« Why I didn’t vote Labour yesterday
» Football, both virtual and real

Monday, June 14, 2004

Merde

How could they let this happen?

Why was Rooney taken off? Why did Gerrard only provide incisive through balls for the opposition? And as for Heskey, well, just…why?

10 Responses

  1. iainl Says:
    June 14th, 2004 at 09:40:53

    Why take Rooney off? Judging by the way he was acting at every minor incident, I was already pleading for Sven to take him off before the Ref sent him off instead. The guy was throwing a serious tantrum.

  2. tom Says:
    June 14th, 2004 at 10:28:17

    I’m still in shock.

    I had nightmares last night, giant Emile Heskeys lumbering through post-apocalyptic landscapes. I became disoriented, lost all sense of direction - possibly I was viewing the scene through Stephen fucking Gerrard’s eyes.

    I may have to only watch cricket for the rest of my life. At least we’re good at that.

    Christ, it feels weird saying that.

  3. Chris Says:
    June 14th, 2004 at 11:25:11

    Aptly enough, that match was played on Suicide Sunday…

    It’s a fair point about Rooney being his usual tempestuous self on the pitch (curiously, the referee didn’t book him, which would have probably put him in his place), but subbing him when only 1-0 up, with the French team’s spirit up after that penalty miss was a mistake. Heskey was a very poor replacement, his ability to hold the ball up seems to have disappeared (Agent Houllier, you have done well).

    I’m trying to think of a few positives from the match (namely Rooney and Ledley King), and I suppose the loss could gird England for a more determined performances later on - but I fear the way that they lost, losing it all in three minutes, is a very tough psychological blow and that without the right kind of encouragement and morale-boosting within the England camp then they’re not going to bounce back very well.

  4. Armand Says:
    June 14th, 2004 at 22:10:39

    As if you don’t quaff garlic. Faux England supporter here, folks. He was cheering Thierry all the way.

  5. tom Says:
    June 14th, 2004 at 22:20:50

    “Is that a time-out?” - Armand David, June 13 2004, while watching the football.

  6. Chris Says:
    June 14th, 2004 at 23:01:05

    I still preferred that “Barcelona” chant that I tried to get started after the French scored the second…

  7. Armand Says:
    June 14th, 2004 at 23:25:51

    I still don’t see why everyone found that so funny. Hrumph.

  8. Chris Says:
    June 14th, 2004 at 23:52:06

    In 1999 Manchester United fluked the European Cup Final against Bayern Munich, in Barcelona. 1-0 down with three minutes to go (and after Bayern had twice hit the woodwoek), they scored twice in injury time to win it 2-1 - so there was hint of déjà vu in Sunday’s match. ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley is (in)famous for regularly mentioning it whenever he commentates (regardless of whether Man U are actually playing), which made the chant all the more apt.

  9. Armand Says:
    June 15th, 2004 at 08:01:49

    I was referring to my “time out” comment. I can’t remember your “Barcelona” chant. How did that go again?

  10. Chris Says:
    June 15th, 2004 at 10:22:37

    The 1992 Barcelona Olympics Anthem by Queen.


« Why I didn’t vote Labour yesterday
» Football, both virtual and real