So, if the title hasn't given it away for you, what follows is me having a rant about sport. Not just football, in case you were wondering if the title was simply a smokescreen for my true intentions! Oh no. This is a multi sport rant. You could almost say it was an Olympic scale rant, unless of course you worry that it may be misconstrued as a copyright infringement. Still with me? Ok, here goes... *takes deep breath*
I will start with the Olympics, actually. The country has been looking forward to this moment since 2005, when the winning bid was announced. For a while, even I managed to exhibit some excitement. But then I got fed up with it being rammed down our throats at every possible opportunity. So we're hosting a major international event. Whoopee. I've heard it called the 'People's Games' somewhere. Is it? I didn't join in the whole ticket-obtaining hoop-la because it sounded like you needed a degree to understand the process. Applying for tickets, not knowing what you were going to get, then paying through the nose for them? Hardly one for the 'people' is it? Yet the Women's Beach Volleyball event was apparently sold out to 'lucky' (read pervy) Government and Civil Service types. It'll be better on the telly anyway... If I bother to watch.
Olympic-related is the GB Mens football team. Purely a PR stunt in my opinion. More hoo-ha this week when Stuart Pearce decided not to pick David Beckham for the the squad. Condemnation from some, me not included, that Beckham was 'strung along' under the impression he was in with a chance. Look, the bloke is 37, he's past it. To pick him would only end up turning the whole thing into a media circus/pantomime centred on Mr Beckham, and no doubt the rest of his brood. So I applaud Stuart Pearce and hope that he can be left to steer his troops through the minefield of expectation and hope ahead of them.
And this brings me on to our national game. It's in a sorry state. On the international front, the England team made it to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012. This managed to split the nation into those who felt this was a success bearing in mind the preparations, and those who are still labouring under the misapprehension that England should be world-beaters almost 50 years after we won our only tournament. And then FIFA release their latest world rankings showing England as the 'Fourth Best Team In The World'. What a bloody joke!
And then there is the chaos currently enveloping the Scottish football scene. Rangers FC have failed to avoid the inevitable meltdown caused by the apparent decision by some in the previous hierarchy to avoid paying the correct/any tax to HMRC. Now the original company is heading to liquidation and a new company is in the process of trying to find a home in the league set-up. Unfortunately though, because of the dysfunction, the fortunes of just two clubs (Celtic and the aforementioned Rangers) the entire system could be pushed to the brink if the right monetary solution isn't found. Personally, it is my opinion that the 'New Rangers' should be entered at the lowest level (Scottish Division 3) and made to work their way back up. This is from a Rangers supporter. And as for further sanctions being imposed, haven't they suffered enough??! The Scottish clubs should learn the lesson, and let the new Rangers start again with a level playing field, as it were...
Next up it's Tennis. Wimbledon is almost over, and Andy Murray has just made it to his first Wimbledon final, and the first British finalist since 1938 apparently. Cue mass hysteria and over-the-top pressure on the poor bloke. For his sake, I hope he wins. Otherwise the press on Monday will no doubt be full of mocking headlines. Let's not forget, Andy Murray has been consistently ranked in the top 4 despite competing in the same era as the likes of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. Any other era, and he could easily have won a major Grand Slam tournament. Occasionally I joke with my mum about him being a typical British failure when he loses, but only to wind her up!
And so ends my rant. Let's hope the summer of sport gives us something to cheer about.
It's July, which should mean blue sky, sun in the sky and no need for a waterproof or umbrella. The British summer seems to be going through an identity crisis yet again, and to be honest I'm fed up with it. Which got me thinking about the places I've been on holiday, and the holidays themselves. So here comes my five favourite holidays (that I can remember) in no particular order...
1) Malta 2002
A week in the sunshine with my big brother. Fishing villages, Ollie Reed's last pub, a momentarily lost wallet on a Maltese bus, a vomit-inducing catamaran trip over to Sicily, this holiday had it all!!
2) Cornwall 2009
It was only a weekend, but it was the first break I had with my current lady. We stayed in a B&B at the end of the world (well, Lizard Point, but it felt like it). In just two short days, we took in St Michael's Mount (on a very windy day, I still have sand in my coat pocket!), Penzance, St Ives and Land's End.
3) Austria Summer 2011
My first full-length trip to Marisa's home and to play an important part in her sister's wedding. Once the wedding was done and dusted, we hit the road and visited Hungary and Slovenia too. The weather was awesome and I managed to drink a shed load of booze without a serious hangover!
4) Lake Garda 1988
I was only a child back then, not yet 8 years old, but it was my first holiday with my parents on my own. I can't remember why my brother wasn't with us, but I seem to recall having a good time. I remember one occasion being in a restaurant during one of the Euro 88 games, possibly with Italy playing. I would like to return as a grown-up to appreciate it all a bit more.
