ITALIA!
I hate football.
But I love international sport, whatever it is. When the hearts and souls of nations are concerned then it becomes an uplifting and enthralling experience.
It is acceptable, almost healthy to despise the Germans in sport, even if we have a sneaking admiration for their efficiency and strength.
The Italians are deceptive and cowardly when we are playing them but artists, expressing great flare and style when beating the Germans as they did so gloriously tonight!
Truly, international sport is an excellent replacement for war. We should get the Iranians to the ping pong table.
What I noticed was that before the game, every Italian player sang his heart out with his anthem while the Germans were less than enthusiastic.
Football is so much better when it behaves like rugby.
I used to like football.
On one level, I still do, in that I can enjoy watching a damn good game from time to time. What I can’t stand is all the peripheral media-generated crap that surrounds it, and elevates it and the players’ wages and egos, to a ridiculous level of perceived national importance.
However, last night’s match was just the sort of stuff that could maybe (just maybe….) persuade me to show a bit more interest. Excellent entertainment all round.
Meanwhile, back to a proper sport…. oh – the covers are on and the players are off….. never mind.
NobblySan
June 29, 2012 at 11:21 am