I hate it when people say you need “nerves of steel” to be an England supporter. Take a look at the past 10 years I’ve put up with as an Italy supporter:
World Cup 1994 - Lost on Penalties in the final.
Euro 1996 - Beaten by a last minute goal at a different game.
World Cup 1998 - Knocked out by a golden goal in extra time.
Euro 2000 - Knocked out by a Golden Goal.
World Cup 2002 - Another one of them Golden Goals in the last minutes of extra time.
Euro 2004 - Knocked out by a last minute goal at a different game.
Gah!!
The only possible good that could come out of this hideous piece of bad luck is that Giovanni Trapattoni will probably no longer be the coach of la squadra. In fact we may even get a coach who doesn’t try to play Seria A football at an international level.
I’m off to go and drown my sorrows in a deep cup of Ozoro - or whatever crap I can find in the kitchen cabinet that approximates its flavour. At least England look to be in with a chance this year.
Guess I’d better take Inno di Mameli off my phone ringtone.
Later
John
Posted by John Swaine at June 22, 2004 10:20 PM | TrackBack