Germany '06...

Such anticipation! Such excitement! Such expectation! Such disappointment! A month of erratic sleeping patterns, waking up at 3am to watch important games and joining my fellow English patrons to sing and cheer in the bars of Christchurch. Amy also got caught up in all the excitement – wearing her England jersey when appropriate! Even though this is a traditionally rugby country – there are a lot of soccer/football supporters. We arrived at the largest sports bar in Christchurch at 7am for the Sweden game, to find hundreds of people (many in their work uniform and even school uniform) cheering on their country! Even in the month I made my first steps towards NZ residency, I’m still proud to be English! In evaluating England, I give credit to the English defence, persistence of Crouch and nobility of Beckham. I do however blame Sven for his defensive formations and Rooney must also take some blame. Bring on South Africa 2010!