TFC and Pirates.

Day -592. #WorldCup2018

I chuckle at the flexible kick-off times. I am bemused by the number of fans (spectators?) walking around while the match is going on. I won't understand the need for an opening ceremony before each playoff match. But today, October 30th 2016, it was all about Toronto FC's exhilarating win against New York City. The football was intense and the home support was immense. There was passion and energy, obvious even on TV, which was lacking when I watched Birmingham v Aston Villa this morning.

To quickly carry on with my mention of the big derby this morning, there is very little to say. Or, better still, very little I feel like saying. Villa took the lead through a goal scored by a local Birmingham lad. A big moment for him, no doubt. Birmingham equalised in the second half as a result of Villa's multiple invitations to their opponents to attack them. And Birmingham's goal was scored by another local boy. Whether he is from Aston, I don't know. The overall fare on offer was pretty much second division stuff. Villa may be doing a bit better under Steve Bruce, but they have a long way to go. Bruce did try his best to be Mr. Entertaining by sending on two extra attacking players in the second half. Villa ended up with four forwards, and an nonexistent midfield, but they couldn't be accused of playing for a draw.

And so with that, back to TFC. The star trio, Bradley, Altidore and Giovinco, were outstanding. Bradley, especially, played like he wanted nothing more than to win. He chased, harassed and tackled every opponent around him who was in possession of the ball. And he passed the ball impeccably, and moved to make himself available constantly. Giovinco proved again, not that he needs to anymore, that he wants to be here and wants to win with this team. And Altidore was the big, strong man up front, a nightmare, I'm sure, for the defenders.

The fans had to wait a while for the goals. Altidore scored in the 84th and Ricketts in the 91st. Jozy Altidore was, a couple of seasons ago, another player in a long list of players who couldn't do anything right for Sunderland. Now he's got energy, scores goals and generally seems to be enjoying himself. I wonder if Jermaine Defoe wishes he could undo his wish to get out of Toronto as quickly as possible. Life as the saviour of Sunderland, with a recall to the England team as a possible side, doesn't seem to be working out to well for him right now.

New York were without the injured Andrea Pirlo, and Frank Lampard came on midway through the second half. His entrance on to the pitch was about the only time we saw him. David Villa still looks like a very good player, and a emotional nuisance. Lucky not to be sent off for kicking out a TFC player, he tried to make something happen for New York but seemed to be the only player on the team capable of creating any attacking opportunities.

They play the second leg in New York next Sunday. All of Toronto will now be paying attention and hoping that they can behind an Eastern Conference finalist team after Sunday.

Not only because the TFC fans have adopted the Icelandic slow clap, but also because all things Icelandic are still so hip after Euro 2016, I have to mention the Pirate Party in Iceland and their impressive showing in the parliamentary elections. I mentioned Azerbaijan and corruption a few days ago. The anti-establishment Pirate Party came about because of the country's financial crisis in 2008 and they gained more support after the Icelandic politicians were named in the Panama Papers this year. They tripled their amount of seats in today's election and will now be looking to negotiate a possible coalition to form a government.

Nobody can see anything like this happening in Azerbaijan anytime soon. That country will continue to be run by an oppressive dictator. Their football team will keep getting better but will anybody wish for them to qualify for Russia 2018, with the political background. Iceland, on the other hand, will now be even more popular. Who wouldn't want to support a team who's government is run by the Pirate Party? They would have the worldwide under 10 support, for sure.

With the TFC excitement I thought about saving the Pirates for another day. But why not enjoy the Pirates the same day as the best ever TFC win.