I said I wouldn't watch. I said I wouldn't be bothered with these friendlies. But there's a feeling of excitement sitting in a bar surrounded by TV's showing England play Italy, Germany take on Brazil and Denmark against Chile at the same time. It's not the matches, it's the knowing that the real thing is coming soon. Very soon. And on top of that is the nostalgia of being in Malta watching World Cups.
It's a little odd watching Italy and having to think that they won't be in Russia. No Italy at a World Cup. Love them, because you're a fan, or hate them, because they have been boring, lucky, and oh so Italian, in the past they still add an elegance, a special-ness to a World Cup. They are like the aristocrats who you used to despise but miss now that they have been discarded and relegated to the pile of outsiders looking to fight their way in.
But in the world of professional sport there is no time for sentimentality, right? Only in the world of fandom of professional sport can you afford yourself that luxury. We'll miss Italy, and Holland, and Chile but so be it.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kq7OZX4FFO0
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