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Samizdata, derived from Samizdat /n. - a system of clandestine publication of banned literature in the USSR [Russ.,= self-publishing house]

The self-preservation society

The BBC commentators were as doom-laden as usual for our one nil victory over Paraguay. But it was a useful victory and Lineker needs to listen to what Sven actually says.

But, watching the Italian Job afterwards with my friend and a bottle of Maltese Red, one could see how times had changed. In 2008, the coach transporting the gold to Geneva would have been decked out in white and red.

And I know the Mini chase scene would not work with this pattern…

13 comments to The self-preservation society

  • Mr Bridger

    And I know the Mini chase scene would not work with this pattern…

    Why not?

  • Ted

    The BBC commentators are simply awful. There was not one mention of the fact that Paraguay are a really good team. They have defeated both Brazil and Argentina in the last months and would have rated themselves against England.

    The boys looked knackered at half time, little wonder, it would have been about 37 degrees on the pitch. They dominated the first half and looked good. The second half was not as good, but I cant remember Robinson being bothered once. Additionally, the ref was woeful and Paraguay got their fair share of luck from him.

    I agree Sven’s decision to take Owen off was at face value bizarre. However, he is the most successful coach in English soccer history – he has lost what – 6 games ? – and should be trusted.

  • Ted

    The BBC commentators are simply awful, except for Shearer who actually is fair.There was not one mention of the fact that Paraguay are a really good team. They have defeated both Brazil and Argentina in the last months and would have rated themselves against England.

    The boys looked knackered at half time, little wonder, it would have been about 37 degrees on the pitch. They dominated the first half and looked good. The second half was not as good, but I cant remember Robinson being bothered once. Additionally, the ref was woeful and Paraguay got their fair share of luck from him.

    I agree Sven’s decision to take Owen off was at face value bizarre. However, he is the most successful coach in English soccer history – he has lost what – 6 games ? – and should be trusted.

  • Ted

    The BBC commentators are simply awful, except for Shearer who actually is fair.There was not one mention of the fact that Paraguay are a really good team. They have defeated both Brazil and Argentina in the last months and would have rated themselves against England.

    The boys looked knackered at half time, little wonder, it would have been about 37 degrees on the pitch. They dominated the first half and looked good. The second half was not as good, but I cant remember Robinson being bothered once. Additionally, the ref was woeful and Paraguay got their fair share of luck from him.

    I agree Sven’s decision to take Owen off was at face value bizarre. However, he is the most successful coach in English soccer history – he has lost what – 6 games ? – and should be trusted.

  • Rob

    Ted Said “The boys looked knackered at half time, little wonder, it would have been about 37 degrees on the pitch” – if it had been just 5 Deg. above freezing I think it would have suited our boys just fine.

  • Rob

    Ted Said “The boys looked knackered at half time, little wonder, it would have been about 37 degrees on the pitch” – if it had been just 5 Deg. above freezing I think it would have suited our boys just fine.

  • Midwesterner

    Now I know why somebody on another thread called Samizdata an “echo chamber”.

  • Chris Harper

    Midwesterner,

    Nah, they are just stuttering.

    You wouldn’t want to draw attention to someones disability now, would you?

  • Midwesterner

    Not at all.

  • Midwesterner

    Not at all.

  • Pete

    I can’t take commentators any more.

    It’s annoying enough for England games, but the ones I really can’t take are when Brazil are playing. It’s the sycophantic “aaaahhh!” moans of pleasure when one of them passes the ball, the patronising comments about Samba barefoot beach football, the endless going on and on and on about Pele and the 1970 team, and the way that skills, attacks and even goals by their opposing team are completely ignored – Turkey made them look ordinary twice last time round.

    Beautiful game, schmootiful game. Just switch the sound off, or watch it in a noisy pub.

  • Agree about the flag. All this rediscovering Englishness is bollockss of course. We have reverted to the red cross of St George because its a bugger trying to paint a Union Jack on your face when you are pissed.

  • RAB

    Well we Welsh manage a Dragon
    in a similar state. so why not the English?
    Not artistic see!
    We will all be cheering them on in the Principality.
    Unlike the ingrate Scots.
    But let’s not mess about. I’m starting my usual sweepstake ( big prizes big money!) as to who will be the jerk who misses the penalty that takes us out of the semi-final.
    Any punters out there?