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  1. <?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:blogger='http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd="http://schemas.google.com/g/2005" xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492</id><updated>2024-03-10T17:50:59.713+00:00</updated><category term="Football in Spain"/><category term="Football in Germany"/><category term="Lewes FC"/><category term="Brighton and Hove Albion"/><category term="The World Cup"/><category term="Football journalism"/><category term="The Guardian"/><category term="Conference South"/><category term="EFW Oktoberfest"/><category term="Football in France"/><category term="Europa League"/><category term="Football in Belgium"/><category term="Football in Turkey"/><category term="Football in the Czech Republic"/><category term="Football in the Netherlands"/><category term="European Football Weekends"/><category term="Football Weekly Podcast"/><category term="Football in Italy"/><category term="Real Madrid"/><category term="Bursaspor"/><category term="Crystal Palace"/><category term="Football in Denmark"/><category term="Football in Poland"/><category term="England"/><category term="FC Union Berlin"/><category term="Football in Slovakia"/><category term="Bayern Munich"/><category term="FC St Pauli"/><category term="Fatboy Slim. Fatboy Slim World Cup Tour Diary"/><category term="La Liga"/><category term="Tim Stewart"/><category term="AFC Wimbledon"/><category term="Aberdeen"/><category term="Borussia Dortmund"/><category term="Brighton v Crystal Palace rivalry"/><category term="Champions League"/><category term="FC United of Manchester"/><category term="Football in Hungary"/><category term="Football in Serbia"/><category term="Football in Sweden"/><category term="Hampton and Richmond Borough"/><category term="MLS"/><category term="Norwich City"/><category term="Royal Antwerp"/><category term="The Dripping Pan"/><category term="The Rook Inn"/><category term="Tim Stewart&#39;s World Cup Journal"/><category term="Valencia"/><category term="Wembley Stadium"/><category term="Athletic Bilbao"/><category term="Atletico Madrid"/><category term="Barry Glendenning"/><category term="Brondby IF"/><category term="FA Cup"/><category term="FC Copenhagen"/><category term="FC Sankt Pauli"/><category term="FCUM"/><category term="Football in Argentina"/><category term="Football in Greece"/><category term="Hertha BSC"/><category term="Kevin Day"/><category term="Kingsmeadow"/><category term="Manchester City"/><category term="NOPA awards"/><category term="Napoli"/><category term="Newcastle United"/><category term="Real Betis"/><category term="Real Zaragoza"/><category term="Red Star Belgrade"/><category term="Red Ultras. 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term="Valencia Mestalla"/><category term="Valenciennes"/><category term="Valladolid"/><category term="Vancouver Southsiders"/><category term="Vancouver Whitecaps"/><category term="Vasas SC"/><category term="Vegalta Sendai"/><category term="VfB Stuttgart"/><category term="VfL Osnabrück"/><category term="Vicente Rodriguez"/><category term="Viktoria Stadion"/><category term="Villemomble"/><category term="Violett-Weiss Inititative"/><category term="Voiletten"/><category term="Vojvodina"/><category term="Volkswagen Arena"/><category term="WSC"/><category term="WSC awards"/><category term="Wacker Burghausen"/><category term="Walton and Hersham"/><category term="Wayne Rooney"/><category term="We&#39;ve only gone and done it"/><category term="Werder Bremnen"/><category term="West Ham United"/><category term="Weymouth FC"/><category term="When Saturday Comes"/><category term="Whitehawk FC"/><category term="Widzew Lodz"/><category term="Wigan Warriors"/><category term="William Hill"/><category term="Withdean Stadium"/><category term="Woking FC"/><category term="Woluwe Zaventem"/><category term="Women&#39;s Champions League Final"/><category term="Woodside Park"/><category term="World Cup beers"/><category term="World Cup betting"/><category term="World Cup final in lego"/><category term="World Cup journal"/><category term="Worthing"/><category term="Wrexham"/><category term="Wroxham FC"/><category term="Xerez CD"/><category term="Yeovil Town"/><category term="York City"/><category term="ZTE"/><category term="Zalaegerszegi TE"/><category term="Zawisza Bydgoszcz"/><category term="Zurich"/><category term="brick-by-brick football"/><category term="co-operative football"/><category term="commentator"/><category term="community football"/><category term="football blogging"/><category term="football photography"/><category term="hulking great Eastern European floodlights"/><category term="interview"/><category term="nonsense"/><category term="ultras"/><category term="what division are you in"/><category term="Örebro SK"/><category term="Štadión na Sihoti"/><category term="מועדון הכדורגל מכבי חיפה"/><title type='text'>European Football Weekends</title><subtitle type='html'>&#39;European Football Weekends is a perennial source of&#xa;pleasure&#39; The Guardian</subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><link rel='next' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default?start-index=26&amp;max-results=25'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>478</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>25</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-4018770776212453729</id><published>2012-02-06T12:16:00.001+00:00</published><updated>2012-02-06T12:16:25.396+00:00</updated><title type='text'>European Football Weekends</title><content type='html'>&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;The Last Post&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  2. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70zPLdW2ghK3x8nzIFZXPviYJy7WXYAtFAMbeQf2uifsT6GJzuBkaJjk3Oznln-Szz5_VjZV0S5slb6nMvv6yyjcxK0JrQuMf7_VTHffynBnR8GfkJ_UfIdcmll1DJVQGUSTqa-KsWvCy/s1600/legiaibwm.PNG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;303&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70zPLdW2ghK3x8nzIFZXPviYJy7WXYAtFAMbeQf2uifsT6GJzuBkaJjk3Oznln-Szz5_VjZV0S5slb6nMvv6yyjcxK0JrQuMf7_VTHffynBnR8GfkJ_UfIdcmll1DJVQGUSTqa-KsWvCy/s400/legiaibwm.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  3. This will be the last post on European Football Weekends. But hey, don&#39;t be shedding any tears - it&#39;s been a thunderously good ride. At the start of 2012 I decided to take a little break from EFW, and see how things panned out. I&#39;ve enjoyed that freedom so much that it now feels right to hang up the old keyboard. You don&#39;t realise how much time it eats up until you stop. It certainly won&#39;t be any great loss to the literary world, but I hope that somewhere along the way you&#39;ve raised a titter or been inspired to venture out on a trip of your own by stumbling across this nonsense.&lt;br /&gt;
  4. &lt;br /&gt;
  5. The &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/12/legia-warsaw-v-cracovia.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;last report&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; I penned for these pages was read nearly 10,000 people - and as such I think EFW can hold its head up and say that we went out on a high.&lt;br /&gt;
  6. &lt;br /&gt;
  7. The &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.facebook.com/groups/europeanfootballweekends/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;EFW Facebook group&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; - which, pleasingly, has a life of its own - will still continue along with the &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.efwchat.co.uk/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;forum&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and, naturally, I&#39;ll still be posting photos of dogs in football scarves on my own &lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Twitter feed&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. I will of course continue to offer out any advice to those travelling abroad to watch their football.&lt;br /&gt;
  8. &lt;br /&gt;
  9. The best thing about running this site has been the people I&#39;ve gotten to meet through the last three years. There&#39;s far too many to thank and, frankly, the last thing anybody needs here is a rambling, tearful speech so let&#39;s move on shall we....&lt;br /&gt;
  10. &lt;br /&gt;
  11. European Football Weekends: we came, we saw, we conquered. What&#39;s not to like?&lt;br /&gt;
  12. &lt;br /&gt;
  13. Until the book launch then; cheerio, cheerio, cheerio ....&lt;br /&gt;
  14. &lt;br /&gt;
  15. Danny Last</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/4018770776212453729/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=4018770776212453729' title='15 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/4018770776212453729'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/4018770776212453729'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2012/02/european-football-weekends.html' title='European Football Weekends'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70zPLdW2ghK3x8nzIFZXPviYJy7WXYAtFAMbeQf2uifsT6GJzuBkaJjk3Oznln-Szz5_VjZV0S5slb6nMvv6yyjcxK0JrQuMf7_VTHffynBnR8GfkJ_UfIdcmll1DJVQGUSTqa-KsWvCy/s72-c/legiaibwm.PNG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>15</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-8309399516147631719</id><published>2011-12-23T14:31:00.000+00:00</published><updated>2011-12-23T14:31:57.342+00:00</updated><title type='text'>Merry Christmas from EFW</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBNX3_YRJJXqEgCuauYYAI0VMK6R4XmDpO_PSQZQ7vnJQKvhuqLcJL7AWMvjHuzLf5fcIQu-IN8wGqh96zLuWe1EKHt5pFa1syGS5k8DC4G_7cbvKUNgCeTO0qywRBcNq7Iwmxnc29X4r/s1600/efw+xmas.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBNX3_YRJJXqEgCuauYYAI0VMK6R4XmDpO_PSQZQ7vnJQKvhuqLcJL7AWMvjHuzLf5fcIQu-IN8wGqh96zLuWe1EKHt5pFa1syGS5k8DC4G_7cbvKUNgCeTO0qywRBcNq7Iwmxnc29X4r/s400/efw+xmas.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  16. And a cracking 2012 full of European Football Weekends, peace and happiness to you all. Thanks a million to all of you who have logged on to read these pages during 2011 and huge props to all of you who have contributed articles, photos, useful information and the like either on here or over on the EFW Facebook page or forum. &amp;nbsp;We&#39;ve built a little community of kindred spirits on EFW and you&#39;re all absolute stars. *wipes away tear*.&lt;br /&gt;
  17. &lt;br /&gt;
  18. It&#39;s been a busy year for EFW judging by all these tickets (below). More of the same in 2012? We&#39;ll see....&lt;br /&gt;
  19. &lt;br /&gt;
  20. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eKpZD5T2kbHcBXwyABKMg3rn1O2KHQkLuF_oqL4plmNdGPT_ddQNT5nnm3k44h8cJRwk09lTLjldwkfl_6-D_9tv4WNWhH2tyjcLaYDDp3lT3AxxyTfpIcQdTvm48Kc-ZmijIeippKos/s1600/Tickets+001.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eKpZD5T2kbHcBXwyABKMg3rn1O2KHQkLuF_oqL4plmNdGPT_ddQNT5nnm3k44h8cJRwk09lTLjldwkfl_6-D_9tv4WNWhH2tyjcLaYDDp3lT3AxxyTfpIcQdTvm48Kc-ZmijIeippKos/s400/Tickets+001.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/8309399516147631719/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=8309399516147631719' title='12 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/8309399516147631719'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/8309399516147631719'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/12/merry-christmas-from-efw.html' title='Merry Christmas from EFW'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBNX3_YRJJXqEgCuauYYAI0VMK6R4XmDpO_PSQZQ7vnJQKvhuqLcJL7AWMvjHuzLf5fcIQu-IN8wGqh96zLuWe1EKHt5pFa1syGS5k8DC4G_7cbvKUNgCeTO0qywRBcNq7Iwmxnc29X4r/s72-c/efw+xmas.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>12</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-1303603664066164144</id><published>2011-12-12T11:46:00.000+00:00</published><updated>2011-12-12T11:46:30.992+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Cracovia"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in Poland"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Legia Warsaw"/><title type='text'>Legia Warsaw v Cracovia</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKySHE_siDKNZiQNg3smDCjqA84HtWP739OraghPyvaZAuvL58kS96csLSmMRvVujaqGbhlDfuDJ6wMF3i9i2t7X0mfGLMRAvqfcDtxfMSbcZ_3KZfNtsdEnCpzw41YAEJQiqehMLPVC3J/s1600/Polish+EFW+Dec+2012+105.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKySHE_siDKNZiQNg3smDCjqA84HtWP739OraghPyvaZAuvL58kS96csLSmMRvVujaqGbhlDfuDJ6wMF3i9i2t7X0mfGLMRAvqfcDtxfMSbcZ_3KZfNtsdEnCpzw41YAEJQiqehMLPVC3J/s400/Polish+EFW+Dec+2012+105.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  21. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Louder Than Bombs&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  22. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Legia Warsaw 0-0 Cracovia (10:12:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  23. During June of next year the streets of the Polish capital will be pounding with football fans ready to embrace Euro 2012. The Polish FA will ensure that there are ladies dressed in traditional Polish folk costumes stood on every corner, and Uefa will insist that those fans drink only Coca-Cola, Castrol or Carlsberg and that no food should exist in Warsaw outside of McDonalds. &#39;We care about Football&#39; is the Uefa motto. Not when temperatures dip below freezing they don&#39;t.&amp;nbsp;Michel Platini and Lennart Johansson had waived their free&amp;nbsp;passes for this match leaving Stuart Fuller and I - dressed in more layers than a mille-feuille vanilla slice - to brave the cold.&lt;br /&gt;
  24. &lt;br /&gt;
  25. It&#39;s fair to say that both Stuart and I are obsessed about European football. But we do like our culture too and so where better to kick off our day in Warsaw than with a visit to the Palace of Culture and&amp;nbsp;Science. It is after all the tallest building in Poland and from its viewing terrace on the 30th floor we reckoned on being able to see at least two of the cities football stadiums. What we hadn&#39;t factored in was a giant display of adidas Tango balls placed in front of the entrance of the building. Our eyes lit up, &quot;That&#39;s the best sight I&#39;ve seen since I saw the current Mrs Fuller waltzing down the aisle&quot; beamed Stuart. At the top you can actual make out Legia Warsaw&#39;s ground (just) and the new national stadium which you get a stunning view of. We learnt that the palace was a gift from Russia; it was hated at first but now&amp;nbsp;begrudgingly accepted, and that the Rolling Stones were the first major rock band from abroad to give the Poles some satisfaction by playing here in 1967. However, with no sign of Mick and Keith and none of the 3000 rooms resembling a Legia Warsaw museum. It was time to kick on.&lt;br /&gt;
  26. &lt;br /&gt;
  27. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusuIN5zl9pFsFWig2ROPeJun7ZYSh-E5sy2BBplCg0v3TthlUMHilqGMecsAD-Hjze-odtpxWLFyNaUF9klPxaqSRvKEePwok5CuT3TA_ZyPwx5h3T3ab-273_AmD4CpDdclt_q0mzctF/s400/Polish+EFW+Dec+2012+050.JPG&quot; width=&quot;300&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  28. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Palace of Culture and Science looking an absolute picture, no?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  29. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodmv8vzNW5bm1hPxS-iZ7qSXJmwwTbRHD7z_z0L1hlLVioBo_V0fsZLJsBCHbuu1Gdr_rin4VoDYRVeRwVWKsj_wpk0IL51zk53PnweCL1ZCpoT1q-8kRtoAF15a6PcJPjD83_ZMNttXr/s400/tangoheaven.jpg&quot; width=&quot;300&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  30. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Danny in adidas Tango heaven underneath the entrance - tick.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  31. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2VNOxblXj_D0upRdWlKbqrm38XJTPT0jKnsd8x1Grc96BKAwAd_Hj8SggbwCjhe4LoWmRspqo678-lXnRjv_NqCXbZ_uQ0w7Vn3rHbyWe-TpoCDLH9zkC88tccTG7wkyH47re3uapqB6/s400/Polish+EFW+Dec+2012+047.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  32. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;For less than £2 you can get a lift to the top and see the new national stadium. What&#39;s not to like?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  33. Legia&#39;s base,&amp;nbsp;Łazienkowska, lies just south of the city centre. For less than a quid the number 151 bus plonks you right outside the ground. Their football museum was shut and the queue for the &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.lazienkowska3.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;pub we&#39;d been recommended&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; was enormous so we chose to soak up the atmosphere inside which had already been echoing across the city.&lt;br /&gt;
  34. &lt;br /&gt;
  35. At a recent Europa League game, the Legia Warsaw fans unveiled a banner declaring the legend, &#39;We hate everyone&#39;. Unless you&#39;re from or support&amp;nbsp;Szczecin (&lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2009/05/bosman-ruling-saves-day-in-polska.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;MKS Pogoń&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;), Sosnowiec (Zagłębie) and Elbląg (Olimpia) - they&#39;re all actually friends along with ADO Den Haag whose colours we saw all around the stadium - then you&#39;re an outsider. Speaking to a few fans beforehand I gather that this steams from some comedy match-fixing in the early nineties. Going into the last game of the season Legia and ŁKS Łódź&amp;nbsp;topped the table and won their final games of the season by cricket scores against teams who&#39;d possibly been slipped a few bob. The PZN (Polish FA) were having none of it and awarded the title to the third placed team, Lech Poznań. Grudge matches and hooliganism have reared their head ever since.&lt;br /&gt;
  36. &lt;br /&gt;
  37. Inside the Polish Army Stadion or if you will the Pepsi Arena, for the record I prefer the former, there was of course a pulsating atmosphere complete with some textbook&amp;nbsp;choreographed&amp;nbsp;singing. It&#39;s like this every week here. I can&#39;t think of a single ground in Britain where there&#39;s relentless noise for 90 minutes during every game. Away to our left in the Żyleta - the stand where the ultras gather which translates to, and you&#39;ll like this, &#39;razor blade&#39; - all dressed in white were the Legia hardcore. They know the score: don&#39;t wear black. &#39;The Black Shirts&#39; is the nickname of their hated rivals in the city, Polonia. &quot;We hate those bastards&quot; said the chap to my right. There&#39;s a shock.&lt;br /&gt;
  38. &lt;br /&gt;
  39. It is impossible not to tap your foot along to the rhythm of the beat as anthemic brilliance pours from the lungs of every single fan. They sung louder than the bombs that had flattened most of Warsaw during World War II and wiped out over half of their inhabitants in the process. Loud, beautiful and proud: Warsaw is definitely back.&lt;br /&gt;
  40. &lt;br /&gt;
  41. There are flags and banners everywhere you look on the Żyleta. Many of them date back over 30 years; those flags are incredibly important to the fans. Every club has them and it&#39;s important to keep an eye on them because every other clubs supporters/hooligans would like to steal them. In fact, at our game the next day, ŁKS Łódź v Śląsk Wrocław, fans took down their flags in order to protect them before trying to rip down the fences to attack each other. The flags are seen as trophies from winning any battle; the older the flag, the more important. If you&#39;re able to steal a treasured flag of another club, you then hang it on the fence during the match against that team - upside down, naturally - and then burn it. The same thing occurs with scarves, t-shirts and everything, but the flags are most valuable. This is unlikely to occur during Euro 2012.&lt;br /&gt;
  42. &lt;br /&gt;
  43. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvSvYHb4YYJv7stn_X9NoyFN_hvJrn1lq1qpwlVKdqfaZEUFnsvtsSrlA9UnSn5QzeBKFlceQGpyBXHaE4RSAMFN08S8hyxHK8jKi7BuFjwvsWy57_Oe5_vwahzBUw6zQxPELV_5FogwZ/s400/Polish+EFW+Dec+2012+074.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  44. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Anthemic brilliance from the Żyleta&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  45. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl30hCm1YbHAkJ3IOkT3ialjM3-I03R39P5qJXMIOv81mR6yZzWeM7WDJ14DrdrXmEJoMSirO06OkVT74RFdrxj164a1Ed2BqDOepHFdXpD4t3s3KBCuXAgcHqOU_p53bJ33Z5cxoegEVb/s400/Polish+EFW+Dec+2012+092.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  46. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;All white on the night&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  47. Stuart and I weren&#39;t dressed in white - doesn&#39;t disguise the beer belly - and we hadn&#39;t stolen any Lech Poznań flags during our whirlwind tour of their stadium on the morning of this match so we took up the clubs kind offer of a spot in the press box for two minutes before moving to be nearer &lt;i&gt;those&lt;/i&gt; fans. I should add that the reason we were in Poland in the first place is that we&#39;ve been employed to write a guide to Euro 2012. So like a couple of estate agents from Homes Under the Hammer, and in between all this nonsense, we were actually doing some work; clutching a couple of clipboards and putting ticks and crosses next to stadiums, transport systems, hotels, local cuisine and every single different Polish beer we could lay our hands on. Na zdrowie!&lt;br /&gt;
  48. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  49. &lt;/div&gt;The game - which was, fact fans, the 1000th to be played at this stadium in all of its various guises, finished 0-0. But the fans, them again, didn&#39;t seem to react to anything that&amp;nbsp;occurred&amp;nbsp;on the pitch. When a player was clean through on goal they didn&#39;t raise or lower their voice. It was just&amp;nbsp;unwavering support throughout. If they&#39;d have won 4-0 or lost 0-4 I&#39;m guessing it wouldn&#39;t have made any difference. Could you imagine Old Trafford rocking to its very foundations during a bore draw at home to Wigan? No, of course not.&lt;br /&gt;
  50. &lt;br /&gt;
  51. At one point a few Legia fans tried to break through into the away sector. And sort of&amp;nbsp;halfheartedly a number of Cracovia fans tried to break out of their end, but security dealt with it swiftly and there wasn&#39;t any actual trouble that I noticed anyway. Considering they were second from bottom in the league, Cracovia were backed by an impressive following of around 1500-2000.&amp;nbsp;Bizarrely a lot of them didn&#39;t turn up until the second half prompting a cracking visual display of flag waving. There were&amp;nbsp;definitely fans of Lech Poznan in among them - another fan friendship - and by all accounts a few supporters of Polonia Warsaw had also popped in to lend a verbal volley of hatred towards Legia.&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
  52. &lt;br /&gt;
  53. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwU3jEiAvzK0A3Drhgppy4QDyC64DjkY2KHORpVqz0-XMNdUa6zfQ05w780x_u_Q4cg1P5i37GjPqg5tfukWVOQjoUCWVsFPAW57GBg-PfaOfHOU-SPmH_PqolFhcE_KoD8t5rFjUIEbyc/s400/Polish+EFW+Dec+2012+104.JPG&quot; width=&quot;300&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  54. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The impressive Cracovia support dressed in black. Obviously.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  55. I&#39;d been polishing up on my Polish all week in&amp;nbsp;preparation&amp;nbsp;for the post-match press conference. So whilst mumbling away about a pretty dull scoreless match for twenty or so minutes I can confirm that neither Legia gaffer Maciej Skorża nor Cracovia boss Dariusz Pasieka - who was sporting a magnificent Cracovia scarf - said&amp;nbsp;&lt;i&gt;dwa piwa proszę&lt;/i&gt;&amp;nbsp;(two beers please) or&amp;nbsp;&lt;i&gt;jestem z zespołem muzycznym&lt;/i&gt;&amp;nbsp;(I&#39;m with the band). These were two of the three phrases I&#39;d learnt. The other one allowed me my big moment in this gathering when it came to my turn for asking a question. Slightly tentatively and with&amp;nbsp;clammy palms I leant into the microphone and asked&amp;nbsp;&lt;i&gt;Czy ten pociąg staje w Warszawa?&lt;/i&gt;&amp;nbsp;(Does this train stop in Warsaw?). Unsurprisingly, thirty seconds later Stuart and I were out on the streets of Warsaw and in need of a beer.&lt;br /&gt;
  56. &lt;br /&gt;
  57. Our attempt to blend in with the locals back at the bus stop failed miserably. Fire crackers and flares have been banned from Polish stadiums in attempt to clean things up ahead of Euro 2012, but action outside of the ground is a different matter. Flares were let off - which both warmed and cheered us up - and then came the fire crackers; nobody batted an eyelid other than two English daises who jumped out of their skin. We&#39;d been rumbled.&lt;br /&gt;
  58. &lt;br /&gt;
  59. We ended up back in the old town of Warsaw watching Real Madrid get humped by Barcelona in a pub full of the worst type of plastic fans known to man. They&#39;d never been to the Camp Nou, Santiago Bernabéu or even along the road to Legia or Polonia Warsaw. And yet they saw fit to scream&amp;nbsp;every time Ronaldo, Cesc or Messi got the ball, and smashed glasses on the floor when the goals rained in. Get yourselves to a live game lads. There are &lt;a href=&quot;http://500reasonstolovefootball.blogspot.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;500 or more reasons to love watching football&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; in the flesh, because it&#39;s not all bad you know.&lt;br /&gt;
  60. &lt;br /&gt;
  61. What was bad was Stuart and I attempting to sing&amp;nbsp;karaoke in the wee hours of the night. So apologies to all those gathered in the Pub Ślusarni. It wasn&#39;t pretty. I opted for (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais by The Clash whereas Stuart cleared his throat, and most of the pub, to Bryan Adams Summer of 69. We don&#39;t make a habit of this, but we&#39;d had one of the best days abroad watching football in our young-ish lives, and we&#39;ve &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-grounds-list.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;been to a few places&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. Poland is officially the new Germany in terms of watching football; cheap beer, superb fans, crumbling stadiums; brand spanking shiny new ones, history, friendly locals, cheap and largely efficient transport the lot. Get yourself over there, you won&#39;t regret it.&lt;br /&gt;
  62. &lt;br /&gt;
  63. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFU3zD4Z8Y84Lb1UTVlIYNfGxwuCx85yqbXW5F3oyDPn7dLtkND0uLff-Ju0nFOc36E6zJmuDapABw_JSC_fJdV8gDjCrzo5Lo5uDqCgu-xLz_7i0Ezvg8Gl8Jy1xQH-al73uKigdYCRyB/s400/Polish+EFW+Dec+2012+108.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  64. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Meanwhile back in the old town at night it&#39;s Happy Christmas from Warsaw...&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  65. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  66. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  67. &lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlE5Yjd-nZEJaNQyf9OlcCJLKttAIDaSIQRN8r9eUdE6cB4gZVHjwV4BTFSB6tEAZfgOLvpwFY5UnbdEzIwQuiqV6yIS-g6Psf_JGMb6cf81myVa81Yoy0LTpXMB1NNUmeltuemLZRQS9/s400/Polish+EFW+Dec+2012+193.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  68. &lt;br /&gt;
  69. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;...and a very Merry Christmas to you all from EFW. *wipes away tear*.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  70. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;For loads more photos head to the&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.facebook.com/groups/europeanfootballweekends/&quot;&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;EFW Facebook&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; group &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150547266312565.431827.577302564&amp;amp;type=1&amp;amp;l=856d722c3c&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;HERE&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, or click on Stuart&#39;s photos &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.flickr.com/photos/61081400@N00/sets/72157628379159783/show/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;THERE&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  71. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;There&#39;s videos of the Legia fans from this match&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4538gWKYrs&amp;amp;feature=youtu.be&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;HERE&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;and &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/user/snfuller?feature=mhee#p/a/u/1/abu89fPPrLk&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;THERE&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  72. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Follow &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/theballisround&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Ball is Round&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter&lt;br /&gt;
  73. &lt;br /&gt;
  74. &lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/1303603664066164144/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=1303603664066164144' title='12 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/1303603664066164144'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/1303603664066164144'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/12/legia-warsaw-v-cracovia.html' title='Legia Warsaw v Cracovia'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKySHE_siDKNZiQNg3smDCjqA84HtWP739OraghPyvaZAuvL58kS96csLSmMRvVujaqGbhlDfuDJ6wMF3i9i2t7X0mfGLMRAvqfcDtxfMSbcZ_3KZfNtsdEnCpzw41YAEJQiqehMLPVC3J/s72-c/Polish+EFW+Dec+2012+105.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>12</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-1677677146574678104</id><published>2011-12-08T10:34:00.000+00:00</published><updated>2011-12-08T10:34:50.204+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Crvena Zvezda"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in Serbia"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Partizan Belgrade"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Red Star Belgrade"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="The Eternal Derby"/><title type='text'>Crvena Zvezda v Partizan Belgrade</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UH4NCpRLGzzan8FeugEYgqAvYIENYApJujttcGphfqxMnZgeqs_YulLvZwi-gHyIK9QtdV2WLkZQNBKpLKz8QdLmknvc9MYGSs_tL-kl59tkL3oXQlQMrMv123-QYv7APIvVzibXdXpq/s1600/etderby6.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UH4NCpRLGzzan8FeugEYgqAvYIENYApJujttcGphfqxMnZgeqs_YulLvZwi-gHyIK9QtdV2WLkZQNBKpLKz8QdLmknvc9MYGSs_tL-kl59tkL3oXQlQMrMv123-QYv7APIvVzibXdXpq/s400/etderby6.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  75. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;The Belgrade Derby: A World Phenomenon&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  76. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Crvena Zvezda 0-2 Partizan Belgrade (26:11:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  77. The taxi ground to a halt with the floodlights of the Marakana rising in the distance, writes &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/HuddoHudson&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Andy Hudson&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. A single policeman tried to control the traffic from six different directions; the angles of his hands lost amidst the steam billowing from his mouth. “You should take them to a whorehouse after the match; that’ll relax them and is what everyone should do here at least once,” the taxi driver mumbled to the lad in the passenger seat. Three of us sat shivering in the back seat, English only speakers and oblivious to the Serb delights the taxi driver had in mind for us for afterwards.&lt;br /&gt;
  78. &lt;br /&gt;
  79. With time still on our side we made our way back towards the centre of town and a traditional Serbian restaurant called Mala fabrika ukusa, 2km away from the stadium instead of the place we were originally heading to which was set in the shadows of the &lt;a href=&quot;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stadion_FK_Crvena_Zvezda&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Marakana&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. There was to be no pre-match pies for us; honey glazed pork served with horseradish ice-cream was knocked back with pints of Jelen before we braved the icy cold for the walk to the stadium.&lt;br /&gt;
  80. &lt;br /&gt;
  81. We left the restaurant and hurried off in the direction of the ground. After turning two corners we could see the huge floodlights looming across the skyline, yet before we could see them, we knew what direction we were heading in; we followed the distant noise coming from the already packed Marakana. There wasn’t much talking amongst the home fans as we made our way under and over roads; across a small park; all the while getting closer to the stadium. &amp;nbsp;A nervousness hung in the air; similar to any other city on derby day.&lt;br /&gt;
  82. &lt;br /&gt;
  83. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhEyCbIFHD34sjIC8yXcMhlmDZKq5uwCsk_ft5tjkzkW3uoOsVtbHO_WFlaYBMiD6GqBguHLBVT2G4_mC_uT6rrMPgSPIW32b4fYizvxuCIQmWdrTitGQ1TkSyg29XDQ5OKB0MihrFiKN/s400/etderby1.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  84. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;A huge floodlight looms across the Belgrade skyline. As does the cities biggest tree.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  85. As we cut up along Ljutice Bogdana, one of the few streets that separate the Marakana from &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/03/partizan-belgrade-v-red-star-belgrade.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Stadion FK Partizan&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, we could hear flares going off in the stadium. My heart raced. The air had the smell of bonfire night and cutting through was the sight of people racing to the security gates. We had VIP tickets for the West Stand and headed up the stairs from reception. The section we were in was heaving with not a spare seat and plenty of people packed into the back rows. We quickly decided not to waste too much time trying to get our seats, with the throng of people crammed in it would have been foolish to try and get in. We had a word with one of the club staff who took us back downstairs and explained to security that we were to be in the stand amongst the Zvezda masses.&lt;br /&gt;
  86. &lt;br /&gt;
  87. The greatest firework display I’ve ever seen then sparked to life to my left, in the North Stand, home of Delije, the Heroes. Three stands of the Marakana burned with red flares while fireworks exploded over the stadium. Smoke drifted across the pitch as the players emerged from the tunnel, densely obscuring the view:&lt;br /&gt;
  88. &lt;br /&gt;
  89. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe allowfullscreen=&#39;allowfullscreen&#39; webkitallowfullscreen=&#39;webkitallowfullscreen&#39; mozallowfullscreen=&#39;mozallowfullscreen&#39; width=&#39;320&#39; height=&#39;266&#39; src=&#39;https://www.youtube.com/embed/DXGsWSP65X8?feature=player_embedded&#39; frameborder=&#39;0&#39;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  90. The South Stand, home of Grobari and a second Partizan fan-group, Južni Front, seemed to be doing nothing. They were merely waiting. As soon as the Delije fireworks were coming to an end, they started their own&lt;br /&gt;
  91. &lt;br /&gt;
  92. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe allowfullscreen=&#39;allowfullscreen&#39; webkitallowfullscreen=&#39;webkitallowfullscreen&#39; mozallowfullscreen=&#39;mozallowfullscreen&#39; width=&#39;320&#39; height=&#39;266&#39; src=&#39;https://www.youtube.com/embed/UIaf9aY9hLk?feature=player_embedded&#39; frameborder=&#39;0&#39;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  93. The match kicked-off with the whole stadium singing. The atmosphere could have powered a small country. Everyone in the North Stand was stood with scarves held aloft, more impressive than anything that could be mustered on the Kop at Anfield. The smoke hung in the stadium air, obscuring my view of the Partizan fans over to my right. From my standing position just next to the North Stand, stood in a packed gangway where every fan was singing, all if could see was red and white. Flares continued to go off several times a minute, with the firemen on the track behind the goal kept busy by the large number hurtling towards the pitch.&lt;br /&gt;
  94. &lt;br /&gt;
  95. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGE2iMHzUULNkPJeKE8amxs6nYVl6xb914RX2Q-xjCWUKnFhfSzWqC3mWTbQ-JK27XpmajnLY1yxFF07mK763fygqTWk7GLWHkWJGPVU6Hh5PBe-y1xLKvRvqA6nEMqAozZ6pHa9FepKj/s400/etderby2.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  96. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;An explosive start to proceedings&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  97. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYua9NMvk_1OPItc8i9fUDa3gnAiqjCJxbUQPUyULw1D355Agjc63mUXM8YJ6fN0_yg7fgKSYdWW9zEdESJMmRDkrPkAUfG3MMxoB8RIJSNWwLDH2L4QSnPpIKh1SpXW2C0E44ujgtkBEY/s400/etderby4.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  98. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Lovely flag, but where are those flares?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  99. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4UK3trGXw1ekSSEGMkGHJiLzerW-vis_McKrD7wmg7ifg03wOPXNFirmjHe2EAiPToFTS5G28wpJhwWBJ3TmA0KPqDYQV9FXUScmto7ZzZian9NnusI0QrDRFMn-QB6Va4noZy8wZCXe/s400/etderby5.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  100. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Ah.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  101. I’d heard stories about how intimidating the atmosphere could be; how violence rippled across everything and that even for a neutral there’s an edge that can be troubling. Yet I never interpreted any of this for violence in any way; it was far simpler than that: this was passion. While some may disagree with me on this point, but flares being thrown on an athletics track where they are collected and quickly put out is a lot different to fists being smashed against another fan’s head. Not once did I feel threatened; neither before the game nor during.&lt;br /&gt;
  102. &lt;br /&gt;
  103. Zvezda enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges though chances were at a premium. Flares in front of the South Stand caused a fire on the athletics track and then a fire was started at the front of the stand when pitch covers were set ablaze by the Partizan fans.&lt;br /&gt;
  104. &lt;br /&gt;
  105. With every attack the noise increased and then three quarters of the Marakana went crazy with excitement as the referee awarded Zvezda a penalty. With the home club having taken the precaution of removing the plastic seats from the South Stand, the track filled up only with flares as Evandro stepped up to eventually take the spot kick. With many home supporters around me either peering through their fingers or turned with their backs to the pitch due to nerves, the Brazilian screwed his penalty wide of the post to cause the only period of silence amongst the Delije. That silence was only to last a moment as the noise suddenly increased to drown out the celebrating Grobari . Meanwhile, a few seats were being hurled onto the track from the East Stand, where one of the fractured Partizan fan groups, Zabranjeni, were congregated.&lt;br /&gt;
  106. &lt;br /&gt;
  107. As half time arrived I made my way to the club shop to buy a hat and to thaw out my body. Despite the red hot atmosphere, it was the coldest I had ever felt at a football match. Meanwhile, down on the pitch, most of the Partizan players shivered in their dugout having seen their path to the tunnel blocked by a cascade of flares thrown by Delje.&lt;br /&gt;
  108. &lt;br /&gt;
  109. With no let-up in the atmosphere, the game drifted somewhat during the second half. The real quality was with the fans. A huge red and white flag covered much of the North Stand – those not under the flag held aloft flags. As Delje started up a rendition of Od rođenja mog, many fans around me passionately joined in, some with tears in their eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
  110. &lt;br /&gt;
  111. That love song to Zvezda, with the translated words of:&lt;br /&gt;
  112. &lt;br /&gt;
  113. Ever since my birth,&lt;br /&gt;
  114. there hasn’t been a day without your name,&lt;br /&gt;
  115. not a day, not a year,&lt;br /&gt;
  116. Red Star.&lt;br /&gt;
  117. Only with you,&lt;br /&gt;
  118. will I remain forever,&lt;br /&gt;
  119. Red Star.&lt;br /&gt;
  120. &lt;br /&gt;
  121. It was meant to stir their red and white heroes on to victory. Yet it was Partizan who would go on and break Zvezda hearts.&lt;br /&gt;
  122. &lt;br /&gt;
  123. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PSAIfOxZMEePbWlCxOn356Cwy6NOlKSO6brXCN2KbZY_VhruAIfMb_bd3A0330hfUVh6C4ppL5ugN9NP-XHeIl4CJy5Ox6OXJF_hrlZu0ORcBTqFJV4TnlkIxmrSvcVu65cgYqaFsnOJ/s400/etderby7.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  124. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Anyone got a light?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  125. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XecHVQV1XaeFp3Sp5rwf66kSnTpnVoG56XQAIMQlpWJ-Mxb2cK_F197w7Z-yKOi1cQEdaAKTu29CvCC8cpvU1RqzeyZvdS4n1GAyQGYXO1cqQJChir5sIGZ59-phDicj4CHXx-TuS7G6/s400/etderby8.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  126. With twenty minutes remaining, Zvonimir Vukić beat two defenders and fizzed in a low shot to break the deadlock. Then Marko Šćepović collected a long through ball and, having raced beyond his marker, slotted past the home ‘keeper to send the South Stand into raptures. Ken and Chris, who were in the West Stand but down near the South Stand, standing amongst a mixture of home and away fans, observed later than as Partizan celebrated they thought fights were going to break out around them; the moment passed without violence.&lt;br /&gt;
  127. &lt;br /&gt;
  128. As the final whistle attempted to pierce the noise of the crowd, both the North and South Stands were still in full voice, the air around the stadium was that of dejection; similar to at a party that has quickly, and unexpectedly, run out of booze. We headed back to the centre of Belgrade to join the Saturday night revellers in the Three Carrots pub. As the other lads left late on to go to the airport, I left for the hostel, ready for another three days in the city.&lt;br /&gt;
  129. &lt;br /&gt;
  130. I spent a lot of time talking to Zvezda fans during those days. The inevitable question would arrive immediately after they found out I had been to Marakana: “So, who do you support?” It was a question I had heard many times since my arrival; every stranger who met each other, whether they were both Serbs or Serb and English, had asked the other person that. By the end of my first pint after the match I had perfected a confident answer; the confidence growing not just as a result of the impression left on me by the Marakana support, but by the derby hurt glowing in the eyes of the person talking to me. “I’m Zvezda, who do you support?” A grin would sweep across the face before the reply: “Zvezda! Me too. We’re the best team. What did you think of our supporters?”&lt;br /&gt;
