Read All About It

Have you watched or read the news recently? TV, Internet, Newspapers, Social Media…read all about it. In case you haven’t, let me give an overview. It just so happens that plane incidents, terrorism, mass murders, protests, wars, suicide bombers, match-fixers are all the rage in 2014.

When I was 12-years-old until the age of 16, I was a paperboy. Big sis did the afternoon round, I did the morning round. I was paid £5.20 for getting out of bed at 5.40am six days a week and an extra £3 for Sundays. I could sleep in on Sunday though, that was a 7am gig, but the papers were quadruple the size. The scars on my right shoulder are a testament to that. Strangely enough, there’s a significant correlation between people who read the Observer with its 27 supplements, and their houses having the smallest letterboxes known to mankind.

I was a speedy and reliable paperboy…..aside from the knee injury I picked up from football when my dad drove me round the round for a month, and the morning after the night I thought I would blow my hard earned cash on a two-for-one chocolate cake deal from Jack Fulton’s and demolished them in my bedroom unbeknown to my mum– subsequently redecorating my bedroom walls.

I loved nothing more than to sort the papers, fly around Crossgates on my BMX (failing tragically to jump curbs that could not be jumped) and read the papers. I started on page 3 (come on, I was a spotty teen boy, it’s what they do), moved to the back pages for the real sport, and then glanced at the front to see what was going on in the world. It usually wasn’t great, so the sport took prominence in my reading.

Fast forward twenty years (shit, I’m old), and I’ve grown out of page 3, still read the sport, but the front pages interest me less. In fact, I do not really read newspapers any more, and haven’t for years. I’ll go as far as saying they will not even exist in 5-10 years’ time. I watch the news, or log on to bbc.co.uk, and all I see is misery and unhappiness. It is grim, grim beyond belief. There are some days when I have a hectic life, a bit of travel and I don’t get the chance to read the news. I am not missing anything much.

After I have scoured my usual websites, I’ll have a look on Facebook. News of the people within my inner circle is of more interest to me much of the time than the Six O’Clock News. The only reason I am on Facebook is to connect and keep in touch with people I wouldn’t usually connect with on a regular basis without it. There are so many school friends, uni friends, former work colleagues, friends, even some family that are on there, and I can keep up to speed on their lives, and them on mine. There are pros and cons to the likes of Facebook, but there is nothing I enjoy more than to read about those people. I want to hear about theirr happiness, achievements, memorable moments. I’m less keen on the Big Brother chat, the whingeing about having a bad day, the bitching, the vague messages that cry out for the question ‘what’s wrong darling’.

This last week, I’ve read about amazing educational achievements, seen pictures of ridiculously cute new-borns and some not so-new-borns, shared birthday fun with people, supported a Man Utd fan in his jovial abuse of Liverpool, organised a couple of catch-ups with people who live 4000km or more away from me, seen fabulous holiday pics, read about all the parents whose kids are moving on to big school (time flies)….I could go on. I’ve enjoyed reading and seeing it all. It has far more influence and feeling on me and my life than the Six O’Clock News which is frankly miserable. That is not meant to trivialise or ignore what is going on in the world right now, but everybody needs some positivity in their lives.

So, I’m calling it now. I want to hear about your positive happy stories. I won’t judge, I won’t think you’re showing off, or being a jackass. I’ll skim over the trivial whinging stuff. If I want to suffer a bit of misery and downtime, I’ll start reading the papers and watching the news again. It’s the positive stuff that gives me my energy, and I’ll always read all about that.

The Final Countdown

Day 3 started early as we departed Varginha heading back to Sao Paulo. Another 300km in the book which was the last driving leg of the trip. 1200km driven in 48 hours after a lengthy flight was going some, but it was nice to reach SP and settle for a few days.

The Dutch and the Argie match was the exact opposite to the game the night before. Solid and strong defending, some fairly uninspired attacking play, and it all boiled down to a penalty shootout. One of the great things about football is some of the ironic moments that occur. Romero, the Argentine goalkeeper was brought to Europe by the Dutch manager Van Gaal when he was at AZ, and spent a lot of time with him focusing on how to save penalties. That certainly came back to haunt him.

