14 June 06
Still Waylaid
Sorry, everyone, it’s going to be a long month.
Spain beat Ukraine today 4-0. The passing was flawless, the set pieces (wot, Spain?) executed perfectly, and then there was that beautiful flowing final goal.
Meanwhile I’m trying to fit in a few self portraits and get at least a little laundry done before a friend gets here on Friday for the Hammond’s flycatcher. She’s, um, not into soccer.
Not that Japan is any better. When they hosted, along with Korea, the World Cup four years ago, on the night when Japan beat Croatia, while the Koreans were mobbing the streets in such numbers that the the entire city of Seoul ground to a halt, the Japanese were busy in their offices working late. I’ll never understand the Japanese. I’ve had countless discussions about how, if Japan wants so much to gain the winning title, they must be hungrier and put more passion into watching the game, and always I’d get the response, “But it’s only a game! Work is more important than a game.” There’s really not much I can answer to that than a big groan. I keep asking myself why in the heck the Japanese ever decided to host the World Cup if they really didn’t care about it.
Spain was wonderful to watch, wasn’t it? And this year’s England is pure magic. Of course, I’m rooting for Brazil.
Though I’m rooting for Brazil, they seem awfully sluggish so far. That won’t dampen the spirits of all the Brazilians I’m going to watch the game with, though!
Hey, did any of you see the Ghana/ Czech game? Wasn’t Ghana just wonderful? The Ghanaians must have been dancing all night long after that game.
On Thursday Japan plays Brazil (when does Australia play Brazil? Tonight (Monday…)?). It’s going to be pandemonium out on the streets. Last night, when Japan played Croatia for the first time in Japanese history riot police had to control the soccer crowds. Wonder if I’ll get home on Thursday after the game?