Wembley with drums
So yesterday I went to the Olympic football final. Brazilian drums, Mexican mariachis. Vast amount of gold and green. Extremely friendly atmosphere, and easier to get a ticket for than for a domestic final. So much better atmosphere than for the semifinal (Mex/Japan on Tuesday) but less gentlemanly (Mexico wasted time, kicked people at will, the English ref was predictably clueless). The best side won, Brazil were disappointing.
Inevitably there were more neutrals than partisans, which took a little away - I saw Irish, French, Italian, Dutch, Turk, US, Japanese, Spanish, Swedish South African, Australian shirts. Lots of young children and girls/women.
Some highlights:
Armed police posed for photos with young children.
Someone asked for a photo, because of the club shirt I was wearing (odd, heart-warming).
An Exeter fan slated the drunken Scotsman from Salford (excellent, heart-warming).
A West Ham fan slated the drunken Scotsman from Salford (excellent, heart-warming).
Rafael got booed off the pitch and at medal presentation. Whether because he'd had a shocker or because he plays for the world's most hyped franchise, I don't know, but even I thought it was harsh.
Tuesday's game had players giving the ball to the opposition for quick re-starts, no bad fouls, one pullback, no time-wasting, replaced players running off the pitch at speed. Disgraceful behaviour, they'll need to learn before making it in the corrupted world of professional football.
Inevitably there were more neutrals than partisans, which took a little away - I saw Irish, French, Italian, Dutch, Turk, US, Japanese, Spanish, Swedish South African, Australian shirts. Lots of young children and girls/women.
Some highlights:
Armed police posed for photos with young children.
Someone asked for a photo, because of the club shirt I was wearing (odd, heart-warming).
An Exeter fan slated the drunken Scotsman from Salford (excellent, heart-warming).
A West Ham fan slated the drunken Scotsman from Salford (excellent, heart-warming).
Rafael got booed off the pitch and at medal presentation. Whether because he'd had a shocker or because he plays for the world's most hyped franchise, I don't know, but even I thought it was harsh.
Tuesday's game had players giving the ball to the opposition for quick re-starts, no bad fouls, one pullback, no time-wasting, replaced players running off the pitch at speed. Disgraceful behaviour, they'll need to learn before making it in the corrupted world of professional football.