I was sad for the Dutch, but happy for the Argentines. The fans were great and the atmosphere for much of the game was fantastic. They are sure to bring their A-game to Rio for the final. They were as close to English club fans as I can think of in terms of their creativity when it comes to creating songs. There were some crackers! I think it makes for a fascinating final, but one I fully expect the Germans to win. Even putting the semi against Brazil aside, I think they have far too much strength and ability in all units of the team to beat Argentina.

The atmosphere emphasised my desire to do a Boca x River match at La Bombonera sometime soon. It is one of those bucket list events which will have to be done at some point.

The football is officially over now for us as we passed on the final given the flights were crazy expensive to get out of Rio. Both me and my dad are too old for 4 flights just to get home at reasonable expense. Not to worry, less than a month until the season starts again!

Speaking of the new season, this is one of my favourites times of year. Transfer time where every club has some optimism that at some point, they will sign their very own Leo Messi. It will build to a crescendo until August 31^st, and you’ll very likely be disappointed when you end up with your very own Kevin Kilbane. It keeps everybody occupied however until the season begins!

The last time I visited Brazil was 1999. The one thing I can recall was the food being pretty good – great meat, a lot of barbequed stuff, black beans, rice, veggies…..plenty of good wholesome tasty food. I have the same feeling from this trip. We’ve had some sensational fruit – the oranges blow my mind! Yesterday was Picanha day – a huge chunk of steak with rice and onion. I could have eaten two of them. Tonight is Feijoada time – a fabulous black bean dish, which I am seriously looking forward to.

I’ve been known to travel to one or two places in my time, and the food is not always to my liking. I recall struggling somewhat when I visited China last year. After 178 dumplings in 4 days, all I craved was a piece of toast! Typically I will eat anything. This is one place where I would not have an issue with the food if you told me my flight tomorrow was cancelled and I had to live here for the rest of my days. Essentially days 4 and 5 will consist of food, drink and wandering around Sao Paulo. Of course there has been a Caipirinha or two mixed in also, and there will be one or two more tonight. I’ve had some shocking ones in Europe but they certainly have the knack over here as you would expect.

We’re based in the financial district of Sao Paulo. It is a pleasant area, seems quite safe. A lot of people have asked me if it feels dangerous as so many hear from reports in the news. It is absolutely fine where we are, zero issues and generally a good vibe. I am sure there are some shady areas but which city doesn’t? No complaints here.

Tomorrow we fly home and we will miss the 3^rd place match. Cannot say I am disappointed. Aside from a third place match in the Olympics where a Bronze medal is up for grabs, nobody cares about third or fourth. It is almost as worthless as a friendly, in fact, possibly even more so. The final however should be an intriguing one, and touch wood and flights being on time, I’ll be perched at a BBQ in Leeds tuning it for it!

Feio Horizonte

Where to start! There's a few hundred Brazilians waking up this morning pinching themselves to check whether it was real or a nightmare. Pretty sad for the hosts, and worse for my poor dad who had dreamed about this match for years and it turned out to be historic for the wrong reasons. The post-match quote? "It's a dream to come here and see Brasil, but don't bloody ask me again!" Well, that's the tame and translated version.

If you're as sad as me, watch the first eight minutes of the game again and then think back to the final score. Brazil started quite well and forced the tempo and mistakes from the Germans. Then the Germans imposed their play. Impressively. Morale of the story? Never get too excited with short spells of pressure...means nothing if you do not convert.

Don't be fooled into thinking Neymar and Thiago Silva would have made a major difference. The disciplined defending of Thiago would gave helped but we 're talking by a goal or two. They missed his leadership though. At 2-0 and 3-0, they needed a timeout to get their heads together. 

As is always the case with these stunning results, human nature focuses on the negative. That is a huge shame. My memory of this game will be the shocking loss for Brazil, but one of the greatest team performances at a World Cup, and Miroslav Klose breaking the all-time WC goals record. Credit where it is due.

