The oldest international rugby venue in the world, Lansdowne Road, and its brand new 51,700 all-seater Aviva Stadium opened its doors to the world on Saturday 31 July 2010. Here is my virtual tour as I sat in awe of this wonderful new stadium. Continue reading ‘A Virtual Tour of the Newest Stadium in the Oldest Venue’
He missed 3 penalties playing for Argentina against Colombia. He scored a goal in the next game. He broke his leg while celebrating a goal for Villa Real. He scored a goal from inside his own half. His injuries kept him out of football twice for 6 month periods. His 200th goal for Boca Juniors was a 40 yard header which won the game. He scored the last minute winner to put Argentina into the 2010 World Cup. Though he’s only a sub, this 36 year old came last night and scored. His name, Martin Palermo. Never give up what you really believe in, particularly if you believe in your own ability.
Continue reading ‘He missed 3 penalties in one match but never gave up.’
(Continued from Part 1 where a wonderful BBC World Cup short documentary revealed why football is so important in South Africa). As the Robben Island prisoners’ football league, the Makana Football Association, blossomed, the imprisoned players realised how important football was to them (for reasons that will surprise you).
Continue reading ‘We knew we were part of the universe of footballers (Part 2)’
The World Cup is up and running. Teams are swapping shirts, shaking hands and some nice celebrations (so far the South African’s opening goal celebration is top of the ‘joyous goal scoring celebrations chart’). So far so good. Just a few divers who were publicly shamed in front of worldwide tv audiences as the referees gave them their nice shiney yellow cards. Germany’s Mesut Ozil getting the first yellow card for diving in the opening minutes (8th minute) of their opening game with Australia.
Continue reading ‘We knew we were part of the universe of footballers (part 1)’
As hundreds of millions of us sit down to a feast of football, who will stand out as a real champion of football? Who will light up the World Cup with a smile (remember Pele’s smile) instead of a raging roar of aggression? Or maybe a dance (Peter Crouch’s Robot Dance or the 42 year old Cameroonian Roger Milla’s samba with the corner flag)? Or perhaps the unbridled joy of youth will let Nigeria’s 19 year old revelation, Haruna Lukman, simply celebrate the fun, excitement and joy of playing in the world’s best competition?
Continue reading ‘Where Are The World Cup Sportsmanship Heroes?’
Brian Davis felt his moment had finally arrived when he made a 17 foot putt birdie on the 18th green to tie with America’s Jim Furyk and force a play-off at The Heritage Classic in Southern Carolina. Davis, a 36 year old Londoner, had never won a tournament on the American PGA golf tour.
Continue reading ‘Nice Guy Beats The Ref & The TV & Wins Forever’
And so the dream was taken away by the better side on the day, Scotland (20-23). It was interesting, when I asked Scottish fans before the game to forecast the result, all but one said ‘A Win!’. The other singular Scottish voice said he forecasted ‘a good weekend!’
Continue reading ‘The Sacred Venue Bears No Crown But Just The Mantle Of Nobility’
Welsh fans are amazing. Last year, when Ireland finally won our long awaited Grand Slam in Cardiff, I couldn’t help feeling that the Welsh celebrated it as much as we did. A year later I’m back in Dublin for Wales’ last international rugby match ….
Continue reading ‘Welsh Fans Are Amazing’
After the extremely tense and very exciting England v Ireland rugby match in Twickenham yesterday*, as always, I met some wonderful colourful characters in Twickenham and this one was a former international who sees the fun in the occasion almost 50 years later.
Continue reading ‘The Magic Carpet’
As it’s the start of a new year (not a new decade – isn’t that next year?), I thought the full sportsmanship poem is a good way to kick off the new year. Print it off. Pass it on. Use the poster. Let young and old read this inspirational poem about life and sport. Many thanks to John Miles for sending me the full poem. Please keep sending me material.
Continue reading ‘New Year – Old Poem – Great Sport’