  131. &lt;br /&gt;
  132. One Zvezda fan summed up their feelings of what makes the Eternal Derby so special: “The Belgrade derby is a world phenomenon. The standard of football is low but everything else is top class. That’s why it’s the biggest. We have the best atmosphere; the loudest chanting; the most tension, switching between love and hate”. &lt;br /&gt;
  133. &lt;br /&gt;
  134. Sunday resembled one huge hangover, not just in my head but also across the city. Shoppers shuffled along the street looking down; coffee shop couple talked in hushed tones; the Red Star Belgrade fans, numbering many more than Partizan, were hurting. I passed through the usual sights during those days and spent time at a newspaper that produced a profile on me and my observations of the derby. Talk was already of the return fixture and revenge, though by the time it rolls around, Partizan could have secured a sixth successive title. Whatever happens over the course of the season, the greatest atmosphere at any football match in Europe will be in Belgrade, screaming from both the North and the South Stands.&lt;br /&gt;
  135. &lt;br /&gt;
  136. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6N_8o5xe4rj1vAIxnOjDONujNRKqt2klrcYeFItac3kJI5ipobHlCUrc5bjCsLRlBlDKETXESh34QutYMOM-n2aPY1zDLf-cZbQ8V73u9Iy7bFekfXsOXEWALIHHU49xgCBIYjDsl6lwk/s400/etderby14.jpg&quot; width=&quot;296&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  137. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;I&#39;ll chuck in a few Serbian dinar if you hold both clubs scarves aloft....&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  138. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;265&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9QJSVCDuqM7zUQCEKCXoPjJ7sH0XL_Unn1_XC5QhA69cO8EpbyJzlTIsYpUVH6ds6mEj9UmhKjcR44ZuvvcquZ8ynr1fRbgfmcTagn9JISZfAo0Fp1_1EvjJ-0-sSgO81w75fVodkRA7/s400/etderby11.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  139. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;....will this do?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  140. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;211&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6stqJv-Ux2DrJkvRKdDWIU0QY8zeyVV_gbopyO5hgRUSPUEoS4koHA-X9gQfxsGugRdysrR73bUI6uTuVXb6ng3-DLJbEb8peWz81WUE_Cxg9JpEKDidrg21AqGjXO9n-NIzq0yoZyO5/s400/etderby12.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  141. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Aye lad. #DoublePageSpread&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  142. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Follow both &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/HuddoHudson&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Andy Hudson&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  143. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;For more of Andy&#39;s work head &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.blagulfotboll.co.uk/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;HERE&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; or indeed &lt;a href=&quot;http://ganninaway.co.uk/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;THERE&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  144. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Like this? &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/03/partizan-belgrade-v-red-star-belgrade.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Nick Coppack was at The Eternal Derby last season&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/1677677146574678104/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=1677677146574678104' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/1677677146574678104'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/1677677146574678104'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/12/crvena-zvezda-v-partizan-belgrade.html' title='Crvena Zvezda v Partizan Belgrade'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UH4NCpRLGzzan8FeugEYgqAvYIENYApJujttcGphfqxMnZgeqs_YulLvZwi-gHyIK9QtdV2WLkZQNBKpLKz8QdLmknvc9MYGSs_tL-kl59tkL3oXQlQMrMv123-QYv7APIvVzibXdXpq/s72-c/etderby6.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-6031392113648823547</id><published>2011-12-07T12:22:00.000+00:00</published><updated>2011-12-07T12:22:13.649+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="BSK Borča"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in Serbia"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Vojvodina"/><title type='text'>BSK Borča v Vojvodina</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VpOGPAuxryZdlFjFjoLuUjx_e9xb9JEyG5o-HzUwjBZ8T5AcLrfmmWU72Z5v2n7yDQzrRkpKZ6a3PxfDV5LWWx7nz6T5mHT-v1m02KEXSFvjbXdtn1xUiPJT2XT1_6W9vFQ-DplMa3Q5/s1600/SAM_1029_Converted.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VpOGPAuxryZdlFjFjoLuUjx_e9xb9JEyG5o-HzUwjBZ8T5AcLrfmmWU72Z5v2n7yDQzrRkpKZ6a3PxfDV5LWWx7nz6T5mHT-v1m02KEXSFvjbXdtn1xUiPJT2XT1_6W9vFQ-DplMa3Q5/s400/SAM_1029_Converted.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  145. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;The Calm Before The Storm&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  146. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;BSK Borča 0-4&amp;nbsp;Vojvodina (26:11:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  147. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;It&#39;s the morning of The Eternal Derby in Belgrade. Before living and breathing that dream fixture, Ken Morton and friends took in a match in relatively serene surroundings...&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  148. &lt;br /&gt;
  149. The Luton Ibis is far from glamorous but the prospect of a big European derby made it slightly easier to rise from my slumber. It was 05:30 and myself and EFW newbie Chris Sobey smartly made our way to Luton airport for our Wizz Air flight to the Nikola Tesla airport in Belgrade. I had travelled down from Aberdeen the night before and our heads were still slightly dull following quite a few beers in the hotel bar. But we were off to see the ‘Eternal Derby’ between Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade; no better hangover cure I thought.&lt;br /&gt;
  150. &lt;br /&gt;
  151. We entered the airport and our excitement was turned to nervousness as we saw the queue of around 500 people waiting to go through security at the airport; the result being a 45 minute wait and then a quick dash to the departure gate. Sweating, due to the sprint to gate 18, as we took our seats we were greeted by a very attractive stewardesses. As we took off I explained to Chris what he was about to experience and the current situation around the Grobari where infighting had led to a split. I explained that there was a risk of trouble and the city was on high alert. All this talking meant thirsty throats and we necked a few beers before touching down on Serbian soil.&lt;br /&gt;
  152. &lt;br /&gt;
  153. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8GP__8qP99sh6wTtrEcIkwEn19CpAm0Xcfwh3JnXY0wATgtvMf53UCgywGu9ReOBeX3Ky-GeId7nTbCeZRupBIloihl4jNzqqdkHfTZDguHy8icY_IUXBMHULZcev9zXWZ6NHZI8MoJP/s400/SAM_1018_Converted.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  154. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Hello operator, could you get me Kenny Legg and Danny Last on the line please. We need to arrange two plane tickets to Belgrade. Quick. Sharp.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  155. We were greeted by a low-lying fog, which was to be prevalent throughout our trip. Sometimes it is difficult not to pre-judge, but I suppose it added to the mystique of this previous war torn country. We met Gannin’ Away’s Andy Hudson on board the waiting shuttle bus that whisked us off to Slavija Square in the centre of the city. Wow…it was cold and damp, and you would think I would be used to it living in Aberdeen! Chris and I were staying at a hotel close to both stadiums called the Villa Senjak so we decided to meet Andy later. Passing bombed out buildings, cracked pavements and old Fiat cars we finally made it and agreed to meet up later to travel back into the centre.&lt;br /&gt;
  156. &lt;br /&gt;
  157. Andy had arranged tickets for the game through his Serbian contact so the venue to meet was the Three Carrots Irish pub. 2 derby tickets, 13 plus pints, 6 shots and 2 kebabs later, myself and Chris stumbled around the fog-strewn streets at 4am trying to remember where the hotel was. The high alcohol intake wasn’t intentional, but sitting in the back room of a bar with both Red Star and Partizan fans, we found that as soon as our beers were almost finished, another would magically appear on the table in front of us, joined by a shot.&lt;br /&gt;
  158. &lt;br /&gt;
  159. Waking up, face down eating my pillow, I wondered if the morning fog outside was ticker than the one inside my head, but I didn’t have much time to think as we were off to the Three Carrots to meet Andy and his Serbian contact Nenad for midday. We all jumped into a taxi to the first game of the day…BSK Borča were at home to Vojvodina. Our taxi took us to a small suburb of Belgrade and the 3000 capacity Borča Stadion to be exact. BSK were formed in 1937 and are traditionally a lower league team but won promotion to the Serbian Superliga in 2009. Vojvodina, on the other hand, are a more experienced team having been regular competitors in European competitions. The stadium consists of two uncovered terraces running length side of the pitch, an open end behind one goal, a fire engine in the corner and a complex that consists of clubrooms and restaurant behind the other goal.&lt;br /&gt;
  160. &lt;br /&gt;
  161. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zvHxeSAMMNPjZWU7yhYWal-X0Jw3R_vminO-QewBC_JZ2D5Obos5PewEWf-ZJa_HQC-XqqTzs7rT1VL_Gy_qdjUq-apRsZfAHVgHDWzfID2qSZkNP-OYGjZf7RjMa4nY21WwAQ4HonVx/s400/SAM_1035_Converted.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  162. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;We&#39;re&amp;nbsp;BSK Borča, we do what we want...&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  163. We were slightly late for kick off and missed the first goal but it soon became clear that the home side were severely lacking in skill and Vojvodina unsurprisingly added another before half time. Hair of the dog or a rest from the biting cold? You decide but a break from standing on ice by having a pint and a pizza in the adjoining restaurant at half time made us all feel a bit more energetic. Upon reaching the terraces again for the second half, delayed because the electricity was too weak to quickly cook the pizza, we saw the game was now 4-0 to Vojvodina! I’ve never been to a game with four goals and missed three before so that’s a first for me – yet Chris missed all four. The remainder of the game was spent watching the Ultras of Borča (10 adults and 15 kids) enthusiastically sing such well known hits like BORČA CHAMPIONS, BORČA CHAMPIONS or the classic SIT DOWN IF YOU LOVE BORČA! Their efforts was pale in comparison to the slightly larger and noisier away support who bounced relentlessly up and down in true Balkans style.&lt;br /&gt;
  164. &lt;br /&gt;
  165. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfEjLGuT9K3WN_vSoXJYfnmnRsD7LjO5kIU1RHmGy3Isw2t6qQ4gcrsQrvPGEBGEM63unhHrq5IIGzaGU_JbF9lULJP1qISJLzf44u1w9NQbYFf_y9EPIB6Crkh-c4a4JDnjgZXOCsKfl/s400/fridaynight1t.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  166. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;13 pints and 6 shots please bartender&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  167. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Ken Morton is site editor of &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.mvv-schotland.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;http://www.mvv-schotland.com/&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/b&gt;which as well as documenting his love for MVV Maastricht also covers Project 50 – Ken’s attempt to visit each of the top 50 derbies in world football. He can be found on Twitter at &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/mvvschotland&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;@mvvschotland&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  168. &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Tomorrow on EFW: Andy Hudson on Crvena Zvezda v Partizan Belgrade. Expect fireworks.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  169. &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/6031392113648823547/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=6031392113648823547' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/6031392113648823547'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/6031392113648823547'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/12/bsk-borca-v-vojvodina.html' title='BSK Borča v Vojvodina'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VpOGPAuxryZdlFjFjoLuUjx_e9xb9JEyG5o-HzUwjBZ8T5AcLrfmmWU72Z5v2n7yDQzrRkpKZ6a3PxfDV5LWWx7nz6T5mHT-v1m02KEXSFvjbXdtn1xUiPJT2XT1_6W9vFQ-DplMa3Q5/s72-c/SAM_1029_Converted.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-2577846059471591796</id><published>2011-12-06T10:22:00.000+00:00</published><updated>2011-12-06T10:22:49.742+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in Japan"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Gamba Osaka"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Vegalta Sendai"/><title type='text'>Gamba Osaka v Vegalta Sendai</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FX1erf_Vr5WTLYa05K9aCU2y29YSiJ9wqTq7ycpm5qsS1N6YDc1jAeNLthOsVjPNvUwulFhknzrKsB1oE33qjx1tn-qJFcNOL5o894miQBXmplhetYCNcrKXHShUgu4zXUFHrc-F7BGF/s1600/2011_1127Kansai0019.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;285&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FX1erf_Vr5WTLYa05K9aCU2y29YSiJ9wqTq7ycpm5qsS1N6YDc1jAeNLthOsVjPNvUwulFhknzrKsB1oE33qjx1tn-qJFcNOL5o894miQBXmplhetYCNcrKXHShUgu4zXUFHrc-F7BGF/s400/2011_1127Kansai0019.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  170. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;The Japanese Newcastle&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  171. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Gamba Osaka 1-0 Vegalta Sendai (26:11:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  172. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Newcastle United fan Michael Hudson travels to Osaka to see the Japanese version of... Newcastle United...&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  173. There are two ways of getting from Nagoya to Osaka by train. The Shinkansen takes just under an hour and will set you back the best part of sixty quid each way; a combination of local and rapid trains is more than twice as long, half the price and perfectly timed to allow you to read at least halfway through the &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/03/jonathan-wilson-interview-blizzard.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Blizzard&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; while sitting next to a bloke in a gauze face mask whose head keeps falling against your right shoulder. Like the recent Manchester derby, there wasn’t any contest.&lt;br /&gt;
  174. &lt;br /&gt;
  175. My meticulously planned timetable almost goes awry when I’m late leaving my flat, the ten-minute sprint to the station bringing on a sweat which at least ensures the neighbouring seat stays empty until we’re halfway to Kyoto. I go straight through the ancient capital then jump on the wrong train when I change in Osaka and end up travelling half the way back. It’s just turned half past twelve by the time I get to the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, home of Gamba Osaka’s ageing Banpaku Stadium, and the first person I see as I get off the monorail is &lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/#!/BenMabley&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Ben Mabley&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, Blizzard contributor, Gamba ultra and my host for the day. &amp;nbsp;“Welcome to Osaka,” he says, buying the first of many &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.suntory.com/beer/premium/en/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Suntory Premium Malts&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
  176. &lt;br /&gt;
  177. As we drink, we talk J.League, the Glazers, Twitter, Takashi Usami (the 19-year-old midfielder currently on loan at Bayern Munich), Gamba’s proposed new stadium – called, tentatively I hope, the Field of Smile - and Akira Nishino, whose contract the club declined to renew after a decade in charge, one J.League title, three domestic cups and an Asian Champions League. We separate at kick off when Ben goes to join the ultras in the sold-out home end and I mix in (if you can ever use that phrase when you’re the only person in five hundred not wearing a yellow shirt) with the Vegalta Sendai fans at the opposite side of the pitch. &amp;nbsp;Smoke bombs explode above the blue and black Gamba flags as the Vegalta support – led by a man with a megaphone and Unity Japan t-shirt – run through a repertoire including songs to the tune of Twisted Sister’s ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’, ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’ by The Ramones and ‘Take Me Home Country Roads’.&lt;br /&gt;
  178. &lt;br /&gt;
  179. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfkvp4ozaG5hLXyvZPgFMpH9TbAl-UbR7e3YjfmD6jtYPgUO4Q16ADa-VwQmNKA3aI3TQ0QTkDKWnBij9vghXMP3qfrHHDfF2GoX0p4rdE3hKirnFuxYfi6TvOJ47atHGd_L8LhyWJKxT/s400/2011_1127Kansai0027.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  180. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Howay The&amp;nbsp;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;ガンバ大阪&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  181. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;272&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSCqjfGnztmN6xkleULo8AxemDZQjGqgPvXiAw-usmdp6hJV4GgOuV2h2dF6Y-xHrbMROwvXQQHiy_NAJCteREi1iuFof28PglF_dJv7EfxUGNCVA6tA9KWmlE89It4O23yIHQc7NjBK5/s400/2011_1127Kansai0014.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  182. With two games left and Gamba four points behind leaders Kashiwa Reysol, the home side are unsurprisingly nervy, even after South Korean striker Lee Keun-ho heads them into a 22nd minute lead. Fortunately, most of Vegalta’s chances fall to Shingo Akimine, whose efforts at goal land as wide of the mark as an editorial in the Daily Mail. &amp;nbsp;At the final whistle, with Kashiwa dropping two points at home to Cerezo Osaka, both sets of players line up to bow to the crowd, Nishino takes to the pitch, and I slip out to meet Ben back at the bar. &amp;nbsp;After staying back to help the other ultras to tidy up the stand, he arrives twenty minutes later and introduces me as a Newcastle fan. “Newcastle?” an English-speaker asks excitedly, stretching the first syllable like a pair of knee-length socks. &quot;A lot of Gamba fans think of themselves as the Japanese Newcastle,&quot; Ben explains. &quot;As cities, they have a very similar relationship to the rest of the country and the same kind of accents.&quot; “Newcastle played here in 1996,” another of the ultras tells me. “Ferdinand, Asprilla…they were pissed off that the crowd wasn’t very big but our football culture wasn&#39;t developed at the time and most Japanese fans only knew Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal. Now everyone knows of Newcastle as one of the biggest clubs.&quot; I’m starting to like Gamba Osaka by this point. I really, really am.&lt;br /&gt;
  183. &lt;br /&gt;
  184. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZOGVW_Qk8DRxkl_UhtZDBMAU9IoE4wc5d0TpRZgwRb6AHjOR6sXG5S1rHLLcfckGMhXDUy_Io2wfrpJgJftrbLsOsDlaRKrF7USbcPeWnEmUJf3-zEEsLJjHNtFWEXyTuOs8W8nDMN67/s400/2011_1127Kansai0038.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  185. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Erm.... answers on a postcard please&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  186. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;325&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAoo9lzYAjuxvzuIH19v_cXoWnM5Dl-RzktECtQCd_K0ZTid5lRXDWwsDQbl5d3gNGyrCeoEt16oXZBz4uIw7eT9fR0rkUpgSZkNdl6PpzXdxSX5yCFPRMFti8a_rwA7kXb_qARXtcf7E/s400/2011_1127Kansai0040.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  187. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Back off Napoli&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  188. I like them even more a couple of hours and a subway ride later when Ben and I are the only foreigners at the Gamba ultras’ end of season party. &amp;nbsp;All-you-can-drink-and-eat for £25, and this being Japan there’s a longer queue for the buffet than the beer. “We’ll be back lots,” Ben tells the barman in Japanese as the singing kicks off in the centre of the room. I load up a paper plate with spaghetti, Vienna sausage and pizza slices, chug another Suntory beer and shake hands about twenty times with a fan whose only words of English are ‘Michael’, ‘Newcastle’ and, in what’s clearly a dig at the pink shirts of city rivals Cerezo Osaka, ‘Pig fuckers’. Or that’s what I kept telling myself, anyway. Ben winds up translating as the ultras quiz me on the “Tyne-Wear derby” and English fan culture. “English fans look very excited,” someone says. “Well, sometimes,” I reply, thinking the afternoon’s atmosphere was far louder than in most Premier League grounds, St James’ Park included. &amp;nbsp;The night ends on Ben’s sofa, convenience store cans to hand, watching Newcastle United grab a draw at Old Trafford. It’s better than we managed in Osaka – in 1996 they stuffed us 3-1.&lt;br /&gt;
  189. &lt;br /&gt;
  190. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;200&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJabMPZCuYxTWnDw3BMY2TvdUw_O_UzwIMSSGyMqL7w0KjfIdC0vQz9bj6SifLJz5QRiG9tcSjXWX5RiQSaEzyRl3ZKuW4xA2l4emaPmLhyozVm8Pqb7_v8kKwgUXmpWW9GTxmXL2gkTEv/s200/gamba1.png&quot; width=&quot;200&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  191. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;You can follow &lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/#!/DolphinHotel&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Michael Hudson&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  192. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Michael is the editor of &lt;a href=&quot;http://theaccidentalgroundhopper.blogspot.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Accidental Groundhopper&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  193. &lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/2577846059471591796/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=2577846059471591796' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/2577846059471591796'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/2577846059471591796'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/12/gamba-osaka-v-vegalta-sendai.html' title='Gamba Osaka v Vegalta Sendai'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FX1erf_Vr5WTLYa05K9aCU2y29YSiJ9wqTq7ycpm5qsS1N6YDc1jAeNLthOsVjPNvUwulFhknzrKsB1oE33qjx1tn-qJFcNOL5o894miQBXmplhetYCNcrKXHShUgu4zXUFHrc-F7BGF/s72-c/2011_1127Kansai0019.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-8424863065279964440</id><published>2011-12-03T09:02:00.000+00:00</published><updated>2011-12-03T09:02:25.499+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Barney Ronay"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football journalism"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football Weekly Podcast"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="The Guardian"/><title type='text'>Barney Ronay interview</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;320&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdD9_T_sxoaGjWCyXpuvXccWqQFoOzA4Amdij41aS3aERg3MnHwoYhHa-QPZqy524I7bmDMS8UWY73dnc4E4SyN8_Mh5k_Ovp__NfL2jKLgVMlwvO2E70x-ZlIDt74Fx3NR-xfn_eNr_B/s320/barney.jpg&quot; width=&quot;320&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  194. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Barney&#39;s Version&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  195. &lt;b&gt;Armed with some rubbish questions from EFW and some gems of her own, Lizzy Ammon clicked the heels of her favourite pair of red shoes together three times before marching off to meet Guardian sports journalist Barney Ronay...&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  196. &lt;br /&gt;
  197. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Thanks for taking time away from Guardian Towers to talk to us.&amp;nbsp;There are probably quite a few people reading this that would like to enter the world of football journalism. What advice would you give them?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Erm. If you mean paid football journalism then good luck. It is, like everywhere else, a shrinking sector. I still think the traditional way is the best: find something you can do that editors will want, and which makes you stand out. Traditionally a good way of doing this was simply going abroad and knowing all there is to know about whatever’s going on in South America, or Narnia or Syldavia.&lt;br /&gt;
  198. &lt;br /&gt;
  199. For others getting on a freelance match report list, doing entry-level production shifts in the office and getting a foot in the door that way. Alternatively perfecting a skill: being better than anyone else at tactical analysis, or funnier than anyone else, or more thorough. This is the real way to get into it now: by doing something of your own to that standard on the web and making it brilliant and unignorable.&lt;br /&gt;
  200. &lt;br /&gt;
  201. I got into journalism by starting my own writing website called The Pitch. It was crap, mind, but no one else was doing it back in the day so that didn’t really matter. In fact I have a theory I was the first person ever to do it like that. You are all my children.&lt;br /&gt;
  202. &lt;br /&gt;
  203. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;This is a bit of a hot topic in the twitter and blogospheres at the moment - Should aspiring journalists be prepared to have their work published without getting paid in order to get their old size nines in the door?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Yes. It’s also the only way in many other professions. It’s the same in the law these days. You’ve got to be willing to be exploited for a bit. There is a grand tradition of getting a foot in the door by hawking yourself out. Believe me, paid newspaper journalists are just as alarmed by people writing for free. Many feel they’re going to be put out of a job by the endlessly fecund part-timerism of the blogosphere.&lt;br /&gt;
  204. &lt;br /&gt;
  205. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Do you read any football or cricket blogs?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Some sometimes. People are very talented. There is a lot of good stuff out there. And also a lot of crap, but even that has its charms.&lt;br /&gt;
  206. &lt;br /&gt;
  207. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;You&#39;ve written a book or two - any plans for another?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Yes. I’m putting together something at the moment. It’s a love letter to a grand vanishing sporting institution, and a stalkerish fan-boy meditation on one of the great wasted talents of our age. It may or may not be any good.&lt;br /&gt;
  208. &lt;br /&gt;
  209. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Moving seamlessly onto the England football team, just as expectations were scrapping on the barrel of the ocean they go and beat the world champions. They&#39;re now a shoe-in for Euro 2012 aren&#39;t they?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;England have a terrible record at Euros outside this country. I think they will be unable to string together successive performances like that one against Spain. Everything is against them at these summer tournaments: southern European style weather, the patient rhythms of international football, hard pitches, inexperience of our home-bound players of living abroad for weeks at a time. They aren’t ever quite good enough to overcome these inbuilt disadvantages. And that’s it really. No great mystery there.&lt;br /&gt;
  210. &lt;br /&gt;
  211. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;But if they did go on and win it, are you the type that would paint your face and run naked into the fountain at Trafalgar Square whilst beating your chest?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;No. I would be pleased for all those terribly honest and well-intentioned &amp;nbsp;- and maligned - coaches who work in our football at lower levels.&lt;br /&gt;
  212. &lt;br /&gt;
  213. But what kind of message would it send out if England did win anything? Neglect your youth systems! Have a centralised money-driven super league! Countries who look after their players tend to win these things.&lt;br /&gt;
  214. &lt;br /&gt;
  215. If I loved the system &amp;nbsp;- if it could be made to resemble a little more the self-sustaining German one – and England then won something that would certainly be worth cheering. &lt;br /&gt;
  216. &lt;br /&gt;
  217. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Does the prospect of Team GB playing football at the Olympics quicken the Ronay pulse?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;No. Football should not be at the Olympics. No professional sport should be. In fact no team sport should be there. Eight gold medals for each of the eight guys in a boat? Come off it. They should all share one. No way one eighth of a boat should get the same as Usain Bolt. By my calculations, on the one gold per boat system, Steve Redgrave currently has about 2.5 goal medals. Fewer than Bradley Wiggins, which sounds about right. Having said that I did love the 1996 Olympic football competition, which I watched on TV in Brazil. Nigeria. What a team. &lt;br /&gt;
  218. &lt;br /&gt;
  219. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;I&#39;m guessing you&#39;ll be sent to cover some weird and wonderful events at the Olympics. Are you up for penning 1800 words on the equestrian qualifying heats? Are you looking forward to the Olympics? &amp;nbsp;Are we (London) going to put on a decent show or will we embarrass ourselves as I cynically predicted when we were awarded the games?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;It will be all right. Don’t forget: it’s only two weeks. Go on holiday and you’ll miss it. Plus there are far worse things going on these days than, say, Boris Johnson setting fire to his hair with the Olympic torch. I think everyone has calmed down a bit about the Games. As Stringer Bell might say, it is what it is.&lt;br /&gt;
  220. &lt;br /&gt;
  221. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Danny, the owner of this site, says I’m allowed to ask you a couple of cricket related questions. So&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  222. &lt;br /&gt;
  223. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;a) What is the best match you’ve ever seen live?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Er. England v West indies Test at Lords in I think 2000 was pretty amazing. Cork’s match. For knockabout fun there was a Sunday league match at the Oval between Surrey and Hampshire in about the same year where Surrey scored over 400, I dropped an Adam Hollioake six in the Bedser stand, the young KP went berserk for Hants for a bit, everyone was drunk and sunburned &amp;nbsp;and it was just one of those days. Also, seeing the Waugh era Aussies really close up for three very hot days from the edge of the rope round the Parks in Oxford was pretty special. The next year the Windies came and I played football with Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh. Curtly was very good.&lt;br /&gt;
  224. &lt;br /&gt;
  225. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;b) Do you enjoy covering county cricket? &amp;nbsp;What’s your view on the domestic one day competition – should it be 50 overs – like the old days?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;I love county cricket. There often is nothing better. And of course it should be 50 overs. What on earth are we playing 40 for? It is insanely perverse.&lt;br /&gt;
  226. &lt;br /&gt;
  227. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;So, EFW are offering you free tickets (but not really) for either the front row of the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Barcelona in the Allianz Arena or the front row of the pavilion on the first day of the next Ashes test at Lords. Which would you like?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Come on. Lord’s. &amp;nbsp;No offence, the Champions League final, but you happen every year.&lt;br /&gt;
  228. &lt;br /&gt;
  229. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;This is the European Football Weekends website so I probably out to ask you about Europe, football and weekends. But I know nothing about any of them so this will have to do as a question: &amp;nbsp;Have you ever been on a European Football Weekend?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;I’ve been to quite a few matches in Europe, and yes often at weekends. I really enjoyed being in Vienna for three weeks at the last Euros. That was wonderful. Best memory of the tournament was watching Spain three times and seeing them get better and better. There was a beautiful moment in Innsbruck when a thunder storm passed over the Alps while David Villa was scoring a hat trick against Russia. Aye. It were proper champion.&lt;br /&gt;
  230. &lt;br /&gt;
  231. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Are you one for collecting sporting memorabilia and if so what&#39;s your most treasured item?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;No. Not my thing at all. I have loads of good bits and bobs including a signed David villa Barcelona shirt I was given but have ended up wearing to go running in. It’s been washed loads of times and the signature still won’t come out which is a bit embarrassing.&lt;br /&gt;
  232. &lt;br /&gt;
  233. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;What&#39;s your favourite football ground?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;The Valley. Friendly. Urban. Childhood memories&lt;br /&gt;
  234. &lt;br /&gt;
  235. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;And the worst?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Birmingham. Sorry. I just always have a nightmare there. Press box is freezing and depressing&lt;br /&gt;
  236. &lt;br /&gt;
  237. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;You pop up on the Guardian&#39;s Football Weekly now and again. Have you done any other broadcasting, TV or radio?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;I helped write a film called From the Ashes about Ian Botham. I’m on TV now and then – those talking head shows, or a news channel in search of a bit of blah. I used to be on the radio all the time but then the BBC stopped paying £35 a go so like a wretched mercenary hack I gave up doing it. I did Chelsea TV Paperview the other day. It was quite good but I was so late I doubt I’ll be asked back.&lt;br /&gt;
  238. &lt;br /&gt;
  239. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Is Alan Hansen worth his 40 grand a week on Match of the Day?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Of course not. I quite like him. He’s a good pundit. But nobody should be paid that amount of money to do anything. It’s pointless and debauched. From each according to his ability, to each according to his need. That’s what I say.&lt;br /&gt;
  240. &lt;br /&gt;
  241. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Richardson, Glendenning, Wilson and Ronay could do that job for a fraction of the price, no?&lt;i&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;I’m not sure the BBC could stretch to Barry’s remuneration. But James Richardson should be hosting football on the BBC without a doubt because he is the best.&lt;br /&gt;
  242. &lt;br /&gt;
  243. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;And now for the hard hitting stuff:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  244. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  245. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  246. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;EFW readers are a classy discerning lot. Can you recommend to them a book, a wine and a piece of music or album to download…..&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  247. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  248. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  249. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Book:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Aldous Huxley Antic Hay (brilliantly funny).&lt;br /&gt;
  250. &lt;br /&gt;
  251. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Wine:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Any of those nice £15-ish New Zealand French grape rip-offs.&lt;br /&gt;
  252. &lt;br /&gt;
  253. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Music:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt; whatever. I’ve spent all day today listening to the Pogues. So The Pogues.&lt;br /&gt;
  254. &lt;br /&gt;
  255. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;And your favourite Ginsters Pasty to go with those? &amp;nbsp;Iain Macintosh thought long and hard about this question. It’s an important matter.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;I do like the standard football-issue chicken balti pie, that slightly rubbery pastry melting into the hot sweet sauce. The only other fast foot I can recommend is the McDonalds basic cheeseburger. That is an absolute design classic. Tiny cubed onions, salty gherkin, mustard-ketchup mix, sugary bun to balance the salt sting. It is an unexpected treat.&lt;br /&gt;
  256. &lt;br /&gt;
  257. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Thanks for your time Barney - just some quickfire predictions before you start researching the equestrian:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  258. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  259. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  260. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Champions League winners?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt; - &amp;nbsp;Real Madrid&lt;br /&gt;
  261. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  262. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  263. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Euro 2012 winners?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt; - Germany&lt;br /&gt;
  264. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  265. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  266. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Women&#39;s javelin gold medallist at the London Olympics?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt; – Some big lass with tight pants on&lt;br /&gt;
  267. &lt;br /&gt;
  268. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;----------------------------&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  269. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;You can follow &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/barneyronay&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Barney Ronay&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/legsidelizzy&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Lizzy Ammon&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  270. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Barney is the author of &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.amazon.co.uk/Manager-Absurd-Ascent-Important-Football/dp/0751542792/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Manager&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.amazon.co.uk/Any-Chance-Game-Barney-Ronay/dp/0091908787&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-weight: bold;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Any Chance Of A Game&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-weight: bold;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;He also bears a canny resemblance to the Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=polish+prime+minister&amp;amp;hl=en&amp;amp;rlz=1C1DSGK_enGB383GB383&amp;amp;prmd=imvnsu&amp;amp;source=lnms&amp;amp;tbm=isch&amp;amp;ei=1s7ZTp6aD8TL8QOG4dDkDQ&amp;amp;sa=X&amp;amp;oi=mode_link&amp;amp;ct=mode&amp;amp;cd=2&amp;amp;ved=0CBUQ_AUoAQ&amp;amp;biw=1920&amp;amp;bih=979#hl=en&amp;amp;rlz=1C1DSGK_enGB383GB383&amp;amp;tbm=isch&amp;amp;sa=1&amp;amp;q=donald+tusk&amp;amp;pbx=1&amp;amp;oq=donald+tusk&amp;amp;aq=f&amp;amp;aqi=g4g-m1g-S5&amp;amp;aql=&amp;amp;gs_sm=e&amp;amp;gs_upl=7525l9652l0l9937l13l11l0l0l0l0l248l1724l1.9.1l11l0&amp;amp;bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&amp;amp;fp=bbe092df87b465df&amp;amp;biw=1920&amp;amp;bih=979&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;so he does&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  271. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Like this? Lizzy also&lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/iain-macintosh-interview.html&quot;&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;interviewed Iain Macintosh&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; for EFW&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  272. &lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/8424863065279964440/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=8424863065279964440' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/8424863065279964440'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/8424863065279964440'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/12/barney-ronay-interview.html' title='Barney Ronay interview'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdD9_T_sxoaGjWCyXpuvXccWqQFoOzA4Amdij41aS3aERg3MnHwoYhHa-QPZqy524I7bmDMS8UWY73dnc4E4SyN8_Mh5k_Ovp__NfL2jKLgVMlwvO2E70x-ZlIDt74Fx3NR-xfn_eNr_B/s72-c/barney.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-2588397051762177397</id><published>2011-11-29T09:36:00.000+00:00</published><updated>2011-11-29T09:36:25.056+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Champions League"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in Italy"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Manchester City"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Napoli"/><title type='text'>Napoli v Manchester City</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQeU1Nn3fhkL63VYdWK6iVClzFCfOGwyGDafzuWqVYDj3j6AUKvAM3-cGZv4Yqxwcy_NeoZqzNnvEB4NwMqmrcBlNU34VMbxEGZhnJOx7PZFX53XrsENnPnTjRHwCdg2rF5W2Vw1kAvpc/s1600/EFW+Treno.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQeU1Nn3fhkL63VYdWK6iVClzFCfOGwyGDafzuWqVYDj3j6AUKvAM3-cGZv4Yqxwcy_NeoZqzNnvEB4NwMqmrcBlNU34VMbxEGZhnJOx7PZFX53XrsENnPnTjRHwCdg2rF5W2Vw1kAvpc/s400/EFW+Treno.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  273. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;This Is How It Feels&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  274. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #3d85c6;&quot;&gt;Napoli 2-1 Manchester City (22:11:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  275. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;What&#39;s it like, as an away fan, to visit one of the most famous grounds in world football. One that houses fans so passionate and&amp;nbsp;vociferous&amp;nbsp;that the noise from a goal causes a seismic shift in the city? Lifelong Manchester City fan, David Mayor, reveals all...&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  276. &lt;br /&gt;
