All the roads that lead you there are winding
What an incredible match. It had everything.
We are about 6 metres above sea-level here in Sarasota, but at the end of last night’s game I felt every inch of the Mexico City’s sapping altitude. Then of course I couldn’t sleep as I was so wired, and I had an early wake up for a flight.
Apologies to everyone back at home who had it properly tough. It became apparent during the game that all of my mates were up, some in the pub. It will be a long but happy Monday for you all back at home.
That has to be a top 5 England game and performance in my lifetime. Heck, it’s a low bar, maybe top 3.
They were man to man terrific. Bellingham is a monster, I love, love watching him play. Gordon was superb, Pickford faultless, Kane a man for the big moments, and Tuchel managed the game and his subs expertly. All the subs were fantastic. Burn brought on to repel every cross and long ball did just that.
It was a hostile atmosphere not helped by a referee who liked nothing more than hurtle into situations blowing on his whistle. The Mexican player Lira spent the game waving an imaginary card around. I thought that was a bookable offence, who knows. Maybe Trump will make that rule happen. Don’t get me started on that.
I had a Charlton mate in the stadium, who at one point compared the atmosphere and hostility to the chicken run in the 80’s, but his last photo was of him in his St. George’s wrestling mask dancing with some Mexican supporters, so I trust he made it out alive.
VAR has played more and more of an influence as the tournament has gone on. Quansah was unlucky, but he had to go. Kane was really unfortunate with the foul for the penalty. That would never have been given before VAR.
That last 40 minutes including almost another ‘quarter’ of injury time, seemed to go on forever, but it was a remarkable game and performance from the Englishmen. Proud to be one myself today.
Same can be said for those Englishmen lucky enough to be in the Azteca, truly one of the world’s iconic stadiums, who now have memories for a lifetime.
Hero’s every one, in a white (or yellow) shirt. Rubbish officiating, both on the pitch and in the VAR room. Whinging, whining,nasty little Mexicans on the pitch, altitude that was nearly in Space, thunderstorms, temperatures in the 30’s, and 80,000 supporters in green….. We beat them all, with an ability,skill,determination, and attitude that an England side hasn’t produced in many a year. Please let it not be a ‘one off’.
I really enjoyed the game and thought that the Mexican players behaved pretty well considering they were losing and eventually lost. We were magnificent. Unfortunately, I have Spain in my local draw but I just can’t see us losing against them. Come on your Reds/Whites!
What a pleasant break from worrying about Charlton!