Anthony McIntyre ⚽ Having since watched a few World Cup games with my son, there is still a bad taste in my mouth which even whiskey doesn't remove. 

It became even more acetous on the palate upon listening to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino crow that Qatar hosted the best World Cup ever at the group stage and that he anticipates exceeding the five billion television viewer mark by the end of the tournament. Having broken ranks I too will join that number. Feels like not completing a dry January. Just that soccer Players do not have the soothing effect of sipping Powers.

The tournament had reached the last sixteen before the duck was broke for me with the lure of the French in action against Poland. My son invited me in from my self imposed cold. As I entered the chill exited. It was game on.

Currently, world champions, the French seriously stuttered in Euro 2020 before being silenced by Switzerland. If ever the phrase snatching defeat from the jaws of victory scored a perfect ten, it was there. On Tuesday the Swiss demonstated that they too could flatter to deceive. A woeful display of soccer against Portugal who thrashed them 6-1 preceded their flight back to Zurich. 

The French were impressive with Mbappe scoring two quality goals. Given the lacklustre performances by Paul Pogba for Manchester Unmuted, Les Bleu are unlikely to suffer as a result of his absence through injury. Pampered Paul has as much to offer this world stage as Receeding Ronaldo, but it can take a while for the egos to come to terms with that. There is something to be said about growing old gracefully. 

Last evening I bade my son 'adieu' and 'Vive la France' as he headed off to Lyon with his sister, where they plan to watch the France-England clash on Saturday in one of the city's pubs. I would have enjoyed catching that match with him either in our local or at home. His departure depriving me of the excuse that I am only watching it in some ritual of father-son bonding.

This England team, despite the defensive conservatism of its coach, played some classy football against the Senegalese once it found its rhythm. I expect France to win but this is not the England of old who even Iceland could knock out of a major championship. As ruthlessly clinical as the English finishing was the French will not be as easy to counter attack against as Senegal were. Still, with the dynamic midfield that England can call upon including Jude Bellingham who is a real path finder, France cannot rest on the combination of their laurels and England's previous form.

From what I have watched thus far the major satisfaction came not with a victory for any particular side but through the defeat of Spain, put to the sword by Morocco. What a flat, unappetising side, as dull as dishwater. A team of crabs that instinctively goes sideways. 

What are you having? 
I'll pass on this one. 

And so they did, earning a free pass back home. For about eight years this century Spain dominated world football but it is all history now. This side would struggle to avoid relegation in the English Championship.

At this time of year they don't even have the comforting thought on their journey home that they are all off to sunny Spain 'Y Viva Espana.'

With fewer donkeys there is now more hay for the horses.

Follow on Twitter @AnthonyMcIntyre.

More Hay For The Horses

Anthony McIntyre ⚽ Having since watched a few World Cup games with my son, there is still a bad taste in my mouth which even whiskey doesn't remove. 

It became even more acetous on the palate upon listening to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino crow that Qatar hosted the best World Cup ever at the group stage and that he anticipates exceeding the five billion television viewer mark by the end of the tournament. Having broken ranks I too will join that number. Feels like not completing a dry January. Just that soccer Players do not have the soothing effect of sipping Powers.

The tournament had reached the last sixteen before the duck was broke for me with the lure of the French in action against Poland. My son invited me in from my self imposed cold. As I entered the chill exited. It was game on.

Currently, world champions, the French seriously stuttered in Euro 2020 before being silenced by Switzerland. If ever the phrase snatching defeat from the jaws of victory scored a perfect ten, it was there. On Tuesday the Swiss demonstated that they too could flatter to deceive. A woeful display of soccer against Portugal who thrashed them 6-1 preceded their flight back to Zurich. 

The French were impressive with Mbappe scoring two quality goals. Given the lacklustre performances by Paul Pogba for Manchester Unmuted, Les Bleu are unlikely to suffer as a result of his absence through injury. Pampered Paul has as much to offer this world stage as Receeding Ronaldo, but it can take a while for the egos to come to terms with that. There is something to be said about growing old gracefully. 

Last evening I bade my son 'adieu' and 'Vive la France' as he headed off to Lyon with his sister, where they plan to watch the France-England clash on Saturday in one of the city's pubs. I would have enjoyed catching that match with him either in our local or at home. His departure depriving me of the excuse that I am only watching it in some ritual of father-son bonding.

This England team, despite the defensive conservatism of its coach, played some classy football against the Senegalese once it found its rhythm. I expect France to win but this is not the England of old who even Iceland could knock out of a major championship. As ruthlessly clinical as the English finishing was the French will not be as easy to counter attack against as Senegal were. Still, with the dynamic midfield that England can call upon including Jude Bellingham who is a real path finder, France cannot rest on the combination of their laurels and England's previous form.

From what I have watched thus far the major satisfaction came not with a victory for any particular side but through the defeat of Spain, put to the sword by Morocco. What a flat, unappetising side, as dull as dishwater. A team of crabs that instinctively goes sideways. 

What are you having? 
I'll pass on this one. 

And so they did, earning a free pass back home. For about eight years this century Spain dominated world football but it is all history now. This side would struggle to avoid relegation in the English Championship.

At this time of year they don't even have the comforting thought on their journey home that they are all off to sunny Spain 'Y Viva Espana.'

With fewer donkeys there is now more hay for the horses.

Follow on Twitter @AnthonyMcIntyre.

8 comments:

  1. I knew you'd give in! But I'll refrain from quoting Groucho Marx LOL

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    Replies
    1. quote him all you want. I will plead guilty and avoid a red card for the England France game!!

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  2. France V England should be a belter. Viva La France!

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  3. France v England will be great entertainment, that's guaranteed. All England games at this stage of a major championship are either epic wins or epic failures.

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    Replies
    1. do you think England can pull it off Peter?

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  4. Your next column is a cert to cover it

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  5. Certainly they can pull it off. They have great forwards in great form, but can that defence keep Mbappe quiet? I can't wait, as I said it will be epic in one way or another!

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    Replies
    1. the one good thing is if they do pull it off getting beaten by Morocco in the semis will be joyous!!

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