  277. Due to the effects of the on-going global financial crisis I hadn’t expected to go to any of Manchester City’s away games in the group stages of the Champions League with the draw approaching. But having rushed from work to a City Centre pub to watch it, there was a certain inevitability that I’d at least look into possible routes of getting to them once the draw had thrown up Bayern, Villareal and, most excitedly for me, Napoli.&lt;br /&gt;
  278. &lt;br /&gt;
  279. Around an hour after getting home that evening I’d seen suitable flights from Manchester to Rome for less than £50. At this point I considered the factors that would decide if I’d purchase these or not. These were the state of my bank balance, my potential danger/safety and the fact that we were playing away in arguably the most atmospheric stadium in Europe. Being the responsible adult that I am, and after deliberating for somewhere in the region of 30 seconds, the latter of those factors won this particular round-robin of clashes with a more than healthy goal-difference.&lt;br /&gt;
  280. &lt;br /&gt;
  281. Fast-forward about three-months and you’d have found myself, Big Chris and Ant in the departures lounge of Manchester Airport at 5.50 on a Monday morning. As you all know, two of the possible explanations for drinking at that time include being in an airport or going to an away game. Fortunately they don’t cancel each other out so we managed a quick pint before boarding the flight which was your usual mix of lads drinking extortionately priced half-cans of Magners and well-dressed Italian businessmen. Personally I took-up a kind-of middle ground here by wearing an Adidas trackie-top whilst catching-up with world affairs by reading The Times. The two hour-flight passed while I pondered such issues as ‘will the incoming Conservative government address Spain’s catastrophic unemployment rate,‘ ‘can sex addiction be considered an illness’ and ‘aren’t Bury doing well.’&lt;br /&gt;
  282. &lt;br /&gt;
  283. As, it seemed most of our fellow Blues on board had planned, I’d decided we’d stay in Rome on the Monday night. I was a little ashamed about this as I’d been to Rome before and felt I was guilty of “believing the hype” regarding Naples reputation for safety by thinking we’d enjoy a more relaxing day &lt;strike&gt;drinking&lt;/strike&gt; exploring the capital’s cultural riches.&lt;br /&gt;
  284. &lt;br /&gt;
  285. So with bags dropped at the hotel and pasta and wine consumed we walked to the nearby Coliseum. Now for all the history associated with the place, one barely mentioned, yet significant, moment was the major huff I had with a tour-guide there in 2004. While hanging around waiting for the tour to begin, she asked us the reason for us being in the Eternal City and I excitedly told her that were going to watch Lazio v Roma the following evening. She proceeded to scoff at the idea that people would travel to Rome with the primary intention of watching a football match.&lt;br /&gt;
  286. &lt;br /&gt;
  287. Deeply embittered by this seven years on, and the fact I &lt;takes breath=&quot;&quot; deep=&quot;&quot;&gt; &lt;looks down=&quot;&quot;&gt; don’t get a great deal out of the most recognisable historical landmarks, I decided having a pint in view of the Coliseum was a better use of my time and money than paying €10 to go in there again. With Ant joining me we were soon rewarded for this decision when, on receiving a second beer, we were given the most elaborate-looking cheese and ham toasty. History 0 Mayor 1.&lt;/looks&gt;&lt;/takes&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  288. &lt;br /&gt;
  289. The rest of Monday consisted of a bit of a stroll followed by, at regular intervals, the all-too familiar exchange:&lt;br /&gt;
  290. &lt;br /&gt;
  291. “Shall we go in there for one?”&lt;br /&gt;
  292. “Let’s have a walk around, looks nothing special in there”&lt;br /&gt;
  293. &lt;br /&gt;
  294. Ten minutes later&lt;br /&gt;
  295. &lt;br /&gt;
  296. “There?”&lt;br /&gt;
  297. “No let’s see what’s up here”&lt;br /&gt;
  298. &lt;br /&gt;
  299. Five minutes later&lt;br /&gt;
  300. &lt;br /&gt;
  301. “Can we just effin go in there?”&lt;br /&gt;
  302. &lt;br /&gt;
  303. Fortunately (I’d hate to give away which one was me in that exchange) it wasn’t long before we were enjoying many ‘one’s’ in various places and talk inevitably turned to tomorrow and what we were to expect in Naples. The general consensus was things wouldn’t be as bad as they were being made out but we just had to have our sensible heads on and adhere to the safety advice the club had provided. In addition, EFWs good leader, Danny Last, had provided a specially commissioned Napoli/City friendship logo (the shade of blue caused concern he’d actually given us a Real Oviedo/Everton friendship logo by mistake but he deserves the benefit of the doubt here) which would surely diffuse any volatile situation.&lt;br /&gt;
  304. &lt;br /&gt;
  305. With some heavy heads we made our way to Roma Termini station for the 10.49 to Napoli Centrale the following morning and being honest, the regularly asked, hilarious question of ‘are you packing steel underpants,’ was now beginning to haunt us. The area around Termini isn’t the best to settle a few nerves and even the most joyous of activities that is buying cans before boarding a train to a football match felt a little subdued.&lt;br /&gt;
  306. &lt;br /&gt;
  307. Once on the train a couple of other City fans came and sat in the carriage and it was re-assuring that they didn’t look the types to turn the journey into a two-hour banging on windows sing-song but just wanted a chat and a laugh discussing David White, the journey to FC Midtjylland and that kids who watch City now will grow up never having known any different. Bloody kids being young when we’re good!&lt;br /&gt;
  308. &lt;br /&gt;
  309. Upon departing the train in Naples the dreaded ‘welcome party’ didn’t materialise, but a more welcome, welcome party did in the form of the local Carabinieri and my great mate Isra. The Carabinieri met us with smiles and simply wanted to know where we were staying and if we knew how to get there, which was another in the tick column for those of a more nervous disposition, while Isra raised the bar with a handshake and enthusiastic man-hug.&lt;br /&gt;
  310. &lt;br /&gt;
  311. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmV7suVgd2uflemX_8U9NNsyw584OqiHpOG0RxrU6y4kY085FoKZ7G4vQxTSCT1FpOPElgHf4GcIcA7TWNKAqz7c1EocCaCCMnZFmb5RL5xIRD3apFdsyHrjl3JmBs5eaJipg03yoNMoza/s400/Isra+EFW.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: -webkit-auto;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  312. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #3d85c6;&quot;&gt;David and Isra with the specially&amp;nbsp;commissioned Napoli/City friendship logo. (Note to self: sort out ink on printer)&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  313. &lt;/div&gt;Isra, by the way, is someone who I’m surprised hasn’t made the pages of EFW before as he is, amazingly enough, a big fan of the game we call football who lives in and travels around Europe watching it. An Atletico Madrid fan who now lives in Italy, he was a more than welcome addition to our party mainly because he’s a grade A chap. Additionally he also speaks Italian and had been to Napoli before so his experience and language skills were appreciated.&lt;br /&gt;
  314. &lt;br /&gt;
  315. Having chosen to stay across the road from the station we were surprised at how quiet the area was as it had been categorised by all and sundry as no-go. The hotel also had a bar, which was welcome, but after a quick one we got the taxi down to the Port area Stazione Marittima, as advised, from where we would later be shuttled to the stadium. We were in good spirits at this point. We were now “four-handed” &lt;nods at=&quot;&quot; brimson=&quot;&quot; dougie=&quot;&quot;&gt; the station area and hotel had been fine and we were about to go to the safe area of the port.&lt;/nods&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  316. &lt;br /&gt;
  317. Once at the port we weighed up our options and took the unpredictable decision of going to the first bar we came to. It contained around 20 other Blues and included the bloke who ran the supporters club I went to games with from the mid-nineties to the early-noughties. There was something quite brilliant in sharing a beer and a laugh with someone on route to the Stadio San Paolo in a way that’s no different than when you did it before Upton Park, Filbert Street, Bescot Stadium etc I sensed his satisfaction that he wouldn’t have to add to the couple of hundred thousand times he’d said ‘no cans on the bus please lads’ on this particular away trip as well.&lt;br /&gt;
  318. &lt;br /&gt;
  319. We then headed directly towards the area where we would be transported to the stadium which was a weird sort of tunnel that, again, thankfully had three (that’s three rather than free unfortunately) bars. I could tell this place was going to have quite a relaxed feel as you could hear that our fans were now happy to engage in a song or two. For a couple of hours ditties celebrating heroes of years gone by were intertwined with those about our current range of world-superstars which included the questionable allegation that David Silva gets pissed up on San Miguel.&lt;br /&gt;
  320. &lt;br /&gt;
  321. With everyone in good spirits, we moved onto the heavily guarded buses around two hours before kick-off and were on our way. The singing continued although to my great disappointment no-one seemed to want to join in the praise of Tricky Tricky Ricky Ricky Holden, preferring instead to concentrate on our mercurial little Spanish playmakers (alleged) drinking habits.&lt;br /&gt;
  322. &lt;br /&gt;
  323. I knew the journey to the stadium wasn’t exactly spitting distance but I didn’t expect it to take over an hour and myself and Isra believed they were deliberately delaying our arrival at the stadium. We weren’t complaining though and with just under an hour or so to kick-off we were obviously in the vicinity as you could see various Napoli fans having a pre-match drink of their own. In this way it was very similar to going to a British game as an away fan on the coach. Lots of locals looked at us and there was the occasional exchange of hand-gestures but nothing to write on EFW about.&lt;br /&gt;
  324. &lt;br /&gt;
  325. We all got off the buses and made a short walk to the stadium along a cordoned off street. Up a small, fantastically graffitied, ramp type thing, tickets checked and there it was. Through one of the gang-ways I could make out the stand (opposite the camera on TV) and could see a packed crowd and the NAPOLI CLUB and BLUE TIGRE banners that I have seen on TV and in pictures a hundred times. If 2004 German Tour guide woman could’ve seen me at this point it may have given her some insight into why someone might travel from England to Italy go to a football match.&lt;br /&gt;
  326. &lt;br /&gt;
  327. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeSP-Sz3VRxk05aot6JQc5rFB6ms62L5Mcu-_8dbwsvS5g977wz2ZnFlXqxuxyFtV6Bvn2HorcWAjpJbNz1Fhe5ls0yG62GBMcurulpAbXhb73u8mkLCTo82H4zjAJt2XYTBpAompOhG3/s400/Outside+San+Paolo.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  328. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #3d85c6;&quot;&gt;Blue Moon...&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  329. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQyOxYOKWAlFsA4vZByh41sKptzUfA1NwE0Um5siwQI85vK7c7X10vRm2F71Wz8yp82JGloyc_z50BpiOBtGel3JRN-ykRS6lgqCtgW2iIVkMgnhac1CP554ADXdseRfCk2u_kURZNKwq/s400/EFW+San+Paolo.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  330. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #3d85c6;&quot;&gt;....Now &lt;strike&gt;I&#39;m&lt;/strike&gt; we&#39;re no longer alone. (bobble hats off to David for *that* bit of headgear - Ed.)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  331. Once in view of the pitch I was completely awestruck. The players were out warming up but the crowd, as it has at matches for 25 years, fascinated me. Directly to our right was Curva A with Curva B far away in the distance to our left. We had about half an hour to kick-off at this point and there were different things catching my eye every couple of seconds although nothing could prepare for the teams entrance on the pitch.&lt;br /&gt;
  332. &lt;br /&gt;
  333. Having had quite a fascination with Ultras over a number of years I consider myself pretty clued up on all things tifo but no-one could have failed to be impressed by this. The two curva’s produced immense displays but seemingly the whole stadium had something going on. It was everywhere, huge surfer flags, flares, card displays, message banners, sparklers (see &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.ultras-tifo.net/photo-news/616-napoli-manchester-city-22112011.html&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #3d85c6;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;http://www.ultras-tifo.net/photo-news/616-napoli-manchester-city-22112011.htm&lt;/b&gt;l&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;) and while I’d seen whole stadiums immersed in colour and flags before, the chaotic nature of this really was on another level.&lt;br /&gt;
  334. &lt;br /&gt;
  335. You shouldn’t be surprised to read it was also the loudest stadium I‘d ever experienced and again it seemed every single Parteponi was getting involved. It was a tough task for the 800 or so of us to make ourselves heard and every time there seemed to be a break in the noise and the first strains of ‘Blue Moon’ or ‘It should’ve been ten’ were belted out, it was soon drowned out by, what sounded like, the whole of the city of Naples whistling.&lt;br /&gt;
  336. &lt;br /&gt;
  337. Now I can’t do justice to, or begin to include, everything that was noteworthy that happened in the stadium. It was an absolute cauldron of noise, colour, smoke etc and for two hours I was in football watching heaven. It was everything I’d ever wanted to get from the experience of going to a match and I was watching the club that I love. Of course we got beat and I felt that anxious urge of wanting us to get that equaliser as I would at any match but while we sat, kept in the stadium after the match, I still felt a strange sense of elation.&lt;br /&gt;
  338. &lt;br /&gt;
  339. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtXQwkrisA5Pdn3LvmuVTLrwly1TYX85z_f4aGIA8aJ-VB4neMVXw6S3dC_TcxRlHI3FkNrznZjf-x90EWe3Yt9Wmd9oOCKMEcdpePoSObN47nemI1vzZxOVD8v1rfDDC1eVvfwiGClfH/s400/Curva+A.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: -webkit-auto;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  340. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #3d85c6;&quot;&gt;Curva A in the distance, just beyond the Bob the Builder stewards in the foreground.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #3d85c6;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  341. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTCcgFC3nNdi_wQPwvJX9SJqg7rcI2I2SDVeAMHv8_95EYrMe0_zc6Dd9bdVDVX21c0zNRfWak4rlkJd4VQl-H8XAHYYzb5TTWhU8LvVfvlT3nW3CrSd2YpmQ2pCW2KWDYj4zFf9qV6Yq/s1600/napoliefw.png&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTCcgFC3nNdi_wQPwvJX9SJqg7rcI2I2SDVeAMHv8_95EYrMe0_zc6Dd9bdVDVX21c0zNRfWak4rlkJd4VQl-H8XAHYYzb5TTWhU8LvVfvlT3nW3CrSd2YpmQ2pCW2KWDYj4zFf9qV6Yq/s400/napoliefw.png&quot; width=&quot;300&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #3d85c6;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  342. &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: -webkit-auto;&quot;&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #3d85c6;&quot;&gt;Napoli fans in the Curva A with their version of the EFW Napoli/City friendship offering. Pretty, pretty good.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  343. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;As we watched it slowly empty (and the local fans nick the Champions League banners that cover the perimeters of the stands) I could hear conversations of the “Mancini got it wrong with the full-backs” and “De-jong’s lost it” nature going on behind me. I’ve never been one for this kind of post-match analysis but I found it especially unappealing at this time. Everyone’s different, and I had on this very trip been described as being a ‘bit too much of a glass half-full Blue’ but having just watched Manchester City play at Napoli, sitting five points clear at the top of the league after winning the FA Cup a few months earlier I didn’t think I, or they, had too much to be complaining about.&lt;br /&gt;
  344. &lt;br /&gt;
  345. The bus journey back to the port was understandably more subdued. Well that’s except for the hundreds of local cars that passed us beeping horns and waving their flags and scarfs out of the window. But for us on board, there did seem a bit of relief that things had passed without any major problems and most were looking forward to getting back to their hotel for a night-cap or two.&lt;br /&gt;
  346. &lt;br /&gt;
  347. This was where our only major issue arose. Once dropped off at the port we were left to our own devices to find our way to the hotel. I’m still unsure as to why the Police hadn’t arranged for taxi’s to be on hand as they’d seemed to have everything else tied up in this regard. Anyway, walking in search of a cab around midnight, with no idea where we were going wasn’t ideal and the situation was intimidating as cars would drive past with drivers and passengers glaring at us. Thankfully after 10 minutes we managed to flag one down and were relieved to be on our way to the hotel.&lt;br /&gt;
  348. &lt;br /&gt;
  349. As we entered the hotel bar I was just thinking how well the trip had passed when another City fan came in who looked petrified. Shaking, he ordered a drink and told us how the group he’d been with had just been attacked and one of them stabbed. He said the Police had been on the scene immediately and the victim seemed ok and had gone to hospital. Obviously that situation could have been worse but it was an extremely sobering moment listening to him describe what had happened.&lt;br /&gt;
  350. &lt;br /&gt;
  351. We stayed up for a couple of hours and chatted to our barman who was, naturally, a Napoli fan and a sound bloke. He expressed concern about what had just happened, told us stories of games he’d been to over the years and asked if it was true that everyone in Manchester supports City which, being nothing if not honest, we all nodded vigorously at.&lt;br /&gt;
  352. &lt;br /&gt;
  353. It was an early start in the morning to get the return train/flight, all of which again went smoothly. Personally, I’d had an amazing time. It was certainly different than those who went to Bayern or Villareal would have had but I knew this when booking. The other trips I’ve had abroad to watch a game are as much about the laugh you have with your mates/meeting opposition fans etc as the game you’re going to. This one was always going to be different. It was always going to be about the moment I could see the Stadio San Paolo and the few hours that followed and that, my fellow European Football enthusiasts, was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.&lt;br /&gt;
  354. &lt;br /&gt;
  355. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;You can follow &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DavesTVSports&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #3d85c6;&quot;&gt;David Mayor&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #3d85c6;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/2588397051762177397/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=2588397051762177397' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/2588397051762177397'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/2588397051762177397'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/napoli-v-manchester-city.html' title='Napoli v Manchester City'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQeU1Nn3fhkL63VYdWK6iVClzFCfOGwyGDafzuWqVYDj3j6AUKvAM3-cGZv4Yqxwcy_NeoZqzNnvEB4NwMqmrcBlNU34VMbxEGZhnJOx7PZFX53XrsENnPnTjRHwCdg2rF5W2Vw1kAvpc/s72-c/EFW+Treno.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-3923268402943976316</id><published>2011-11-26T23:07:00.002+00:00</published><updated>2011-11-27T08:16:01.638+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Borussia Dortmund"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in Germany"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Schalke 04"/><title type='text'>Borussia Dortmund v Schalke 04 - photo special</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Derbysieg&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  356. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Borussia Dormund 2-0 Schalke 04 (26:11:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  357. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;b&gt;Yesterday, Nick Coppack went to see&amp;nbsp;surprise&amp;nbsp;package, Borussia Mönchengladbach beat their near neighbours&amp;nbsp;FC Köln to storm to the top of the Bundesliga (click &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/fc-koln-v-borussia-monchengladbach.html&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #274e13;&quot;&gt;HERE&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; for those photos). What could possibly beat that? How about being in a crowd of over 80,000, a day later, at one of the biggest matches in world football, BVB v Schalke 04.. yes sir.. photo us up, Nick...&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  358. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzy6pqliJQxDCi2vwMR5xSsUb-N-yVKq7G1aPpZSXKcjh3r6YKxqyRvhKPbkghnhugbwTf4NkAMpZ26Yb0C6uwqYaDZ9Zzi37x8m_xUZZL_zOrBQyViRBVPbJheNHsdyPat70VX2967en/s1600/bvb1.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzy6pqliJQxDCi2vwMR5xSsUb-N-yVKq7G1aPpZSXKcjh3r6YKxqyRvhKPbkghnhugbwTf4NkAMpZ26Yb0C6uwqYaDZ9Zzi37x8m_xUZZL_zOrBQyViRBVPbJheNHsdyPat70VX2967en/s400/bvb1.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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  374. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DyWIBM4k1_CbWdQ2tfB8pfxEKWIcbSO4eXrWSs2hXOOywI4BbesyV0gJCBxjGqn7w3oSq6emlyMJw5F-5BO9dcBeDMHHirbkL2D49LtVoiWdGpVA4W_UqfO68xQqGrCpmThXGH83lqtT/s1600/bvb17.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DyWIBM4k1_CbWdQ2tfB8pfxEKWIcbSO4eXrWSs2hXOOywI4BbesyV0gJCBxjGqn7w3oSq6emlyMJw5F-5BO9dcBeDMHHirbkL2D49LtVoiWdGpVA4W_UqfO68xQqGrCpmThXGH83lqtT/s400/bvb17.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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  378. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZhsIzGBp-2GmvaxmKljr7AbLMNAY4Vr1w5ygXrMSDwPaNOIikat35png17cm4DBDUhhSLIdPa5TJihTzCj9vKz9RKj88uht7Xu4_0UwysGVOWWwqfUdLKfNNYfSpMADMGZfTO-nl5XI2/s1600/bvb21.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZhsIzGBp-2GmvaxmKljr7AbLMNAY4Vr1w5ygXrMSDwPaNOIikat35png17cm4DBDUhhSLIdPa5TJihTzCj9vKz9RKj88uht7Xu4_0UwysGVOWWwqfUdLKfNNYfSpMADMGZfTO-nl5XI2/s400/bvb21.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  379. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVPRf_kuGHKFtzcuxWUe7SMrur366nrQfgDBcm2fdU2QudKxBgE9kXa2ckSi8sQubGnOCeYYUR1k_kj41Dg7eUfmVEYl87Y0stJ6f7ZaP0vm1rmy_M0p1M7YegJPA6n5xVrCor1X7Udvb/s1600/bvb22.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVPRf_kuGHKFtzcuxWUe7SMrur366nrQfgDBcm2fdU2QudKxBgE9kXa2ckSi8sQubGnOCeYYUR1k_kj41Dg7eUfmVEYl87Y0stJ6f7ZaP0vm1rmy_M0p1M7YegJPA6n5xVrCor1X7Udvb/s400/bvb22.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  380. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeT4VcEZrkwW9smu49wAiUvs25piCwdvKqwxp59nLbqEgH94l6V7qSww9fCFp0Oz9niRqrI-M1MhogrboTKSKL-L1NZ2Ka_yMINLtuClzj49JUnv4Q6j31sfvi0FStALiHhxGi4GRCgxE/s1600/bvb23.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeT4VcEZrkwW9smu49wAiUvs25piCwdvKqwxp59nLbqEgH94l6V7qSww9fCFp0Oz9niRqrI-M1MhogrboTKSKL-L1NZ2Ka_yMINLtuClzj49JUnv4Q6j31sfvi0FStALiHhxGi4GRCgxE/s400/bvb23.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  381. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykYgzVZpxJ30iX1FWSkSbw7kjCcSNgHKeyqWQ7Jbu2OCR-Zw8lLRHudXY5r4qcoRvUW84qDaIV9VGNP6Qowu2cltH2MQmDcdt0Ukyc4jQEfXN4SViI4DAP_aGK6i3OD4xF7ZY531ffM88/s1600/bvb25.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykYgzVZpxJ30iX1FWSkSbw7kjCcSNgHKeyqWQ7Jbu2OCR-Zw8lLRHudXY5r4qcoRvUW84qDaIV9VGNP6Qowu2cltH2MQmDcdt0Ukyc4jQEfXN4SViI4DAP_aGK6i3OD4xF7ZY531ffM88/s400/bvb25.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  382. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLDtKquyxK-mf8QeTinDBkdGrL0AY64hPtLHz9UifnPmBO3XPazncdrPXZzQXLWl2s02aXPt0YrVd8__X_tSpumQs5ztmp1b2SL7JeH0DeDwNT7dKVymadbtm69RRrEEstDWqW6JzpGmC/s1600/bvb26.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLDtKquyxK-mf8QeTinDBkdGrL0AY64hPtLHz9UifnPmBO3XPazncdrPXZzQXLWl2s02aXPt0YrVd8__X_tSpumQs5ztmp1b2SL7JeH0DeDwNT7dKVymadbtm69RRrEEstDWqW6JzpGmC/s400/bvb26.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  383. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqIt8IGQ1Zd68S1oeloUf9udGORcgSmk6p0AAn_JK0AqPOiTAx5NtDPqD6rM_4gYS0kUElpBYYQUeg0YlNCrSidq7S77gmDsC5hqMhc8Ly0gs0NmtaIZGk4wGfqbv_y55-XDXcGp6MPSq/s1600/bvb27.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqIt8IGQ1Zd68S1oeloUf9udGORcgSmk6p0AAn_JK0AqPOiTAx5NtDPqD6rM_4gYS0kUElpBYYQUeg0YlNCrSidq7S77gmDsC5hqMhc8Ly0gs0NmtaIZGk4wGfqbv_y55-XDXcGp6MPSq/s400/bvb27.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  384. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;You can follow both &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/nickcoppack&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #f1c232;&quot;&gt;Nick Coppack&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: black;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter.&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/3923268402943976316/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=3923268402943976316' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/3923268402943976316'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/3923268402943976316'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/borussia-dortmund-v-schalke-04-photo.html' title='Borussia Dortmund v Schalke 04 - photo special'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzy6pqliJQxDCi2vwMR5xSsUb-N-yVKq7G1aPpZSXKcjh3r6YKxqyRvhKPbkghnhugbwTf4NkAMpZ26Yb0C6uwqYaDZ9Zzi37x8m_xUZZL_zOrBQyViRBVPbJheNHsdyPat70VX2967en/s72-c/bvb1.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-9021923607555662117</id><published>2011-11-26T10:16:00.000+00:00</published><updated>2011-11-26T10:16:06.384+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Borussia Mönchengladbach"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="FC Köln"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in Germany"/><title type='text'>FC Köln v Borussia Mönchengladbach - photo special</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOKk2j8svaZaMuhGmoLJvAAmjajobBMtGO3SGUzLcPtkaHp3TYU0Q4koFpoWXm6ejMKebrprkginh8BnZm77abNUX72xHeti__NbOoNupLogMZrL6881bfWG25Hl0QQUn6iYlGVdalB_l/s400/koln4.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  385. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Supercalifragilistic, Borussia Mönchengladbach&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  386. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #274e13;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;FC Köln 0-3 Borussia Mönchengladbach (25:11:11)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  387. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Life couldn&#39;t get much better for fans of&amp;nbsp;Borussia Mönchengladbach.&amp;nbsp;Nick Coppack was in the away end as&amp;nbsp;Die Fohlen (the Foals)&amp;nbsp;stormed to the top of the Bundesliga courtesy of a three-nil away win at their rivals,&amp;nbsp;FC Köln. Here&#39;s some rather fantastic photos from the match....&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  388. &lt;br /&gt;
  389. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IEF5iN0Umc5p2_-nSJzQ1bhUuPxzB6h4a306h0d0MSVOgEjgcCLqldKV_tu9mjaUJy8HInCYZ5ejciBlAb0nB-wxNcM1z0U5lMXRaJEkN9850CrK1UhN349qoslh4MSJ1ghodb6sP03i/s400/koln1.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Qu1Rk3p23t8k4So8OnDu_aKSmO7hl6WEbvCHRHVtf9UWFKV3VThr-lPA3Ejqv1k1_bZSLZZMl1X0Jk4WqpCMjj76yfe6_0H-MVhvZzrCVx7z8k7eQs8tidvxTDrfXgK1sRR_McrI5bdT/s400/koln2.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IX5sOE9zFA4CTSwrkUj5xGlMzbAmNKkJuoNZqWFo1fhVeOD3JzZy2lD9d5nkTDzvIki-TJOzYZzQK1PpZ4RaPUP9CGi1XCYkLm7QCdhwq2hB7-30IvWhovPTIhgrfmQ0pDN03na-M0F-/s400/koln6.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2KpRNXgJ5pfdQwhYt_VJ65k9iYB1FW5jrwCOWjnnCnAfzZgR7qvJPPNS5ELNh5blawUZDa9sxcrPh-TlX-ixcjSe2iibvtqBT9RfeYmCvS-0eGCL0XIGEYVJQ-b3ZyMwwpXeFo0LcPhH/s400/koln3.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIDDTZHP4yX3xZojGXDnDOBwRByAb52zJVKQwhet-Djqg8dLJBB2IwEmKpzgA2U7VKJdKq8qW4Rgd6htUT_-iM5DB2aP4ZaSJ_g6DPyQch5ebJ0VBuhCew2iGVcLWs2VeY0YZ45L2BNnR/s400/koln5.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUKwsKMK1_YMbY1SI3UObEUJ0ogwYHIE1aJpIo8gGXRErbQfk1qj633ncx-G712V6mlkhpYsjP6EFVzZ50cfJmxQQ_pn0m9_qmPnrC7AyVlklC0r-fdb79QO_bLEOBQU6yRxTKqH4P6Eo/s400/koln7.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhREEOXDqfAhnLCeQD5XOKcC1QFSBq4X06d2FG9qqrbLn5dyhcrGtxY-KRfD_vsSX-dr-1NYWFUUzS__d2AwCZsUtZJFhh4l7o5aTlxsULvuXEDmgptTPk-3MWKlOvXDnU9ZQrYE1-PJp/s400/koln8.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKL_lmmmyMohTgyh9q6ygjF3mbg_RlJrz5OJOeEFcUqxr_S0Ry3FllCefONRV3PrFPthpTXY_hNQaGoJeasYr_oy9hTxDXVZJZLzfQoZW2j4VjiEXv7j0JLGIRrR5v_hC3oVPI5Quz749/s400/koln10.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvgtt516DX24fnWPB64Hz8xdnsZ9hd0FW03CYdg8fDKxW-zmrCjo3PVy1Dq7Hb6h9r-G1cMXSA6aBRJzurc02EVU-ahy0xWyoZEJrHk_Iiaa-CJKcmzqDRK_UTONOQ8EN-h-QdG-PAfot/s400/koln12.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hmpvxIxBSdowMZQ4IBIXFGoAjoymF8FW9ncxURupXN5TkKxUgDLZVbHwpDgCFQYQbRhaXx_EtGLYYkGRdTEdKAPzk8R7-J8RZTsajBaee-jDvrn6JSH3VMsfYWXcSiIwFgN9JBR7H4eC/s400/koln11.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkToTTO6Cd89tR3FqyO6Nxt_uRsXatrGjji8msNHNExeedpP161sMdHa0wUrpITYMsdctVKdKY8Lg7cX1_Or1iESArEziLAi-ND_OXtOnWt2w_j_DB1lsm69hzZBv-DbGKlce7PdXFIE9G/s400/koln13.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHg8G7OsRaQJrxiUbMTkSy9-NolpGEOUL90z5CmWrErvv9GhLAMSKnpVijAdL9EWrHfcWBmxwyNZynT0G57BKxoAHaL7nQ8MmYGLmJdGxJY1Q1GkHbK9zrF4wuYx-z4MqZqwkQCnwxbue6/s400/koln14.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  390. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;You can follow both &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/nickcoppack&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Nick Coppack&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter&lt;br /&gt;
  391. &lt;br /&gt;
  392. There&#39;ll be an&amp;nbsp;in depth&amp;nbsp;report to follow penned by the fair hand of Paul Whitaker.&lt;br /&gt;
  393. &lt;br /&gt;
  394. &lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/9021923607555662117/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=9021923607555662117' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/9021923607555662117'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/9021923607555662117'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/fc-koln-v-borussia-monchengladbach.html' title='FC Köln v Borussia Mönchengladbach - photo special'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOKk2j8svaZaMuhGmoLJvAAmjajobBMtGO3SGUzLcPtkaHp3TYU0Q4koFpoWXm6ejMKebrprkginh8BnZm77abNUX72xHeti__NbOoNupLogMZrL6881bfWG25Hl0QQUn6iYlGVdalB_l/s72-c/koln4.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-3455247633638315326</id><published>2011-11-25T09:29:00.001+00:00</published><updated>2011-11-25T09:30:12.116+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Bayern Munich"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in Germany"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Hertha Berlin"/><title type='text'>Bayern Munich v Hertha Berlin</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmtdtAVLbV_bILu9nuOWabS4d7N_USEJEcuYtv_n1eJqUN4TOqp7bYSo-hsLaKuUjOI22HzJBzFE1xt1qehEy9iy3InZyYBptaosExsVHENQ9a_NafHl7P7XnFWakwwiv2lQHOwS_Buv5/s1600/munich2.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmtdtAVLbV_bILu9nuOWabS4d7N_USEJEcuYtv_n1eJqUN4TOqp7bYSo-hsLaKuUjOI22HzJBzFE1xt1qehEy9iy3InZyYBptaosExsVHENQ9a_NafHl7P7XnFWakwwiv2lQHOwS_Buv5/s400/munich2.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  395. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;A hard days night to FC Bayern&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  396. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Bayern Munich 4-0 Hertha Berlin (15:10:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  397. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Last month Mr and Mrs Orton took a romantic sleeper train to Germany to see FC Bayern Munich play at the futuristic Allianz Arena. This was their day (and night)...&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  398. &lt;br /&gt;
  399. A couple of weeks ago Mrs O (Debra, as in the Mrs) and I found ourselves with the opportunity to see Bayern Munich play Hertha Berlin at the super sexy Allianz Arena. This was not something we were going to pass up so cometh the day, cometh the football fans, and we nimbly jumped on Eurostar to clickety-clack our way to Paris’ not terribly fragrant Gare du Nord. From there we sprinted around the corner to Gare de L’est to catch the overnight sleeper train to München’s Hauptbahnhof.&lt;br /&gt;
  400. &lt;br /&gt;
  401. In my experience the word ‘sleeper’ doesn’t really bear any resemblance to the long night we endured. If you’ve ever laid down on a stretcher, one that has all the give of a kitchen worktop, whilst four men of Geoff Capes’ stature shake it about as if panning for gold, you’ll get the gist of what it feels like to be lying down on a fast moving train with your eyes closed. Rest, let alone sleep, does not come into it.&lt;br /&gt;
  402. &lt;br /&gt;
  403. Still, the ‘free’ breakfast in the morning was nothing if not, er, nourishing, and a useful aid in denying the inside of my mouth any trace of moisture for the rest of the day.&lt;br /&gt;
  404. &lt;br /&gt;
  405. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;197&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrfHRPVt5GucYmTKytjBjoDCy2dBxjHZ31oMZdIb287bgdqMsqgLRju6yW3f2vxEI_4UX0B3yxTMcBRpxlOqu7SYeKD1VgKYlan1_JU3zqAelpgHuRgEItu2A_xYPMcpJVhVVguaKQ3-T/s400/Munich1.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  406. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Breakfast box full of love and yeast&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  407. We arrived in Munich so early, about 07:15, that all the grown ups had been replaced by drunk youths staggering about, shouting and eating sausages. Whilst the young people screamed and introduced their bodies to its first traces of gout, we decided to locate our hotel and get some rest. We steamed the receptionist, got a room key, any key, we were beyond caring, and bundled into our room. I was actually asleep before my head hit the pillow. This was just as well as there was no pillow (what can I say? It was a cheap hotel, OK, and we’d spent all our money on train tickets).&lt;br /&gt;
  408. &lt;br /&gt;
  409. When we awoke it was time to leave for the football. We made our way back to München Hauptbahnhof and caught the U-Bahn to Fröttmaning, the stop for the Allianz Arena. As you near Fröttmaning the stadium peeks out to your right teasing you just as the merest of glimpses towards a finely turned ankle upon a lady would. The saucy minx. On leaving the station you stroll along a purpose built walkway that links the station to the ground. And it is here that your senses are really challenged by the sight that beholds you. No, not the stadium as you might expect, but more the sight of many men in leather urinating freely and openly for as far as the eye can see.&lt;br /&gt;
  410. &lt;br /&gt;
  411. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfNnZV7dikFNioTGckmz_xPnAGbw8idLgsMqyqicWjFsUVuREL6pH6WqllJkPvBDSrEcZVKgWM3icoUF1ZT0httHKpPgsIBHpM2DZBw62wkUhuV4zZMemevoBTbtpBYsfZqla-HwhvfkF/s400/munich3.jpg&quot; width=&quot;397&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  412. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Leather men: FC Bayern fans make their way to the Schlauchboot&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  413. It would seem that the good burghers of Munich are quite free and easy about all things bodily. Indeed you can add breaking wind without care, embarrassment, or awareness of those walking in their proximity to that list. I’m no nutritionist but this is almost certainly linked to the Bavarian diet of beer and sausages making it impossible to keep it all in, as the Beautiful South once said. The hearty rasp of sausage and beer recently past led me to endure a flashback to my sleeper train bed and the sound of the man in the adjacent cabin emitting wind with such ferocity and frequency, I thought he was going to blow the partition down that divided our respective cabins and jet propel the train back to Paris.&lt;br /&gt;
  414. &lt;br /&gt;
  415. But I digress, back to the matter in hand, as opposed to what was in the hand of the wee wee men, as it were. Finally the true splendour of the Allianz came into view – framed perfectly on this surprisingly warm and sunny October afternoon, by a brilliant blue sky.&lt;br /&gt;
  416. &lt;br /&gt;
  417. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmy5GZojEMyibJNxYuY7MylnKIqPFbT2NaDss52PPpftGeUwOOr8FSgvA1Ebxo-797xON-DRkRyxRZP2zj9cDO9X5E6EZcjaVu89RNCO7iIfElPZYj_s0L0Cgq4koJ70GThrXoe4yoTCm/s400/munich4.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  418. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Approaching the ground from Fröttmaning station. The whole area, not just the stadium, is landscaped and designed in a way that reminded us of the world the Tellytubbies inhabit&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  419. Excitedly we picked up our tickets from the polite and helpful ticket man (there are well over 50 ticket booths so queues are non-existent) and made our way through the digital turnstiles to begin a touristy circuit around the stadium before finding our entrance block. Once inside there are beer and sausage sellers as far as the eye can see. But you can’t purchase them using cash, oh no, that’s far too old fashioned and inefficient. Instead you purchase an Allianz Arena/FC Bayern Munich prepay card. A nifty idea that means you get your hands on the sausages and beer far quicker and also, in the case of football tourists like us, you end up charging the card with far more Euros than you need which I assume sits in their bank accounts accruing interest nicely.&lt;br /&gt;
  420. &lt;br /&gt;
  421. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ22_2eFdhoNZmARiuikyFx5uJxufnuJqgvWQGmK_4AOrqADE3wD8J2rqx7ah3E_2Gwv116YkLHRBhK2FHou3FhYC8kMR7Kkcn8dfsArrIeeTYd56gf3yr-e18x_FqUwZzWsj8h04MyTkQ/s400/munich5.jpg&quot; width=&quot;298&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  422. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Beer wot I bought with my FC Bayern Munich prepay card. Despite being non-alcoholic it was surprisingly nice&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  423. Laden with artery attacking branded produce, we went in search of our seats. The view of the pitch and indeed around the stadium from where we were sitting was excellent. A pleasant surprise was there appeared to be no segregation of supporters. FC Bayern fans surrounded us but there were a lot of FC Hertha fans, resplendent in their blue and white striped shirts, imbibing beer and sausages whilst mingling freely and easily with their Bavarian counterparts. Over in the top tier to our right were the hardcore Berlin fans and they sang and sang and then sang some more. In fact they didn’t stop the whole way though the match; a credit to their club, especially as the game didn’t go their way, to put it mildly.&lt;br /&gt;
  424. &lt;br /&gt;
  425. The noisiest section of FC Bayern fans, the Ultras (I believe), were over the far end behind one of the goals. &amp;nbsp;They waved flags and gave it back as loudly as they could. It was great. Reminded me a bit of going to English footy matches in the late 70s when you could hear the singing and chanting long before you got near the ground, but without the threat of violence.&lt;br /&gt;
  426. &lt;br /&gt;
  427. About ten minutes before kick off, the pitch side announcer directed everyone’s gaze to the stadium’s screens. A camera shot, deep inside the bowels of the ground where the players were gathering. The roar that went up made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. The camera follows the team as they walk down the tunnel to emerge onto the sunlight pitch. Mrs O and I glanced at each other and exchanged big smiles such was the adrenalin rush.&lt;br /&gt;
  428. &lt;br /&gt;
  429. Now, I’m not totally daft, and I realise we were being manipulated: it was all a bit Disney; a bit stage managed; a bit cheesy even, but we didn’t care. Good theatre is all about manipulating the audience’s emotions which if we approve we’ll happily buy in to. After all, we were attending a modern day drama played out at a splendid theatrical venue.&lt;br /&gt;
  430. &lt;br /&gt;
  431. Anyway, a few minutes later the teams &amp;nbsp;lined up, did the hand shake thing, everyone sang a song (could have been Stern des Südens, but not sure) and we were pretty much ready to rock ‘n’ roll. This was a little bit like being at Carrow Road although we sing On the Ball City as loudly as possible and our hot dogs are often cold (stick to the pies people/Delia Out!). I’m happy with the City match day experience, or indeed, the UK as a whole (aside from rising ticket prices), but one thing I would like introduced at Norwich is the beer seller system at the Allianz. Once you’re safely tucked into your seat they have staff, identifiable by brightly coloured balloons, moving between seat rows merrily selling you beer so you don’t have to miss a second of the match. Brilliant.&lt;br /&gt;
  432. &lt;br /&gt;
  433. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;266&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4MFUPYD6EA9SipMGWSXDg0fohByJ5dS7gQy7lAu6SBLVpFfBfwWE9CAyvVsQLpJVtwG5y6x3juuor6kTzrXKg406E1FpE5rM9RIFb-ToYDPGylG48eDKwYYXqocWf3Xb834M4ma8jW2p/s400/munich6.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  434. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;FC Bayern demonstrate to FC Hertha how to play football&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  435. The game itself was a total mismatch. FC Hertha were absolutely dreadful and conceded goals from Mario Gomez, Franck Ribery and the splendidly uber sounding German Bastian Schweinsteiger within the first 15 minutes. And it could have been much, much worse for them, and indeed should have been but for a combination of some good keeping and relaxed finishing. As a result only one more goal was added before full time courtesy of a soft penalty award. The penalty was duly tucked away by Gomez for his second.&lt;br /&gt;
