World Cup Nonsense

[El Gordo]

My view of proceedings became increasingly foggy as the evening wore on.

Alcohol, of course, played some part in this, but I also had to suffer the ramblings of one of the elderly locals in the boozer. Like many round here, he has discovered his allegiance to Reading FC rather late in life, in much the same way that lifelong agnostics reignite their childhood religiosity when they're within sight of the pearly gates.

It was hard enough focusing on the second half of the Poland - Ecuador game without my ear being bent by an extended broadsheet-special-in-depth-analysis-supplement-style presentation of the strengths and weaknesses of Madejski's anonymous-but-effective side. This was the same guy who, I'm certain, was a lifelong West Ham fan until last Christmas.

So I remember little about the game, and less about the half-time punditry. I did however notice Gabby Wotsit's eye make-up. Or rather, lack of. Something very odd happened to her on the way to the Champions League Final, and by the time she arrived in the hot seat she'd become a panda. I had to assume she was on her way to the Rocky Horror show after the big game. Last night, normal service had been resumed.

As for the football, a good start compared with other years. If (BIG IF) England win their group it's now looking a strong possibiity that they'll be up against Ecuador. A decent side but, if it happens, one we would normally be expected to overcome. They'll do me.

The ealier game saw some splendid goals but it wasn't a great contest. Costa Rica had one attack in the first half (from which they scored with a goal by ex-QPR player Wanchope) but apart from that seemed to be there just to provide their hosts with some shooting practice. So not a lot by which to judge Germany though their defence looks every bit as flimsy and as rigid as the pundits have been saying.

And on to this afternoon's game. Paraguay, by all objective accounts, are a better side than we give them credit for. Combined with long-standing tradition, which demands that England get off to a disappointing start, and this game has "draw" written all over it. The odds (around 9/4) aren't enticing enough for me, but that's my tip for the day. If I was going to have a bet (and I'm not) I'd combine it with banker-wins for Argentina and Sweden today for a 6/1 (ish) treble.

Anyway, time to mow the lawn in order to earn enough brownie points with which to enjoy the big game(s) in peace. At home this time.