TFC!

Day -596. #WorldCup2018

Why not write about football as I'm watching football, I thought.

Toronto FC v Philadelphia Union, MLS play-offs, first round. Temperature at kick-off: 5 degrees Celsius, feels like 3. For players: cold. For TFC supporter clubs' fans in south end, jumping and singing: pretty cold. For rest of crowd sitting in their seats: absolutely freezing.

I'm watching online, hooked up to TV. I refuse to add to my cable bill by adding one more channel that will come in useful for an hour or two each week. (had to take a break to fix stream). I found it on Sky Sports and I never knew that Sky Sports showed MLS. There's something endearing about watching North American football on British TV, almost as though it's a gentle acknowledgement and thank you for all the English football on TV over here.

Toronto are winning 2-0 in the 69th minute. Giovinco is running the show. The little Italian is so out of place in this league. It's not because of his outrageous skill (in comparison to who's around him, some may argue) but also because he came from a major European league in his prime, unlike the other Europeans-Beckham, Gerrard, Pirlo etc.

I missed the start of the match. To satisfy my curiosity, and to see if I was correct in my prediction from a couple of days ago, one of my first things to do was to check the time on the match clock. By counting back I figured out it did indeed start at 7.42 or 7.43 despite it being advertised for 7.30. My prediction was 7.43.

Philadelphia have scored. 2-1. 72 minutes

At least I hope the pre-game opening ceremony was glitzy and worth the extra time spent freezing in their seats for the fans.

I've stopped writing now. This is getting a little nerve wracking for Toronto. They were looking good and comfortable until Philadelphia scored. Sky Sports commentator was very upset by the terrible TFC defending. "One header, two headers, three...you're going to get punished if you can't clear the ball." He was equally shocked by Philadelphia's terrible defending at a corner for TFC'S second goal.

85 minutes. 3-1!!!! Jozy Altidore! Sunderland supporters, remember him? The centre forward who couldn't score. Counter attack goal, set up by Giovinco. Sky Sports commentator: terrible defending. "What was he doing? You can't do that in your own penalty area." I agree. TFC fans in full voice. They don't care. New York City, here we come.

Almost over. Last minute and....there it is. TFC play New York City (David Villa, Pirlo, Lampard, Viera) in the Eastern Conference semifinal. I bet nobody's feeling cold now.