  436. &lt;br /&gt;
  437. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;301&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrQ0DAqNn8ep8I5PRKnqPZgpOpnTsFh83hkT8F-XQ1ysHDk9dh_6CjQr8Z2hMS6VcSWI54sHd-mEkvZcbD66q3CjI9BQz7Qo1IJuLecm4vKQs94gz0yp5s5L1Eaj5gjq3LGjGmlemGbUa/s400/munich7.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  438. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Gomez scores FC Bayern&#39;s fourth from the penalty spot&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  439. After the match we hung around and took some more pictures before lazily making out way back to Fröttmaning station. Once at the station itself there was a slight crush with 69k’s worth of supporters all trying to get a train home. As we stood in the middle of this large throng someone, no doubt bloated on beer and sausages ‘popped’, as Mrs O would say, and for a few awkward minutes we stood in a fug of someone else’s dinner before thankfully being swiftly directed onto a waiting train.&lt;br /&gt;
  440. &lt;br /&gt;
  441. The U-Bahn journey back was filled with FC Hertha Berlin supporters singing (I did say they never stopped), and the Munich fans laughing at the chants. All good natured stuff and made for a light hearted end to the day.&lt;br /&gt;
  442. &lt;br /&gt;
  443. In a nutshell, sleep or no sleep, if you get the chance to attend a game at the Allianz Arena then go – it is a great day out for architecture, people watching and football obviously. But do watch out for the beer and sausages as they have a habit of reappearing in one way or another after consumption and often when you least expect it.&lt;br /&gt;
  444. &lt;br /&gt;
  445. *parp*&lt;br /&gt;
  446. &lt;br /&gt;
  447. No need darling.&lt;br /&gt;
  448. &lt;br /&gt;
  449. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Adam is business manager for Debra Orton Illustration &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.debraorton.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;www.debraorton.com&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. You can follow both him and Debra on Twitter: &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/IamOrtonomous&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;@IamOrtonomous&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DebraOrton&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;@DebraOrton&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  450. &lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/3455247633638315326/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=3455247633638315326' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/3455247633638315326'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/3455247633638315326'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/bayern-munich-v-hertha-berlin.html' title='Bayern Munich v Hertha Berlin'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmtdtAVLbV_bILu9nuOWabS4d7N_USEJEcuYtv_n1eJqUN4TOqp7bYSo-hsLaKuUjOI22HzJBzFE1xt1qehEy9iy3InZyYBptaosExsVHENQ9a_NafHl7P7XnFWakwwiv2lQHOwS_Buv5/s72-c/munich2.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-6770682996839701166</id><published>2011-11-15T09:21:00.002+00:00</published><updated>2011-11-15T09:22:16.981+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Aris Thessaloniki"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Aris Thessaloniki fans"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in Greece"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="PAOK"/><title type='text'>Aris v PAOK</title><content type='html'>&lt;span id=&quot;goog_1973078878&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span id=&quot;goog_1973078879&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  451. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6jkGnFDAdWvLuEQlpME5W-FG7OqVBs3aJaxSM3rqWJ-YKuXeTxodKcxR1_BszdMLcRM-6yheJHvFyyBhS27zRPT3pTkgZAXBBsMGll5I-JJc_PeDVhqgINJqnXwWW85VeA9IVHvgd6UQ/s1600/aris3.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6jkGnFDAdWvLuEQlpME5W-FG7OqVBs3aJaxSM3rqWJ-YKuXeTxodKcxR1_BszdMLcRM-6yheJHvFyyBhS27zRPT3pTkgZAXBBsMGll5I-JJc_PeDVhqgINJqnXwWW85VeA9IVHvgd6UQ/s400/aris3.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  452. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Pint Pots as Gas Masks for the Gods of War&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  453. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Aris 1-1 PAOK (23:10:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  454. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;A ring of fire, flares, fireworks, tear-gas, an ambush.... welcome to one of the maddest places in the world to watch football, Thessaloniki. Fasten your&amp;nbsp;seat belts as Graham Kenworthy takes us on an&amp;nbsp;exhilarating&amp;nbsp;ride....&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  455. &lt;br /&gt;
  456. Being a teacher one thing I can’t really complain about are the holidays but, occasionally, there are drawbacks, created by the dates you can take for trips being dictated and inflexible. So, for the past couple of years, when the rest of the EFW crew have been planning their festivities across Eastern Europe, I’ve been unable to make it and have been left trawling the fixture lists in search of an attractive alternative for the half-term break or ‘Potato Picking Week’ as it was always called in my youth. Last year I was blessed with the outstanding option of a weekend in Belgrade incorporating the Crvena Zvezda v Partizan ‘Eternal Derby’, a couple of &amp;nbsp;third division games and the Serbian Rugby League Grand Final. This year the fixtures proved to be equally kind with the standout game being another high ranking but high risk match - The Derby of Northern Greece - Aris v PAOK in Thessaloniki. This was a game I had long had an interest in but due, in part to it’s fearsome reputation, and also because I thought tickets would be impossible (the capacity is a mere 22,800), it’s one I never thought I’d get to. Added complications to planning this visit were to be the economic situation in Greece and the prospect of general strikes being called at short notice. Fortuitously we manage to avoid any of these potential hurdles.&lt;br /&gt;
  457. &lt;br /&gt;
  458. First step was to secure tickets, following a swift bout of e-mail tennis with Nick, the fantastically helpful Commercial Manager at Aris, we were guaranteed a pair of 30 euro seats. Safe in the knowledge that we would ‘get in’ our flights and accommodation were duly booked, out via Zurich, back via Dusseldorf, with 3 nights in the 4* Hotel Anatolia sandwiched between. My travelling companion was to be my son Matthew, aged 20 but already a relative veteran of almost 40 games outside of the British Isles. In recent times our football weekends have been of almost military precision, full to the brim trying to squeeze in as many games as possible, dashing across cities to lower division matches, rushed stadium visits and swift sight-seeing photo stops. This time we made a conscious decision to limit ourselves to just the main event, taking a couple of relaxing days in the city building towards the Derby on Sunday night. As it turned out this was actually quite easy to adhere to as there were no other games in the area over the whole weekend. Although the lure of a brief sojourn to the Kaftanzoglio Stadium, home of the third team in Thessaloniki, Iraklis (recently relegated from the Super League to the regional leagues) and venue for the Leeds Utd v AC Milan 1973 ECWC Final proved difficult to resist.&lt;br /&gt;
  459. &lt;br /&gt;
  460. The game, and clubs, are not commonly acknowledged therefore a little background information and historical context, is perhaps needed:&lt;br /&gt;
  461. &lt;br /&gt;
  462. Aris FC - ‘The Gods of War’ - were formed in 1914 and became the first ever Greek League title winners in 1928. Their support is now solidly united under the banner of ‘Super 3’ a group which was created in 1988 in order to prevent the all too frequent internal fighting which took place amongst Aris fans through the years preceding this. The club crest incorporates the team colours of yellow and black and a seated Ares – the Olympic God of War. However, most importantly for me Aris fans are renown for their pyrotechnics, Nick from the club had ‘warned’ me to ‘expect many flares’ and, unwittingly, totally sold the game to me in that one sentence. Big games at Aris are often accompanied by the stadium being described as a ‘Ring of Fire’.&lt;br /&gt;
  463. &lt;br /&gt;
  464. PAOK - &amp;nbsp;Panthessaloníkios Athlitikós Ómilos Kostantinopolitón were founded by Greek refugees, fleeing from Istanbul, in 1926. Their stadium, little more than a mile from the Aris ground, resides under the sinister moniker of ‘Toumba’ and they have a nickname which they have often lived up to of ‘The Black Devils’. The PAOK emblem, features a two headed eagle or, as Aris antagonistically title it, a chicken.&lt;br /&gt;
  465. &lt;br /&gt;
  466. The game does have a notorious history, there have been serious disturbances both on and off the pitch, never worse than after a 4-1 Aris victory in 1998-99 which saw some of the worst crowd violence in Greek football history. Understandably away fans are now outlawed and even the wearing of club colours is discouraged away from the stadium.&lt;br /&gt;
  467. &lt;br /&gt;
  468. Having not arrived until the early hours of Saturday we decided upon a leisurely morning of strolling around the city, then a ‘dummy run’ to the Aris stadium to be combined with collecting our tickets. The #10 bus runs from the centre directly to the Kleanthis Vikelidis or Stadio Harilaou. It takes around 30 minutes to wind through pleasant, residential streets to the East of this generally wealthy, cosmopolitan city. &amp;nbsp;From the bus stop it’s a mere five strides to Aris Mobile, which doubles as the ticket collection office. With our tickets safely tucked away we explored the area around the ground which nestles between apartment blocks. The club crest, colours and other assorted Aris symbols were in abundance; even a childrens’ playground has been transformed into a &amp;nbsp;kaleidoscope of yellow and black. Perhaps most intriguing were the signs for the ‘Fans Infirmary’, and Aris Boxing Club, not your standard fare at a football stadium. After dining at a fantastic taverna, recommended to us by the girls in the ticket office, we returned to our hotel and spent a while perusing the &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.super3.gr/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Super 3 website&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, indignant with it’s almost military style calls to arms such as; ‘We expect to see 11 Warriors of God……’ or ‘We are ready and aware of what to do in the grandstands, to melt the team with the chicken breasts’, not the sort of rallying cries you hear everyday. So the scene was set and we were thirsty with anticipation which we attempted to quench with plenty of the local Mythos beer and a few ouzos that night.&lt;br /&gt;
  469. &lt;br /&gt;
  470. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7miSVJ-41emrMBPWrngi7kt5S0rfJl-nkt9idOR6gtced1pQ7WfKxbYcO6AHIbGwG2ekhGFUG1q6Er_tbfT6pjI0w_Pv77fVp68BdvxN2eJk7Yg1jcwNxPn5ORoZ0GboPxzkF_e2k0Tpy/s400/aris5.jpg&quot; width=&quot;300&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  471. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Super 3 Psycho Boys - tick.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  472. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokR4SLPQIVQ3D6f_O4iuUQnaDicThegxHV8-9z1Es4k6i97m-M-dKRbl2fagDfODA3ZsYFGY0BEAHs_sdJx9VDLgITptBadzMJi1RXJvz4-cp5uka9q06jR-R-bqrkfS9UN52TTi-PPL4/s400/aris6.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  473. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;God of War (paint job)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  474. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LUAOrEmb2l5bPyD_oi79aZQwlmyIVvXOGIMKmeOwL9oziJBFJkrgpArNSJJb7kQSQk-UwKTorCxOjhG9AsATcTRKmvgoKLkx5SnNCYDYLo_-bj3bPKlGMtYdZ1pcuwCwKlz4Rn6du-eh/s400/aris7.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  475. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Aris Angels&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: -webkit-auto;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  476. &lt;/div&gt;The early part of match day was spent viewing the impressive 2nd Century BC Roman forum followed by a walk around the port, shopping and market areas. This was where we saw, aside from the huge piles of rubbish on every street corner, the only indication of any recent problems. Many of the windows in the more exclusive stores had been shattered, although Marks &amp;amp; Spencer (yes M&amp;amp;S in Thessaloniki) had wisely battened down the hatches with secure metal shutters. We finished our sight-seeing by enjoying lunch, and more Mythos, alongside the Ana Poli castle with resplendent, panoramic city views.&lt;br /&gt;
  477. &lt;br /&gt;
  478. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkS_iSXVlW0bylalWk4xaMNeOFxvQ183iZIcSqY7CkqA0g9uEsSoaMJN2oaBYMT4NxHH43bxUA1g9C2ggG4L7oUWiv3q-0r2Ejl3nsqwtbHSjnP0rBc9jNjtkILTYOG_YD2nlHC86o4Nx/s400/aris2.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  479. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;What a load of rubbish...&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  480. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVKj0ewnr-VJcsj2hpq2jr_M4DrfmYus9k2EVYJfxA9sJw6TukiqIKpzuk6dN9MtOTRKtyJb583fqRj0KcITXF2pe8Wdco5nQSEvoZqe5rADo-l24tsAJ9_rkdDV5zMUl0pS3lNrZLu4d/s400/aris9.JPG&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  481. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;...Ah, that&#39;s more like it.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;background-color: #ecedf3; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Στην Υγεια σου!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  482. We had been advised to get to the ground early to sample the famous pre-match atmosphere and it didn’t disappoint. Papanastasiou Avenue runs like a spine down the back of the ‘Harilaou’ and scattered like vertebrae liberally along it, are numerous bars, restaurants, cafes plus the usual collection of vendors offering nuts, grilled chicken, a variety of other snacks, beer and…….huge piles of polystyrene. Every few strides it was piled high in rough hewn squares, usually pinned down with a knife plunged through the middle, with mostly young women trying to convince people to buy their wares. Comfort in your seat here must be more prevalent than ‘styrophobia’. At the centre of everything is the Beer FC 1914 bar, set into the back of Gate 2. It is a fabulous football bar, free programmes were distributed inside the doors, memorabilia on the walls told of Aris v Boca Juniors and other great nights, big screens showed QPR v Chelsea live (sadly we’d missed the earlier Man Utd v Man City game), hardcore punk music at ear-splitting levels dovetailed with classics from The Cure and New Order psyching fans up to the max and beer at, 2 euros a pint, flowed freely.&lt;br /&gt;
  483. &lt;br /&gt;
  484. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eKIZSf46U2zZuLxs5k27l4MuoJ7sLBWoX0nkjQ-KhIJmMZRYPw6qqOBXp-vb1Kdaap45umxPi1KjvzwlikRXTbrRlLWxjEl0jR2GnksF-ONTsBAKTaCE3OoWra_TeLaLyPbBoC9EZCR3/s400/aris11.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  485. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Polystyrene for sale. Anyone?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  486. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_5ZsMT1FfClUl3qiVw-BW8QlBJ6tSiATkgZrED6qbC7J67cDVIi_fBct6XMPxLXtbKeX4IREHgNPyynDWvhE6G2G-ev9U9NAZmTDkdGGwJK5cdLb1NDk5alle0hHaB8yRElxk6Wj4TeC/s400/aris10.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  487. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;A fabulous football bar called Beer F.C. You couldn&#39;t make it up.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  488. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROctzMytL5MLr7TY9bPruIwBpFuJqGtrM0ow5Y6QP7fecesMwPc62Q1gY_xj12wUtkI_IMYKCrdDGgFtMaVkrJieU7q5os-WPX_CkQeB7KlOfGJxtSBJB2aFyNMFwWA4ov22ZX5I6gzOa/s400/aris15.jpg&quot; width=&quot;300&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  489. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Scarves o&#39;clock&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  490. Outside, on the street, there was a real buzz but it was positive and exciting. However things changed somewhat when the police riot vans, and heavily armed officers, who had been situated a couple of hundred yards away, moved across and blocked off the end of the road. Clearly this was the arrival of the PAOK team and officials. Chants rang out and missiles were thrown. Starting with bottles and cans it rapidly escalated into flares and fireworks then, finally, a burning litter bin was hurled into the fray causing the roof of one of the riot vehicles to catch light. Understandably the police did not take kindly to this and the next thing we knew our eyes were burning and we were coughing and spluttering. Being tear-gassed is not something you experience everyday and it doesn’t come highly recommended. I guess from the Aris supporters reaction that this is relatively commonplace, there was no stampede to escape, just a change of direction and stoical trudge away from the scene. Those with plastic beer glasses found a unique use for them fitting them snugly over their nose and mouth, creating a makeshift gas mask. We made our exit from the chaos to the relative sanity behind the stadium close to our Gate, number 9, where we ate huge double sausage sandwiches covered in salad, condiments and chips, washed down with a couple of cans of beer – to clear our heads - all served by a man with a double chin so large it moved long before he did.&lt;br /&gt;
  491. &lt;br /&gt;
  492. Entry to &amp;nbsp;the stadium was swift with no security checks only a till roll, to use as ticker tape, thrust into Matthew’s grasp by the steward. We headed eagerly up the stairs and took in our first views of the ‘Castle of God’. The stadium has three uncovered stands each overlooked by apartment blocks, is compact, tight to the pitch and atmospheric - in other words perfect for football. We were in the front row, top tier of the main covered stand, directly above the press box and home dugout, giving us totally unobstructed views. To our right was the famous ‘Gate 3’ where we anticipated that the majority of the pyrotechnics would take place. In the centre of that stand was a space, akin to Argentina, reserved for the drummers and leaders of the chanting. To the fore, tied to the fences amongst the many fine banners, were several PAOK flags to be burned in sacrifice at an appropriate point. Unusually the most overbearing sensation was of the brightness of the floodlights, so powerful you needed to shade your eyes from them. We stood for a while just taking in the sights and sounds as the crowd warmed up their vocal chords in unison to the players preparing their bodies. &lt;br /&gt;
  493. &lt;br /&gt;
  494. The stadium rapidly filled, even the section usually occupied by visiting fans was taken up by Aris supporters. The air of anticipation was palpable and then it was time for the entry of the teams. As Aris emerged from the tunnel, Gate 1 welcomed them with fountains of ticker tape as till rolls cascaded from the main stand, but all eyes were drawn to Gate 3 in expectation of the ‘Inferno’ to come. As if sparked by some unseen signal hundreds of flares flickered, then burst into light, until the whole end was simply a mass of flames. Red, pink and grey smoke overpowered the night sky leaving the fans, who had climbed the surrounding fences, silhouetted in a hellish glow. Simultaneously fireworks began exploding in deafening blasts, not just a handful but from all parts of Gate 3, jetting through the smoke and flames into the pitch black night, clearly ‘Light the touch paper and stand well back’ simply does not translate into Greek. This fiery reception continued for several minutes and, as it died down, so the noise levels rose and a crescendo of ‘Oh Super Aris’ echoed from every stand, with the drums beating out a tribal rhythm to underpin the chants.&lt;br /&gt;
  495. &lt;br /&gt;
  496. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;262&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlcG_7pnhk7HC0-_V8RougIosvJwLdRgcee9JOuhlZrHaGgkHwp7rzqrXit1WdGKjhTls74pkvT2pMIWutp40CYjRp5fqX6hWVgrdcIKmNPKIIj87aAIVezLmK1sqX32gHJT8N9BmiLqa/s400/aris1.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  497. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Oh&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  498. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMvWXDrTrTKGhP5F48oR2-WYpPlRnhNDJBdEcCCgW7FiZ7sMDzZk_5wYCytcm4Ca6ZJ3w44spOHrh0O2iInn8QYpI71omYg8gfpmMZgiIGghljxoxc3FZr7omsXKm0wCYJBSMNHLt6YGC/s400/aris8.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  499. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;My&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  500. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DENA4AyrPH-d5Xpz4Yuk8GDDodAxW6W5CtUOu5E9bgtg3BwBCdxqSQlmTflX8mJ9IO7VW-0q0klOsPV1sVHvebmEo39Wd1iLCi0hK1n06uft6iXRkkoVUkRJrmZSy29Cekt3w4REttM0/s400/aris12.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  501. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Good&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  502. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfU6e-6rGh5MYxVnI-jbu1IVXzdBasenJ7-Zpyu9VvdXoHg78Pe7l6flUKRLUmlqn-n1v5acJtqS6gOQaX7QWZcUslYjC-Voj0_qJGYe80bB2Ewu-oDeBQ2z-HLJNyVmrGEj5kbB9aQWoB/s400/aris14.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  503. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;God of War&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  504. So to the match which, in truth, would always struggle to live up to its introduction. The teams were comprised of 9 home-grown players plus 10 other nationalities and neither side had made a convincing start to the season, with Aris yet to win. Following the now seemingly obligatory huddle the game kicked off. Aris forced the PAOK keeper into early desperate action and he made a brilliant save. From the resultant corner Nikos Lazaridis (no relation to Stan) headed home for a second minute lead. Cue crazy celebrations, incredible noise levels and, like a nasty rash that won’t go away, Gate 3 ‘flared up’ again, in almost as impressive fashion as before. The scoreboard behind having to work overtime for its GOAL! message to be seen through the plumes of smoke, PAOK flags burned as frenzied fans mounted the fences to celebrate such a start. The remainder of the first half was largely uneventful, Aris were creative in midfield and solid defensively but unwilling to commit enough players to attack. PAOK were allowed too much possession and grew in confidence as a result. Irrespective of the state of play Gate 3 maintained their superb support, singing out loud and strong. Half-time came with the score still 1-0 but, shortly into the delayed second half - PAOK officials had objected to a very offensive banner and the referee had left the field until it was removed - there was an equaliser. It was almost identical to the Aris goal but the response to Papazoglou’s header was in marked contrast. The whoops, yells and celebrations of the PAOK players cut through the initial silence then the expected torrent of abuse and small missiles burst forth. The remainder of the game was played out with Aris pressing but never really threatening a winner and, at the full time whistle, there were disappointed boos from some sections. The players may have failed to heed the battle call but Gate 3 could hold their heads up high, they had played their part in full, giving their all with incessant noise for the full 90 minutes.&lt;br /&gt;
  505. &lt;br /&gt;
  506. So the game was over, we took our time leaving, wanting to savour the occasion but eventually, reluctantly boarded the #10 bus again. As expected it was packed to the rafters and took a while to get free from traffic, just the regulation scenario after any big game; however this journey was to take a rather disturbing twist. The #10 is the only bus that goes directly from stadium to city, naturally everyone travelling on it has been to the game and is an Aris fan. So, as it entered the downtown area, now about half full with people relaxed and ready for home, just after pulling up at a stop there came a shocking and frightening incident. About a dozen PAOK fans, some on motor scooters, most on foot, ambushed and attacked the bus, some came on board through the middle doors and starting punching anyone in range, others dragged Aris fans off the bus and waded into them outside, two fighters careered down the bus and fell out of the front doors as the driver, reacting quickly, floored the pedal and sped away. Fortunately we had been seated to the front, towards the driver and, save for being shocked, and a little shaken &amp;nbsp;up, we were unscathed but angry at such cowardly and premeditated acts. It had been an unexpected and distasteful ending to an otherwise memorable night making it a relief to get back to the sanctity of our hotel.&lt;br /&gt;
  507. &lt;br /&gt;
  508. Thessaloniki is a fine city, not tarnished with the usual trappings of tourism. The residents are friendly and welcoming. People we met at the game were astonished that we had come from England just to see the match. The pyrotechnics were fantastic, the best we’ve ever seen, and the atmosphere was outstanding. It is a place I would highly recommend for football but only for someone who is not faint-hearted and is relatively experienced in travelling to games abroad.&lt;br /&gt;
  509. &lt;br /&gt;
  510. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;263&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVfejBudlzZaQ5xUY2PmSV_QJ9wUny7GOllXKhiDXw7xgFi4qEoDDxSRZ6upMYFSEw-ZcgmLN5uNzgMiMg8IaFAmxkCSQ0cymvht9Yf7Gi_iXEGiX_twu7SNOvpW-ctOIUv2oYIhkzzcJ/s400/aris13.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  511. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The hottest ticket in town&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  512. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  513. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;----------------&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  514. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Previously on EFW: &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/02/aris-thessaloniki-fans.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Aris Fans - The Best in Europe?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  515. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Follow &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  516. &lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/6770682996839701166/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=6770682996839701166' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/6770682996839701166'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/6770682996839701166'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/aris-v-paok.html' title='Aris v PAOK'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6jkGnFDAdWvLuEQlpME5W-FG7OqVBs3aJaxSM3rqWJ-YKuXeTxodKcxR1_BszdMLcRM-6yheJHvFyyBhS27zRPT3pTkgZAXBBsMGll5I-JJc_PeDVhqgINJqnXwWW85VeA9IVHvgd6UQ/s72-c/aris3.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-8247532563064871583</id><published>2011-11-14T09:48:00.000+00:00</published><updated>2011-11-14T09:48:16.468+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Brighton and Hove Albion"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Valencia CF"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Vicente Rodriguez"/><title type='text'>Brighton &amp; Hove Albion</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCSli6K4Zp2xQA8HO1tOAmNwzXMqp96QFL2DmF_IH-Bjl_kxYm8rc4jCxeYdoEx9yar5lpinRzKFbHqwWpH38biQWDYam2SheHbRNitshr6TQcD5JMTT813RoLjYMuMiYAf3uKO4iGHJL/s1600/Vicente_Hull_15OCT11_PH_9224+%25281%2529.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;266&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCSli6K4Zp2xQA8HO1tOAmNwzXMqp96QFL2DmF_IH-Bjl_kxYm8rc4jCxeYdoEx9yar5lpinRzKFbHqwWpH38biQWDYam2SheHbRNitshr6TQcD5JMTT813RoLjYMuMiYAf3uKO4iGHJL/s400/Vicente_Hull_15OCT11_PH_9224+%25281%2529.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  517. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: blue; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Vicente: From the Mestalla to Falmer&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  518. The year is 1997 and on England’s South Coast, things are far from sunny, writes David Hartrick.&lt;br /&gt;
  519. &lt;br /&gt;
  520. Brighton and Hove Albion are facing an uncertain future as the Goldstone Ground has been sold as a result of an asset strip from a board led by a man with little to no regard for the club. On the pitch, elimination from the Football League has only just been avoided on the last day of the season in a dramatic game between the 91st and 92nd placed teams in English football. While some bemoan the fall from grace of a side who just 14 years previously were in Division One as well as being FA Cup finalists, others more in the know are silently concerned that the club is on the verge of tumbling into the abyss forever.&lt;br /&gt;
  521. &lt;br /&gt;
  522. Meanwhile in Spain, Levante Unión Deportiva are playing in the Segunda División and embarking on a season that will eventually finish in relegation. Despite what will prove to be an ultimately disappointing campaign, one of the high points is a promising debut by Vicente Rodríguez Guillén. Destined to become more simply known as ‘Vicente’, at the age of just 16 several of Europe’s scouts are purring over the left-winger and he is immediately installed in the Spanish national team’s youth set-up, making his debut at U16 level and going on to also play in the U17, U18 and U21 teams in the next two years.&lt;br /&gt;
  523. &lt;br /&gt;
  524. Fast-forward to the year 2000 and a new millennium is here. Vicente has continued to impress and grow as a player, helping to steer Levante back into the Segunda División at the first time of asking and then to a comfortable 7th place finish. He is the standout performer at the club, destined for bigger things and a move to Champions League runners-up and Supercopa winner’s Valencia is made.&lt;br /&gt;
  525. &lt;br /&gt;
  526. Despite Kily González standing in his way Vicente forces his way into the first team and hits the ground running. In his first season he helps Valencia reach another Champions League final that disappointingly he spends on the bench watching them lose to Bayern Munich on penalties. He has already shown signs that the left-wing berth will be his long-term, he is now on a mission to prove it.&lt;br /&gt;
  527. &lt;br /&gt;
  528. Back in England there are green shoots of recovery in Brighton as a consortium led by Dick Knight has chased the businessmen out of Albion’s boardroom and replaced them with people who care about the club’s future. After leaving the Goldstone in 1997, two seasons have been spent laughably calling Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium ‘home’ as the club has been forced to play their games at the ground, a mere 150 mile round trip from Brighton itself.&lt;br /&gt;
  529. &lt;br /&gt;
  530. The 1999-2000 season sees a return to the city at the far from perfect Withdean Stadium but it brings a long-sought sense of hope and by the turn of the millennium, a small amount of pride is returning to the club. In February of 2000 they make their own move for a youngster and sign an unproven striker named Bobby Zamora. Brighton once again feels like a club with a future.&lt;br /&gt;
  531. &lt;br /&gt;
  532. Journeying through time again to 2004 and Brighton and Hove Albion have been making headlines for their football as well as their finances. A double promotion with Zamora at the head of a bristling and industrious side had brought hope, relegation from Division One (now the Championship) a brief bump back down to earth. However, bubbling behind every move the club makes is the saga that’s slowly beginning to define its existence - the move to get planning permission to build a new and permanent home in Falmer.&lt;br /&gt;
  533. &lt;br /&gt;
  534. A fight is raging between Lewes’s District Council and local residents potentially affected by the proposal, and the club’s board and fans led by Dick Knight’s determination to get the plans through. Having been through the courts and still with no resolution imminent, the government itself is being called in to intervene and Brighton’s long-term future once again rests with people with no direct investment in the club or its future. Another promotion to the newly named Championship is earned via the Play-Offs but the doubts remain, the Withdean is a short-term solution and without a permanent home, Brighton still feel like nomads in their own city.&lt;br /&gt;
  535. &lt;br /&gt;
  536. In Spain Vicente had easily become one of La Liga’s top performers over the last three seasons and had just recorded his best ever campaign, tearing apart defences across the country and into Europe as Valencia won the title, the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. He returns 14 goals in a season that sees every major club in Europe linked to his signature, he is by now established in the full national side having played in every game of Spain’s poor Euro 2004 tournament in Portugal, and his magnificent season is suitably rewarded by his club with a new contract and mountains of praise from his normally reserved manager Rafael Benítez.&lt;br /&gt;
  537. &lt;br /&gt;
  538. Despite signing a four-year extension with a suitable pay hike included, with Ryan Giggs’s form supposedly waning at Old Trafford and a more central role beckoning, many are sure that Vicente would provide Manchester United’s attacking thrust from the left-wing at some point in the very near future.&lt;br /&gt;
  539. &lt;br /&gt;
  540. And so we come to 2011, to today, and to Brighton and Vicente’s improbable marriage sealed with a one-year contract formally signed on the 2nd of September of this year.&lt;br /&gt;
  541. &lt;br /&gt;
  542. Brighton’s long battle to gain planning permission was finally won in 2007 and Vicente’s new home was not the athletics stadium butchered into shape enough to host Football League games at Withdean, but the £105m Falmer site now with naming rights sold and resplendent in it’s guise as the American Express Community Stadium. With a capacity of 22,500 and with new chairman Tony Bloom and now ‘Club President for Life’ Dick Knight’s vision complete, the necessary icing on the cake for any truly great football story had come in the form of manger Gus Poyet leading Brighton from the League One wilderness back to the Championship in title-winning style in their last season at Withdean. &lt;br /&gt;
  543. &lt;br /&gt;
  544. Vicente’s career undoubtedly stalled from that truly wonderful 2003-04 season with Valencia thanks to a combination of ankle injuries and what he claimed were incorrect treatments and diagnosis from medical staff. While each comeback has showed the capabilities of a truly gifted player, the body has broken down each time and failed the spirit. As Brighton took the 2010-11 League One title playing arguably the most entertaining brand of football ever employed by an Albion side, Vicente was preparing for an inevitable exit from a club he admitted to loving. At the age of 29 a player who had been potentially one of Europe’s best left-sided midfielders found himself without a club and desperate to shake off the injury-prone tag he felt he didn’t deserve.&lt;br /&gt;
  545. &lt;br /&gt;
  546. As a Brighton fan, Vicente’s signing felt like ‘that’ moment in a recent history filled with an almost unheard of amount of joy. This is without any shadow of doubt a player of such talent he could be gracing far bigger stages but he chose to rebuild his career with us. This is our Robert Prosinečki to Portsmouth moment, the realization that you’ve got a player so unlikely you find yourself casting furtive glances left and right looking for the wind-up to end. Whether his career at Brighton ultimately proves to be a success or failure, his hero status was all but sealed the moment he picked us as his new employers.&lt;br /&gt;
  547. &lt;br /&gt;
  548. With a new stadium, a city back in love with the game, one of the most sought-after young managers in the English leagues and now a player with La Liga, Champions League and international pedigree to call our own, this is a very special time to be a Brighton fan. Having weathered the storms of the nineties to emerge happy to still have a club to call our own, then spent the noughties biting fingernails through legal battles and potential rain at the horrifically exposed Withdean, this feels like it just might be our time.&lt;br /&gt;
  549. &lt;br /&gt;
  550. Do we want to storm into the Premier League and start challenging for Europe immediately? No. A trouble free few seasons enjoying mid-table, non-headline baiting campaigns in the Championship and financial parity would do just fine.&lt;br /&gt;
  551. &lt;br /&gt;
  552. As for Vicente?&lt;br /&gt;
  553. &lt;br /&gt;
  554. Well he just might be here on loan to us for a year before a bigger club realises we’ve got him but do you know what, I’m going to enjoy every minute.&lt;br /&gt;
  555. &lt;br /&gt;
