With the close season, and not much going on with 'normal' football, its good to watch the European Cup. Actually I wasn't looking forward to it, but have to admit to quite enjoying almost every match. Russian V Poland was really good.
Like most people (I think), I wasn't expecting much from England and started with the attitude that I wasn't going to get too worked up about hoping at last we can win. After the first game however, I thought we did better than expected, not least to have confined the French, I am now looking forward more than I expected to tomorrows game. Some Swedish player has had a swipe at us, which childishly make me want to stuff them. In fact, I have to say, I will love it if we beat them, love it.
I expect that Swedish player has just extracted another 10% from the England teams efforts.
All the matches are being shown here in Brasil, one channel is being devoted almost entirely to the competition. They love watching the usual suspects here, especially Italy, Spain and of course the motherland Portugal, but you can sense without a doubt the added anticipation of an imminent England match.
Anyway, what started out before the beginning of the competition, as a bit of antipathy, is now starting to build nicely, mostly because of the digging at England from all corners. If we beat Sweden, then the old "footballs coming home" feeling will definately start to surface, for sure.
Despite what has happened to the England team over the last few months, and the apparent lack of preparation compared to the last world cup (look what happened there). There is a different feeling about the England team this time out. Just maybe something special is brewing.
By the way, I worked in Gdansk for two years and loved it there, never any trouble and had a really good time, also a plane every day to Doncaster airport if needed. I also worked in Nikolaev in Ukraine for over three years, and really enjoyed it there as well, made some very good long lasting friends.
I dont know if England will win today, if all the punters are to be believed, we have no chance, but I tell you, something is happening here. As I said, if only because of that Swedish players comments, I will love it if we beat them, love it.
England
posted on 17/6/12
Good article Marine. If I had my time over again I think I would like to be a globe trotter like yourself and of course still support Donny.
posted on 18/6/12
Saturday came in from work and got out of the car, two guys waiting, held me and a friend at gun point and stole my car, together with my computer and all my work from the last three years, backed up on a external hard drive, which stupidly was in my computer bag. Everything gone. Later the car was used in a petrol station robbery. I had hoped they would use it and just leave it but nothing so far. Also all my documents, passport etc were in the car.
All this right outside my house. Anyway, what do do now, might just head home and watch Donny every week. Its hard work here sometimes.
posted on 18/6/12
I am very sorry to hear of the misfortune Marine, look on the bright side, you are alive.
posted on 18/6/12
Yes Alex, but he's still out there. they could use the gun next time.
posted on 18/6/12
Well i bet carrying that thought makes Marine feel much better!!!!!
posted on 18/6/12
Sorry to hear about this incident, Marine. I went through a similar incident myself (attempted mugging with a gun) in the Netherlands when I was working over there but fortunately, managed to get away unscathed and with property largely intact.
You have to think to yourself that this is really a one off and the chances of a repeat are extremely remote.
I hope that you find a way to recover your data - maybe, if you have sent documents via webmail etc., you can retrieve them.
Anyway, best of luck to you. If there is anything that your fellow Rovers fans can do to help, just let us know.
posted on 18/6/12
Yes Marine, I was not trying to be flippant, I hope you are OK and not too traumatised. As Crazy says, if anyone can help with anything just let us know.
posted on 20/6/12
Thanks Chaps, no physical harm done, so live to fight another day, just like England
posted on 20/6/12
Well Steve Gerrard has another blinder and JT save the day with an incredible (behind the) goal line clearance.
(It was never in was it).
Not too bad from the wrinklies was it?
posted on 20/6/12
lots of people going on about how bad we are playing, but having been waiting since 1970 for us to win something and watched us play incredible football and lose, (argentina, germany, brasil) its got to be better to keep winning like this. I seem to remember england generally getting better as the tournament goes on.
If we get past Italy on Sunday, then despite passing all expectations already, its a matter of anything can happen, and maybe we can win a major competition at last.