EDitorial ± 12-Jun-2006
World Cup 2006, Day 4
Most inconsiderate to have matches played during work-time. And not the best of
days for a brief air-con breakdown: staying in shorts paid off. Chuckled at
The Guardian's national stereotype ridden run-by-run (oops, wrong sport) text
commentary as Japan went ahead, then winced as Australia -- the
Sheilaroos -- got not one, not two, but a hat-trick of late goals.
Caught the final five mins of dreamteam USA being thrashed by the big
and bouncing Czech Republic. Relied on reruns of all three goals.
Wouldn't want to mess with the Hagridesque Koller, who banged in a rocket of a
header before
limping off. Then a thunderbolt from Rosicky, apparently now bound for
Ashburton and Arsene, before he coolly slotted home his second. Some player.
Experimented with my digital red button -- technology is my friend -- to switch
to commentary from Five Live. Thanks to Freeview, I was able to catch Jimmy
Armfield referring to "what I call a physically strong side." See, those
ex-pros have their own special language. Not.
And so to Ghana's debut WC game against the always interestingly
coiffured Italy. Heck, their goalie had a golden kit and is named
Buffon. Totti hobbled off to be replaced by Mio Pony Piccolo,
Senor Camoranesi, flaunting his big girl's ponytail, admired by Middler who'd
appeared and couldn't sleep. She had four inches lopped off at the weekend and
was admiring Mauro's mane with envy.
I'd always take the Azzurri after Brazil, but I was willing the Black Stars
forward. How was that not a penalty with 10 mins
to go? Must mention Pimpong: great name, little else.
Much praise for the Ghanaian Michael Essien (obligatory Chelsea chap) on the
pitch and for the surprisingly erudite and informative Marcel Desailly
(ex-Chelsea) in the studio.