Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, said today that when it comes to the World Cup in Russia, "we are not going to war." Amidst fears of violence, especially between Russian and English fans. he maintained it will be a football party. Good for him. Let's hope
In 1982 I watched my first World Cup and l was vaguely aware that a real war was ending just as that World Cup was starting. Years later it was revealed that the British government considered pulling Scotland, England and Northern Ireland out of the World Cup as the Falklands War carried on. But it was also decided that pulling the Home Nations out would give Argentina a propaganda victory.
It was only after Espana '82 that I fully grasped the horrors of that war in a far away place and why British ships sailed all that way to fight the Argentinians. I do recall the news at the time of the British ships that were bombed. But there was a lot more than that. In Spain I remember a picture of the older English gentleman in his Union Jack outfit having his top hat knocked off his head as he went over to greet a group of Argentinian fans in the stadium were England were playing. What was his name? There was a story about him, I believe but Google is not helping me out. Anybody?
So, unfortunately, I was ignorant of what was really going on when England played France in their first match and after 27 seconds I had witnessed England's first goal at a World Cup in my life. Not bad, I thought. I feel guilty when I think how happy I was despite their being a war going on. So, you're right Mr Infantino, let's enjoy the football and not have it spoiled by idiots who think they can make up a war.
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