  556. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;----------------------------&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  557. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DavidHartrick&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: blue;&quot;&gt;David Hartrick&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;is an editor at&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://inbedwithmaradona.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: blue;&quot;&gt;In Bed With Maradona&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and author of the soon to be released &#39;50 Teams That Mattered&#39;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  558. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;This article originally appeared in the first edition of &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/Spiel_Magazine&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: blue;&quot;&gt;Spiel Magazine&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. Simply &lt;a href=&quot;http://spielmagazine.com/?page_id=32&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: blue;&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; to purchase Issue #2&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  559. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Photo credit: Paul Hazlewood&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/8247532563064871583/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=8247532563064871583' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/8247532563064871583'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/8247532563064871583'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/brighton-hove-albion.html' title='Brighton &amp; Hove Albion'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCSli6K4Zp2xQA8HO1tOAmNwzXMqp96QFL2DmF_IH-Bjl_kxYm8rc4jCxeYdoEx9yar5lpinRzKFbHqwWpH38biQWDYam2SheHbRNitshr6TQcD5JMTT813RoLjYMuMiYAf3uKO4iGHJL/s72-c/Vicente_Hull_15OCT11_PH_9224+%25281%2529.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-5816835115350029905</id><published>2011-11-13T10:52:00.000+00:00</published><updated>2011-11-13T10:52:23.573+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in Germany"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="FSV Frankfurt"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="FSV Mainz 05"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="VfB Stuttgart"/><title type='text'>FSV Mainz 05 v VfB Stuttgart</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXWZMocBAiwjO04om14MRkDz4lv6UIOEq366cMxrxBG7FdkPYP8WEK9K_WhrVjvVGzWy5Tfbm6KUM34wkKS6TePv3c_F6t96yJ0glr7ulZjO6bBR09O6K67ZnkrvqH3c0-tbkjWZROOda/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXWZMocBAiwjO04om14MRkDz4lv6UIOEq366cMxrxBG7FdkPYP8WEK9K_WhrVjvVGzWy5Tfbm6KUM34wkKS6TePv3c_F6t96yJ0glr7ulZjO6bBR09O6K67ZnkrvqH3c0-tbkjWZROOda/s400/photo+%25281%2529.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  560. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;&#39;Cause You&#39;re A-MAINZ-ing Just The Way You Are&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  561. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;FSV Mainz 05 3-1 VfB Stuttgart (04:11:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  562. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Making his debut for European Football Weekends, Everton fan Phil Naylor. *applause*&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  563. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;Like a lot of people I know, I&#39;d never really considered Germany as a holiday destination before the 2006 World Cup but, after having such a fantastic time there, I take every opportunity to go back. Our base in 2006 was the city of Mainz and that has become a particular favourite. The local side, 1.FSV Mainz 05, have been on the up for the last few years, culminating in the construction of the 33,000 capacity Coface Arena prior to the start of this season. The chance to visit this shiny, new stadium therefore provided me and three friends with the perfect excuse for a weekend away.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  564. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;A pre-dawn Eurostar via Brussels and Cologne had us arriving in Mainz early on Friday afternoon ahead of the evening kick-off against Stuttgart. Match tickets had been bought in advance through the club&#39;s online ticket shop so we headed straight to the &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.eisgrub.de/deu/frameset.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Eisgrub&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, Mainz&#39;s outstanding brewpub for a late lunch. Can there be a better way to spend Friday afternoon than drinking 5 litre towers of beer and eating platefuls of German pub food?&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  565. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFEnaAJ7P0CsYPp6XFHNtrZt1Ki-I7ALFuTEUSYzZ_Ab3YETUIP6egVXZTGGeFv1m3-CmnswvAKYlWiQ03F1raiHjrNKl1ZG2jmSJApjKJhdOWBrqsvfIgsWJE8XB484TY_zRCH9uk7Vc/s400/photo+%25283%2529.JPG&quot; width=&quot;300&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  566. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Just the one pre-match beer&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  567. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;Free shuttle buses run to the stadium from the main station or alternatively you can have an extra drink in the pub and pay around €12 in a taxi. No prizes for guessing the option we went with! As new grounds go, the Coface Arena is a fairly attractive stadium but the signage could be better as it took us a while to find our section. A downside to our late arrival was that the terrace we had tickets for was virtually full by the time we turned up but we managed to find a vantage spot at the very back. Beers in hand (the purchase of which, annoyingly, requires you to first acquire a stadium card), we watched an even first half end scoreless.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  568. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;No doubt inspired by the mini Zeppelin flying around the stadium at half time, the two teams emerged from the break to produce a cracker of a second half. The fun started when Cacau, Stuttgart&#39;s Brazilian-German striker, turned in a low cross to give the away team the lead. The Stuttgart celebrations, however, were short-lived as Mainz hit back in style. Firstly Anthony Ujah&#39;s first ever Bundesliga goal levelled the scores before a ridiculously soft penalty decision gave Andreas Ivanschitz the chance to put Mainz ahead. Within minutes Ujah took advantage of hesitation in the Stuttgart defence to steal in for his second and Mainz&#39;s third. By now the Coface was bouncing as the Mainz supporters sensed their first home win since the opening day of the season. A late straight red for Mainz&#39;s Polanski didn&#39;t affect the outcome and we disappeared into the night to begin the post-match celebrations with chants of “Ujah, Ujah” ringing in our ears.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  569. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNLc4ihO3xIQzK8oD21JavWThl64kwZOeD35Db0QN-5iWO8V_o0mK-rn5ynM8Tf9C9lLyzncTyZhnvfz5KqVDx6EaDd5maz5rG7qTPm8jZexWluCBnsDTS_FW3Bc0WDIitIT5ljKzrMgq/s400/photo+%25282%2529.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  570. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;I&#39;ve gotta whole lotta love for this half time entertainment&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  571. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;My inability to find, let alone operate, the controls for the blinds in our hotel room contributed to a fitful night&#39;s sleep despite our early start. Partially as a result of this we opted out of jumping on a train to take in a game on Saturday but instead decided to spend the day in Mainz. It&#39;s a lovely place and we moved from sipping local wines at a market stall in the shadow of the cathedral onto sampling the delights of Mainz&#39;s various hostelries while watching an assortment of televised Bundesliga and Premier League action.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  572. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;FSV Frankfurt 0-0 Hansa Rostock (06:11:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  573. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhTAW4789wRvcwv1k6WXLxHwXega9d3J66SZUY5gMKeq1CcMNK50efL64Fm8cLJcoiz1FDWm0VwQd4nVivFFO04GfGf7_HxTkcFPFCtSrQ_-wuG7oS4IDoRJLH-U3112F5XvMz_nCIl9Q/s400/photo+%25284%2529.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  574. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;After a better night’s rest, Sunday began with a vast buffet breakfast before we made our way to Frankfurt for a lunchtime encounter between FSV Frankfurt and Hansa Rostock, two sides hovering just above the relegation zone in the 2. Bundesliga. At only €9 each the tickets were a bargain, particularly as they included all our local transport for the day. Two very pleasant hours were then spent in a half full Volksbank Stadion enjoying the sunshine on the open terrace.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  575. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;Sadly, the actual football didn&#39;t live up to the occasion as the two teams played out a fairly dire 0-0 draw. The only real entertainment came from the 1500 or so away fans who sang almost non-stop, which was in marked contrast to the apathetic FSV supporters. The ambience in the home end was more akin to a county cricket match, with fans eating, drinking and chatting and seemingly only half paying attention to the action.&amp;nbsp;Fortunately, however, the lack of atmosphere and action were compensated for by the short queues at the beer stalls. When the final whistle went we headed for the nearby U-Bahn station and a quick schnitzel-stop in a Frankfurt pub before making our way to the airport for our flights home. All in all, a very enjoyable weekend and one I would highly recommend to anyone.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  576. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwHv-z7EgaJQw-uWZ_74md_FaQVT-QNPViyPbdBr8Hyb3dlxJfAoVZv8pad8iV-zmu7M0vm9gAmz7GkzomN30ait07mtFrvUDuljgBPF_jA_9zht6r_vDNQbMta99tVinA6gcMPO8MOEh/s400/photo+%25285%2529.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  577. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  578. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Follow &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/philn1&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Phil&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/5816835115350029905/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=5816835115350029905' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/5816835115350029905'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/5816835115350029905'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/fsv-mainz-05-v-vfb-stuttgart.html' title='FSV Mainz 05 v VfB Stuttgart'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXWZMocBAiwjO04om14MRkDz4lv6UIOEq366cMxrxBG7FdkPYP8WEK9K_WhrVjvVGzWy5Tfbm6KUM34wkKS6TePv3c_F6t96yJ0glr7ulZjO6bBR09O6K67ZnkrvqH3c0-tbkjWZROOda/s72-c/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-1043298923059487489</id><published>2011-11-10T11:40:00.001+00:00</published><updated>2011-11-10T11:44:41.116+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Alemannia Aachen"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Borussia Dortmund"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in Germany"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Fortuna Dusseldorf"/><title type='text'>European Football Weekends in Germany</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisM6ASnGjbnFWTJ9M6zNRZLpr3H-mDbG793xaikNgzVeSIpfCubMdWyifU4RMmVM9rmcduXRawBM-HbzzzVUsabwt4cHD82HVr10um6BR38azzwP_qlruha5CdWR36BUiAmK64TMkmvNY/s1600/dusseldorf3.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisM6ASnGjbnFWTJ9M6zNRZLpr3H-mDbG793xaikNgzVeSIpfCubMdWyifU4RMmVM9rmcduXRawBM-HbzzzVUsabwt4cHD82HVr10um6BR38azzwP_qlruha5CdWR36BUiAmK64TMkmvNY/s400/dusseldorf3.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  579. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Fußball-himmel&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  580. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Fortuna Dusseldorf 2-1 Dynamo Dresden&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Borussia Dortmund 5-1 Wolfsburg&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Alemannia Aachen 2-2 Duisburg&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  581. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Chris Durning from &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.barandin.blogspot.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Bar and In&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; blog on his European football weekend in Germany...&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  582. &lt;br /&gt;
  583. Its good to be back. After taking in two matches around this time last year in North-Rhine Westphalia involving Borussia Monchengladbach and Rot Weiss Oberhausen we just couldn&#39;t get enough of the wonderful world that is German football. This time we were set for three games in three days across the region which many refer to as &#39;Football heaven&#39;. Flying out from London Luton Airport after spotting the legend that is Terminal Duty Officer Pat Salmon (from the ITV and now Pick TV&#39;s Luton Airport documentary) we landed in Dortmund a little after 9am. First on the menu for this footballing feast would be a game around an hour away in Dusseldorf between high-fliers Fortuna Dusseldorf and Dynamo Dresden. Arriving in Dusseldorf you quickly notice that its a far bigger city than Dortmund with the Konigsallee boasting Gucci, Prada and Armani amongst others, the only street we were interested in however, was Bolkerstrasse. Home to breweries Zum Schlossel and Im Goldenen Kessel which were quite literally heaving with fans from both sides.&lt;br /&gt;
  584. &lt;br /&gt;
  585. Pitching up at the Esprit arena gives the impression that you are there for a conference exhibition rather than a football match, until you get through the turnstiles that is. Once inside the Arena is both modern and enclosed which aid&#39;s the noise of both sets of fans to be heard clearly creating an immense atmosphere even with the ground half full, as is regular. Fortuna bossed the game in the early stages and duly took the lead through Maximillian Beister&#39;s deflected effort, people around us were showered with the pre-match beer during the celebrations. As Dusseldorf went on the offensive again I spotted three large men from the row behind us sporting freshly re-filled pints of Altbier, I was beginning to regret not purchasing a Fortuna brolly. Thankfully Dusseldorf didn&#39;t score, in fact Dresden decided they had seen enough of their own half and went up the other end with Mickael Pote prodding a neat shot past the Fortuna &#39;keeper. This didn&#39;t do anything to dampen the spirit of the Fortuna support with a man behind us doing his best Gerard Butler of &#39;300&#39; by yelling &#39;FOOOORTUUUUUUUNAAAAAAAAAAA&#39; at the top of his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
  586. &lt;br /&gt;
  587. The noise never let up inside the ground and the home support were rewarded when Jovanovic killed the ball on the thigh and lashed it into the top corner in stoppage time giving Fortuna the points. Getting away from the ground wasn&#39;t too difficult with the station being situated inside the complex of the Esprit Arena, bizarrely on the way back we caught sight of a Fortuna supporter cradling his pet hedgehog, only in Germany eh.&lt;br /&gt;
  588. &lt;br /&gt;
  589. Fresh from the delights of Dusseldorf we had a second game to go to, my voice newly refreshed by an ice cold pint of Dortmund ale and we found ourselves at the quite magnificent Signal Iduna Park, the largest stadium in Germany I&#39;ll have you know. As we joined the sea of black and yellow cramming into the ground for what was to be a sell out, the sheer size of the place really hits home. Steep stands and unobstructed views aplenty with the largest standing area in Europe (known as the Sudtribune) it really did feel like the home of football. The lads at EFW of course love their roof&#39;s in stadiums and as far as roof&#39;s in stadiums go, this was a bobby dazzler, surely worth five UEFA stars? Dortmund I should mention were playing Wolfsburg and some of their supporters had gathered in our section around five rows in front which made a pleasant change. A huge display went up in the Sudtribune as the teams emerged with the message &#39;Dortmund until the death&#39; underneath a headstone bearing a skull, if that doesn&#39;t say passion I&#39;m not sure what does.&lt;br /&gt;
  590. &lt;br /&gt;
  591. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiGnzl6xriZKQQThGVRbR90cJVHm5IsVaJDE87Dz7ec3ucRzLb-KF0XmQo81REVp-jIeDDp7iiauFq9fnHNEmFfZ44tBbScm4V-Q1XZX4F_RakuyOs49wujI9GRjwz3ojBFxXhcpdQGzc/s400/SAM_0077.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
  592. Dortmund started the much brighter and soon took the lead through German sensation Mario Gotze, surely bound for Real Madrid or Barcelona in January on this kind of form. Shinji Kagawa added a second and Wolfsburg&#39;s patchy away form began to haunt them. The second half saw Alexander Hleb, formerly of Birmingham City, find a way back into the game for the away side, with a tap in for 2-1. Sadly the Wolfsburg fan&#39;s joy was short lived as the towering Sven Bender powered a header over the line (just) to restore the two-goal cushion. Wolfsburg may have regretted sticking Liverpool reject Sotirios Kyrgiakos at centre half as Dortmund focused their attacks on the Greek defenders alarming lack of pace. Soon after Robert Lewandowski chipped the Wolfsburg &#39;keeper and Gotze helped himself to a second, the rout was complete. The Sudtribune were bouncing and Wolfsburg left with their tails between their legs.&lt;br /&gt;
  593. &lt;br /&gt;
  594. At a little over 200 Euros a Dortmund season ticket on that magnificent Sudtribune is well worth considering as the yellow army play some truly magnificent football, next week its the big one against FC Schalke and it&#39;s sure to be a thriller.&lt;br /&gt;
  595. &lt;br /&gt;
  596. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_twdGek-ZMRZB_YqE3PN6Um1FZ6y2WaQ0SszazmT-2v190PGAAFfMEdleJUuOhaYQrvWFWZXwtNxq3j3GINXNVB9xQ9inskOw6xVii8xv6K6_0Rc1cw3CxU3Q2SNH66-IbHkQ4AOiYxD5/s400/SAM_0058.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
  597. Sunday&#39;s normally a day of rest for the Germans, but not for us. Up bright and early at 7:30am (ouch) we were off on the final leg of our journey to the border town of Aachen which straddles both Dutch and Belgian borders (in case you&#39;re interested). This would be Alemannia Aachens 1000th game in the second tier of German football and a near-sell out was the order of the day as once again we were surrounded by people dressed in black and yellow. A large police presence greeted us at Aachen Hauptbahnhof as this was a local derby and a full house at the new Tivoli stadium but as per, the fans mixed with no problems at all with a large travelling contingent from Duisburg. On the approach to the new stadium we passed the ruins of the previous Tivoli with those magnificent floodlights still standing strong along with some of the turnstile entrances.&lt;br /&gt;
  598. &lt;br /&gt;
  599. The new stadium is literally a goal kick away from the old stadium and is of very impressive quality. Simple in design and execution with an entire end dedicated to standing, which would be our home for the afternoon. As we entered the Bitburger wall terrace we were handed large sheets of yellow paper, this would be for a display later on. Standing beside one of the Aachen flagbearers (top tip if you want a little more room on the terrace) the views of the action were superb and the atmosphere even more so. Aachen wasted no time in taking the lead through Radu&#39;s towering far post header, bizarrely pre-match the tunes played included Neil Diamond&#39;s &#39;Sweet Caroline&#39; and &#39;Three Lion&#39;s&#39; by Baddiel,Skinner and The Lightening Seeds. Aachen&#39;s theme however, is the Gloria Gaynor classic &#39;I will survive&#39; very apt for a team who only managed one goal in their opening 10 matches. Duisburg soon responded testing Aachen stopper Boy Waterman who pulled off impressive saves throughout. Sadly Waterman was beaten when another Duisburg break resulted in Valeri Domovchyski levelling for the zebra&#39;s.&lt;br /&gt;
  600. &lt;br /&gt;
  601. Aachen fans continued to lead the chants as the Duisburg away support jumped up and down and soon they were jumping for joy as Andre Hoffman peeled away at the far post to nod Duisburg ahead, mad celebrations in the corner as Aachen stood stunned. Aachen soon brought on two substitutes in a vain effort to rescue a point and with 68 minutes on the clock, star striker Beni Auer broke clear resulting in the Aachen man&#39;s shot turned in by the unfortunate Branimir Bajic. As &#39;I will survive&#39; blasted around the ground the party atmosphere was back, with Aachen surging on for a late winner Duisburg stood firm and the game ended 2-2.&lt;br /&gt;
  602. &lt;br /&gt;
  603. So three games and 13 goals later it was all over for (possibly) another year, top class entertainment and top marks once again to the German football system, free rail passes on the match tickets are a real god-send to those wanting a budget weekend watching football as we remember it. Go on, give it a go...&lt;br /&gt;
  604. &lt;br /&gt;
  605. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHS7LABReoX-APrJYRHEqaagU4CpWMj_SVbxNI6wlUjYgkF5ntlGQVMMIRj5nSkykPQ9kQNJVLAJ6Y0XzLwpBhyphenhyphen4CKoDxjIxB-tHYSGjAbVbC0pLuXRY4GD0DZvIvZMoCpi1S7o5c_FBt/s400/SAM_0108.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
  606. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Chris Durning is the Editor of &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.barandin.blogspot.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Bar and In&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/1043298923059487489/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=1043298923059487489' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/1043298923059487489'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/1043298923059487489'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/european-football-weekends-in-germany.html' title='European Football Weekends in Germany'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisM6ASnGjbnFWTJ9M6zNRZLpr3H-mDbG793xaikNgzVeSIpfCubMdWyifU4RMmVM9rmcduXRawBM-HbzzzVUsabwt4cHD82HVr10um6BR38azzwP_qlruha5CdWR36BUiAmK64TMkmvNY/s72-c/dusseldorf3.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-2944176026079556594</id><published>2011-11-05T10:02:00.000+00:00</published><updated>2011-11-05T10:02:21.369+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="FC Seoul"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in South Korea"/><title type='text'>FC Seoul v Seongnam</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBW3zVyUwjlOrgY-7Fp4N7iphDRyjMiVPBPdLSOa9YNe05B-ssT1uoYJuoHoi1tyCI5b62YTXFVIy64rzvMDNMkgTZp62GVuSvgFgeSXiTfBtJyzOY97f0_BihKngGzUrEXVeSiJHY-Hy/s1600/korea3.PNG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBW3zVyUwjlOrgY-7Fp4N7iphDRyjMiVPBPdLSOa9YNe05B-ssT1uoYJuoHoi1tyCI5b62YTXFVIy64rzvMDNMkgTZp62GVuSvgFgeSXiTfBtJyzOY97f0_BihKngGzUrEXVeSiJHY-Hy/s400/korea3.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  607. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Funk Seoul Brothers&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  608. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;FC Seoul 3-1 Seongnam (23:10:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  609. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Dominic&amp;nbsp;Norris pushes the&amp;nbsp;boundaries&amp;nbsp;of European Football Weekends by around five thousand miles to bring us a report from a match involving two of South Korea&#39;s footballing heavyweights...&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  610. &lt;br /&gt;
  611. Travelling from the relaxed, curious hubbub of South Korea&#39;s single largest populated island, Jeju-do, to the franetic, blurred motion of the nation&#39;s capital, Seoul, was enough of a shock enough to leave me feeling somewhat in limbo. Gone were the stunning beaches and waterfalls replaced by towering buildings that threaten only to get larger and larger as the fight for space among a thriving capital city reaches fever pitch.&lt;br /&gt;
  612. &lt;br /&gt;
  613. My initial plans would have seen me visit a Jeju United match to watch a team rooted in a sense of disappointment at a season that has seemingly fallen well below the expectations set during previous campaigns. However circumstance meant that I ended up disregarding the need to see United in favour of the capital club and reigning champions - albeit for only a short while longer - FC Seoul.&lt;br /&gt;
  614. &lt;br /&gt;
  615. The match against Seongham - the K-League&#39;s most successful club - promised to be a clash of the titans in spite of the poor performances by both clubs over the course of the season. It was somewhat disappointing to catch a match between two traditional powers so close to the end of the season where neither side had particularly much to play for other than pride - this was after all the final home game for Seoul.&lt;br /&gt;
  616. &lt;br /&gt;
  617. Finding the ticket office proved to be the most difficult part of the afternoon. The Seoul World Cup Stadium is a 66,000 seater behemoth that takes a bloody long time to walk aimlessly around multiple times. Judging by the large signs that surrounded the stadium I could buy a ticket from one of four offices situated at two ends of the ground. It sounds simple but when the signs are out of date and leading you to ticket offices that are in fact no longer in use it becomes a little more complicated. However after blindly heading up the ramp that towers over a main road up to the stadium&#39;s first tier I finally managed to trade my 7,000 won - just under £4 - for a seat in the stadium.&lt;br /&gt;
  618. &lt;br /&gt;
  619. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NT5XW4K9z1J5yWiaV4aCElI5E_4YW-q-AsopFwTfn7YyJfDU0nQ7haX9AN3hLA2rthxq4AnVeOP_bNPlsxNKWHFNGBGy3mAGPrbHG6f3uDPoxJTAumnPtlAFF4V_0WKwkJH7DoMYuBFG/s400/korea2.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  620. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The pre-match entertainment contained a large helping of the X Factor.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  621. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj87uTdyC_dF7IX0j_8ijLl9qk-3FfWfUJPMQrUqQ2YF6i4UQAj27UCqFsA-7yy1WEeZQ5mLfNNOJKSRmnkKtNxjar7AVZAEmsW4_TPCUa8-Kdc7FXLhPPFHC0Yvd12QQUKtJT-Q-xOehO/s400/korea9.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  622. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;background-color: whitesmoke; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px;&quot;&gt;아름다운&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;background-color: whitesmoke; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;hps&quot; style=&quot;background-color: whitesmoke; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px;&quot;&gt;찾는&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;background-color: whitesmoke; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;hps&quot; style=&quot;background-color: whitesmoke; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px;&quot;&gt;노력&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;hps&quot; style=&quot;background-color: whitesmoke; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  623. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfJzhtZpw0OvUtb2Bo8R3tySKxJQT36cosnFrOPe2DiKFHFvO6Bw0JWyt1TCHyVBlZh9fC93hsMTOBbTy10X6H0gP_8j0QjLA5kNEFYrIXdiyJyS9doszaX7toEqcroL05fdTzz0JmCX6/s400/korea7.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  624. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Seoul World Cup Stadium aka The Sangam Stadium. Built for the 2002 World cup and designed to represent the image of a traditional Korean kite.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  625. The game itself was a fairly eventful and entertaining affair. Both sides seemed intent on attacking and Seoul intially started on the front foot with Mauricio Molina and Dejan Damjanovic linking up nicely and looking most likely to break the deadlock. After 20 minutes there was a lull in the game - as well as in the stands - which seemingly caused the big screens to light up and announce that it was &#39;Vuvuzela Time&#39; followed by the dispicable din of thousands of horns. They&#39;re bad enough on television but in real life it only gets worse - afterwards in the stadium shop I witnessed an old man, possibly 70ish, attempting to draw noise from a vuvuzela and I think I died a little inside.&lt;br /&gt;
  626. &lt;br /&gt;
  627. I had initially looked on mockingly at a small band of fans towards the front of the stand where I was seated - next to a large collective of military types - who donned Seongham&#39;s bright yellow shirts and chanted relatively proficiently. I thought it somewhat cute that this tiny band of merry men had made the trip to the capital to support their club however upon Seongham opening the scoring - through Sung Chan Jeon after 25 minutes - I was slapped in the face by some crazy occurrence. The entire stand cheered. Was I somehow unwittingly seated in the away stand - despite there being no pre designated seats?! No, as it turns out, I was not sat in the away end for as Seoul grabbed their deserved equaliser the entire stand again erupted in cheers.&lt;br /&gt;
  628. &lt;br /&gt;
  629. This struck me as stange having only ever really watched football in the flesh in England where the tribalist manner of the game tends to lead support towards one team or another, with very little in between. However it seems as though Korean football is yet to truly establish a true identity for itself among its people. The stadium was fuller than I had anticipated however it seemed to be predominantely made up of children and their parents who appeared to view the football as merely being a day out - as opposed to a signal of commitment to FC Seoul.&lt;br /&gt;
  630. &lt;br /&gt;
  631. Seoul&#39;s equaliser came through Tae Hwan Kim who&#39;s goal just before half time brought Seoul back into the game after a period of frustration. The goal also saw a fresh rendition of a song that flowed along to the tune of &#39;If You&#39;re Happy and You Know It Clap Your Hands&#39; - whether they were the actual words being sung, however, is another matter altogether as my Korean leaves much to be desired.&lt;br /&gt;
  632. &lt;br /&gt;
  633. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxT_NbTmyChZKrfAkX78np2eHMIXkvcT8MJG2He49m8m4U-ZF_zESJkenD_Ebegr1aG4wzYnofzrShhGEPZe99PDP67ozU2f_8BiXU3ISNHxyCC4CVE-GyWw6PvlC0MiP6hCBq9sWNYwk/s400/korea5.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  634. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;SSID (Seoul &amp;amp; Sun In Dream) the mascot. An extraterrestrial, obviously. SSID was beamed down to the stadium in his intergalactic spaceship in 2006.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  635. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oVO4SKFla_rEAe6EAgY6T038YG71NQJYv5LPGm1mipkqv4KTawyWOAYAW1jl6VkJpRVDXDHhHAdYrmm6Th5stmO5qFIuiBXJB8xyTN_z6UKhNC5Y_YLosRdGe_AF7j7YPY020wwYqdz6/s400/korea4.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  636. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The 12th man&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  637. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHjcFwAd1Xg-m8WMn11wtjlhYgC5l08v8TKLxLk-jP8HplxyEai8tqWu1shklv1r4XmKK0xjsrKnTl6jpX_qo77NirBNxaANW9sByX16sE7Eq6-Bip4BVl09paqdGHRBQ3-JxVasu1HQm/s400/korea6.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  638. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;You are my Suhoshin&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  639. The half time whistle brought about another unexpected surprise. While I was tucking into another kimbap the stadium announcer, rather giddily, said something to the delight of much of the crowd who were actually paying attention. It turns out that former Tottenham Hotspur full back Lee Young-Pyo was in attendance and onto the pitch he strolled to give, what I can only assume to be a truly memorable speech, after picking up an award of sorts.&lt;br /&gt;
  640. &lt;br /&gt;
  641. The referee&#39;s whistle announcing the beginning of the second half was met with the loud crack of red fireworks which further added to the already surreal string of events that had already taken place - did I mention that I bought my kimbap from a supermarket built into the stadium? The second half itself threatened to be a fairly drab affair as neither side could quite find the final ball to create a signficiant chance - despite Seoul dominating possession of the ball. However with just over 10 minutes to go - the obvious fan&#39;s favourite - Damjanovic produced a moment of brilliance that put Seoul ahead. His swivel and volley from the edge of the area, despite him losing his footing, was a goal that any forward would relish and it sent Seoul on their way to the three points.&lt;br /&gt;
  642. &lt;br /&gt;
  643. Molina later bundled home a header from close range with merely seconds left on the clock and so when the ref blew for full time the curtain was drawn on Seoul&#39;s season in their home city. The inevitable lap of honour, applauding the 40,000 plus fans, ensued with a certain degree of appreciation sent back from the depths of the stands as the stadium emptied at a rapid rate.&lt;br /&gt;
  644. &lt;br /&gt;
  645. My introduction to Korean football was both eye opening and interesting. The enticement of so many families to watch Seoul is obviously a promising development as the club looks to ensure that future generations of fans are secured. There are many nation&#39;s across Europe who are attempting to acheive just what Seoul have managed to in order to reduce the militant nature of the game and secure its future as a spectator sport. It&#39;s because of Seoul&#39;s desire to aid the development of new generations of football fans that the gimmicks of fireworks and vuvuzelas are necessary - however one would hope that somewhere down the line such methods will not need to be utilised.&lt;br /&gt;
  646. &lt;br /&gt;
  647. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qjDRmlFAXuMofKu1ZVtA9SWOYt0lxrFU9h0l23gGWln5Kx-UFIr2hM4UooN6rskHBSEHCFpsNqLlYJQaRoAGiIjruR1eVagO_XLb8_UkqLhHUz4a35hlq13_cU0Q0RIg0LjICgMBFUoy/s400/korea1.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  648. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Tremendous looking club shop - tick*. *Might not actually be the club shop.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  649. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Follow both &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/footballglobe&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Dominic&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/2944176026079556594/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=2944176026079556594' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/2944176026079556594'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/2944176026079556594'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/fc-seoul-v-seongnam.html' title='FC Seoul v Seongnam'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBW3zVyUwjlOrgY-7Fp4N7iphDRyjMiVPBPdLSOa9YNe05B-ssT1uoYJuoHoi1tyCI5b62YTXFVIy64rzvMDNMkgTZp62GVuSvgFgeSXiTfBtJyzOY97f0_BihKngGzUrEXVeSiJHY-Hy/s72-c/korea3.PNG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-3163118197960800906</id><published>2011-11-04T09:52:00.004+00:00</published><updated>2011-11-04T10:11:33.999+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football journalism"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Iain Macintosh"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="The Blizzard"/><title type='text'>Iain Macintosh interview</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5qhMv1MmqTgJazPXUPgCZ9L-LHN3q0nao9-d2et6Iy3Jfsz64amzQfGcribSaFNbVf1aKz4uPxMkYqAOzjr1jhSRJMna4ZNek6-oTBlohfFCjj1w66hPzyGAVIpfVBdUrdQA3jcnxdgP/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5qhMv1MmqTgJazPXUPgCZ9L-LHN3q0nao9-d2et6Iy3Jfsz64amzQfGcribSaFNbVf1aKz4uPxMkYqAOzjr1jhSRJMna4ZNek6-oTBlohfFCjj1w66hPzyGAVIpfVBdUrdQA3jcnxdgP/s400/photo+%25286%2529.JPG&quot; width=&quot;300&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  650. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Mac the Life&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  651. &lt;b&gt;Lizzy Ammon caught up with journalist, Football Manager addict and Southend United fan Iain Macintosh.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  652. &lt;br /&gt;
  653. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;LA:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;Hi Macca, thanks for taking time away from playing Football Manager to talk to us. This might prove to be one of the most testing interviews you’ve ever done in your life. Here at EFW we give Jeremy Paxman a run for his money. Let’s start with the inevitable and a bit dull question of how you became a football writer.&lt;br /&gt;
  654. &lt;br /&gt;
  655. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;IM:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;The same way everyone else became a football writer. I failed my exams and they snapped me up. I did a dog-awful degree in something called Journalism Studies and at the beginning of my 3rd year I started applying for jobs in London. To my surprise, I was offered one much earlier than I expected and I then tried to cram all of my remaining coursework into one week. Unsurprisingly I did not pass. Typically, the business news website that hired me vanished just 18 months later, sparking a brief but spectacularly unsuccessful freelance career and an extended spell on a building site. I eventually shuffled in the back door (so to speak) at the age of 29. &amp;nbsp;I’m very lucky, not many people get to start their sports journalism career at the age of 29. &lt;br /&gt;
  656. &lt;br /&gt;
  657. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;LA:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;You&#39;ve written a book or two - any plans to write anymore?&lt;br /&gt;
  658. &lt;br /&gt;
  659. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;IM:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt; &amp;nbsp;I know I was joking about a sitcom on Twitter, but I actually was working on a Bobby Manager style novel with a Mario Balotelli main character. Sadly, I’ve had to can it because the man himself kept nicking my plotlines and turning them into actual news stories. &lt;br /&gt;
  660. &lt;br /&gt;
  661. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;LA:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;You form one third of the unholy Trinity that is the Red, White and Blue podcast. Listening to it is the highlight of my week (that’s not true). How did that come about? &lt;br /&gt;
  662. &lt;br /&gt;
  663. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;IM:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;It was something that Clarkey and Spraggy were already doing and I was a guest on it a couple of times. &amp;nbsp;It just seemed to work better with three of us on it, there’s a better dynamic. It’s great fun. We sit around for an hour a week talking nonsense about football. What’s not to love? Obviously, if someone would like to invest great amounts of cash into it that would be…erm…yeah, really nice. &lt;br /&gt;
  664. &lt;br /&gt;
  665. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;LA:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;You write for the Wilson love-child that is the &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/03/jonathan-wilson-interview-blizzard.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Blizzard&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; – obviously it gives you scope to write a much longer piece than you might normally write.&lt;br /&gt;
  666. &lt;br /&gt;
  667. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;IM:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;It’s a huge honour to write for the Blizzard and it’s a magazine I’m very passionate about. It gives me a chance to babble on about Bobby Manager and allows the cream of the industry to go weapons-free on any subject they like. Basically, if you moan about the standard of football journalism and you’re still not buying The Blizzard every quarter, you have no leg to stand on.&lt;br /&gt;
  668. &lt;br /&gt;
  669. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;LA:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;I&#39;m always amazed by sports writers who can write equally well on a whole&amp;nbsp;range of sports - if you had to or could diversify away from football what&amp;nbsp;other sports could you write about or would you want to write about? Do you&amp;nbsp;&quot;love&quot; any other sports in the way you love football?&lt;br /&gt;
  670. &lt;br /&gt;
  671. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;IM:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;I’ve written books on cricket, rugby and golf and, with a bit of research and effort, I ‘m sure I could write about other sports too. But nothing grabs me as much as football. Let’s be honest, football is insane, especially the stuff that goes on off the pitch. I’m not sure other sports have the ludicrous and all-encompassing soap opera that runs alongside the actual game itself. I know other sports have their crazy moments, but I’m fairly convinced that football is 70% crazy, 30% sport now. So no – I don’t love other sports in the way I love football. Having said that, during Euro 96, Lynn Truss wrote articles from the perspective of someone who knows nothing about the sport and they were absolutely brilliant. I think doing something like that, maybe on the NFL, would be fascinating.&lt;br /&gt;
  672. &lt;br /&gt;
  673. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;LA:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;Other than the podcast, have you done any broadcasting - tv or radio?&amp;nbsp;Something you fancy?&lt;br /&gt;
  674. &lt;br /&gt;
  675. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;IM:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;I’ve done quite a lot of radio but my only television appearance was a bit of a disaster. I was a last minute stand in on Arsenal TV and someone asked me about Emmanuel Eboue, shortly after he’d got himself sent off against Spurs. I think I said something along the lines of, “Emmanuel Eboue is a disgrace to himself, his club and the sport in general.” It went very quiet, the conversation moved on and I was never invited back again.&lt;br /&gt;
  676. &lt;br /&gt;
  677. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;LA:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;I hate to do this but to be boringly serious for a second - what are the 3 biggest issues in football - specifically the premier and football leagues?&lt;br /&gt;
  678. &lt;br /&gt;
  679. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;IM:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;There’s so many and I’m afraid I’ve probably bored everyone on Twitter to tears banging on about them all. The cost &amp;nbsp;is appalling. Tickets are far too expensive and we’re pricing out a generation of fans. The average age of a match-going Premier League fan is going up all the time and the sport is becoming something you watch in a pub, rather than something you actually go to. Greed is destroying football from the inside out, the big teams are driving themselves harder and harder, pursuing growth for growth’s sake, pushing themselves to oblivion and the smaller clubs are either left behind or forced ot recklessly gamble their existence on reaching the Premier League. One more? There’s too much football. Have you seen the Europa League? Christ, does it ever end? We’re spreading ourselves too thin.&lt;br /&gt;
  680. &lt;br /&gt;
  681. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;LA: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;If you were Sepp Blatter for the day, ok not ACTUALLY Sepp because then you’d have to be a **** &amp;nbsp;but head of FIFA, &amp;nbsp;what 3 things would you sort out or implement?&lt;br /&gt;
  682. &lt;br /&gt;
  683. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;IM:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;I’d immediately launch an enquiry into the award of the 2020 World Cup to Qatar. I’m interested as to what makes a ludicrously wealthy desert state so appealing to FIFA. I’d also centralise all transfers, forcing the buying and selling clubs to declare all cuts, add-ons and fees and move the money through a central bank account, limiting the possibility of corruption and allowing fans to see exactly where their ticket money is going. Plus, we can use the interest to fund grassroots initiatives in developing countries. Finally, I’d move all international football into mini summer tournaments, shortening the season, allowing players to rest and ending the interminable club vs country debate.&lt;br /&gt;
  684. &lt;br /&gt;
  685. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;LA:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;You are a self confessed FM addict. Reckon you&#39;d be any good at actually&amp;nbsp;managing a football team? Which current manager do you think you&#39;d most be&amp;nbsp;like?&lt;br /&gt;
  686. &lt;br /&gt;
  687. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;IM:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;No, I’d be absolutely hopeless. The players would mercilessly rip the piss out of me for reading books, I’d have no respect in the dressing room and I’d be sacked within a few weeks. On that basis I guess I’d be Tony Adams.&lt;br /&gt;
  688. &lt;br /&gt;
  689. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;LA:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;This is the European Football Weekends website so I probably should mention Europe and Football and Weekends or Danny will sack me. Have you ever been on a particularly good EFW and what would be your perfect EFW?&lt;br /&gt;
  690. &lt;br /&gt;
  691. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;IM:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;Oh yes, I’ve been on some splendid EFWs. I’d love to tell you a story about being unwillingly dragged into a brothel by a Spanish football agent, but that might have to wait for another day. My perfect EFW would be in Vienna. I was there for Euro08 and it was such a fantastic city.You can spend all day drinking coffee, reading papers and smoking tabs in the sunshine, wander off to the Ernst Happel stadium, take in the local derby and then find a cosy bar to get merrily clattered in. Perfect.&lt;br /&gt;
  692. &lt;br /&gt;
  693. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;LA:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;So what’s the plan for Macca? Do you have any medium or long term ambitions for your career or have you got your perfect career and want it to stay like this for ever and ever amen.?&lt;br /&gt;
  694. &lt;br /&gt;
  695. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;IM:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;My career ambitions are simply to continue to have a career. Watching football for a living is clearly a ridiculous way to earn your money, and it’s far more fun than actually having a proper job. If I’m still being paid to write about football when I’m 70, I’ll be a very lucky and very happy man.&lt;br /&gt;
  696. &lt;br /&gt;
  697. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;LA:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;And now I’ve eased you in, time for the hard hitting stuff. What’s your favourite Ginsters Pasty? I’m asking this for a friend who’s serving in Afghanistan who tweets this question to cricketers all the time and none of them ever answer so it will make his day that someone has.&lt;br /&gt;
  698. &lt;br /&gt;
  699. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;IM:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;I think it would be peppered steak. It’s high risk because of the peppered steak breath afterwards but sometimes that’s a risk worth taking. Now sometimes, you just want a cheese and ham – something safe just to fill a hole without repercussions, but very little beats a peppered steak pasty.&lt;br /&gt;