It may be early days, but the Brazilians have been classy in taking this loss. They applauded the Germans when they scored their seventh. The press have held their hands up. The inquests have only just started however.

The only thing I couldn't get my head around was booing Fred at 6-0. I'm not a fan of him at all. I'm easy about booing but I don't like booing your own. But booing the striker when your team is losing 6-0?! Poor form.

The Germans, Dutch and Argentines will now save fortunes when buying tickets for the final. Good luck to them! A European final will be impressive and I'm cheering the Dutch on tonight on behalf of a bunch of friends. That said, it will be a better atmosphere and spectacle with Argentina there. I'm as neutral as they come but neutrals don't make for a good atmosphere usually and at least Argentina will fill the ground.

The line if the night was from an American kid sat in front of us last night. "We only lost by one to these Germans!"

Forgetting the football for a moment, we're leaving Varginha and heading to São Paulo this morning. Early start but back on the road. Belo was belo but it was a short visit. Cannot believe how clear and good the roads are. Touch wood. That said, there is a toll every five minutes so it is no surprise.

Not asking for much tonight but I'd like a competitive game please!

What happens in Brazil, Stays on my Blog

World Cup Brazil 2014 is sadly coming to an end. For some us fortunate enough to make it over here, it's just beginning. I'm going to scribble a daily diary sharing some random thoughts and occurrences, as much as for my own recollections as anything else. We've done half the travel already in the first 36 hours and I can only just recall what happened yesterday!

Day 1

Flew to São Paulo from Heathrow with BA. Managed to get in the lounge at Heathrow - simply has to be the best lounge around. Usually I wouldn't recommend anybody stressing much about not getting into a lounge - food is snacky and they are sometimes as busy as outside. BA at T5 is a gem of a lounge. I'd recommend breaking in.

Flight was ok. One of those bizarre feelings when the flight is slightly delayed and the captain kindly explains it is due to a technical problem. If my time has come, it bloody well better be on the way back! 11 and a half hours long, but ok. Slept about six of them. May be a record for me.

Drove half way to Belo Horizonte which is around 580km in total. Impossible to drive my favoured speeds here largely because the roads are so winding. Quality of roads is fine so far. Driving around São Paulo is fun. No chance of sleeping at the wheel after an 11 hour flight.

Staying in a hotel in a charming town called Varginha. Not much to the place but the name certainly makes for an awkward conversation when you're travelling with your dad. Not much to the place, and would have stayed in Tres Coracoes if I'd realised it was the birthplace of some kid called Pele. Varginha is apparently known for having extra-terrestrial visitors - yet to see any so far. Also known for its coffee and they're right - am on my second at breakfast already and not sure I'd pass a doping test right now. It is sensational though.

I've been to Brazil before and I've been to a lot of final tournaments and games before. There is a serious buzz in town. Forget the previous world record holders for 'flags per house/favela' ratio, the States and Canada are playing second fiddle to these guys in the flag stakes. Canada need not fear about their 'flag sewn to bag' ratio however.

Buzz for the game is building in our hotel already. Obviously we were not the only ones with the idea of driving half way to stay in Varginha and we're not the only ones feeling uncomfortable with the name.

So the game itself. Where to start. Neymar is a massive loss, Thiago Silva could be bigger. I actually quite like David Luiz, but he needs somebody disciplined and solid who knows his game well. That said, I expect them to come out and fight like tornadoes....the intensity of this match is going to be spectacular. Weather forecast is gentle also which makes for a lively game. I actually think this game is going to be decided as much as anything by psychology and tactics. The pressure on Brazil is huge but perhaps bigger for their fans than the players. I saw a fair bit of the Germans behind the scenes at EURO 2012 and I'm not totally convinced by them at key moments. I'm edging Brazil despite the absences here. I said a while back that I felt like this World Cup for Brazil is a little like the All Blacks in the last Rugby World Cup. Still see them winning this despite the absences.