This was international football – allegedly, but not exactly of the highest calibre! To be honest, on these trips, the match is becoming less of a priority! Enjoying local culture and playing in the supporters game is more important!
On that note, we ground out a disciplined 1-1 draw with a local Italian side. This is all the more impressive when you take into account a high percentage of players not at their physical peak due to sampling local brew and the fact we don’t play together much! It was a shame that even at this “level”, Italians dive and roll about pole-axed… I got the ball honest ref!
The game itself was something of a non-event. Wales were comfortable in the first half, playing some neat stuff, especially down the right, going in 2-0 up at the break. There was a strange don’t shoot rule going on, with the team trying to pass everything in to the net from 3 yards. Plus all corners and free kicks were taken short? Plus San Marino have no supporters, well only about 100 – most of whom were obviously their under 13, 17, and 21 squads! A streaker added some fun to the night, especially when the generously proportioned policemen couldn’t catch him for ages! He also made the local paper, which he was proudly showing us at the airport!
The second half will be remembered, just! – not really for anything on the pitch. The fans were branded vicious after the game by the captain, in his interview. There was quite a bit of negative chanting and disgruntlement in the stand. But for every negative chant, there was encouragement and support… where else do fans get to have their say? Those who are not committed say it by not buying tickets! Those who will follow through thick and thin do have a right to be heard… is there another forum?
Only a couple of players bothered applauding the fans after. Thanks Earnie! (Who also interacted well on the flight home!). Some of the fans had sailed from Greece after the Cyprus game… showing a high level of commitment/stupidity. Some had got trains, buses, connecting flights, spending nights sleeping on benches at random airports… (yes, me!). I think we could have at least a clap from the team. Especially as we spend the whole game making noise in a mountain wilderness, with no locals for atmosphere, apart from a single ball boy who was made to fetch many items that left the stand!