  700. &lt;br /&gt;
  701. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;LA:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt; EFW readers are a classy discerning lot. Can you recommend to them a book, a wine and a piece of music or album to download.&lt;br /&gt;
  702. &lt;br /&gt;
  703. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;IM:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;I’ve thought long and hard about this too. The Game of Thrones series by George R R Martin. They’re a bit like Lord of the Rings only miles better with more blood and boobs. In terms of wine, you’ve got to give Faustino I, a Rioja that costs about £15, a go. It’s the sort of wine that marches into your mouth as if it owns the place and I respect that in a drink. An album? Give John Martyn’s ‘Solid Air’ a go. It’s sort of folky, bluesy and jazzy thing and it’s brilliant.&lt;br /&gt;
  704. &lt;br /&gt;
  705. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;LA:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;Marvellous. Thanks for your time Macca – now you’d better get back to managing Arsenal or there’ll be a dressing room mutiny. Thanks again.&lt;br /&gt;
  706. &lt;br /&gt;
  707. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Iain Macintosh is the UK football correspondent of the New Paper in Singapore and can be heard every week on the Red White and Blue Podcast - &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.redwhiteandblue.tv/&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;http://www.redwhiteandblue.tv/&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  708. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;You can follow him on Twitter &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/iainmacintosh&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;@iainmacintosh&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and read his Bobby Manager series by subscribing to receive the Blizzard &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.theblizzard.co.uk/&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;http://www.theblizzard.co.uk/&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  709. &lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/3163118197960800906/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=3163118197960800906' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/3163118197960800906'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/3163118197960800906'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/iain-macintosh-interview.html' title='Iain Macintosh interview'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5qhMv1MmqTgJazPXUPgCZ9L-LHN3q0nao9-d2et6Iy3Jfsz64amzQfGcribSaFNbVf1aKz4uPxMkYqAOzjr1jhSRJMna4ZNek6-oTBlohfFCjj1w66hPzyGAVIpfVBdUrdQA3jcnxdgP/s72-c/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-7553937929485390026</id><published>2011-11-03T11:00:00.002+00:00</published><updated>2011-11-03T13:41:17.656+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="FC St Pauli"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in Germany"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="FSV Frankfurt"/><title type='text'>FC St. Pauli v FSV Frankfurt</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdmJrta2ABon2it3avoVCQYSMGWSOAtPN75XxYfXT4buIDtra324N20Eo2O1A-MpfvzBm2xcPBLcj00wQF2MQpC3coQCJ2Hw70aJ5prQAUGi_x-zUnTf8t8TGN-sgte5QX_fH2mx4oKAk/s1600/oct+2011+192.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdmJrta2ABon2it3avoVCQYSMGWSOAtPN75XxYfXT4buIDtra324N20Eo2O1A-MpfvzBm2xcPBLcj00wQF2MQpC3coQCJ2Hw70aJ5prQAUGi_x-zUnTf8t8TGN-sgte5QX_fH2mx4oKAk/s400/oct+2011+192.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  710. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;It’s my party…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  711. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;FC St. Pauli v FSV Frankfurt (23:10:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  712. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;As it was a very special occasion, we&#39;ll let birthday boy and EFW regular Nick Davidson wax lyrical about a trip to see his beloved FC St. Pauli once more....&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  713. &lt;br /&gt;
  714. I realise there’s only a finite number of reports I can file on my visits to the Millerntor that the folks at EFW can accommodate with their usual good grace and, having written about &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/08/fc-st-pauli-v-alemannia-aachen.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;my trip over in August for the Aachen game&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, I’m rapidly approaching the threshold. However, this was my 40th BIRTHDAY SPECTACULAR. And, in the best traditions of &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsYJyVEUaC4&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Lesley Gore&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, I threatened to blub like the only-child I am until Danny acquiesced and let me warble on about my ‘Special Day (TM*).’&lt;br /&gt;
  715. &lt;br /&gt;
  716. However, there are some key differences from my regular jaunts to St Pauli… First, it wasn’t just me, it was my wife, two girls and my mate Shaun and his kids. Second, rather than my usual lightening fast visit– that’s usually curtailed by having to dash to the train station to begin the marathon haul across Europe back to St Pancras – we flew, and we were staying three days. Finally, we were going to tick off a few of the city’s tourist attractions that we’d not previously got round to seeing. So, whilst I can’t promise any new footballing insights – the Millerntor is, after all, the Millerntor and it’s always fantastic – I can offer a write up that includes: a new found obsession with TV Towers, harbour cruises, sugar-dips, early-morning runs, mid-morning drinking, excessive toilet stops and swimming with, err, dinosaurs.&lt;br /&gt;
  717. &lt;br /&gt;
  718. The trip got off to a flying start at Luton airport (see what I did there, eh, eh?), when despite the ungodly hour we all managed to check-in, clear customs and rendez-vous with time to spare. I’m not the greatest of flyers but with the kids in the party steadying my nervous by taking bets on exactly when and where we’d crash land, the flight passed quite quickly.&lt;br /&gt;
  719. &lt;br /&gt;
  720. We’d passed up the usual budget hotel option to live it up in a rather splendid hotel in Sternschanze, just a stones throw from one of my favourite landmarks on the Hamburg horizon, the Heinrich-Hertz-Turm or, more simply, the Fernsehturm (TV tower.) Expedia had done us proud, and the view from our room offered a fantastic view of the tower, the Millerntor and the docks beyond.&lt;br /&gt;
  721. &lt;br /&gt;
  722. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fnUHymkHGEVWyNN1YekiSiyJwOKoQKNAHwgmb-4xX4VPUzqatE_ZSzxh7DN3x-BFQcaFXKvU29Pin7nATFBmPxipeo5na3p6rdXZgu7_GNS40We7PVNXFANut-NMj-WAE5B5553bD9QN/s400/IMG_1970.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  723. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;TV Tower at dawn&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  724. &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFg2Wx_X6FkmTO5iHrHywlAO7oQcsQSCHR9Gt39abS_PhS9ampOl1z46p3i59H3tshtDzwIx6QEm16-KGFBs5ZIWR5QazVbN-DBiOkN3jgp5PQ-mO7EgSCsERE8r4uvgPfS2L-iUHw0z9/s400/IMG_1948.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  725. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;TV Tower close-up (I have hundreds more photos - available on request)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  726. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnYrAyYyhjsCJkEC14DhTHVMsghoZscGjbyZd3EviyjlakAWHh2NOuS2aSvNS-qUEHReiKofIYSUvnJR0nEhP3Gr0mXDhb1jqoldP79J9zXooiw8ubm8CAI4FuWYv8PCpZv-yyaLgmx5F/s400/IMG_1933.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: -webkit-auto;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  727. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Big cranes: on the, err, Max &#39;Harbour&#39; Kruse.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: -webkit-auto;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  728. &lt;/div&gt;We decided to go heavy on the culture on the first day, and headed down to the Elbe to catch a lunchtime boat trip around the harbour. In our rush to get a boat we by-passed lunch and forgot to check if the tour included an English-speaking commentary. As a result, when we returned to the quayside an hour later we had some very hungry and very grumpy kids on our hands. It was officially and unanimously voted the ‘worst part of the holiday’ by the younger members of the party. The adults quite enjoyed it, though. It certainly gives you a sense of the importance of shipping to Hamburg’s history and economy. The container port is vast and highly mechanized, whilst the scale of the Blohm &amp;amp; Voss shipyard could also only be appreciated from the river. It was also fascinating to meander through the distinctive redbrick buildings of the warehouse district and contrast it with the shiny glass and steel of the new HafenCity. But the cultural value of such a trip can be seriously compromised if you’ve got tired and hungry kids on your hands, so as soon as we were back on dry land we headed for a café and some sustenance in the form of (Ham)burgers, chips and currywurst.&lt;br /&gt;
  729. &lt;br /&gt;
  730. With the 3.30am start starting to catch up with us, we knocked the scheduled visit to &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.beatlemania-hamburg.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Beatlemania&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on the head, settling instead for a kick-about in the park and an early tea. No drinking until dawn at the Fischmarkt for us, we were safely tucked-up in bed by 10pm.&lt;br /&gt;
  731. &lt;br /&gt;
  732. Sunday. Matchday. Another delight of having young-ish kids is their ability to wake up early no matter what time they went to bed the previous night. Fortunately, the early start gave us a fantastic view of the sunrise over Hamburg from our hotel window and inspired me to head out for an early morning run. The bloke on reception did a double take as I emerged from the lift in shorts and a t-shirt, shunning the high-tec (and warm) surroundings of the hotel gym for a run around St Pauli. It was lovely, crisp and cold. At 7am, Budapester Straße down to the Millerntor was almost deserted, aside from the occasional worse-for-wear reveller staggering back from a Saturday night on the Reeperbahn. I stopped to catch my breath and take a few pictures of interesting bits of graffiti around the stadium, including stickers calling for the release from custody of renowned, local street artist, Oz.&lt;br /&gt;
  733. &lt;br /&gt;
  734. Refreshed by a shower, it was nearly time for our party to split along gender lines. The girls were off to the zoo, whilst the boys were heading to the Millerntor. My eldest daughter (a veteran of FCSP’s 2010/11 opener in Freiburg) was a bit gutted to miss it, although the fact that we were standing this time would’ve made it tricky for her to see what was going on – and besides, the prospect of feeding elephants was keeping her spirits up, as was a secret pact to return to the club shop on Monday morning!&lt;br /&gt;
  735. &lt;br /&gt;
  736. First stop was the Fanladen to collect our tickets (a delightful €11). It was good to catch up with Justus and Stefan (who I’d managed to miss on my last few trips.) Buoyed by it being my, erm, ‘Special Day’, Shaun and I decided to have a celebratory Astra. Shaun’s son joined in the fun with a bottle of Spezi, that curious mixture of orangeade and coke, favoured by many in these parts. It was 10.30am. I don’t drink a lot at the best of times, so the beer quickly went to my head, and shortly after that my bladder. I also picked up a great ‘I Just Can’t Get Enough’ t-shirt, which not only sums up how I feel about trips to the Millerntor, but also handily contains an image of my new favourite thing, the TV Tower. We then moved on to the AFM container to rendez-vous with some fellow fans from the St Pauli messageboard, but not before I’d made several trips to the portable loos outside the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
  737. &lt;br /&gt;
  738. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjah0_kIi-thYlCQKIZg3ikPs7-ZSRjJKrbVyQEAe_zIz6WY4jwGwxRew1QMaorrfJHVhnPuJV9rKk3zrX0nCQFJX8SFewKkXpsZrRuj2eEfCqFQrJDIQxySJacczxtC3ArAKP7hsdyzh2G/s400/IMG_2038.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  739. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;What Reni did next. Shaun has waited 15-years to wear that hat out in&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;public.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  740. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kZlpAvUxNwfM-uz_f6K1IT_kmr7hTXJCncFa_NIwqGNquheBc-b_m109H1YHzZj3y3pUDMLxXrOR30g9uliEytag10VoIt546z8tCC9JHpWoml3XmTJTa6FBTggnSWMCAzRduvsINh_X/s400/photo-19.jpg&quot; width=&quot;366&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  741. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;New favourite t-shirt complete with TV tower.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  742. &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0oZE8FhurJu9eSlKrfaO1v_NqO2I2Ycpl1NIwk_TTVYafgnJJvFxbS-fu0majcIbYv1i8r8dRmnUicrcJ4cE4NR6KumCqk497SIXWUAjHN2_AeFikQvtVJq9C-ang5Nr7818HsiHbXEW/s400/oct+2011+133.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  743. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Man emerges from portable toilet&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;–&amp;nbsp;a&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;gain!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  744. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8htCvZ5ohfskKEyAL82NklMX-TaO3STv2BV4d5mpb9zyNI0z2kGaXLrOh4_PYhJHluDw46CVYa7oNzl_jJmxAgE-qbohIaMo9x8mVYbclTk4ia9BSRDneNmUci47H2O_-zDtEO0bL0l7a/s400/IMG_2032.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  745. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Obligatory concrete badge shot&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  746. &lt;/div&gt;We elected to get into inside early to get a decent spot on the Südkurve. It’s always a pleasure to drop a few Euros into the Ultras collection tin, at least then I can feel I’ve played a very small part in supporting the amazing choreos that they put on throughout the season (and that usually I enjoy from the comfort of my computer screen.) Once in the ground we opted for more beer and currywurst. The beer was being served in ‘Denis Naki’ cups, which seemed like a good omen as he’d been sidelined by injury for much of the season, but was in contention for a start today. I spilt currywurst all down my scarf, a sure sign (as if I needed one between the regular trips to the loo) that the beer was kicking-in.&lt;br /&gt;
  747. &lt;br /&gt;
  748. The crowd steadily built up around us. Shaun was cock-a-hoop when one of USP gave him a quick salute of recognition as he passed (probably impressed with the hair, eh, Shaunio?!) Hells Bells sent the usual shiver down the spine, as did an impressive choreo from the Nordkurve (the north terrace was all St Pauli today, as FSV Frankfurt had only brought 70 or 80 fans with them.) Not to be left out, the ‘singers-corner’ on Gegengerade was flush with shredded paper pom-poms. The sky was a beautiful pale blue, and the stands were thick with brown, red and white, it was a perfect day to watch football. Only, trouble was, I needed the loo – again. So, after a handy close-range save from the St Pauli keeper, I decided nothing much more would happen in the opening exchanges and picked my way through the crowd. Bladder emptied, I made it back to the top of the steps to see the ball looping into the FSV net. I joined in the celebrations, totally unaware of who had scored St Pauli’s opener (turned out, it was a deflected Max Kruse effort that had wrong-footed the Frankfurt keeper,) then made my way back to our spot on the terrace.&lt;br /&gt;
  749. &lt;br /&gt;
  750. Dennis Naki, back in the team and obviously motivated by his appearance on so many plastic cups, slotted the second home to make it 2-0 at half-time. Apparently, I missed a miniature helicopter doing laps of the stadium, but what did I care, I was able to empty my lightweight bladder without missing any more goals.&lt;br /&gt;
  751. &lt;br /&gt;
  752. The second-half was a bit of a come down. FSV got a goal back and St Pauli, as is occasionally their want, did their best to gift them an equaliser. But we held on for the win, and I held on for the entire second period without a toilet break.&lt;br /&gt;
  753. &lt;br /&gt;
  754. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIiLwxjzDCvrdBhutJeGBRA848_ntQohOhs9oKXj_Leqa7FqW2hdNZjh1od5kqxrxxuDPICkMv7a4rOqfVmGRdOqvs19lSWKA4Fz9P0Zr2mJ8ehsszFn-_MqA49fVfKh4-EL6b_Kk73_L/s400/oct+2011+144.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  755. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Nordkurve choreo&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  756. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRA1oANePK7y-x4Zfkg7d3VdJdhlAV4BD2tMm1VfNu0vJPwhopqz-UOWzFOAy-Mwj7Rg_Aeg8NjkTlfBVa7e34IeePI2NlyIx-_2LsQh2lT9LTSu4dJ89pjOO1BpdIZMzzE3bJ6vAuPw82/s400/oct+2011+145.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  757. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Gegengerade confetti-storm&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  758. We hung about a bit at the end, soaking up the last of the atmosphere and the autumn sun, then made our way out of the Südkurve. However, before we met up with the girls, I had one last special request for my ‘Special Day,’ I snuck back into the ground to say goodbye to the Gegengerade. There’s a high possibility that the next time I’m back in Hamburg, I’ll be greeted by &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.freakwave-stpauli.de/Bilder/1,000000539214,8,1&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Wave&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, failing that a more conservative terrace option will replace the crumbling, but much loved Gegengerade. But for now, it was one last chance to stand where, for me, it all began on the beautiful back-straight. Pictures in the bag, it was time to head back to the hotel. That’s usually where my report would end, after another intoxicating afternoon at the Millerntor. But we still had a day left.&lt;br /&gt;
  759. &lt;br /&gt;
  760. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5uZXjVJamUoVBlkHPj2ZP4xOotQgNLITi4D9hQ59-5mSpChYNkfysDz1yUjmKypY6hRs31Fu8TpBjaLZKt3sEJOFEHM-oMde4dE0Gnj_9SNTvf9KpCiu-oL-Zc9S5sTf7H-9DB78oA1A/s400/IMG_2097.jpg&quot; width=&quot;298&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  761. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;One man confetti-storm&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  762. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkOxisfRauC4SymcvtbCaLMPxOjIjSMVFNtaj_Jg9Z7-Ygl71WAbAbCm8Gxr-AQkS3NxZSsoPop-xszLzy1vSL9DZFoyVZTwoUmm5imtfu6yjEV0NizENb-0Xd8Q1xD5DWwe7nFml4PB7/s400/Sudkurve-tiltshift.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  763. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The fabulous painted steps of the S&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;ü&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;dkurve&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  764. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZeD4SI4bQiN2H_xgTzDC1y8weVlghfFN6xzQSnjTPLq24WhL-93u4GrFjmvXgy5uUGqx9a0GgtcdPIaBZQbXdfUpodlmGecbJEaB-sGpvT6oKyFiwh0Lh-UYJK8k2IpBj-WC7uolc-14/s400/IMG_2111.jpg&quot; width=&quot;298&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  765. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Goodbye Gegengerade&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  766. On the Monday, we packed our trunks and headed off to the &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.baederland.de/bad/festland.php&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Festland&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; pool to swim with dinosaurs – great big fibre-glass things that spurted warm water from their mouths and in one particular case, its, erm, bottom. The complex was massive, brand new and spotlessly clean. And owing to the fact that Hamburg’s half-term break was the week before, it was virtually empty. It also has a fabulous, heated, outdoor pool with steam rising from the water as it met the cold autumn air, giving it a slightly otherworldly feel.&lt;br /&gt;
  767. &lt;br /&gt;
  768. One final trip to the club shop (as promised) and we were done. Another great trip to Hamburg, made more ‘special’ by the fact that I was sharing it with family and friends. I’ll be back, but this trip will always be referred to as my ‘Special Day,’ although, harbour cruise aside, everyone else enjoyed it too. Thanks to EFW for indulging me even further. Normal service will be resumed next time.&lt;br /&gt;
  769. &lt;br /&gt;
  770. &amp;nbsp;* There were constant references to my ‘Special Day’ on this trip and, the more I think about it, I’m not entirely sure the other members of our party weren’t taking the mick. ;-)&lt;br /&gt;
  771. &lt;br /&gt;
  772. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Nick is all about:&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.modernfootballisrubbish.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;http://www.modernfootballisrubbish.com&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  773. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Follow him on Twitter at &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/outside_left&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;@outside_left&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  774. &lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/7553937929485390026/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=7553937929485390026' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/7553937929485390026'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/7553937929485390026'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/fc-st-pauli-v-fsv-frankfurt.html' title='FC St. Pauli v FSV Frankfurt'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdmJrta2ABon2it3avoVCQYSMGWSOAtPN75XxYfXT4buIDtra324N20Eo2O1A-MpfvzBm2xcPBLcj00wQF2MQpC3coQCJ2Hw70aJ5prQAUGi_x-zUnTf8t8TGN-sgte5QX_fH2mx4oKAk/s72-c/oct+2011+192.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-5336923128760016729</id><published>2011-11-02T09:14:00.000+00:00</published><updated>2011-11-02T09:14:54.614+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in Poland"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Gornik Zabre ME"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Ruch Chorzow"/><title type='text'>Gornik Zabrze ME v Polonia Warszawa ME &amp; Ruch Chorzow v Legia Warszawa</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9d4gmEpgWoUbAhy6CR0zElVTy0TwxM_AdNxFF13k80qGdRDoeqqce4bDaF9JGBJ6SE9lmgEyL4lzsFXwKPLcBfxcss5d2PR4u92N6cD-jBBJIiB84hKBsFZidLT3jYY6yJuOozDNYNi8j/s1600/hubbers1.PNG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;113&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9d4gmEpgWoUbAhy6CR0zElVTy0TwxM_AdNxFF13k80qGdRDoeqqce4bDaF9JGBJ6SE9lmgEyL4lzsFXwKPLcBfxcss5d2PR4u92N6cD-jBBJIiB84hKBsFZidLT3jYY6yJuOozDNYNi8j/s400/hubbers1.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  775. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;The Kids are Alright&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  776. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Gornik Zabrze ME 2-1 Polonia Warszawa ME (16:10:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  777. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;A little bruised but still&amp;nbsp;buoyant from his &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/wisla-krakow-v-jagiellonia-bialystok.html&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;trip to Wisla Krakow&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, Ryan Hubbard continues on his ultimate Polish footballing adventure...&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  778. &lt;br /&gt;
  779. Gornik&#39;s stadium is currently in the process of being demolished to make way for a new 33,000 seater ground; leaving three sides as a building site, and the fourth with just a 70-year old covered stand for spectators. As a Gornik supporter, one of my personal reasons for visiting this part of the world was to get to watch a game in this stadium before it was consigned to history.&lt;br /&gt;
  780. &lt;br /&gt;
  781. Today&#39;s game was the Mloda Ekstraklasa clash between Gornik and Warsaw&#39;s second most successful club, Polonia. The Mloda Ekstraklasa is basically an Under-23&#39;s league, allowing for a couple of over-aged players in the same way as the Olympic tournament does. Although you don&#39;t get the atmosphere of a normal Ekstraklasa game, it&#39;s very relaxing to watch; and the entrance is also free, leaving extra money for a pint of Tyskie. Brilliant.&lt;br /&gt;
  782. &lt;br /&gt;
  783. The first half saw some good football between the two young sides, but no real threat to goal; however that didn&#39;t stop the Polonia keeper from berating his back-line after every Gornik attack. The person doing the most running though, wasn&#39;t even on the pitch. Every time the ball was cleared out of play, it seemed to go over one of the fences which sectioned off the building works; leaving the two poor young ball-boys to repeatedly run around the length of the pitch to retrieve it. Sometimes there was even a second ball smashed over the fences before the first had even been recovered. The poor kids must have been knackered.&lt;br /&gt;
  784. &lt;br /&gt;
  785. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC635a8-bcmbSNFukTkivUBUqjtF7A87GASjqFR6UpanqoOwY6g9nw5RVmPVj0knfWJ4CzVq5uzbKN7ts8fw3CczsJHiv7WpPACQs8RrGaT9Wm4esuQ0CczWYP2q-FIPmPamKpW5SH5mAM/s400/hubbers2.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  786. As the half-time whistle blew with the score still at nil-nil, it was time for refreshments. With the club shop closed on Sundays, we decided to wander behind the main stand in search for an elusive bottle of Pepsi (other soft drinks are also available). Once found, outside we stumbled to the sight of Aleksander Kwiek, Adam Marciniak and Michal Bemben - members of Gornik&#39;s first team - who had just returned from the previous day&#39;s game in Warsaw. With photographs saved onto the phone, we headed into the covered section of the main stand just before the second period.&lt;br /&gt;
  787. &lt;br /&gt;
  788. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOfgkx0sY7NXNsPtzuB1E6GyusuK_LYmGKmmhLPN9hQGT5EYJ8elAUIuI6JIvWFmPrwEMqWlA2wpi6Gc6wIUekSL_hRmhX9OBeL4kwvDRrY-R_QECsqh3yI3601oX98d3xi2YIGcCy3WY/s400/hubbers3.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  789. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&quot;Aleksander! Photograph? Angielsko? Nie?! Dziękuje!&quot;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  790. The second half picked up at an extreme pace, with 18-year old striker Szymon Sobczak grabbing two goals for Gornik in the first 10 minutes. Mateusz Michalski did manage to grab a consolation for the visitors with 10 minutes left on the clock; and as the referee blew the final whistle, we got our final glimpses of the Ernesta Pohla in its current state before spilling out into Ulica Roosvelta to hunt down a taxi to Zabrze station.&lt;br /&gt;
  791. &lt;br /&gt;
  792. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrg502G-Uh-NQtN4mSMko8xPSL0haeu8M5AvZn_hJHWHjAzWa_jSgjvF7zUs3lW3aAR-4vGlkE5pbMUu2lT94xzp-4IoXDaUPuIFYFa5VQQT1xfjCKtD4DRVtrlDjyIFVNuCXcTORj7tdO/s400/hubbers4.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  793. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Big Trouble in Little Chorzow&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  794. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Ruch Chorzow 0-1 Legia Warszawa&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Polish Ekstraklasa&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  795. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;182&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6UQTu5apqB5oS99fp4sqpZ1yLcX3TQ9baaK_VvRsHEoQqcyMacne0EK4u2SO2zZzoTVGhKNEMv7TaE54KddhO_zI_2RV20QXJqWGoU2ZIFsHaBAUUk5dQJ8BlfPCg0QER05MRWdH01ti/s400/hubbers5.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  796. &quot;Trzy bilety do Chorzow Batory, proszę.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  797. &lt;br /&gt;
  798. &quot;Dziękuje.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  799. &lt;br /&gt;
  800. Zabrze train station isn&#39;t the biggest or the best, but it got us to the neighbouring city of Chorzow with no real fuss. Arriving at Chorzow Batory station around 35 minutes before kick-off, and the streets were full of supporters wearing their Niebiescy (blue) scarves and shirts; making the five-minute walk to the Stadion Ruchu.&lt;br /&gt;
  801. &lt;br /&gt;
  802. I know a little about the rivalries in Polish football; but if you are unaware, don&#39;t fret. Just take a look at this excerpt from the as-yet-unwritten &quot;Modern Football&#39;s Guide to Polish Club Rivalries&quot;.&lt;br /&gt;
  803. &lt;blockquote class=&quot;tr_bq&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&quot;Piast Gliwice and Ruch Chorzow aren&#39;t exactly the best of friends, although both have a shared dislike for Gornik Zabrze. Gornik meanwhile, have a friendship with GKS Katowice. This in turn means that GKS supporters have a rivalry with Piast and Ruch. However if this is confusing, do not worry; in this part of Poland, all clubs equally hate Legia Warszawa.&quot;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;Now as you can imagine, the fans were definitely going to be fired up for this one.&lt;br /&gt;
  804. &lt;br /&gt;
  805. Inside the ground, we were quick to purchase our official club scarves - not wanting to look like an outsider in a crowd of around 10,000 Ruch fans already in full voice before taking our positions in Sektor 9, directly behind the goal.&lt;br /&gt;
  806. &lt;br /&gt;
  807. With the sun starting to droop slowly towards the horizon of communist tower blocks, the bitter cold quickly began to kick in. The Ultras section to our right started to become very animated, but whether this was in support of their team or simply to keep warm, I couldn&#39;t possibly tell you. Maybe it was both.&lt;br /&gt;
  808. &lt;br /&gt;
  809. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIXAWmb95BHOKza5HViH4il8Tk-DzzD0JH0TCexWdLjsP27315w05qGnOgUwp7E5EzYn9r0GHDxEIUJaP05keZO97qmJjNyoMy-fombDXpDOLKOc4IvXv7el00DGvHhLEE3mO4gXXbjxC/s400/hubbers6.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  810. The fans from Warsaw - across the other side of the stadium to us - began to make their voices heard, with their chants of &quot;Legia, Legia&quot; playing as a soundtrack to their mad attempts of running from one side of the stand to another. They clearly aren&#39;t as big on health and safety in Central Europe as we are in England. They certainly aren&#39;t as fussy about allowing flagpoles into the stands as we are either, as the Ruch fans proved with their fantastic efforts towards the end of the first half.&lt;br /&gt;
  811. &lt;br /&gt;
  812. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhittwehKXILbPBGYb15sjmCgaTezjmTqj8VnvLpFD1gM8EjTJ3PcgWoknHffabyW0XXlGg3sHVKzQVU2tdjxE7ec3GkLIEJFkBW6Kg-FYo32-xyfQTR2aCBGsY9Dxeuk8NQwVFntq-kAJY/s400/hubbers7.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  813. Unfortunately for the home supporters, their displays more-or-less coincided with their team going one-nil down on the stroke of half-time. Good work down the left-hand side from Michal Zyro allowed time for a cross, and slack marking from the Ruch defence gave Daniel Ljuboja space to place his header into the bottom corner.&lt;br /&gt;
  814. &lt;br /&gt;
  815. The second half saw both sides with chances to score; Legia hitting the post from 25 yards, and Ruch squandering numerous chances to level. And with the injury time board lifted, we headed to watch the last few minutes from the top of the stand allowing for a quick exit towards the tram stop. Despite the Niebiescy supporters willing their side on, Ruch&#39;s day was summed up with practically the last action of the game. A corner kick was drifted in, and with a straight line-of-sight towards goal, the advancing Ruch player swung his foot - only to completely miss the ball.&lt;br /&gt;
  816. &lt;br /&gt;
  817. After waiting 15 minutes for the number 7 tram to arrive, along with several Ruch fans we made our way onto our carriage back to Katowice. After stopping to allow the Legia supporters buses past, our tram was hijacked by around 100 Ruch fanatics - intent on causing a little trouble. Singing songs about their conquerors Legia (which I can&#39;t possibly repeat on a family-friendly site such as EFW), drinking some cheap-looking Polish lager and destroying the vehicle in the process. It was only when the tram was surrounded by around 40 armed police, who then proceeded to drag the troublemakers into the Chorzow streets, was the tram finally allowed to continue its journey.&lt;br /&gt;
  818. &lt;br /&gt;
  819. Back in Katowice, some of our remaining zlotys were spent on pizza, fries and 3 pints of Tyskie (all for less than a tenner); before heading to the Sky Bar, to reflect on our Polish Football Weekend with a view over Gorny Sląsk from 27 floors up.&lt;br /&gt;
  820. &lt;br /&gt;
  821. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhvdKxUdC-MGBKWQhGaDZhyphenhyphenjAhpVZNEaG8MBMAm1QkKeg542FREGaZhXgy0W9Ei9vw1LFJ4SVTh1LpSe7xqMO99_wGqq__690-GMzFp_bAUoyMvEodo7BirXWLd_PKgdzVpcA0S89qLPu/s400/hubbers8.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  822. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;Dziękuje Polska, i&#39;m sure we&#39;ll see you again soon.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  823. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Follow &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/Ryan_Hubbard&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Ryan Hubbard&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  824. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Ryan is the Editor of &lt;a href=&quot;http://ryanahubbard.wordpress.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Modern Football&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://losrevolucionarios.wordpress.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Los Revolucionarios&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/5336923128760016729/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=5336923128760016729' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/5336923128760016729'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/5336923128760016729'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/gornik-zabrze-me-v-polonia-warszawa-me.html' title='Gornik Zabrze ME v Polonia Warszawa ME &amp; Ruch Chorzow v Legia Warszawa'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9d4gmEpgWoUbAhy6CR0zElVTy0TwxM_AdNxFF13k80qGdRDoeqqce4bDaF9JGBJ6SE9lmgEyL4lzsFXwKPLcBfxcss5d2PR4u92N6cD-jBBJIiB84hKBsFZidLT3jYY6yJuOozDNYNi8j/s72-c/hubbers1.PNG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-519975752055606635</id><published>2011-11-01T11:01:00.000+00:00</published><updated>2011-11-01T11:01:59.984+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Katowice"/><title type='text'>Wisla Krakow v Jagiellonia Bialystok</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: -webkit-auto;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd55gdTlm_Zrwu5qFaUsze9cSiom4zXRmlUGaFvvn6PqCPhNF_BeHhKye9VTFk8RNHHLdoJf_FDVELMMfT-Wr1Rf9c15udHtGHKFxTm8Q0dzZS15fKEQMslaQL-twpv8w9PEMb3XHMz8ro/s1600/polska4.PNG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;127&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd55gdTlm_Zrwu5qFaUsze9cSiom4zXRmlUGaFvvn6PqCPhNF_BeHhKye9VTFk8RNHHLdoJf_FDVELMMfT-Wr1Rf9c15udHtGHKFxTm8Q0dzZS15fKEQMslaQL-twpv8w9PEMb3XHMz8ro/s400/polska4.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  825. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Cool for Katowice&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  826. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;All aboard Ryan Hubbard&#39;s Polish Football Express. Fasten up as Hubbard takes us to Wisla Krakow via a whole host of other Polish football grounds on the ultimate Polish EFW....&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  827. &lt;br /&gt;
  828. When choosing the destination for my first ever European Football Weekend, the decision-making process lasted for all of around 4 seconds.&lt;br /&gt;
  829. &lt;br /&gt;
  830. &quot;Lads, how about a jaunt to Poland this October? A handful of games, even more stadia and ridiculously cheap beers?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  831. &lt;br /&gt;
  832. &quot;No problem Ryan!&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  833. &lt;br /&gt;
  834. &quot;Good. Then we&#39;re off to Katowice!&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  835. &lt;br /&gt;
  836. Katowice is in the south of the country, not too far from the border with the Czech Republic. The city is the capital of the Upper Silesian Metropolitan area (Gorny Sląsk) - Poland&#39;s equivalent of Manchester and its surrounding towns. And with six clubs in the top two-flights within a 30-minute train ride, and the city of Krakow just over an hour away by bus, the chances are it was a great place to get a couple of games in.&lt;br /&gt;
  837. &lt;br /&gt;
  838. Within a couple of hours in the country, Gareth, Bridgie (my fellow EFWers) and myself had our first stadium already tucked under the belt. A trip on the tram and a £3 taxi ride brought us outside of the Stadion Ruchu, home of 14-time champions of Poland Ruch Chorzow, to pick up fan-cards and tickets for their game on Sunday.&lt;br /&gt;
  839. &lt;br /&gt;
  840. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCSS9dByjOmrP1QRTuAieEiLt8BO2vVPWbIT5IBO3EX14mLlwhjFFhAZ0slLdMHuOGNLrdbW8vEmpJONQYjZbLCtSxZV7f0gS_c5j386vr9tL7MPeN0usv6sNeAXIu51gaLemNQOjFMLi/s1600/poland1.PNG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCSS9dByjOmrP1QRTuAieEiLt8BO2vVPWbIT5IBO3EX14mLlwhjFFhAZ0slLdMHuOGNLrdbW8vEmpJONQYjZbLCtSxZV7f0gS_c5j386vr9tL7MPeN0usv6sNeAXIu51gaLemNQOjFMLi/s400/poland1.PNG&quot; width=&quot;295&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  841. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Tall, thin and blue Central European floodlight photo? Tick!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  842. Fan cards are now a requirement in Poland for Ekstraklasa games. In a clampdown on hooliganism ahead of the Euro 2012 competition next summer, fans are now required to register their details with the club in order to buy tickets. When the supporter arrives at the stadium, they are then required to scan their cards to gain entry.&lt;br /&gt;
  843. &lt;br /&gt;
  844. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmlKALTkYZxLBk4lV95dQiax8u2zQWOyHIK6Ur-hpJ6LdkUPBuGQJp-SSAlDU8HMtHnOj7u3ABMIBG4nxNclXvhGjFjdb0sx-5Ea3gUxYFfv6dNTsoYiqe6vsf3PEp6UoILNHp0_2cfQ7/s400/polska1.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  845. After leaving with our 5 Zloty ID cards and 25 Zloty tickets (a total of six quid for a top-flight game), a trip back to Katowice and their German-themed &#39;Bierhalle&#39; restaurant for a couple of litres of beer and pretzel (at £3 a time) saw out the rest of the evening.&lt;br /&gt;
  846. &lt;br /&gt;
  847. With no games on the agenda for Friday, sightseeing was the order of the day. An early start was required for a sobering trip to the nearby former Nazi Concentration Camp of Auschwitz, before heading back to Gorny Sląsk to visit two more of the local stadia.&lt;br /&gt;
  848. &lt;br /&gt;
  849. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQtcz7LOowsWPJluhjtgYbGWHBlv61MA1GJL2O8__Y-RnvTpCGMT0cXsZgKYCiUDwzwzhABE8QNdciVvu7qeun__omo_r2_dc8vHKFftCunvI2bnvJPs9FcZ_aHpRcLUIIVVCAceClqpS/s400/polska2.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  850. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Stadion GKS Katowice&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  851. With time pressing on and darkness closing in, it was decided that &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.gieksa.pl/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;GKS Katowice&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; should be the first of the day&#39;s two grounds as the club shop closed at 5pm and everyone was keen to grab some souvenirs. After grabbing a yellow-and-black home shirt for myself, and a couple of green away jerseys for Gareth and Bridgie (as well as free GKS Katowice pens thrown in for good measure), a 30-minute walk through the Silesian Culture and Recreation Park brought us to the former home of the national team, the &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.stadionslaski.pl/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Stadion Sląski&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
  852. &lt;br /&gt;
  853. Before its redevelopment, the Sląski held over 50 Polish International games as well as numerous cup finals and European club games. During Manchester United&#39;s 1968 European Cup win, the Stadium hosted the Red Devils&#39; Quarter Final with Gornik Zabrze. Over 90,000 crammed into the Sląski to see a Wlodzimierz Lubanski goal inflict Matt Busby&#39;s only defeat on the way to lifting the trophy.&lt;br /&gt;
  854. &lt;br /&gt;
  855. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBqGo2vsueq_om8oVzeDNzy4wKeQIbHShIzaMgnMJSdkeSVq8HqGSbaroc33aJG9jEcm8vS8qqCx8jGXvmXUUmTYdjtjGkB7C4xjbXY_g_xcKBX6F89eFNbC7oGiW9gvUmFbKahSnmZDf/s400/polska3.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  856. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Stadion Śląski&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  857. Now halfway through its redevelopment, the Sląski is already looking like an impressive structure. And if it wasn&#39;t for the late start of construction and the following numerous delays, there is no doubt it would have made an excellent Euro 2012 stadium. But even now, the mooted completion time of April looks unlikely. With the area still looking like a massive building site and the harsh Central European winter closing in, it looks like it&#39;ll be ready in the summer at the earliest. After pondering the stadium&#39;s purpose following the building of the new Narodowy Stadion in Warsaw, we headed back to sup a few jars of Tyskie and watch the Podbeskidzie - Cracovia game on TV; before calling it an early(ish) night.&lt;br /&gt;
  858. &lt;br /&gt;
  859. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Crack On, Krakow&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  860. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Wisla Krakow 3-1 Jagiellonia Bialystok (15:10:2011)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  861. Waking up at 7:30 to catch a bus to take a 70km bus ride is something that doesn&#39;t usually fill me with excitement. But when the destination is Krakow, and the reason for travelling is to see some Polish Ekstraklasa football, for some reason it makes it very easy.&lt;br /&gt;
