My story of the day. Well, two stories of the day: New Zealand's last-gasp winner, but more than that, North Korea.
What can you say about the North Koreans? Sure, they lost in the end, but that was the most professional, determined and worthy proponents of the values of sportsmanship and "Respect" that I've seen in a long long time. If ever. You know what struck me most about the game? Besides the fact that they managed to snuff out the best of Brazil for 55 minutes through sheer graft? Besides the fact that the World #1 needed a flukey first goal, and let in a scorcher of a consolation? I'll tell you what: the sheer absence of whinging, whining, theatrics, diving, expletives, invisible card-waving - you know what I mean. It was just brilliant, watching a football game and not have to see any of that. I loved it, and hats off to the North Koreans for allowing us that privilege.
One more thing: there was not a single North Korean injury worthy of anyone getting on the ground till minute 67. Just amazing. Of course, the fact that the North Koreans were who they were also brought out the best in Brazil. It was a nice change of sportsmanship, hand-shaking and mutual respect.
The fact that the game came after watching Portugal v Ivory Coast was really quite poetic, where you had the best of Ronaldo, all sorts of diving, expletives - you name it. The fact that the game ended goalless was academic. Neither team wanted to lose, and seemed content to let their games with Brazil decide their fates. Such an approach would of course predicate a win for both over North Korea. No guarantee, I'll say. Can't wait to watch Ronaldo come up against my new North Korean friends.
Finally - New Zealand. You gotta feel really happy for them. First point ever in the World Cup, and what a way to get it. Wonder what the odds were for the All Whites getting a higher points return than Australia, before things started. Whatever the case, well worth a bet right now!!
One for the road. My next bet, and a rather frivolous one (which I can afford now): Spain to win 3-0 against the Swiss. Check it out. Ciao.
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