The day after the evening before.
London streets are strangely muted. What did I expect? Public sobbing? Heh. Still, it was strange seeing the bar that lines its full height glass walls with england flags everytime England plays at this Euro2004, stark naked. I think what i miss most was the football team's fortunes keeping the entire nation together. England expects. That is the line that pops up everytime the England boys troops off to another major tournament. You know that rather than as a stern father hovering above a nervous son, the expectation is one of hope and fingers crossed on Victorian age wooden window frames, tea in other hand and glued to the tv sets. An entire nation in sync. Even the 'i don't understand the interests generated in 22 men running around chasing a ball' faction politely keeps quiet for the time being and neutrals proclaim left, right and centre that its fun and really great to be able to support the cause and be part of this joyride.
The Romans got it right and despite the cynicism of the Senate (and more often than not, mine as well), it is amazing to be able to mobilise, or at least en-trance or lull, a whole army of people this way. Football stadiums around the world are the new Coliseums and rinks.
Football is surely not the sole prerogative of the middle-class, unthinking yobs that the passion-less think. Anything can BECOME art as the master-craftsman shows and for me, the higher form is to be able to make a teamwork reliant sport a field for art. That is why, Scholes is still by far the best England has to offer. That is why, Rooney has shown in this tournament (and when contrasted with his play thus far with Everton) that he can be much more than he already is. In time, who knows? He might just be able to pair up with Scholes and 9 other football artists in England Red. If not, maybe in the Red of Manchester?
London streets are strangely muted. What did I expect? Public sobbing? Heh. Still, it was strange seeing the bar that lines its full height glass walls with england flags everytime England plays at this Euro2004, stark naked. I think what i miss most was the football team's fortunes keeping the entire nation together. England expects. That is the line that pops up everytime the England boys troops off to another major tournament. You know that rather than as a stern father hovering above a nervous son, the expectation is one of hope and fingers crossed on Victorian age wooden window frames, tea in other hand and glued to the tv sets. An entire nation in sync. Even the 'i don't understand the interests generated in 22 men running around chasing a ball' faction politely keeps quiet for the time being and neutrals proclaim left, right and centre that its fun and really great to be able to support the cause and be part of this joyride.
The Romans got it right and despite the cynicism of the Senate (and more often than not, mine as well), it is amazing to be able to mobilise, or at least en-trance or lull, a whole army of people this way. Football stadiums around the world are the new Coliseums and rinks.
Football is surely not the sole prerogative of the middle-class, unthinking yobs that the passion-less think. Anything can BECOME art as the master-craftsman shows and for me, the higher form is to be able to make a teamwork reliant sport a field for art. That is why, Scholes is still by far the best England has to offer. That is why, Rooney has shown in this tournament (and when contrasted with his play thus far with Everton) that he can be much more than he already is. In time, who knows? He might just be able to pair up with Scholes and 9 other football artists in England Red. If not, maybe in the Red of Manchester?
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