  862. &lt;br /&gt;
  863. Both of the top-flight clubs in Krakow, along with many other clubs in the country, have recently had massive stadium upgrades. Cracovia have redeveloped their decrepit old ground with a modern 16,000 seater which manages to put many Premier League grounds to shame; whilst the city&#39;s bigger club Wisla (although it&#39;s probably best not to say that out loud when walking through Rynek Glowny), have also rebuilt their home in the past few years. The Henryk Reyman Stadion has gotten rid of the old grass banks, and is now a stadium fit to host European football - and actually did, when Wisla played Fulham just 5 days later. And it was Wisla&#39;s home which was to be our first stop of the day, where we were to pick up our fan cards and tickets for that evening&#39;s game.&lt;br /&gt;
  864. &lt;br /&gt;
  865. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;198&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcXFfQPLUQx78SVgs05pQp8a1c_Ynl5Vdz9qTR9c6FXA5nkqG5-fM83lEJyZUP5QJ3QwD3sJxmWNc_3E-GGLWeMimnCGF_ozyUc7sRqM0xvCkKZ53E0u5neFKrCb9Y5G1-4B5C_Dwr9ZK/s400/polska5.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  866. After parting with 25 Zloty for the match ticket, and 10 Zloty for the ID Card (£5 and £2 respectively), we were soon on our way across the city&#39;s Park Blonia to visit the second stadium of the day - the Stadion Cracovii, home of Wisla&#39;s arch-rivals Cracovia. And with a bar inside which looks out into the stadium, it would have been very rude of us not to take a goosey around.&lt;br /&gt;
  867. &lt;br /&gt;
  868. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;126&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54pSp9IRzD19hKaJfaAW8SUcWaCL17T2HeviogeiDQAKypghJMfxuJP-MpMy20ZZXmUed2yn5ojABHHPS4abrDjWTT5bgXQT033KLphUXNwSBJGiI9WodQeAH8jZ8F27n8DRGu9dCrpBS/s400/polska6.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  869. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Stadion Cracovii&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  870. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcEON11q82GQcdHB8iXxMxXX6_3Rugxue30sPijVHVBrVVVYZzD3Q6xWO653hY0mdNmpQrD7xsG1oLtxQxwHiQVcV3tq_mHH7BP0qmUzjqZ1i1tAQ-MFcYy4mHOWms29FsalSwnTwcizG/s400/polska7.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  871. A bite to eat and a few beverages overlooking Pasy&#39;s pitch later, and it was off for a short sightseeing trip in Krakow. We took in Wawel Castle, the Market Square, Hard Rock Café, and the very turgid Liverpool versus Man United game in the company of some Scouse/Polish fans who only were able to repeatedly churn out the &quot;Steve Gerrard&quot; chant in broken English. But after the final whistle, it was finally time to head back to the Henryk Reyman for the Ekstraklasa action which we were all craving.&lt;br /&gt;
  872. &lt;br /&gt;
  873. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpl6KlgJF2YUkcCxpdhTUAZ35v6ez8lf6_2ppNYlyDfYoBiHlXUOZtUgbmvwiImZOQtzqKOjzrtBdFHCmnRgnPOLfxRMG_5dWYAkwrXtCEv8s8aqOZEWbQ6fyneSrpHdcn6p2ZQf_Ji5o/s400/polska8.PNG&quot; width=&quot;298&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  874. Jagiellonia Bialystok were the visitors to Poland&#39;s second city and, after scanning our ID Cards and having the obligatory searches conducted, we arrived into our seats in time for a minute&#39;s silence for a Jagiellonia supporter who had fallen from a train whilst making the 250-mile trip from near to the Belarussian border. As a result, only 20-or-so Jaga fans had made it in time for the start.&lt;br /&gt;
  875. &lt;br /&gt;
  876. When the game kicked off, it didn&#39;t take long for us to realise that earlier in the morning when we had asked the lovely young Polish lady in the ticket office for tickets &quot;Away from the Ultras&quot;, allowing us to observe them and take photographs; she had quite clearly misunderstood and placed us smack in the middle of the C-Sektor - where Wisla&#39;s most vocal and active supporters reside.&lt;br /&gt;
  877. &lt;br /&gt;
  878. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe allowfullscreen=&quot;&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/embed/-Q5nAlMxCF0?rel=0&quot; width=&quot;400&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  879. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Wisla&#39;s C-Sektor&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  880. Cue a first half filled with plenty of action in the North Stand, whilst the football on the pitch failed to match the intensity of the support. Whilst the Wisla ultras sang in support of their friends at Lechia Gdansk and Sląsk Wroclaw, Israeli striker Dudu Biton came closest to breaking the deadlock, somehow firing over the Jagiellonia bar from just a few yards.&lt;br /&gt;
  881. &lt;br /&gt;
  882. Obviously riled up by the quality of food available in the concourses at half-time (seriously Wisla, the wrap was soggy, the chicken bland - 2/10 at best), both sides came out of the blocks in the second half. And when 18-year old Jan Pawlowski slotted past Wisla keeper Sergei Pareiko, the Jagiellonia fans (who had swelled in size after the late arrival of the earlier mentioned train) were sent into raptures.&lt;br /&gt;
  883. &lt;br /&gt;
  884. Although the home support never stopped chanting, they were keen to show their disappointment in the Wisla performance by performing a stadium-wide &quot;Grecque&quot; (It&#39;s not a fecking &quot;Poznan&quot;!!!) turning their backs to the game for 30 seconds; before turning to face the action and continuing to pound up and down. The Wisla fans were eventually rewarded with 10 minutes left, when the ball hit Dudu Biton on the leg and looped into the air. Dutch defender Kew Jailens then proceeded to challenge the Jagiellonia keeper in mid-air (some would say unfairly; the rest are either blind or Wisla fans), and the ball somehow was bundled into the net. Protests all around from the Jaga players fell on deaf ears, and eventually resulted in a yellow card being dished out to one defender. But all the Wisla supporters cared about was that the goal stood. One-all, game on...&lt;br /&gt;
  885. &lt;br /&gt;
  886. Just seven minutes later, Lukasz Gargula&#39;s cross was met perfectly by the head of Andraz Kirm; and when the effort was saved superbly by Jagiellonia keeper Tomasz Ptak, Bulgarian substitute Tzvetan Genkov was on hand to rifle the ball into the net from 5 yards.&lt;br /&gt;
  887. &lt;br /&gt;
  888. Before the Wisla faithful had even finished celebrating Genkov&#39;s strike, Slovenian midfielder Kirm received the ball 40-odd yards from goal and proceeded to smash the ball past the helpless Jagiellonia defence and into the bottom corner.&lt;br /&gt;
  889. &lt;br /&gt;
  890. As the final whistle sounded in the Henryk Reyman Stadion, the crowds&#39; singing continued. Ringing out the club&#39;s &quot;anthem&quot;, the support patiently waited for the Wisla players to head in front of the C-Sektor before, at the top of their voices chanting &quot;Jazda, Jazda, Jazda&quot; (roughly translated as &quot;Go, go, go&quot;), to which the fans reply &quot;Biala Gwiazda&quot; (&quot;White Star&quot;). The sequence is then reversed, before the mad rush out of the ground begins.&lt;br /&gt;
  891. &lt;br /&gt;
  892. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe allowfullscreen=&quot;&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/embed/lBCLszf_29U?rel=0&quot; width=&quot;400&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  893. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Wisla fans singing with the Players&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  894. With the Wisla scarf now tucked safely out of sight, our long walk to catch the last bus to Katowice proved difficult. It wasn&#39;t until the return home until the bruises from the red plastic seats were noticed, but the experience was definitely worth it.&lt;br /&gt;
  895. &lt;br /&gt;
  896. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvfjTtr7e_qrV_CuU7VmES2qGgK5Bre320z0NvxslYG5QSwBlG9m1AmozZrVt0iwlg5ihg6yloYnI2_mKyNYS3JhTR4ff9w7bKKWrJznSzD1b78NG5h_RbKjm8mk893JqTSm8-49C23ds/s400/polska9.PNG&quot; width=&quot;298&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  897. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Sląski, Bloody Sląski&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  898. &quot;Trzy bilety do Gliwice proszę.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  899. &lt;br /&gt;
  900. &quot;Dziękuje.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  901. &lt;br /&gt;
  902. With the majority of my Polish knowledge exhausted at Katowice Train Station (well, the stuff that&#39;s repeatable on these pages anyway), we were soon on our way to Gliwice; birthplace of - among others you&#39;ve probably never heard of - Lukas Podolski, and home of I Liga club Piast. With a population of around 200,000 (maybe they had all buggered off when we popped in), the city is apparently twinned with Doncaster, although it doesn&#39;t seem to claim that out aloud.&lt;br /&gt;
  903. &lt;br /&gt;
  904. Over the past year-or-so, Piast have been waiting for their new 10,500-capacity stadium to be built; and now finished, the club will move in to it over the next few weeks.&lt;br /&gt;
  905. &lt;br /&gt;
  906. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPz6-TtR46ntqxpFSfMfcMFOeUyyJsElmqoL5I5YiNFf7MpXYnJPZXSks58VeL7mb3JPmdcwfWHBVECXa1KY8Y1sWXpdogfwKZPas07VCagEwNsQPgjA3d7srhH0Cpcseb7OukWqOsAaTW/s400/polska10.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  907. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Stadion Piast&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  908. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;296&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye4L22l46HvOpVPU1SgmctqmaqoZkwNE0p8rouBijgd3XtdCLrvHne5IyrHPNQYzidUDVWQyAkQiKci6kicACAKWlCIoFA2yA5qymdOex3Ioj8CXGd3rRV3wiM_PeuEkSOKPijTBLW4nV/s400/polska11.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  909. After a quick nosey around the exterior of the stadium (quick summary: it looks amazing considering it&#39;s made from Lego), we had half an hour to get to the neighbouring city of Zabrze in time for kick-off in our first game of the day. Our task was made even more difficult as we emerged onto the main road with no taxi in sight.&lt;br /&gt;
  910. &lt;br /&gt;
  911. After a ten minute walk, five minute bus-ride back into Gliwice city centre, and a further 15-minute and ?16 taxi ride later, we finally entered Gornik Zabrze&#39;s Stadion Ernesta Pohla, just as the referee blew the starting whistle....&lt;br /&gt;
  912. &lt;br /&gt;
  913. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: large;&quot;&gt;To be continued........&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  914. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Follow &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/Ryan_Hubbard&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Ryan Hubbard&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  915. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Ryan is the Editor of &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.ryan-hubbard.co.uk/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Modern Football&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://losrevolucionarios.wordpress.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Los Revolucionarios&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/519975752055606635/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=519975752055606635' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/519975752055606635'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/519975752055606635'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/11/wisla-krakow-v-jagiellonia-bialystok.html' title='Wisla Krakow v Jagiellonia Bialystok'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd55gdTlm_Zrwu5qFaUsze9cSiom4zXRmlUGaFvvn6PqCPhNF_BeHhKye9VTFk8RNHHLdoJf_FDVELMMfT-Wr1Rf9c15udHtGHKFxTm8Q0dzZS15fKEQMslaQL-twpv8w9PEMb3XHMz8ro/s72-c/polska4.PNG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-7641355233674747253</id><published>2011-10-31T11:48:00.000+00:00</published><updated>2011-10-31T11:48:45.268+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="EFW Oktoberfest"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="FC Viktoria Plzeň"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="FK Viktoria Zizkov"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in the Czech Republic"/><title type='text'>Viktoria Plzeň v Viktoria Zizkov</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5GXgrAwEVvFn_5lEsb4OrRvREv9pmTwQyh7hjMdcfKSLBer9mnUmeLlmtkdgfWet4ryeE34GHnYYcDvCH5yQasIRH1M03hVS9YSIl3bygsh34ssKEEVQYYfrKpPT-h-jKHG16YQIYcjw/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+224.JPG&quot; width=&quot;300&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  916. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Plzeň, Thrills and Bellyaches&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  917. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Viktoria Plzeň&amp;nbsp;4-1 Viktoria Zizkov (23:10:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  918. The last match of the 2011 EFW Oktoberfest and the chance to out with a bang. As we were based in Prague we could have opened our city maps and headed down Easy Street to Slavia Prague, but where is the thrill in that? Especially as Slavia&#39;s ground was sold to me as the Czech&amp;nbsp;equivalent&amp;nbsp;of Southampton&#39;s St Mary&#39;s Stadium. Yawn. The alternative was trip to Plzeň; a city known worldwide for its Pilsener beer and pronounced &#39;Pilsen&#39; which would just about justify a weak &lt;a href=&quot;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pills_&#39;n&#39;_Thrills_and_Bellyaches&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Happy Mondays&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; related headline for this piece. It wasn&#39;t such a hard decision.&lt;br /&gt;
  919. &lt;br /&gt;
  920. The passengers on the train that chugged south west - on what proved to be a four can journey - from the Czech capital to Plzeň&amp;nbsp;were in, and mostly full of, high spirits. A dozen or so Zizkov fans drunk their own body weight in bottles of lord knows what, and to pass the time on our behalf, &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/07/real-stoffers.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;King Stoffers&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; entertained the assembled troops with some traditional Bavarian folk songs which brought the house down, as usual. It was all too much for our entertainments manager and Royal Antwerp legend, Hans Bressinck, who dived for cover into a carriage full of jovial and welcoming German women. Our Viktoria Festival was already in full swing.&lt;br /&gt;
  921. &lt;br /&gt;
  922. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;301&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaCwFpRyT_bUIHoe3_Vo0d5TmGhMG3V0WFBhLblLrqEVK6dgizQ6yg3Ecq0L3Dwt5g4p8-rxHXziUhYG6CbGD4HJtE5qCek0_0JijjOzErK2ryAPJZANKY4LJHB1IKAgVdSQESHivfX1T/s400/train+views.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  923. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Views from the train: On the 90-minute ride from Praha to Plzeň the view was mostly young German women (from left, Iulia, Monika, Steffi and &quot;Wick&quot;). On the way back it was mostly the local paramilitary &quot;policie&quot; - there were a few running battles between the Plzeň and Žižkov ultras post-match. The girls were far more cheerful. Fun fact: Three of them are kindergarten nurses and &quot;Wick&quot; is a professional cow and pig inseminator. (That&#39;s a verbal warning. Ed)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  924. The local police didn&#39;t quite know what to make of it all. They were expecting the Zizkov fans, who were shepherded out of the station with a small escort for their own safety. But behind them were forty or so EFWers. I&#39;m banning black coats next year because despite the fact we loathe&amp;nbsp;hooliganism, we do look like an unruly mob, sometimes. Not to worry on this occasion. Our Czech speaking friend, Iain Thomson, put the police&#39;s minds at rest by whispering in their shell that we were all about beers and floodlights as opposed to pavement dancing. Bemused, they let us pass and march merrily on down the road to the pub.&lt;br /&gt;
  925. &lt;br /&gt;
  926. Situated just across the road from the Města Plzně Stadium is a sizable micro brewery. Instead of refusing us entry, the owners opened up an additional room upstairs to&amp;nbsp;accommodate&amp;nbsp;the EFW masses and served up frothing pints of Lotr beer to our table at twenty minute intervals. We have a resident beer expert on these trips in the form of Liverpool fan, Andy Walker. His verdict on this ale, uniquely brewed using boiling copper pans shoved into a tiled stove before being cooled in a 160 year old spray cooler and left to ferment in oak vats?&amp;nbsp;“It&#39;s alright”&amp;nbsp;he beamed.&lt;br /&gt;
  927. &lt;br /&gt;
  928. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;301&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTbtkodIuXWAmtWlzjr_2X6lyh9LWwbDcoyoR26sPNMEL4n8oC0M6fe_NEFkHXbPcaScOJdw8bEbrEfkL5iRKwe7xiqz_uEeIyvEswW460AGGmjGDWwyV77-l2y4NkQjxjjaon3k6Z_FQ/s400/stadion.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  929. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Getting horní: The exterior of the FC Viktoria Plzeň main stand; the only bit not in the process of being rebuilt. Inset left, there is &quot;Horní&quot; section especially for Hans Bressinck and to help this along there are even shexy gurlsh, although you have to buy a VIP ticket to meet them.&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  930. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvsfKxxftiL3hABB4YQrcVWnWCaF_30e9uRNO6KMyyXJ0cQCY1P7pcc7T3DF3URyJkHqDU6Ml0mD122_fRIMpO_A1XS6SwPlTwZwl-Ll7_rk25yckW2VwTVWY1WtydqkUhr4ghFX1q5Az/s400/food.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  931. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Fill yer face: Top, the &quot;Spiraly&quot; stand - it&#39;s like flatty but more spiral-shaped. (Written warning. Ed.) Bottom, a big, spicy sausage with a slice of bread and lots and lots of mustard is also available. Fun fact: The word &quot;Pilsner&quot;, as in beer, is derived from Plzeň.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  932. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;After parting with £5 for match tickets (easily the most expensive of the weekend, but then these chaps are Champions League material) we spent probably a bit too long marvelling at world&#39;s tallest floodlight which, tragically, is about to be&amp;nbsp;unceremoniously&amp;nbsp;hauled down and shipped to a floodlight graveyard. It&#39;s akin to a LUXury version of the Blackpool Tower. There &lt;i&gt;were&lt;/i&gt; more than one, but they&#39;re being dumped in favour of some sad looking toothpicks. It&#39;s all part of of the rebuilding of the ground which is being done to meet the demands of UEFA suits. No team competing in UEFA competitions are allowed to play in a football ground with any character, and so this place is being standardised to look like every other ground in Europe. Boo. Hiss.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  933. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I purchased no items from the club shop. Why? Because everything they had came in the colours of Crystal Palace. If I hadn&#39;t been so childish, my preferred items would have been the Viktoria&amp;nbsp;Plzeň mens trouser braces (mens trouser braces!) and a box of cigars in a club presentation box. Smoking.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  934. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The first half was a turgid affair. Four days earlier,&amp;nbsp;Plzeň had been lording it up in the Champions League group stages in front of 87,000 in the Camp Nou. Here, in front of two empty stands, and with no Lionel Messi to show off in front of, it must have felt like a huge come down. And it showed. Not to fear though because we had the worlds best mobile scoreboard to entertain us...&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  935. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;297&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWRGPdYnxa14DvgF8VNukY2MtStoSa3jZi-oTF-2cE32SWKN3riEOGiRl_UOmCTVQ05cCD9VkvABJIp-3c8SSdA0mBljGtILrEroYwGkEEAi-X3C3muLos4AtQYCA2UIVSkfjzgwzXOVL/s400/score+truck.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  936. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #990000;&quot;&gt;Left blank for your scoreboard: No jumbotron yet but they have got a truck with a scoreboard on it. Turned out the truck was double-sided, the back often being viewed by as many as two people. Fun fact: Because they aren&#39;t quite up to spec yet, Plzeň must play their Champions&#39; League games at the Stadion Eden/Synot Tip Arena in Prague.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  937. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;301&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR7Ug_vedalMZpJnmCwL3JEonfkLMJpLr2OHUk1QJqKVHhRS86l1Rppq0U3MKZflwQTUhNiO7TSehE-t3Avoyg_t_f3xEy76YJQF69R7AtOFTuS7p6LIbWFr4Zx4tiAX7MOSA1Sesi6T9/s400/stairs+flood.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  938. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Stairmasters: Fans risk exposure to reach the upper tiers. Right, the token match shot showing the lack of seating in the new stands.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  939. &lt;/div&gt;Stand back from the edge of platform 2 - football cliché fast approaching: this was a game of two halves. The second half raced by quicker than a human eye. Suddenly, Plzeň had style, a groovy style, and a midfield trio that just wouldn&#39;t stop. Goals rained down like &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=argentina+1978+confetti&amp;amp;hl=en&amp;amp;sa=X&amp;amp;rlz=1C1DSGK_enGB383GB383&amp;amp;biw=944&amp;amp;bih=908&amp;amp;tbm=isch&amp;amp;prmd=imvns&amp;amp;tbnid=O-SjtuR5NbZInM:&amp;amp;imgrefurl=http://footballtragic.blogspot.com/2009/12/1978-all-that.html&amp;amp;docid=pvVFdUb4_UxZNM&amp;amp;imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6141quJbLP9Y1C4Gm84O4GQS9lbeKCiZy6qu6ePXavGcyswglMkGNDmdPbupAGtWjq1aV44oeKvwGCxmKfWewKpjm6pQCWgEEJwRFSwwMgEQGC-XjpBjBRQEt31obKDr02Si-80a9SLd/s400/Argentina%252B1978.jpg&amp;amp;w=400&amp;amp;h=261&amp;amp;ei=3YGuTvu1MdHssgaphYDPDw&amp;amp;zoom=1&amp;amp;iact=rc&amp;amp;dur=466&amp;amp;sig=104762332696510245709&amp;amp;page=1&amp;amp;tbnh=124&amp;amp;tbnw=190&amp;amp;start=0&amp;amp;ndsp=23&amp;amp;ved=1t:429,r:16,s:0&amp;amp;tx=89&amp;amp;ty=51&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Argentina &#39;78 confetti&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. Four for the home team, not including their three (three!) disallowed goals and, in return, all Zizkov could offer was a solitary consolation effort which did produce some comedy gold when, in a health and safety nightmare, their fans came steaming down their terrace before launching themselves into the 12 foot netting preventing them from launching missiles onto the pitch. Priceless.&lt;br /&gt;
  940. &lt;br /&gt;
  941. Bobble hats off to the&amp;nbsp;Plzeň ultras. On paper &#39;La la, la la la la laaaa, Vik-tor-iaaa&#39; doesn&#39;t sound like the most inspiring terrace ditty. But in the top right hand corner of the main stand the&amp;nbsp;choreographic display that accompanied the song was one of the best I&#39;d ever seen. They split into two groups; dancing one way and then that, up, tiddly, up, up and then down, tiddly, down, down; throwing scarves aloft, pulling their trousers braces.... it went on for an age. Full ultra points to them. Turns out they have lessons every Tuesday night across the road in the brewery*. *Might not actually be true.&lt;br /&gt;
  942. &lt;br /&gt;
  943. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;img height=&quot;262&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNQSA-jdNVC7LluFYXJkiOdS2MNxlHPk4euE49JbDuKM7ZH_nVa-fOZkwJO1HrGo7ElxxD-BLxafN1wc_oL2k-DGO423wrEyIBRY2ypC4aeopiwbyVrn8ul0EflF_aeGu3vTH3mlc_RVU/s400/watch.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  944. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Suitably Kafka-esque: A belching chimney and a sinister watchtower loom over the stadion. Fun fact: It&#39;s actually a former water tower dating from 1532.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  945. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;292&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYCOGir2l5Fmvjc33HEXLOgcz1-RyLV-PTHo389r2MfV5DJNSCouhia1VdsKc5KTgiau0i7pDb9Hu__7ZHwQgCTuRhUewRY3886V6dgtERbi9d7uqoKbghAzA6POXdUwU7b78cuQ6Uq5n/s400/flag.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  946. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Worth a flutter: The game continues beneath a lovely Crystal Palace flag (You&#39;re fired. Ed.)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  947. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAP1BcQWy0EFo506CeEZw6bfygPJKCusGNJvOWkhdSaimPQathJ4HTcSX_Nw-B8Kh7Nk-qPhMCgMSh43miBeA6pB1yA9wfareqWerQXLFmm4cChC_jqaBYpnllLbeHfsYQb7_nKXC7v0Hl/s400/ultras.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  948. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Worth a shout: Top, the cappo di tutti cappi marshals the happy Plzeň ultras. Bottom, the famous Plzeň Flag Man, together with his, er, flag. (I&#39;m calling security. Ed.)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  949. After, ahem, the thought of joyriding the scoreboard across the lush turf has passed. We opted for the safer option of a mini EFW pitch invasion for kicks before returning to another micro brewery, closer to the station, connected to a brewery museum. My favourite exhibits were the pints of beer which, again, kept on arriving at our table in return for £1.20. Dreamy. So that was the 2011 EFW Oktoberfest: 45 people, 7 games, 31 goals, beers and giggles shared over four days with English, Scots, Czechs, Slovakians, Polish, Belgians, An Israeli,&amp;nbsp;Norwegians and Germans. That&#39;s what EFW is all about. This is what we stand for and I love it.&lt;br /&gt;
  950. &lt;br /&gt;
  951. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Follow &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  952. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;There&#39;s two photo montages from this trip set to the music of &lt;a href=&quot;http://animoto.com/play/yti3GrHyLIadlQwQ61ujSA&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Arcade Fire&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;amp;v=Tzvy4v_F6BM&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Stone Roses&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  953. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Thanks to Mills for his photographic skills, Thomson for his unrivaled logistical prowess, Stoffl and Fuller for everything and to each and everyone of you who pitched up along the way to make this trip a huge success.&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/7641355233674747253/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=7641355233674747253' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/7641355233674747253'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/7641355233674747253'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/10/viktoria-plzen-v-viktoria-zizkov.html' title='Viktoria Plzeň v Viktoria Zizkov'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5GXgrAwEVvFn_5lEsb4OrRvREv9pmTwQyh7hjMdcfKSLBer9mnUmeLlmtkdgfWet4ryeE34GHnYYcDvCH5yQasIRH1M03hVS9YSIl3bygsh34ssKEEVQYYfrKpPT-h-jKHG16YQIYcjw/s72-c/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+224.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-7761121635648788437</id><published>2011-10-30T11:01:00.001+00:00</published><updated>2011-10-31T08:56:40.222+00:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="EFW Oktoberfest"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in the Czech Republic"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Loko Vlavin"/><title type='text'>Loko Vltavin v FK OEZ Letohrad</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlz1K_fO-Sm5GBgcGRPHAHVJQQB3bfyVKPPB3gfTYMUHRRBLQx1tmh_sKVXacYs2fL9q_JLKgTbT3SdUlZWdrEMCM9rDlZtxHBNbqPoeXx1FZGY63hB-hT5dUJx2gAqCp4bU7otuPIMNcn/s1600/Picture+0.5.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlz1K_fO-Sm5GBgcGRPHAHVJQQB3bfyVKPPB3gfTYMUHRRBLQx1tmh_sKVXacYs2fL9q_JLKgTbT3SdUlZWdrEMCM9rDlZtxHBNbqPoeXx1FZGY63hB-hT5dUJx2gAqCp4bU7otuPIMNcn/s400/Picture+0.5.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  954. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;The Hedge of Glory&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  955. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Loko Vltavin 3-1 FK OEZ Letohrad (22:10:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  956. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;There&#39;s only one person European Football Weekends could commission to pen a report about a stadium famous for it&#39;s hedge. Please give it up for 2011 Sports Personality of the Year, &lt;a href=&quot;http://adventuresintinpot.blogspot.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Adventures in Tinpot&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&#39;s Kenny Legg....&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  957. &lt;br /&gt;
  958. After yesterday&#39;s brush with the &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/10/slovan-liberec-v-fc-banik-ostrava.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Slovan Death Boys&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;the EFW fun bus rolled onwards to &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/10/sparta-praha-b-v-zbrojovka-brno.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Sparta Praha B v Zbrojovka Brno&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. Stuff that, Spencer and I revved up the &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=motorbike+and+sidecar&amp;amp;um=1&amp;amp;hl=en&amp;amp;client=firefox-a&amp;amp;sa=N&amp;amp;rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&amp;amp;biw=1366&amp;amp;bih=587&amp;amp;tbm=isch&amp;amp;tbnid=oS04Aq8FUSNmCM:&amp;amp;imgrefurl=http://blog.motorcycle.com/2008/11/05/lifestyle/finally-a-gun-rack-for-your-motorcycle/&amp;amp;docid=ojnuNON_-qVU1M&amp;amp;imgurl=http://blog.motorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/cow-sidecar.jpg&amp;amp;w=315&amp;amp;h=298&amp;amp;ei=60asTsSfNdTo8QP6w_TACw&amp;amp;zoom=1&amp;amp;iact=hc&amp;amp;vpx=165&amp;amp;vpy=154&amp;amp;dur=419&amp;amp;hovh=218&amp;amp;hovw=231&amp;amp;tx=129&amp;amp;ty=96&amp;amp;sig=116106323075982571982&amp;amp;page=2&amp;amp;tbnh=115&amp;amp;tbnw=120&amp;amp;start=21&amp;amp;ndsp=22&amp;amp;ved=1t:429,r:0,s:21&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;EFW motorbike and sidecar&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, put on our goggles and sped off to the arse end of Prague to watch the Bohemian League match between &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.lokovltavin.cz/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Loko Vltavín&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;and &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.fk.oez.cz/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;FK OEZ Letohrad&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;just because the Stadion na Plynárně has a hedge in along the side of the pitch. Come to see the hedge, you&#39;ve only come to see the hedge! Yes, yes we have.&lt;br /&gt;
  959. &lt;br /&gt;
  960. I dusted off the &lt;a href=&quot;http://adventuresintinpot.blogspot.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;AiT&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; I-Spy book of Eastern European football clichés and ticked off &#39;massive tower block looming over ground&#39; (10 points) and &#39;big rusty sign of former team name&#39; (15 points) before I&#39;d even seen the hedge. Once inside I rapidly ticked off &#39;tremendous mullet&#39; (5 points), &#39;dog in ground&#39; (5 points) and &#39;small bunch of ultras with big flag&#39; (15 points) as well as earning myself a special spotters badge for actually getting a wave of the big flag. Woof! The home Ultras, or the &#39;Lokada Inseminators&#39; to give their self appointed odd name, had their banners up early, the beers ordered well before kick off and even had time for a pre game on pitch kick about. *doffs AiT Russian style hat*&lt;br /&gt;
  961. &lt;br /&gt;
  962. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7RoAzYYsu4MpF9bWBNRVaZkDJxCVzFKK8NyoTe_sTTYFEHDVlBVku2C3fLs_R9nLC5ENDQaeJFgj4LoycZ8ijvXkw79vVROTGuASUT2tfjinFlpBkGrurnNtQFMSMQirEy73LNAv3AI-/s400/Photo+1.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  963. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Rusty sign with textbook eastern European club name – tick.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  964. The hedge. Ah the hedge. *sighs wistfully* What a beautifully trimmed, healthy and dense thing of tinpot beauty you are. How you compliment the main stand with your simple, yet magnificent, topiarian ways. Just when you think you&#39;ve seen it all, boom, a ground with a hedge in it. Take that St Albans with your pathetic tree. (RIP)&lt;br /&gt;
  965. &lt;br /&gt;
  966. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlZV2NX1NDhmToJffAlv6oceNMqAfg9ksIPBAxFJFcKaX1QJ4ByxhFHwJFU7vb4ELo7dtTgWK6J3JfafUis0WJlcBle188cRYvWZNqDQ9PyFR2JB37viGDRjoZ_o2X7BWPh-GNBVjbBq9/s400/Picture+3.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  967. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Please keep off the hedge.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  968. Look at that picture. Look how happy I am with that textbook example of, if I&#39;m not wrong, a European Beech hedge. But it&#39;s not just that the hedge that&#39;s given me that odd smile and the stare of a mentalist, the choice of a bit of early 2000 skate punk in the form of Sum 41, The Offspring and then &#39;Eye of the Tiger&#39; playing in the background has made me deliriously happy....that, and I was probably still a bit pissed at that time in the morning.&lt;br /&gt;
  969. &lt;br /&gt;
  970. The teams came out and were greeted by the site of a bit of flag waving, a man airing his duvet on his tower block balcony overlooking the ground, an Englishman inappropriately fondling a hedge and a huge pink skull (&lt;a href=&quot;http://img1.tvloop.com/img/showpics/e9/b9/l34cd6fe70000_1_4632.jpg&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;almost Tony Harrison from the Mighty Boosh esque&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;) rotating on the roof of a nearby tower block. We weren&#39;t the only ones to spot it, in fact you could say the large pink rotating skull turned a few heads. (Sorry) The managers, one resplendent in classic eastern European fake leather jacket, take their place in eastern Europeans largest technical areas, the Vltavin physio pulls his Sparta Prague hat tight round his head and the away subs cosey up under a leopard print rug and it&#39;s game on!&lt;br /&gt;
  971. &lt;br /&gt;
  972. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoboKmPPUBNIk2q8iSGZX9phqVJU8hos7Mr_SAeDVJiYSgtnGbtbE-u5jxiwY_kP8sAETRPzmk6a-5VpeKW3l5ig5mQzk4OqQHRGSxBzOu__xfZwCHO3YcX3X7ZNABbbDn8q2bOch6mt49/s400/Photo+2.jpg&quot; width=&quot;326&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  973. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Just what the bread dumplings is this all about?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  974. And it&#39;s game on straight away Geoff. Before you could say &#39;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlDJpnUhsXg&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Tea Martin&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&#39; &amp;nbsp;the tiny scoreboard confirms it&#39;s 1-1. Letohrad&#39;s equaliser after five minutes coming after the Vltavin keeper had pelted the ball into the pivo belly of the on rushing striker.&lt;br /&gt;
  975. &lt;br /&gt;
  976. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;176&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImuaPLNKAfgNcXqS2gUnii-uqUgCXwxJu1V9EEeCve1QtViHHY84YK1WGCzt_QJv8jd26tFIvGk2H3ahyoI0kDgahzJBOF61EuTecSYJvLhN6mI425i_HtKeSGmLYi0aNhITHX_dLS_lT/s400/Picture+4.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  977. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Token match shot.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  978. After thirty two minutes Vltavin take the lead again thanks to some pretty poor defending and increase their lead further on forty two minutes when a free kick bobbles in after it&#39;s completely missed by everyone. Or, as the Letohrad website, via Google translate, reports it “the fate of the match decided desetiminutovka stillborn between 32 and 42 minutou....home first shook a criminal kick from the boundary of a large lime”. Quite. &lt;br /&gt;
  979. &lt;br /&gt;
  980. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HXd8aa3MdZzptN0LfeBX8ssJHrmUWtCIiZdi93UePt-JOVok8jqt5PnKgXHGD79p1XzdG3ih9TkJaEZgB8d-6YHflacQrcSQGNBkWpqHqrEjn1FlFCVNwcMRkJ4KPyaMRoyQ09VmD1z3/s400/Picture+20339.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  981. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Wooly hat and shorts. That&#39;s not gonna keep you warm. Nice flag though Mr Inseminator.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  982. At half time everyone troops off to the clubhouse to escape the cold and for a pivo and/or grog and a cigarette. The fog is so thick you can only barely make out the AC Milan and Karel Poborsky (of course Karel Poborsky!) shirts on the nicotine soaked walls. If the hedge wasn&#39;t enough foliage based excitement for one day it got better. Outside the clubhouse a volleyball stadium is badly losing a battle against weeds, the sight of &amp;nbsp;this unexpected treat had the, by now three EFWers, salivating a little (a LOT). &amp;nbsp;An overgrown volleyball stadium. Mmmmm. Overgrown. Rusting umpires chairs, 45 degree angle floodlights slumped forward waiting for their chance to shine again and terraces tormented by cruel Mother Nature. Did I mention there were no women on this trip? Strange.&lt;br /&gt;
  983. &lt;br /&gt;
  984. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaNIOqips1cpQ6LVXOQKZovV_msJ6A52Jt9cvw7EF9fyi9A5xc_R8lZmZYxa6qBMn-EDAy4LzO8trfs7UM39C-QuyzC2gSpzI26wmZZooudEldU7wuNk_VaD5523O3uh5_cDxNzWwwX2p/s400/Picture+6.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  985. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;What have you done Mother Nature! Why!!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  986. The second half sees Vltavin continue to dominate with some slick passing football and they have further chances to score. Letohrad offer little in return and their one decent shot in the second half brings a great photo save from the keeper and the resulting corner leads to a shot that was so hopelessly wide it probably landed on the volleyball court. Mmmmm overgrown volleyball court.&lt;br /&gt;
  987. &lt;br /&gt;
  988. Vltavin have no trouble defending their lead and the victory is celebrated with Klinsmann dives in front of the Inseminators who shower the pitch with rolls of paper. The tiny scoreboard is removed, the duvet is retrieved from the balcony and we jump back into the motorbike and sidecar before the vegetation in this fertile part of Prague begins to subsume it. Next stop, Czech 9th division football!!&lt;br /&gt;
  989. &lt;br /&gt;
  990. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Hp7m06Eb7JHY8P_3ka_IxNKqR4F0UjvUTltcGhz2S5TF8vlV_0hCeXTejz9NdOvtkE5Um9U9CVJvgNDnz2hk4Z3HO02wegOaJtHIrGff0y9qMOgz8mK8mijTnriWMl92-brzKjuAb0nw/s400/Picture+5.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  991. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Tonight Matthew, I&#39;m going to be an Inseminator. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  992. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzViFh3MCM_s3qNOIxLgbc19zbwN93T_pHn8Xl_f75VRHD0IY_UM9KIkIOt3CaqdMZtTGfmpQAIQ8HmR63Oo9cLyE9QwUe4cwI0u2YRARKxUXZYE2_wIhs4kN9dRc_PjCfJXe5keduksMe/s400/Picture+7.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  993. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Get down from there Spencer, what have I told you about climbing on dugouts at Czech 3rd division grounds?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  994. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Follow Kenny Legg and European Football Weekends on Twitter&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  995. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;There&#39;s two photo montages from this trip set to the music of &lt;a href=&quot;http://animoto.com/play/yti3GrHyLIadlQwQ61ujSA&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Arcade Fire&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;amp;v=Tzvy4v_F6BM&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Stone Roses&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  996. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://adventuresintinpot.blogspot.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Kenny Legg is the Editor of &amp;nbsp;the 5 star rated Adventures in Tinpot.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  997. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  998. &lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/7761121635648788437/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=7761121635648788437' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/7761121635648788437'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/7761121635648788437'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/10/loko-vlavin-v-fk-oez-letohrad.html' title='Loko Vltavin v FK OEZ Letohrad'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlz1K_fO-Sm5GBgcGRPHAHVJQQB3bfyVKPPB3gfTYMUHRRBLQx1tmh_sKVXacYs2fL9q_JLKgTbT3SdUlZWdrEMCM9rDlZtxHBNbqPoeXx1FZGY63hB-hT5dUJx2gAqCp4bU7otuPIMNcn/s72-c/Picture+0.5.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-8616573885262037304</id><published>2011-10-29T11:56:00.001+01:00</published><updated>2011-10-29T12:03:12.550+01:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Dukla Prague"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="EFW Oktoberfest"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in the Czech Republic"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Half Man Half Biscuit"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Jablonec"/><title type='text'>Dukla Prague v Jablonec</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHGqMXSIkJgQpZygYMsnM3DWA3eDE1L-1W_vCiBJf_r9-dyCWH6z21Vp1kyv7s83RlE5YVVPCrZXN7dLEW65JpchKp3-s2YzvxLvkowZq0gUAiFuGMz6oTldsEGPFbvsKFPhop9BwDngz/s1600/dukla1.PNG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;301&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHGqMXSIkJgQpZygYMsnM3DWA3eDE1L-1W_vCiBJf_r9-dyCWH6z21Vp1kyv7s83RlE5YVVPCrZXN7dLEW65JpchKp3-s2YzvxLvkowZq0gUAiFuGMz6oTldsEGPFbvsKFPhop9BwDngz/s400/dukla1.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  999. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;The Best Things In Life&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1000. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Dukla Prague 1-3 Jablonec (22:10:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1001. So, things we learnt from watching football in Prague: Slavia Prague are the big boys but Sparta Prague are bigger. Bohemians 1905 are the cool guys - saved by fans who paid off a portion of the clubs debts - whereas FK Bohemians Praha are the&amp;nbsp;villains of the piece; buying out the logo and using the name&amp;nbsp;Bohemians&amp;nbsp;even though court cases and any rational logic and morals ruled against them doing so. But all that was small beer as far as I was concerned. The highlight of my trip was always going to be a trip to Dukla Prague.&lt;br /&gt;
