TLF has always been one for arguing the importance of footballing garments. Sooner or later Peru were going to get a win, cos TLF has a replica shirt. Et voila. Really pleased for Peru – two goals and a win; their first in 40 years at a World Cup. I thought that was a ridiculous fact and then I realised that Nope, sadly I am just an OLD TLF. What next for their opening goal scorer Guerrero whose suspension for a positive drugs test (of the Bolivian marching powder variety) will now be revisited? Fair play to the captains of the other teams in his group who all supported his request that the case be looked at after the world cup…unless he is their dark web contact of course.
Gambling wise things were also looking up by the denouement of Group C, TLFEA had been tempting TLF with SKY bet odds. He has an account. FATAL. He despaired at my modest stakes, but I have some embarrassing weekend losing bets to make up for; bets that I have chosen not to share with you dear reader. Fortunately, it all worked out, although I am not sure how pleased I should be at winning anything as a result of the snoozefest that was Denmark/France. Fortunately, TLF was in a meeting for the whole of that game so I don’t feel like I missed anything otherwise I might have been taking 40 winks a la Diego.
Also benefiting from the law of football garments was Argentina’s manager Jorge Sampaoli. Changing from his traditional ‘stereotypical soap opera villain’ outfit to the rather tightly fitting official team tracksuit, helped an almost imploding Argentina to nick a win in the 86th minute against Nigeria. Rumours are that our Jorge hasn’t done much managing recently; the players have decided they know best and team formation and rousing half time talks are now their domain. True or not it was instructive to see that he was straight down the tunnel at the end of the game, while the squad and staff celebrated on the pitch.
That game was on TV while Iceland/Croatia was on the laptop. Another heart breaker for the little guys. It was bad of me to want Croatia to stop attacking. “You have qualified. Do a France, take your foot off the gas. If only to reduce any chance Argentina might have of qualifying.” Clearly like so many people they weren’t listening to TLF.
One final observation on garments. If I was the Croatia keeper I’d feel a bit miffed. Their change shirt is just as cool as the home kit, but still all he gets is green. Still at least he’s through to the last 16. The Croatian coach celebrated by casually slipping a loose lock of his locks hair behind his ear like a poor man’s Poldark.
Today is a case of What the Ef(f)?
Three teams can still qualify in the top two positions from Group E, while any of the teams in Group F could make it through. Being the fan of both the underdog and football upset clearly TLF has boarded the ‘anyone but Germany and Brazil’ bus. Appreciate that unlike a Thameslink train I’ll probably have my choice of seats on this particular mode of transport.
All aboard! Ting ting!
Oleg Fox
National anthem fact fest: Germany
The music to ‘Deutschlandlied’ was composed in 1797 by Joseph Haydn.
The lyrics, which were attached to the music in 1841, were written by a German poet called Hoffmann von Fallersleben. These days they only use the third verse.
“Germany, Germany above all,
Above all else in the world”
Chant of the day – Swedish
Who are ya?
Vem är du?