Jonathon Delacour the heart of things

Dude. Do they have halfway houses for this? You're starting to scare me.

But Dorothea, think of it this way - wouldn't we prefer to have him indoors at night, rather than out boozing and wenching and what not on the streets of Sydney every night. At least we know he's safe and dry and drug free.

Poor dear. He tries so hard to overcome these addictions and obsessions, too. Sigh.

(BTW Jonathon, the US made it to the second round. Another piece of pie?)

Dorothea, I'm starting to scare myself. Yesterday I bought the Dictionary of Soccer and the Encyclopedia of Soccer. If you need to brush up on any arcane soccer facts, I'm your man.

No humble pie, Shelley. The US stumbled blindfolded and backwards into the second round. The South Koreans deserve $100 billion more US aid for helping out at a crucial time.

The US may have stumbled backward and blindfolded, but at least they had the presence of mind to make it to a place where that was possible before that embarrassing display against Poland....

So who is for a bit more sport? Today on television in Sydney we have;

Cricket one day international. Australia vs Pakistan on Channel 9. I know Jonathon won't be watching but I've got it on in the corner of the lounge. Australia two wickets down in the first over.

Rugby Union international. New Zealand vs France on Fox Sports (alright, its pay TV but you will be able to watch it in the pub).

Rugby Union pseudo-international on Channel 7. Australia vs New Zealand Maori. There's a film on afterwards, but who cares.

Cricket test match. England vs Sri Lanka, live from Old Trafford from 8pm. Fox sports again, but the pub is beckoning.

Football on Channel 9. England vs Denmark. "Three Lions on the shirt, Jules Rimet still gleaming..."

I think I should go out for a quick walk before the shape of my posterior gets indelibly marked into the sofa cushions. Back in a bit.

Oh, and Jonathon, even the unofficial Mayor of Manly, Rocky Carlino, who is one of the most succesful soccer coaches in Sydney, reckons that England are his pick for the tournament. This from a man with an Italian flag in his barbers shop. Gulp.

Andy, are you one of those that upon hearing a person proclaiming that they're alcoholic says, "Well, damn! Let me buy you a drink and we'll talk more about this!"

Shelley, I think I have my football addiction well under control -- today I'm only watching two games (actually, there are only two games to watch). I'm going out with friends for dinner between the games so I'll have to tape the one hour World Cup Show and watch it after the second game. So, five hours of football all up. Most of last week I was watching six. Definite signs of improvement, I'd say.

Andy, cricket and rugby hold no appeal. I'm not sure about England but I won't be putting any money on Italy after their very ordinary group match results. But if Brazil wins I'll spew. I hate their smug, self-satisfied style of play and I particularly hate Renaldo. I realize now that because I've only watched FA Cup and Premier League games I've been shielded from the Brazilians who play mainly for European teams. I've decided to watch Champions League games (and maybe some UEFA Cup games) but I'll avoid any games in which Brazilians are playing.

Hmm, your affiliations are starting to show. So who are you backing? If I have to make a guess I'd say you were supporting Japan.

Apparently the second game tonight is going to stop at least two countries, there is talk of shutting the shops in England (where the game is on at midday) so that everyone can watch. Now that *is* scary.

Don't worry about the rugby and cricket, thats what I used to say four or five years ago. All you need is one little crack in the facade, or in your case a gaping chasm. Don't forget that I haven't mentioned the Rugby league or the AFL.

Yep, Japan it is, though I'm enough of a realist to accept the unlikelihood of Japan's reaching the Final, let alone winning it. As long as neither the Belgians nor the Brazilians win, I'll be well satisfied. I wouldn't mind if England won (but I suspect that's because I'm familiar with the English players). It'll certainly be fascinating, whatever happens.

OK, one last comment, then I will move along. Who do you fancy will be playing England in the quarter finals, Brazil or Belgium? If it is Brazil, will we be treated to the sight of you cheering for the like of Butt, Scholes and Heskey?

Oh, and Michael Owen is my tip for Pom of the year ;-)

Tough choice, since I hate Belgium too (particularly Wilmots). But I can't see how it can be anything but England v Brazil. So yes, you will be treated to the sight of me cheering Butt, Scholes, Heskey, Owen, and Beckham (I got a practice run tonight). But definitely not Danny Mills -- he's a lout and a thug.

Thank you for supporting Japan! We don't hear that very often...and, oh, I wholeheartedly agree about Brazil and Belgium...(as well as the Embarrasing US of A)though I bet on the Brazil/Belgium game just to make enough money to buy a regular sized slurpee at 7-11. =)
I'm in the middle of exams and I'm watching football everyday! Only one more exam to go, tho!