  1002. &lt;br /&gt;
  1003. Dukla Prague&amp;nbsp;&lt;strike&gt;seeped&lt;/strike&gt;&amp;nbsp;came crashing into my conciousness in 1987 thanks, of course, to&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://keepingitpeel.wordpress.com/2011/09/17/kip-podcast-special-efw-hmhb/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Half Man Half Biscuit&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. A trip to see them at home has been on my bucket list ever since, and all I&#39;ve ever wanted for Christmas is a Dukla Prague away kit. And now, twenty four years later, was&amp;nbsp;&lt;i&gt;the&lt;/i&gt;&amp;nbsp;opportunity to lay my hands on an original. Or was it...&lt;br /&gt;
  1004. &lt;br /&gt;
  1005. Sadly, there was a hole in this particular bucket list. It became more of a &#39;f*ck it&#39; list as news filtered through that due to the&amp;nbsp;instalment&amp;nbsp;of under-soil heating at the Juliska Stadium this game was to be switched to another ground in Prague. On the plus side, it might save me £100+ by not visiting their megastore. On the flip side, every time I mention that fact I&#39;ve been to Dukla Prague - roughly on the stroke of every hour - I&#39;ll have to follow it up with a sorry&amp;nbsp;postscript:&amp;nbsp;I had to voyage to the bottom of another road to see them.&lt;br /&gt;
  1006. &lt;br /&gt;
  1007. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;302&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZ__CKVHi5Y1Ga5YVfV7e1SkBN62HJky-_Kc_mZYTZEXC43e2hmGV5tI-oqoAhp049I_XoWYDOYluTlNGKzjrFja5Aq3Dorle_fqOzJ9XbCQAz9k0Dv4q9QG5O0-0wfJ5nHYc_Mwuqy4c/s400/dukla4.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1008. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Evžena Rošického Stadium isn&#39;t too popular with football fans. Any guesses as to why?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1009. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQniI9S73Vvavyr6d_I5suRLa-vGyTXsiFn3vhrAYecR6lunvN_JsypWfDmzZimo31NsektC4ljkduSUG6rSvEIxEti8ewiuQKxmdNKT7wh1xA0L_fI-jfAMIkNHt617VTOC1sxfjFQ05Y/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+136.JPG&quot; width=&quot;300&quot; /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1010. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;In fairness, it does have a few things going for it...&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1011. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKeGNp2Eb__JU4Zwb9U7zgPfdjvNRwUdPK3YVtCc-p0tv2Cg3KPBno82UOqIdiZ8HlIPyPUcBk-04vxgqrhRRWSlA1iSlcVBCaUuXe0QO9BY6fIw4KqNOerNyDBkj7idvlOrGkcxi-bUg/s400/dukla2.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1012. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;....I mean, you don&#39;t get this at Arsenal do you?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1013. &lt;/div&gt;After sticking two fingers up to modern football during the day with games in the &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/10/sparta-praha-b-v-zbrojovka-brno.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;second&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and ninth (ninth!) tier of the Czech footballing pyramid - three games in Prague on a Saturday is pretty much the norm if you&#39;re keen enough - it was time to swallow a&amp;nbsp;Gambrinus liga sized pill and see how things roll in the Czech Premier League.&lt;br /&gt;
  1014. &lt;br /&gt;
  1015. As we stumbled up the steep hill to the Evžena Rošického Stadium - one that&#39;s been used for Czech cup finals as well as being a temporary home to nine (nine!) other Czech teams in it&#39;s history, due in the main to those clubs also having under-soil heating installed - Leeds fan, &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/stephendeacon&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Stephen Deacon&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; casually dropped the fact he owns a &lt;a href=&quot;http://yfrog.com/kjttlnwj&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Dukla Prague flannel&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; into the conversation. He&#39;s always been a bit of a dude has &#39;Big Deacs&#39; (we find out which bands he&#39;s listening to and then namedrop them at every opportunity) but, man alive, who wouldn&#39;t want to wipe away the after effects of a hangover with a moist Dukla Prague flannel on a Sunday morning?&lt;br /&gt;
  1016. &lt;br /&gt;
  1017. I wasn&#39;t expecting a megastore to be honest. But surely a little trestle table would surface outside the ground? I was excited. Then, shining like the light at the end of the tunnel was, not the light of an oncoming train, but a large temporary yellow tented club shop. Woo Hoo. This was my big moment, twenty four years of hurt and all of that. Here&#39;s how the conversation went. Ahem...&lt;br /&gt;
  1018. &lt;br /&gt;
  1019. “Do you speak English?” (one mustn&#39;t presume these things, I&#39;ve travelled a fair bit and am all over my polite intros)&lt;br /&gt;
  1020. “Yes, of course” (great start, my pulse rate quickened somewhat as I tried to remember to breathe normally)&lt;br /&gt;
  1021. “I&#39;d like a Dukla Prague away kit please” (I was trembling a little bit at this juncture as you might imagine)&lt;br /&gt;
  1022. “I&#39;m sorry, we only have one shirt for sale, and it&#39;s the home kit”&lt;br /&gt;
  1023. “OK - not to worry” (I lied)&lt;br /&gt;
  1024. &lt;br /&gt;
  1025. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFloALjpf929Qe7IJC5tqeYeOWPzAmKDSGpPeenJ_2jUp04jX9NJyt_wrhAcH9277o3kZ_48x-S_S7C5-M9OR822rhADVlk6LNNuLezIHNajk75efnSrbduO5zIuc0AW3YnFgH2YM2ng1z/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+114.JPG&quot; width=&quot;300&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1026. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;A Dukla Prague home shirt and home balloon. That&#39;s HOME shirt. Tsk.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1027. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCu440yCxAsWwtGzn2xdcqap_5LvVs2PeZF2xv9LgDKSgROG-TuQRRkBRENWT2zxH5MTnIi9ray3YLzU9X9SnISNXtUXDZH1jnHt2-pPFS1bLXYW-odDfi7RvaE-V3MJ659uT8SXanjUbN/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+115.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1028. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;More merchandise that isn&#39;t the official away shirt, aside from that fake Toffs thing which - unless they want to sponsor EFW of course - isn&#39;t the real deal.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1029. So that was that. Shoulders slumped and feeling a bit of a moody chops, I turned on my heels and walked&amp;nbsp;forlornly towards the ticket office. Actually, the tickets were free (come again - Ed.). No, it wasn&#39;t a bogus official conducting some dodgy business. Because Dukla Prague care about their fans and were worried about the&amp;nbsp;inconvenience a trip across the city may cause to their&amp;nbsp;supporters, they&amp;nbsp;decided that everyone making the short journey should be rewarded with free entry to the match. Not only that, the prices of scarves were slashed to a fiver for the night as a further sweetener. They sold hundreds. And good luck to them. We declared the actual steward handing out tickets to be the King of Hi-Vis. We all laughed.&lt;br /&gt;
  1030. &lt;br /&gt;
  1031. Clutching my free ticket I popped back to the shop and purchased a wooden &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.fkdukla-shop.cz/eshop/ostatni-fans-predmety,k10/jo-jo,z26.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Dukla Prague yo-yo&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and a &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.fkdukla-shop.cz/eshop/obleceni,k16/triko-s-logem,z16.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;t-shirt&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; for the princely sum of £10 (warning: the price of yo-yo&#39;s can go up as well as down). Cheap as chips, no? That lot would have cost £24.99 from Argos. This obviously instigated a conversation about yo-yo tricks, but knowledge on our axle, disk and twine friends isn&#39;t quite what it once was back in the playground and we declared on just the three: Walk The Dog, Loop The Loop and the Forward Pass.&lt;br /&gt;
  1032. &lt;br /&gt;
  1033. Keeping two chevrons apart, the EFW team headed to the bar to sink a few pints at 80 pence a pop before making a beeline for the Dukla Prague ultras. We like a song for Europe do us EFWers; lending a small bit of vocal support to the home team is the least we can do in return for such warm hospitality. Dukla Prague have the oldest ultras in the Czech Republic. They were hastily nicknamed the &#39;Oldtras&#39;, and we got on famously save for the distorted noise of their vuvuzelas. Traditionally, Dukla play on Friday nights and the gates are low. But this match had been switched to a Saturday for television. Modern football eh?&lt;br /&gt;
  1034. &lt;br /&gt;
  1035. There were EFW members as far as the eye could see in the main stand. Over forty of us. It was like a Radio 1 Roadshow but with no sighting of Gary Davies, mercifully. Ooh. We helped swell the gate to four figures which was 6% of the stadiums capacity (I found out that snippet in the local paper the next day. It was the only note I wrote down the whole weekend. Further note to self: be more professional in future). Jablonec (Jabbers) for their part had brought with them four skinny indie kids and their parents for support. Eleven fans in total. Poor.&lt;br /&gt;
  1036. &lt;br /&gt;
  1037. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pm_gdVGl7rJk2cAXo_r4L_tPPLBjRs1EZGyFk1MCUwKZh8NB354G54x068OYxyJx_fy0S5rfrjCgV1N-YoL-Grmvf0G8Js_1c8kKXwN5pNtFL6BP2oQPRikoH41mpeUQMTonOUizmjz_/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+127.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1038. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Four skinny indie kids and their parents. The green army of Jablonec &quot;fill&quot; the away end.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1039. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uXW-d_I-z-N0xD8yfUI4Xi34L5SIdJPD-kzA16ZJ3SOx1a4R5pJk2d3UwhZHDPXPEHvuSQFrzhTx_sHzGOmVyvw-UvhV_Qs7IDKWfZgE3DYirf9dnQAmCpdlsCykNEPvdNmux_d-Iyjy/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+120.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1040. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Dukla Prague &#39;Oldtras&#39;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1041. Let&#39;s not dwell on the game. Dukla Prague kept Jabbers 14-goal hero David Lafata quiet - which was no mean feat - and even led at half time, but Jabbers stormed back in the second half and gave the Dukla fans three reasons to be miserable with goals on 53, 73 and 76 minutes. There was also 12 corners in the match according to our resident corners expert from Forest Green Rovers, Sid. Sid loves corners.&lt;br /&gt;
  1042. &lt;br /&gt;
  1043. It was brass monkeys and so nobody complained when the referee peeped on his whistle a minute before the end. With an outbreak of Vitas Gerulaitis threatening, it was time to retreat to the pub. If you don&#39;t fancy mixing it with tourists and getting ripped off in Prague then head to Zizkov for your night on the beer. We opted for &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.usadu.cz/index.php?sekce=jidelnilistek&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Pivnice U Sadu&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and mixed it with the locals. So, no Dukla Prague away kit, but for £20 I&#39;d got myself a yo-yo, new t-shirt, saw the team play at last and sunk around, cough, ten pints. If you don&#39;t think that&#39;s value for money then you probably don&#39;t like European Football Weekends.&lt;br /&gt;
  1044. &lt;br /&gt;
  1045. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;307&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL32uldMYO2ZtYQu4hEirup1tOoYmQK5cah5ddKkchhZVnVQxTqfq2frkQjKxIQkpNiTsI26ZaZS1tMp5w7cV0Fnd3VJfT6MhxZQ-hoQfxJus2t9A9W35p5QtkYIx5f0-rG71zXL5DWwYr/s400/dukla3.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1046. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Flagage&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1047. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1g6ievri3dqbEtP-sh7qr7mJGaJhwnoIv1IXJPLaiKLGPoNhOcxAjPcV7_Ld6gMQ6Koe1HYlgzIOjvRd46qC798qIWsmiwopWhVia1gL9oB427LFP2EJ3ydhGKk3IyPPrAXLx4Yr37e7P/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+121.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1048. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;Hold on a second. There she is. Finally,&amp;nbsp;draped&amp;nbsp;over six rows of seats:&amp;nbsp;&lt;i&gt;The&lt;/i&gt; Dukla Prague Away Kit. You can keep your Taj Mahal, this is what I&#39;d come to see. Impossible to get in your Easy Jet hand&amp;nbsp;luggage&amp;nbsp;though so it&#39;ll have to stay in Prague and, as I do every year, I&#39;ll still be able to sing, and jot down on my yuletide list of needs: &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3Or410w6hI&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;All I want For Christmas is a Dukla Prague Away Kit&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. Cheers.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1049. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Follow &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1050. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;There are two photo montages of this trip set to the music of the &lt;a href=&quot;http://animoto.com/play/yti3GrHyLIadlQwQ61ujSA&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Arcade Fire&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;amp;v=Tzvy4v_F6BM&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The Stone Roses&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1051. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Previously on the EFW Oktoberfest: &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/10/slovan-bratislava-v-psg.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Slovan Bratislava v PSG&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/10/slovan-liberec-v-fc-banik-ostrava.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Slovan Liberec v Banik Ostrava&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/10/slovan-liberec-v-fc-banik-ostrava.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Sparta Prague B v Brno&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1052. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;There are a quite a few references to Half Man Half Biscuit in this report. A prize to anyone who can spot them all. Do you worst in the comments section below.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1053. &lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/8616573885262037304/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=8616573885262037304' title='10 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/8616573885262037304'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/8616573885262037304'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/10/dukla-prague-v-jablonec.html' title='Dukla Prague v Jablonec'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHGqMXSIkJgQpZygYMsnM3DWA3eDE1L-1W_vCiBJf_r9-dyCWH6z21Vp1kyv7s83RlE5YVVPCrZXN7dLEW65JpchKp3-s2YzvxLvkowZq0gUAiFuGMz6oTldsEGPFbvsKFPhop9BwDngz/s72-c/dukla1.PNG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>10</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-728315043618807828</id><published>2011-10-28T10:52:00.001+01:00</published><updated>2011-10-28T10:53:48.930+01:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Brno"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="EFW Oktoberfest"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in the Czech Republic"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Sparta Praha B"/><title type='text'>Sparta Praha B v Zbrojovka Brno</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelOYC57NZUAAs0A81qn7DPyrFv1pP8CzsJeIHqdcTjdvHeckMLFZhaxB38rDpGPWOKrdkLazi6nqiYdWLnchZhzQ5ubFRUnRzCaMqwYuL6wAR81cM1kzoE5hxNropFHphk7XfasJmkA8N/s1600/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+093.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelOYC57NZUAAs0A81qn7DPyrFv1pP8CzsJeIHqdcTjdvHeckMLFZhaxB38rDpGPWOKrdkLazi6nqiYdWLnchZhzQ5ubFRUnRzCaMqwYuL6wAR81cM1kzoE5hxNropFHphk7XfasJmkA8N/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+093.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1054. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Brno Boycott Blues&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1055. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Sparta Praha B 2-2 Zbrojovka Brno (22:10:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1056. &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1057. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1058. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Day 3 of the Oktoberfest and the EFWers are split between those who fancy staying a lie-in and those who are keen for a bit of Czech Division Two action. Britski Belasi&#39;s Dan Richardson was in the latter group....&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1059. A reality of having ‘B’ teams in the league pyramid is that with one relegation you can find yourself playing your main rival’s reserve team. This was exactly the case for Zbrojovka Brno last Saturday morning.&lt;br /&gt;
  1060. &lt;br /&gt;
  1061. Brno is the second biggest city in the Czech Republic, with Zbrojovka historically a regular fixture in the Top Division. Last season, the travelling support would have been on a civilised mid-morning train departing to the capital for a sensible kick-off time in one of the city’s main stadiums. This season, it is ‘Druha Liga’ and the ignominy of travelling to an outer city suburb for a 10:15 am kick-off at Viktoria Žižkov’s training ground (a team who were promoted as Brno were relegated).&lt;br /&gt;
  1062. &lt;br /&gt;
  1063. Zbrojovka fans could have made it, by train or by bus, but decided not to. Not that anyone told the Prague police. &amp;nbsp;On a murky morning in Praha 9, with hardly a soul on the street, the parking area at the back of the stadium was lined with a riot van, 3 police mini-buses and a team of stewards bigger than the Sparta Prague’s entire squad. At least one of them brought a ball for a kick-about. &amp;nbsp;The welcoming committee was obviously prepared after serious trouble broke out at Brno’s last away match, in Znojmo. 200-or so Brno followers travelled there intent on having the match abandoned. It required a heavy-handed police blanket clearance of the visitors section to enable the 3-0 home win to stand and leave Brno second bottom, with today’s hosts for company in the 2nd Division relegation zone.&lt;br /&gt;
  1064. &lt;br /&gt;
  1065. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;301&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPB0Hes8wTw8l8gvnxM_p7CFqCxOlHFnhv-_-Uo3PJAVhv4N_MEOZdDUaKJPID1sq7ynYCKIY3M8x5GWgLBvWxKKPZM-uWspDzzXQSH5jLNGPsK1S-lQn3X_bGr_oaWMLJq_7Cf3XmwJ-Q/s400/sparta1.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1066. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The two teams slip into the morning fog&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1067. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0y_nt1Rgk1OGCTAYKIkaZ5hyphenhyphenB_pnMCmXgaLubWaPBGov4ehR6fnVBLvHjqKuwhqgedLJT7YP5AyosLQmtqDrq9yJFQV68e9KbZ_B9vD07ME-WsYb-SrPw9dvrQHhIwyORBmiOK1zeiUF/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+086.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1068. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;400 or so home fans assemble in the main stand. There are no away fans present. Or are there?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1069. Since then a change of coach brought 3 points at home last week, but the fans are boycotting matches in protest against poor form and the general state of football in their city. Instead they’ve been travelling to Slovan Bratislava games. Bus-loads of Brno Ultras were present at both the PSG match on Thursday night, and Senica in the Slovak league on Sunday. Slovan and Brno have formed a partnership which could well have been founded on hooliganism but now seems to be spreading to genuine support on the terraces.&lt;br /&gt;
  1070. &lt;br /&gt;
  1071. After the previous night’s healthy consumption of the liquid refreshment you’ll be hearing plenty about on these pages in coming days (Czech lager), it was a 09:30 alarm for me and a taxi straight to the ground. &amp;nbsp;In remarkable testament to the EFW-ers stamina, a healthy contingent had made kick-off travelling by public transport. Honestly, this was no mean feat! Beer and sausages, coffee for some, we tried to get in this over-policed away end; &amp;nbsp;no chance - despite there being a good thirty-off stewards there, plus half of Prague’s police force, the visitor’s section was closed today. So we settled for the main stand, to start with.&lt;br /&gt;
  1072. &lt;br /&gt;
  1073. The police convey made tracks after around 10 minutes and it wasn’t long before Brno took the lead. &amp;nbsp;Lively football surely good enough to keep this team in Division 2, saw the opening goal and a few cheers to accompany it. A Sparta penalty saw things level at the break, and some smart thinking from the Polish contingent had us inside the club bar to warm up at half time. Which is where we found most of the rest of the EFW crowd. Warm and welcoming, with random sporting memorabilia on the walls, this bar got the touring masses supping again, a perfect way to clear the cobwebs from the night before.&lt;br /&gt;
  1074. &lt;br /&gt;
  1075. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpJNjrv1Xdh3v8ec1coTcdCb5-_a_2IsXpFB9V7_BUBw5LFDObJbsf_X1b3iKWmtfMAKjtX9m8F1KIj9r2p0vRfuJ9jXLAgXBDfz9wPXzEynK-E7H7oOVzJsIl9i-j4mFepQYhz33ahhm/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+085.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1076. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;The bar at the ground had a football pitch painted on the ceiling. A FOOTBALL PITCH PAINTED ON THE CEILING.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1077. “They won’t let us behind the one goal, so we’ll head behind the other one then.”&lt;br /&gt;
  1078. &lt;br /&gt;
  1079. We headed out of the ground, down the street, and back in another entrance. I was subject of a frisky body search from a 14-year-old female steward but we had successfully set up the unofficial away end. OK, it was only really myself with any affinity for Brno, so I’ll have to apologise for ignoring the boycott, but I had to take my opportunity to support Zbrojovka.&lt;br /&gt;
  1080. &lt;br /&gt;
  1081. Bottom of the table Sparta went 2-1 up and things were looking very ominous for Brno. The boycott didn’t seem to be helping, lads. On a misty morning in a nicely enclosed ground, a few hundred away supporters would surely have helped. They would certainly have made for a better atmosphere.&lt;br /&gt;
  1082. &lt;br /&gt;
  1083. In the 66th minute we witnessed a candidate for football-related comedy moment of the weekend, if not the season. The penalty awarded to Zbrojovka was pure comedy gold. Defender pulls out of tackle, attacker runs a few steps further, then with a dramatic shriek, hits the deck. The crowd are literally laughing as the ref points to the spot. &amp;nbsp;That had everyone talking after the match. &amp;nbsp;Superb. Having taken up position behind the goal, we had a perfect vantage point to see Petr Švancara emphatically convert. Exclusive video footage is available of this moment, although as yet, not of the moments leading up to it.&lt;br /&gt;
  1084. &lt;br /&gt;
  1085. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe allowfullscreen=&quot;&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/embed/FdA4DT8OwgQ?rel=0&quot; width=&quot;400&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1086. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Brno&amp;nbsp;equalise&amp;nbsp;from the spot then, as the camera pans around, see if you can spot the loan Brno fan celebrating in the stand.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1087. 2-2 was probably a fair result and everyone went home (or onto more football matches) happy. Especially the stewards, who (apparently) collected 200 Kc each for their mornings work. Not bad for a kick-about behind the stands. Estimating roughly 30 stewards at the match, I calculate that to be approximately one third of the gate receipts being paid out on stewarding. &amp;nbsp;With an official attendance of 410, that is roughly one steward for every 14 spectators. Which is all without consideration of the police resources used that morning. Crazy, when you think about it.&lt;br /&gt;
  1088. &lt;br /&gt;
  1089. For Zbrojovka, the real fans continue to make their feelings known. The ultras have agreed with the club that entrance to the next home match will cost just 10 Kc (35p). Personally I’d expect a healthy attendance at that one.&lt;br /&gt;
  1090. &lt;br /&gt;
  1091. After the final whistle most EFW-ers were on the pitch, photos opportunities galore. A very enjoyable start to a long day watching football. &amp;nbsp;Having left a few more quid behind the bar, it was onwards via bus, metro, bus and tram to another distant suburb for the afternoon kick-off.&lt;br /&gt;
  1092. &lt;br /&gt;
  1093. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8gIxxZupD6kTDiLsANLkv5S6jQ3t_8t9ZSIji0ttXuIhqHU43saPWz_LVZiVEVl871WmCzQ0Tu0z6VWcbJGfjLECqwODygBHluTuRUQGkEbp5ww6dzR0Tf3n4U5cO1Spr2Vt2DamhhSI/s400/brno.png&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1094. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Brno to be wild&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1095. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFtPAme6SMOqkSMQoGhpy-8vmxcBPznMU4hnmdyT3yS4N4SkCHcJ6JCVNLLrPEB2dXZwzFvpHQXtWREoYFLVwbY3AFPU7HuW1jSPDLQVnf7zxhl_LUjlP-MS2KrdIcz9xmwvBayNZ9x9z/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+099.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1096. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Over half of #TeamEFW were in bed. These were the hardcore, and they knew the score.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1097. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFCJqw1HC-tYfEyCc3a-wLStpGKLLtiMkOc8LK0eph1bqMUdbLSK6MyqxgYDiCnrm6gkS8evTPuNGbHJm-lBYE3OMP4kHxqIPgtMAdwQwmgVc-fJjniNYyqFWc1N0N2SD_wUuPD9xJ8Qu/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+100.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1098. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Oh dear, those early morning beers were already starting to kick in. #Poznan&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1099. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Follow &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/britskibelasi&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Dan Richardson&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1100. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Richardson is the Editor of &lt;a href=&quot;http://britskibelasi.footballunited.com/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Britski Belasi&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; your first port of call for all things related to Slovakian football.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1101. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Here&#39;s two photo montages of this trip set to the music of the &lt;a href=&quot;http://animoto.com/play/yti3GrHyLIadlQwQ61ujSA&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Arcade Fire&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;and the &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;amp;v=Tzvy4v_F6BM&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Stone Roses&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1102. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Previously on EFW Oktoberfest: &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/10/slovan-bratislava-v-psg.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Slovan Bratislava v PSG&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/10/slovan-liberec-v-fc-banik-ostrava.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Slovan Liberec v Banik Ostrava&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1103. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: large;&quot;&gt;Tomorrow on EFW: Dukla Prague v Jablonec&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1104. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/728315043618807828/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=728315043618807828' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/728315043618807828'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/728315043618807828'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/10/sparta-praha-b-v-zbrojovka-brno.html' title='Sparta Praha B v Zbrojovka Brno'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelOYC57NZUAAs0A81qn7DPyrFv1pP8CzsJeIHqdcTjdvHeckMLFZhaxB38rDpGPWOKrdkLazi6nqiYdWLnchZhzQ5ubFRUnRzCaMqwYuL6wAR81cM1kzoE5hxNropFHphk7XfasJmkA8N/s72-c/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+093.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3338911017388638492.post-8270178769043935207</id><published>2011-10-27T10:59:00.000+01:00</published><updated>2011-10-27T10:59:01.475+01:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="EFW Oktoberfest"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="FC Banik Ostrava"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Football in the Czech Republic"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Slovan Death Boys"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Slovan Liberec"/><title type='text'>Slovan Liberec v FC Banik Ostrava</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_2E3ZzPbTmaMr880rZm_f4GsKjoaivVoi6cIL8Wv29tuAInSQlpj0HLqUDG59iMaHj3NT6BdvYupBlsFtApkWIAXqqjkYOaWOyf1GQ_-9j6sjhhTQSQww2giRR3Z-m0k21Gr37wFTK13/s1600/libbers2.PNG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_2E3ZzPbTmaMr880rZm_f4GsKjoaivVoi6cIL8Wv29tuAInSQlpj0HLqUDG59iMaHj3NT6BdvYupBlsFtApkWIAXqqjkYOaWOyf1GQ_-9j6sjhhTQSQww2giRR3Z-m0k21Gr37wFTK13/s400/libbers2.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1105. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: x-large;&quot;&gt;Libe, Libe, Liberec&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1106. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Slovan Liberec 3-2 FC Banik Ostrava (21:10:11)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1107. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Angel of the North Andy Hudson picks up the baton to guide us through Day 2 of the EFW Oktoberfest......&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1108. &lt;br /&gt;
  1109. This was the EFW Oktoberfest Spice Girls day when Two Become One and featured a tremendous amount of terrible singing. As one group were waking up before 7am in &lt;a href=&quot;http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/10/slovan-bratislava-v-psg.html&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Bratislava&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and trying to find breakfast near the train station, the other half of the team were still in a deep slumber in Prague after a late night out. It would take until mid-afternoon when we’d all be in a bar on a boat before tales were swapped and we’d be drowning in beers.&lt;br /&gt;
  1110. &lt;br /&gt;
  1111. Before that, the Slovak travelling boys endured: a four plus hour train journey; four people snuggling into the shoulder of their seating partner as they fell asleep; beers and knedliky; and the longest check-in known to man (or at least to Danny Last, Stuart Fuller and Big Deaksy) before pints of pivo were able to be ordered and we boarded the Liberec Boogie Bus.&lt;br /&gt;
  1112. &lt;br /&gt;
  1113. The last known use for the bus was when Nick Berry had disappeared with Aidensfield’s local service and the replacement was drafted in from Prague. Years later and 39 football fans, from six different countries, were all stuck in rush hour traffic on said replacement with 31 of them desperately needing the toilet after the beers. As soon as we’d broken through the Prague city limits, we were queuing at service station for a quick toilet break and for ‘refreshments’. Then it was onwards to Liberec.&lt;br /&gt;
  1114. &lt;br /&gt;
  1115. After a detour through the town on the way to Stadion U Nisy, we were off at the ground. The good guys of Liberec had helpfully stuffed an envelope full of tickets for us to collect at a window and then it was pivo time. The pub at the stadium, usually pretty empty, celebrated Christmas and their birthday that evening as the doors were flung open with the cry of “&lt;i&gt;devětatřicet pivo&lt;/i&gt;”. One of the EFW Okoberfesters proclaimed that he was having a far better time than if he had remained in Prague. His story was that he had never heard of the trip and was on the flight over to join a stag weekend. Now when the magic words “You should come on a European Football Weekend instead” were uttered to him, he promptly signed up and instead of strippers and beers in the capital, he was up near the German and Polish border supping pre-match ales.&lt;br /&gt;
  1116. &lt;br /&gt;
  1117. As we descended on the stadium (and the club shop) just before kick-off, there was the joy of looking across from our stand at the stand opposite: built coming out of rock – tick. And more....a line of cheerleaders dancing in the stand – oh yes..... and we wanted more. Cheerleaders dancing down the aisle next to the Ultras, who were already in fine voice – yes, yes, yes! Liberec: I was in love.&lt;br /&gt;
  1118. &lt;br /&gt;
  1119. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2k4b295TdloFkHxfSVUKmm_RqGjt6DcjzcWDqYfITGMJn-TcVElMha9eXtXy_nRpDl-M1qPHWYRSC09hmEe1PZ1Fr1af2am5rwmgLnNWlshZXTuo5ycZLVEFOWBKlO4WdmBybXFQNwRQ/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+040.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1120. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Devětatřicet pivo&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1121. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoJJJ32zpLLppRqh9BOdSM9Dgi0jQCUbGAqC0j6fBq76mNc15Izy9TbW-XTzC_-871xJ0UYFW5RQA_zj1R1o7lFLNsnwIsATLrTlyjH04JQR5pawQ60uhm9Qjb373ewfW8ytogXMoAVaP/s400/libbers3.PNG&quot; width=&quot;297&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1122. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Cheers&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1123. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRJsneTtCeggDQi6eHOxrFBKkzZ8P8-1iC1gtCjicpq__i6wd-zjmFKE_OsySURuVoNhs6t-5mbppbCjdnGyHQ3wsyLtZzOBGkJHOZQStRti6D1OctjC3cx3FAdIjwis6aNlLS5I4Wys9/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+044.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1124. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Banik on the streets of Liberec -&amp;nbsp;“Monday or Friday: you’ll never get rid of us”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1125. The first half almost became secondary to the Ultras in the stands. Banik fans had travelled a distance of 400 km for this televised Friday night match and displayed their worth on a banner saying: “Monday or Friday: you’ll never get rid of us”. With top-flight games’ being moved for television, as is the case across the world, it was thumbs-up to the Ostrava fans for making the long trip at quite short notice.&lt;br /&gt;
  1126. &lt;br /&gt;
  1127. Liberec went in at half-time with a 2-1 lead after taking the lead through a Vojtěch Hadaščok header. Václav Svěrkoš replied for the visitors with a great strike from the edge of the box before Jan Nezmar scored with a back post header that just dropped beyond the line before being cleared.&lt;br /&gt;
  1128. &lt;br /&gt;
  1129. Impressed with the ‘Slovan Death Boys’ and their singing during the first half, including the brilliant Libe, Libe, Liberec chant, there was only one thing to do: we had to join them for the second half. But the question was: how? We pondered for a moment and then our Liberec host returned with beers, disappeared for a moment before reappearing on the other side of the fence and producing the keys to a magic gate that allowed us entry. From that point the beers flowed and the songs ran from our throats. In a short interview with one of the Ultra’ leaders, he explained that “Liberec are apolitical as politics causes many problems at football, and so we stand with neither the right nor the left; we only stand with football”.&lt;br /&gt;
  1130. &lt;br /&gt;
  1131. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UbIwAIZwjluTGiK5kAk8bj8WZY9l1N_svq61DTkcWCAz5-sOUq8KXZcNf94ZaIBH0yLkl99XQyWqVaXWyFPi3TGtKGNFZlA1j3ZEakkoM1WivA6ODXiictm2pyoB20xzRou8t7S_7cdp/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+045.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1132. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Hlavni main stand embedded to a rock - tick.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1133. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;400&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL6Fh9ZGxCjwqugMwNRi2_VlRH2-wIR2oiWg4wGemNghBoCH1y9t7HkfV8CJZnyit24wcsPI1PRjPNJrTc1BbCZLfwrZzPoqFGZ6GG9r2T6yI6FsAteJxBI-FIsasnoS7_AiqIa4fOuP7/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+051.JPG&quot; width=&quot;300&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1134. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;No guns allowed. Tsk.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1135. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpv8ZTSeh0-VAfXygicEGTzCoeAYs3Pla6D3B1SvqZY9H_CQHU0WZUibrqmQ4vrYgL8gXv8c4r1kWe0_ln4R2J9DrsAiwTZI2mJuD-n3GfAXFWn1lzTUu7rOsx7QUkMSs6whU9eXvR5Q9/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+062.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1136. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;That&#39;s me in the corner...&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1137. Midway through the second half, Banik equalised when Svěrkoš lobbed the Slovan ‘keeper. The home fans kept singing and then in injury time came the moment that left a number of the Oktoberfest contingent on the floor while celebrating: Nezmar reacted first to a defensive header that went backwards and he poked the winner in for Liberec from six yards out. I ended up in a six-man hug that sent all of us falling backwards and beers spilling all over while other fans and EFWers celebrated together.&lt;br /&gt;
  1138. &lt;br /&gt;
  1139. As the Ultras continued their celebrations, we politely declined joining them in their bar as we had a journey back to Prague to complete on the Aidensfield special. After a quick pint in the pre-match bar while we waited for everyone to arrive, we then boarded and set off for our weekend home. The singing on the bus was loud; the Spice Girls could never, ever, hold a candle to us. We had a whip-round for the driver and then set off for the first pub in Prague that had spare tables. There might have been more pivo involved at this stage; I suspect that there was, yet my memory fails me. It was late, so late, and as Libe, Libe, Liberec played in my head, I drifted off to sleep....there was a football match starting in six hours.&lt;br /&gt;
  1140. &lt;br /&gt;
  1141. &lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;300&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmn2d42pM95qNUPVINmhkOazQyOYUHZV9Oj_qhn4RL25QQTDq-e-heWvvH7a1Hju3o32BEyobd_DwqNkeGpkM-kIGgvppnJpWYvg5lfo8jSyaYoIFMPBi1G_oLcffmmSqPf8txThkttaWj/s400/2011+EFW+Oktoberfest+-+Prague+065.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1142. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;There are two photo montages of the whole of the EFW Oktoberfest, set to music, both &lt;a href=&quot;http://animoto.com/play/yti3GrHyLIadlQwQ61ujSA&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;here&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;amp;v=Tzvy4v_F6BM&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;there&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1143. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Follow &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Andy Hudson&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/#!/DannyLast&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;European Football Weekends&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; on Twitter.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1144. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;More of Hudson&#39;s fine work is available at &lt;a href=&quot;http://ganninaway.co.uk/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Gannin&#39; Away&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.blagulfotboll.co.uk/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000;&quot;&gt;Blagul Fotboll&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1145. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #660000; font-size: large;&quot;&gt;Tomorrow on EFW: AC Sparta Praha B v FC Brno&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  1146. &lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/feeds/8270178769043935207/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3338911017388638492&amp;postID=8270178769043935207' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/8270178769043935207'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3338911017388638492/posts/default/8270178769043935207'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/2011/10/slovan-liberec-v-fc-banik-ostrava.html' title='Slovan Liberec v FC Banik Ostrava'/><author><name>Danny Last</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15553871140609359862</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://bp0.blogger.com/_MEBKqqkA81M/R5N8m2agkZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/xjv-wF6ZXdQ/S220/Monchengladbach+040.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_2E3ZzPbTmaMr880rZm_f4GsKjoaivVoi6cIL8Wv29tuAInSQlpj0HLqUDG59iMaHj3NT6BdvYupBlsFtApkWIAXqqjkYOaWOyf1GQ_-9j6sjhhTQSQww2giRR3Z-m0k21Gr37wFTK13/s72-c/libbers2.PNG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry></feed>

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