Here's another fun and free activity. Watching New Zealand score it's first goal in FIFA soccer world cup.
Rarely, nay never, do I have the urge to go though the day saying "Did you see the game last night!" But today is a first.
Now usually my mental experience of sport is that of static. You know the buzzing fuzz you get on a television when it is tuned between stations. That's what happens in my mind when I try and focus on any kind of sport. I've never seen the point, I mean it's the same game every time.
That all changed last night at T & C's house last night.
I was lured up with the promise of little cakes and tea and ended up staying up the whole night watching the New Zealand All Whites play.
It was especially moving to sing our National Anthem - God of Nations, while crowded around the Television in T & C's lounge.
Now, if you will indulge me, I'd like to start at the end of the game. We drew 1-1 with Slovakia, and the looks of anguish and disappointment on the Slovakian teams faces were sweeter than a hundred packets of equal. Especially the coach, who for all the world looked like a member of the Russian mafia, (And yes I know, Slovakia, and their former parent Checkoslovakia were never part of the USSR, but you know: it's that terrifying $3,000 pin-stripe suit eastern-bloc thug look).
Moments after the goal, fireworks were let off in the quiet hamlet of Brooklyn, And there was much screaming in the lounge and we huddled around the television watching New Zealand's historic goal.
Now, to the game itself. Four things that even I in my extreme sporting ignorance picked up - which have been confirmed by some soccer mad friends of mine.
1. For the love of God couldn't that hamster of a goalie keep in his little box. At a moments notice he would dash out, miles from the goal, leaving it vulnerable to Slovakian attacking trusts. It's not complicated, they even paint little white lines on the grass to help him. It's a damn good thing the, er, defense? were up to the challenge.
2. Endless passing. Now, I do admire a man with ball skills, but there was entirely too much (and this goes for both teams). Kicking the ball between the three of them mid-field for minutes at a time. The FIFA world cup is not the time to practice passing. This is it men, this is your chance, now get that ball down near the goal!
3. It is NOT OK to take your shirt off. Evidently this earns you a "yellow card", much like demerit points for driving infringements, you get two of these and you are banned from playing for the rest of the tournament. Yes, he had a nice body. And yes, I'm sure Bendon will be lining him up as the next Dan Carter underwear model. But for the love of all things camp, restrain yourself!
4. Mr Ref was just much to whistle happy, with endless penalty kicks holding up the show.
And, just like that, my rant is complete.
I had a surprisingly fun time watching the football, and have half a mind to do a simulcasted commentary for the next game, on Monday, at 2 AM.
Let me finish by saying:
GO THE ALL WHITES!
