went to France in 1998 and scored some memorable goals including Michael Owen's individual stunner against Argentina in the Second Round. In the last World Cup, England beat Argentina in a tense group match, demolished Denmark in the Second Round and played bravely against a far superior Brazil side in the Quarter-Finals. Since 1990, England have been involved in some entertaining skirmishes in the European Championships and World Cup. Despite not walking away with any silverware (or goldware), England always provide entertainment in some form or another. However, what do we have to remember from this World Cup? A Steven Gerrard belter against some English first division hopefuls in the form of Trinidad & Tobago and a red card for our most talented thug in recent times. Oh yes of course. Another losing penalty shoot out.
Thankfully though, the tournament goes on. My best friend Ian was the recipient of some serious mockery a few weeks ago when he somewhat foolishly suggested that France would win The World Cup. What? At the time, France were seen as the "Dad's Army" of the contest. With the midfield age combination well over 100 years and considering their last performance in South Korea, every pundit was predicting the end of the show for this brigade of legends. However, it is Ian who is now getting the last laugh. Last night, France and Zinedine Zidane in particular made a mockery of the Brazillian superstars and subsequently defeated them 1-0 with a well taken Thierry Henry volley. It was a bad day if you were English, had backed Brazil at 11/4 and hated the French. At times, Zidane's trickery was breathtaking. It is inconceivable that the man will retire from football completely at the end of this tournament. Germany are showing their efficient best and the Italians will be full of confidence after their trouncing of Ukraine. However, I would not like to predict any outcomes at this stage. It's anybody's
now.
I leave for Rhyl tomorrow after having spent a few weeks here in Winchester. I need to arrive in Bristol for Thursday in time for Friday's opening meeting at the school in Westbury-on-Trym. Sarah emailed yesterday, so hopefully we will have a reunion of ex-Korean expats soon.
You've obviously just copied this headline from Cheeky Stoat, why don't you just admit you're a one-braincell chav.