Domestic upset

There is a large cloud hovering over Khandallah and for once it's not the bad weather. It's rather the cloud of gloom after England's defeat against Portugal in the World Cup. Having slept through the live match it was hot foot to watch the recorded version.

I am well used to the highs and lows of the football and cricket seasons after years of experience living with an avid armchair sportsman. I'm more of a national sports fan, only feeling the passion and disappointment of the big games - world cup, olympics etc. This time there's been something missing in supporting England and it's not the mis matched time zones. I think its the lack of real time UK media coverage that whips up a frenzy over Brit performances that is so lacking here. That feeling of being part of a unified body supporting the national team, come what may.

Whilst the UK press will I am sure focus on the injustice of the sending off or the failure of Sven to pick or prepare the right team, here in the land of the positive insight, the plaudits go to Portuguese goalie who save 3 of the English penalties. It's times like this you just miss home - made worse by the usual connections not there as the online editions of the British papers seemed to be slower than ever posting the Sunday editions so we could feel some empathy.

So, our time is over for this football fest, let's just hope the cricketers are back to form soon. We're off to watch another national sports fest in Melbourne, the Ashes, in December (there is some advantage of being in the southern hemisphere!). I'm not sure I could bare the disappointment live and endure the aussie press squawking their success.