5) Ibiza 2004
Take out the fact that I was with my now ex-wife, this was one hell of a holiday. We went to the 'quiet' area of the island, near Es Canar, and it was chilled, relaxed and dare I say it, fun. We had a 'sunset' cruise on a cloudy evening, had a few drinkies in San Antonio in a bar called Sergeant Peppers. Plenty of walking to and from the hotel to civilisation along the beach... See, not even my ex could spoil my memories of this holiday!
And now, five places I'd like to go to...
1) USA
So many possibilities! A Route 66 road trip, or an NFL game in Pittsburgh, New York to name but a few options I'd like to experience.
2) Canada
My parents have been and enjoyed it. I get the impression it's a bit more laid back than it's neighbour, and Niagara Falls is on my list of places to see anyway.
3) Italy
I'd like to revisit this place as an adult. See places like Rome, Genoa. I'd like to go back to Venice too. You know, before it sinks...
4) France
Our nearest neighbours, and I've never actually been there for a holiday. I've passed through on a few occasions but never stopped. Maybe Paris. Possibly the south of France (Count of Monte Cristo country - Marseilles etc). The Champagne region...
5) Scotland
Believe it or not, I've never been to Scotland. Never. Even with family connections, I've failed to make it there. So I want to go.
And that is the conclusion to my little holiday reminiscences and plans. It's still bloody raining outside. I knew I should have bought that sunny beach poster and stuck it up in the window...
Wowzer. It's July already. It seems only yesterday we were celebrating New Year, looking forward to a big year. We've had Easter, The European Football Championships are now out of the way, Wimbledon is at the mid-way point. Soon it will be my birthday, and then... There's something else. It's nagging at me... It's gone. Probably wasn't too important then!
This weekend saw the return of The Stone Roses to the stage in Manchester. In honour of them, this week's Mix-tape offering is for bands that have gone away and come back again!
1) Waterfall - The Stone Roses
From the Roses in their heyday!
2) Step On - Happy Mondays
Twisting Shaun Ryder's melons!
3) Help The Aged - Pulp
Jarvis & Co trying to follow their Different Class album!
4) History - Cast
Even more immense played live!
5) Back For Good - Take That
Yes, even I like this one!
6) Coffee & TV - Blur
Remember the video with the milk carton?!
7) Gold - Spandau Ballet
Well, it's good to sing along to!
8) God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
God only knows why but they're touring again!
9) Embarrassment - Madness
Social Comment Ska!
10) She's In Fashion - Suede
Bet you'd forgotten they reformed right? I had!!
Well, there's your ten to listen to for this week. Enjoy.
PS Don't forget I'm looking for you blog readers to send me your own 10 song lists... Via the Facebook page!!! (Is that enough pleading?)
Okay, so the Football didn't go according to plan, but when does it?!
To try and take your mind off the misery, here's ten tracks from one of the most underrated musicians I've ever come across. Nick Harper is both a musical maverick and genius at the same time. His songwriting is smart, witty and always on the ball. And I have to thank my mate Doug for this.
1) The Verse That Time Forgot
It's just magical!
2) By My Rocket Comes Fire
About the ages of man.
3) Blue Sky Thinking
Was top of the iTunes chart for a brief period!
4) She Rules My World
Apparently about Mother Nature!
5) Aeroplane
Clever wordplay with a nifty tune!
6) Imaginary Friend
Another poignant song.
7) Real Life
More brilliant song-writing!
8) The Field Of The Cloth Of Gold
Quick, clever and catchy!
9) Miracles For Beginners
We all need miracles!
10) One Of The 38
A more recent one that's good!
So there it is. Go. Explore. And thank me later.
And so, fresh from the final whistles in the final group stage matches, here is my summary of what I've seen in the tournament so far. One thing I will point out that this has been a very attacking tournament so far, with the statistic of there being no goalless draws in the group stages for the first time since 1988, and the first (and last) in the 16 team format - we're up to 24 teams for the 2016 edition.
Group A
When Poland scored the first goal of the tournament, it looked like a fairy tale was under way. Only for those pesky Greeks to spoil the fun with an equaliser to deny Poland a first ever Euro finals victory. Then of course, there was the incredibly harsh Greek sending off, and the entirely deserved Polish keeper red card that almost cost the game completely. Then, later on, the Russians tore the Czechs apart in a surprisingly one-sided match.
Second time around, the Czech Republic looked on course to give the Greeks a battering with two goals in the opening 6 minutes, only for Petr Cech to gift a goal to Greece and make it interesting. Elsewhere, after the Polish fans attacked their Russian counterparts on the streets, the football team gave a brave, almost heroic display to take a point of their highly fancied Russian opponents.
