The Magic Poulet is full of it.
Won’t stop belting out “Un coq sur une chemise,” that well known football anthem as performed by Les grains de foudre. While TLF would argue that something does get lost in translation, the victors do deserve all the spoils and so sing on my silver feathered friend.
The final was I think a suitable end to a tournament that when it wasn’t being top notch was generally being a bit bonkers. A penalty, some VAR grumbling, an own goal and (perhaps) the coming of age of the superstars of the future not those of the present.
As ever my blog has sometimes been a labour of love, a particularly unplanned labour of love on this occasion so while there might not have been quite as many researched bon mots and little written trinkets, I think we got away with it. And let’s face it TLF would have looked a bit daft going to Russia and not being able to bore you lot about it.
Like many sporting events before it, Russia 2018 proved the doom and gloom merchants wrong. No one (I hope) is naïve enough to think that on the basis of the last four weeks Russia is a utopia for human rights, freedom of expression and a tolerance of people who can’t speak your language, but it has been lovely to see and hear so many great stories about the welcome that people received. Although I probably wouldn’t recommend a flag strewn p!ss up in Red Square any time soon.
TLF has had a blast and felt a bit bereft once it all slowed down, nevermind when it all finished off on Sunday; time to take down the wall chart and relinquish the remote control. Fortunately, the domestic season comes shortly to the rescue. Saints and Lesta fixtures are in the diary and attention has already turned to how I justify a few away trips. I was just thinking I might say, “None of them are as far as Moscow.” But before all that, here is TLF’s Ten Favourite 2018 things:
1. Germany going out in the group stages in such dramatic fashion.
2. Profiting from unsporting behaviour. Who said cheats never (indirectly) prosper? Thanks Colombia for my sweepstake £20.
3. Spain v Portugal. In a hotel room in Stratford, TLF was buzzing.
4. That winning Belgium goal against Japan.
5. England. Penalties. Enough said.
6. Visit from my old mucker Iain; on the settee, watching the footy with more double entendres than is good for anyone. Made me feel about 16 years younger.
7. Going to the semi-final. A bit obvious, but honestly I still shake my head at the lunacy of it all.
8. The way the tournament gets everyone buzzing – especially the people who don’t usually pay any attention to football. Thought my phone would melt after that Last 16 game.
9. Moscow Mules
10. Can I have Germany again?
Do svidaniya you lovely people
Потерянная лиса
Do svidaniya you lovely people
Потерянная лиса
Championes!!