Cursed Week for British Sport
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Last weekend we were revelling in it. England had knocked out France in the Rugby World Cup final and they were on their way to a Saturday show down in Paris with South Africa. Lewis Hamilton was top of the F1 Championship leader board with one race to go and the Scotland and England football teams were minutes away from Euro 2008 qualification.
Come Sunday evening and we've got nothing.
England dramatically lost 2-1 to Russia away from home due to a poor penalty call and some shoddy goal-keeping and defending. Putting qualification out of England's control, and relying on a Russian falter against Israel. Scotland meanwhile left themselves the task of needing to beat Italy at home to qualify, after their torrid display in Georgia, losing 2-0. This all happened on Wednesday. Next up is Saturday, and with thousands of English fans, the rugby team are in Paris for the World Cup Final. Whilst a gallant and brave performance, a demoralising disallowed try and some lack of discipline and BAM, the final is lost. Now our nation's hopes of a great victory fall to the young rookie Lewis Hamilton, with a second place position on the starting grid in Brazil for the last race of the season. Things quickly go wrong as Hamilton falls to the back of the pack with car problems, finishing the race in 7th, resulting in a Raikkonen race and championship win.
It seems I was lucky enough to have the pleasant distraction of going to Leicester for the weekend for Samantha's birthday, drawing me away from such shattering realisations. So whilst England lost - left, right and centre, I merrily drank wine, ate Risotto and sampled fine Hotel Chocolat delights. It seems I was lovingly spared this time around, gifted with a wonderfully relaxing long weekend. On this occasion I am thankful to have missed out on all the sporting commotion.
Come Sunday evening and we've got nothing.
England dramatically lost 2-1 to Russia away from home due to a poor penalty call and some shoddy goal-keeping and defending. Putting qualification out of England's control, and relying on a Russian falter against Israel. Scotland meanwhile left themselves the task of needing to beat Italy at home to qualify, after their torrid display in Georgia, losing 2-0. This all happened on Wednesday. Next up is Saturday, and with thousands of English fans, the rugby team are in Paris for the World Cup Final. Whilst a gallant and brave performance, a demoralising disallowed try and some lack of discipline and BAM, the final is lost. Now our nation's hopes of a great victory fall to the young rookie Lewis Hamilton, with a second place position on the starting grid in Brazil for the last race of the season. Things quickly go wrong as Hamilton falls to the back of the pack with car problems, finishing the race in 7th, resulting in a Raikkonen race and championship win.
It seems I was lucky enough to have the pleasant distraction of going to Leicester for the weekend for Samantha's birthday, drawing me away from such shattering realisations. So whilst England lost - left, right and centre, I merrily drank wine, ate Risotto and sampled fine Hotel Chocolat delights. It seems I was lovingly spared this time around, gifted with a wonderfully relaxing long weekend. On this occasion I am thankful to have missed out on all the sporting commotion.
Posted by FofR
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