To the final round of games, then. To increase the anxiety and spectacle of the event, both games were played simultaneously as is the norm these days. The Czechs had to overcome the co-hosts to secure a quarter-final place, Russia just had to avoid defeat, Poland had to win, and even the Greeks could sneak through with a win and other results going their way! Cue a workman-like win for the Czech Republic and a total shock result that saw Greece beat Russia.
So, Czech Republic and unfancied Greece through at the expense of the plucky co-hosts Poland and much fancied Russia!
Group B
Ah, yes. The Group of Death. Three previous champions and Portugal. The Danes were perceived as the weaker of the four, but all did not go according to plan. Another shock was the Denmark win over the World Cup finalists, Holland. Germany meanwhile, well they won a scrappy affair to beat the disappointingly tame Portuguese.
To follow that, Portugal took on Denmark knowing a defeat would actually knock them out. When a comfortable two goal lead was wiped out by Nicklas Bendtner and his sponsored undies, they looked ropey, but a last gasp winner spared their blushes. Germany then proceeded to beat the once-more-disappointing Dutch to all but secure a quarter-final spot.
In the final games, the Germans produced a steady performance to end Danish qualification hopes, meanwhile Cristiano Ronaldo finally turned up to the party with two goals to send the Dutch home without a point to their name.
Quarter-final places for Germany and Portugal, but Denmark and Holland succumb to the Group of Death.
Group C
Another tough group saw the Spanish footballing dynasty matched with perennial Jekyll & Hyders Italy, and the more-than-capable Croatia. And The Republic of Ireland. Unfortunately for the Irish, they appeared not to wake up until five minutes into each half. By which time they'd conceded goals, and ultimately lost out to Croatia 3-1. Spain then took on Italy without a recognised striker. That game ended in a 1-1 draw, and Torres came on to squander some good chances.
The Italians then contrived to lose a goal lead to draw with Croatia. The Irish once again forgot to turn up for the first five minutes allowing Torres to score a goal. There was no way back as they were chasing shadows for ninety minutes in a 4-0 hammering.
Excitement and permutations abound in the final round of games. Italy had to win. Spain needed to at least draw. A 2-2 draw between Spain and Croatia would render any Italy result irrelevant. As it turned out, Italy huffed and puffed past a more spirited Ireland, and a late late goal helped a below-par Spain knock out Croatia.
Spain through as group winners, Italy joining them. The unfortunate Croatia and pluck Irish on the plane home.
Group D
Yes. Our beloved England. Expectations were low. Then they took the lead against France. A nation celebrated. For ten minutes. Pegged back by the French, England ended up with a useful point. The other co-hosts, Ukraine came back to beat Sweden thanks to two goals from the Ukrainian National Hero, Andriy Shevchenko. Expect a statue of the man to turn up in Kiev before too long!
In Donetsk, the weather threatened to give the organisers an unexpected headache by holding up play between Ukraine and France for almost an hour due to a quite spectacular lightning storm. France coped better and came away with a 2-0 win. England then took on Sweden, delayed by fifteen minutes to ensure no overlap with the earlier game. An Andy Carroll header gave England the lead they desperately needed. Then typical England gifted the Swedes two goals from set pieces, giving all fans the obligatory heart-attack. Thankfully, Walcott and Welbeck spared our blushes to hand England a nerve-shredding 3-2 win.
Which brings us to tonights shenanigans. Co-hosts Ukraine had to win to go through, England needed only a draw. France had to hope England didn't lose. Sweden were already out.
The returning Rooney headed in from 2 millimetres to ultimately win the game, and the Ukrainians had their own goal-line technology moment as John Terry cleared the ball away from behind the line (although repeated replays showed there to be a Ukraine player offside at the beginning of the incident. The French then lost rather surprisingly to Sweden in the other game.
England through as group winners. A nation now reaches fever pitch (especially having avoided a quarter-final with Spain). France through as runners-up. Sweden and Ukraine eliminated.
There it is. Now a day off before the Quarter Finals get under way. What the hell are we going to do with ourselves??!
But we have these games to look forward to:
Czech Republic vs Portugal
Germany vs Greece
Spain vs France
England vs Italy.
And then there is the chaos currently enveloping the Scottish football scene. Rangers FC have failed to avoid the inevitable meltdown caused by the apparent decision by some in the previous hierarchy to avoid paying the correct/any tax to HMRC. Now the original company is heading to liquidation and a new company is in the process of trying to find a home in the league set-up. Unfortunately though, because of the dysfunction, the fortunes of just two clubs (Celtic and the aforementioned Rangers) the entire system could be pushed to the brink if the right monetary solution isn't found. Personally, it is my opinion that the 'New Rangers' should be entered at the lowest level (Scottish Division 3) and made to work their way back up. This is from a Rangers supporter. And as for further sanctions being imposed, haven't they suffered enough??! The Scottish clubs should learn the lesson, and let the new Rangers start again with a level playing field, as it were...
