Normal service is resumed.
Well not on Thameslink; miracles take longer than a world cup tournament lasts, but at least the football is back.
It’s the quarter finals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So TLF is a leeeetle bit excited, having always wanted to see France play a nation that has 3.44 cows for everyone person in its land mass. OK that’s not the real reason, but it’s a great fact, and France and Uruguay are two of the most impressive teams so far. I’m over Suarez and his deliberate handball against Ghana. Well clearly not totally over it, because it was eight years ago. I have though been impressed with Uruguay and for once I don’t mind who goes through. But if it could be after the 90 minute draw I might have invested some of my hard earned in, that would be very welcome. Cavani is likely to be absent, nursing his tight calf (see previous bovine ratio for the pun factor there), which might give France the upper hand and if Claude Mbappe or Claude MmmmCobbe as we would call him in Lesta, turns on the style, it could be au revoir Uruguay.
Friday evening will be when TLF will be giving the beautiful game 100% attention. Because clearly I will be working VERY HARD Friday afternoon, not paying any attention to the 3pm kick off. While they are wearing golf-inspired football shirts, they don’t have anyone one who rolls around quite like Neymar so I think TLF’s loyalties will be with the land of Poirot and TinTin.
Saturday. OH. Saturday.
TLF will be at the Childwickbury Arts Fair, as committed several months ago. She’ll be with the neighbours and Mr TLF. And my iphone and a set of headphones in the corner of the beer tent. It could be very messy. Oh no, he’s out (BOOMBOOM!)
The boys from Ikea will not be easy opponents. They saw off Holland and Italy to qualify for this tournament and have become a team that is the sum of its parts, rather than a team focussed on a superstar (cf Zlatan). They are tough to break down and I like their football but maybe their ex-players’ baiting of Ingurland, ‘spoilt and overpaid’ players might give us that extra little boost.
Last but not least will be Ros-si-ya against Croatia. Can the host continue to prove their pre-tournament critics, and that is a LOT of critics, wrong or will Modric the little witch overcome?
Four games.
Expect controversy, expect surprises. A bit like my surprise yesterday when I was forced to brave WH Smith’s rip-off prices due to impending dehydration and got a free Torygraph for my pains. Martin O’God writing and some rather nice artwork (see TLF’s possible copyright offence below). Who knew!?
Paint your face.
Hang up your flag.
Cross everything.
But most importantly, make a Moscow Mule. enjoy!
Gorky Park Fox
Tim Vyner’s drawing of a mural to Lev Yashin, complete with TLF shadow….
Daily website
I’m not suggesting you buy any of them but nice to see all the World Cup posters in one place. I think 1950 gets my vote.
https://futbolartistnetwork.com/pages/fifa-world-cup-posters