180 replies to this topic

[oolongcha]

This is a pre-emptive thread, because I anticipate that the World Cup will be a topic of interest come June.

Presumably, I'm in a minority if in hoping that the England team and their naff, flag-waving, patriotism will get kicked out of Germany asap?

[Harlequin]

[FBG]

[easylife]

as long as rooney stays fit, i can see us getting to the final, where once again we blow it on penalties.

[oolongcha]

I wonder what's so special about the so-called "home nations" that anyone would feel obliged to support them? It's mostly a question for English football fans, because Andrew appears to be an exception to the apparent rule in Scotland to support any team that's playing against England; but it's a rule that is followed to a lesser degree in Wales and Ireland. Either way, even if there is no active support for the team opposing England, it certainly doesn't translate into automatic support for England. But at least I find that a bit more comprehensible, however, than the rule in England, which appears that 'thou shalt support thy home nations'.

During Euro 2000, I was in the local pub with my dad and Ireland was playing Spain on the Big TV. I knew instantly who was playing because the only other people in the pub were a few blokes, as Irish as I am, drinking guinness and wearing their Ireland t-shirts. There was one moment of silence when the inevitable Spanish goal was scored - silence, that is, except for my cheering, as I was supporting Spain. Well, why not? They were then at least a good side who deserved to win the championship, in my opinion as a non-football fan. But you'd think that I'd committed an act of despicable treason, to judge from the looks I got! My dad and I hastily finished our drinks and left in case Spain scored again; but, nevertheless, it was a delicious act of non-conformity.

And I think that - for me - has now what it's come to: an act of non-conformity. Enjoying a good Scottish defeat is as because of their 'oppose England at all costs' rule is as much of the reason for this non-conformity as the English 'support thy Home Nations' out of a phoney sense of loyalty. The difference is, I think, going to be football World Cup this year, where I feel I may get a degree of satisfaction at seeing England being hammered, as well - after all, wasn't the defeat at the hands of Northern Ireland glorious?

[manufan06]

COME ON ENGLAND!

[whatabeauty]

I should have my new telly by then, i've nagged him that it MUST be bought by the time the World Cup starts, how am I meant to watch it on the 32".

I've just heard the official World cup song Embrace - World at your feet. Utter crap. It sounds like some soap stars new release, its bland, boring and he can't even sing

I think the best one EVER was Fat Les - Vindaloo, my neighbours are in for a treat for the whole of the tournament when i play that every day ,

[Scorpio]

I'm not that much into football but i really get into the big tournaments that England play in. I've already got the flag to stick outside my car and i'll probably get a flag for the flat too.

We have a tv at work to watch it on if its not busy but i think i'm gonna book my days off around the matches. I just hope that for once we get to the final and not blow it like we always do. Its about time we won isnt it

[Aoife]

I love the World Cup, and I will be in the pub in an England jersey shouting at the big screen. Unfortunately being as I live in a small town in Ireland, I will most probably be the only person there supporting them.

[Scorpio]

I've booked all my days off to coincide with the england games

[oolongcha]

[FBG]

Oh no Rooneys been injured in todays game at Chelsea where Man U got mullered, if its bad we might as well stay home

Owen has been injured again aswell, so he could be missing

[Scorpio]

I'll cancel my days off then

[FBG]

well fingers crossed hopefully Rooney will be ok, cos we cant do without him. But we should be ok without Owen