I had to eat my words last night from previous blog as the England soccer team beat arch rivals Germany on the home turf of Wembley. Not the quagmire of turf of their 66 victory but the turf of the new Wembley no longer ploughed by horses. Unlike 66 and 96 when I watched in the stadium I missed out live last night and played soccer catch up today.
It was an efficient performance, it did the job and now like modern day gladiators they travel to Rome to meet Ukraine on Saturday night in the Quarter Final who in a turnip for the book beat the swedes later that night.
England were saved by their heroic goalkeeper Pickford who like the removal company named after him, moved heaven and earth to prevent the ball touching the back of his net. Sterling appreciated against the euro as he scored the opening goal and Kane proved able when he headed in the second. At that point the stalemate Pre penalties was avoided as England cruised to the final whistle. Meantime no one had to think it was all over when it clearly was all over. No over the line debate or suspect Russian linesmen with their flags waving through the Trans Siberian Rail. No extra time, less cramps and Manager Gareth waking after 25 years nightmare of his own missed penalty. Soccer does allow redemption.
Unlike days of old Germany appropriately wearing all black looked like the Chelsea team as three of them play for both. The centre back looked more like Michael Crawford off the Phantom stage donning his black mask and causing problems by maintaining the 2 metre rule from all around him. However it was Muller of yoghurt fame that made a sickly mess when he missed a virtual open goal though in fairness he was running 20mph with a ball chased by three men in white.
The day before I sat in the surgery of my Russian dentist and in the waiting room got chatting to another elderly patient aka Rosa Kleb. The lady told me that she was from the Soviet Union. I enquired what part and she replied ‘ Ukraine ‘. I remarked ‘ outside Russia ‘ she said Soviet Union and I gave up and then said ‘ Oh yes Nikita Krushchev ‘ she said ‘ Trotsky ‘. I do recall that Ukraine was the bread basket of the Soviet Union so let’s hope that England reap their harvest on Saturday .Whatever happens I got it wrong and St George I apologise. I still think at some point I may be right but for now England are on a roll and rather than eat my hat I take it off to the boys and wish them well. I’ll eat my words instead.
qbitblogger 