I’ve got a confession to make.
To be fair, or TBF as I used to say with my mates in Brum when I was young and foolish, you might have a sneaking suspicion. The little bon mots, the regular tut at the bottom of the blog. I get them all sorted at the weekend so I have a week’s worth in advance.
Don’t look at me like that, I’m trying to do this, watch the games and keep my job.
Anyhoo what that meant was that my pre-prepared multiple translation phrase of the day, included a German translation, and as any fule kno the language has to be for teams playing. Not those who are knocked out. Let’s write it off as a happy accident.
Yesterday saw Senegal go out because they had more yellow cards than Japan, a disappointing end to the world cup for them but one which their coach took with good grace. Not sure whether a very Japan thought qualification was guaranteed if they irritated the crowd as much as that France/Denmark bore-fest earlier in the week, but their tactics did keep TLF’s theory about pointless teams getting something out of their final game so thanks for that.
Having sort of looked forward to the Ingurland game on grounds it didn’t matter, so I could enjoy it, I now realise if there’s no angst I’m not interested. This soft toy resident of TLF Towers had made a huge effort to show his support but fortunately his mask (any fule kno a bear can’t do face paint) is not single use and will be deployed for next week’s game.
Ingurland supporting bear or Mexican wrestling bear?
More disappointing than the performance of our second string was the realisation that ITV were inflicting Glenn Hoddle on us not only for this game but again next week. My (world) cup truly doth runneth empty. Fresh television hell was even available after the game, with some sort of evening version of Good Morning Britain discussing football. Nothing says ‘the magic of football’ more than Piers Morgan being vaguely patronising to Pamela Anderson who knows nothing about the sport, but is the current paramour of one of the French squad. Cue ‘witty’ questions about being a WAG and whether there is a sex ban the night before a game. Pass me the remote along with that sick bag could you?
It is of course ALL Theresa May’s fault if that defeat which has put us into the ‘easier’ half of the draw spells the end for Ingurland’s World Cup:
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jun/28/theresa-may-scores-own-goal-holding-up-belgium-football-shirt
You will of course all be twiddling your thumbs today and for those who don’t want a break from football related matters, can I recommend you tootle along to the IPlayer. There is John Motson’s recent appearance on Desert Island Discs, which is a delight. A real gent, with a bit more sharp wit than he might always have been allowed to display in his time commentating. And after that ‘My world cup sticker mission’. A tale of a hunt for six crucial stickers, recommended by my brilliant friend, Julie Scot.
The business end, as they say, returns on Satday. It being knockout time, there is I guess the risk that the caution levels will rise, and thus the thrills diminish, with so much more at stake for every mistake made. The France shirt will be dusted off for tomorrow and the Lucky Poulet has had a small spruce up, all ready for the last 16.
A small upgrade for the round of 16
As for Uruguay/Portugal TLF is hoping for a 22-man brawl and expulsion from the world cup for both sides. It’s not charitable but it is how I feel.
Also feeling less than charitable is Mr TLF. He has asked what my visitor Iain, (friend from Uni, ex finals- revision buddy and ex house mate) and I will be doing this weekend.
“Er. Watching football.”
“what else?”
“Er…watching football?”
Exit Mr TLF stage left, pursued by a wallchart.
I will see you Monday. Have a bonne weekend and if you like a tipple, mix yourself a Moscow Mule, 8/10 Magic Chicken owners said their chicken recommended it.
Rachmaninoff Fox
NO GAMES = NO ANTHEMS.
Instead a triple Phrase of the day to recognise the seriousness of our football vacuum: Spanish/ French/Danish
What do you mean there are no games tonight? Nightmare!
¿Qué quieres decir con que no hay juegos esta noche? ¡Pesadilla!
Que voulez-vous dire qu’il n’y a pas de jeux ce soir!? Cauchemar!
Hvad mener du der er ingen spil i aften!? Mareridt!