Football365 has made an offer - all their Germany 2006 assorted crap to the person who is responsible for the minge flag. All they must do is send in a snap of themselves with the item in question.
But in a new development, a reader informs F365 that the Minge on the flag may well be the nickname of a friend who is, predictably, ginger*, because the flag also contains the nickname of a mutual friend, Johnny T.
Whilst you're on F365, don't miss their selection of tshirts, including the awesome "I'm English, therefore I drink, swear and queue" and the equally awesome "England: Powered by chips and beer".
*for Americans, and other people who do not understand British humour, including many Brits, the word "minge" is a slang term referring to the female sexual organs. However, a person who is ginger-haired and of the complexion that makes one think that the carpet matches the curtains, so to speak, may often be referred to as "ginge minge", whether male or female.
Showing posts with label germany 2006. Show all posts
Showing posts with label germany 2006. Show all posts
7.7.06
THAT Flag
I've noticed people finding my blog by way of searching for "minge flag" on various engines. Yes, I saw the minge flag. I saw it during the game and even snapped a very bad picture of it. Now, because I've searched and cannot find any better picture of it, here it is. This is the moment in the England vs Portugal game where Neville goes to take a throw in, and there, in all its glory, is the item in question. Enjoy.
6.7.06
Germany 2006 Day 23
Well, with Portugal out, it's an Italy vs France final in Berlin.
What a World Cup this has been, a rollercoaster of emotions. We were delighted when Ghana made it out of their group. Thrilled that first-timers Ukraine got all the way to the quarter-finals. Stunned beyond words when Brazil tumbled out. Depressed by England falling - yet again - to penalties. Saddened by Germany's exit. And completely indifferent to the prospect of Italy facing France in the final.
I just .. don't care.
Any other potential matchup from the quarter-finals on up, and I'd have picked a team to get behind. Any other teams in the final and I'd have moved mountains to watch. Yeah, I'll still watch, it's still the World Cup final, but I'm actually more interested to see Portugal get a crack at the hosts on the 8th in the third-place match.
I guess there's some pride that 6 out of the final 8 were European, and all of the final four were, too, but Italy vs France is, for me, like trying to decide between fried or boiled eggs. I don't eggs, so the method of preparation is meaningless. I don't like Italy or France. Why should I care which one wins?
I guess the major problem is that neither side is the clear underdog, and I do so love to pull for the underdog. And, failing the underdog, I like to pull for the team which is less smarmy, less arrogant. But they're both smarmy. I see nothing to justify one over the other.
I guess I'm going to predict Italy.
And Germany over Portugal.
And a mildly entertaining, if anticlimactic, final.
BTW, check out England's big achievement for this World Cup: The only team to feature on the top ten tallest and shortest players.
We rock.
Edit: It's Portugal who are out. Poland too, but that's not news to anyone.
What a World Cup this has been, a rollercoaster of emotions. We were delighted when Ghana made it out of their group. Thrilled that first-timers Ukraine got all the way to the quarter-finals. Stunned beyond words when Brazil tumbled out. Depressed by England falling - yet again - to penalties. Saddened by Germany's exit. And completely indifferent to the prospect of Italy facing France in the final.
I just .. don't care.
Any other potential matchup from the quarter-finals on up, and I'd have picked a team to get behind. Any other teams in the final and I'd have moved mountains to watch. Yeah, I'll still watch, it's still the World Cup final, but I'm actually more interested to see Portugal get a crack at the hosts on the 8th in the third-place match.
I guess there's some pride that 6 out of the final 8 were European, and all of the final four were, too, but Italy vs France is, for me, like trying to decide between fried or boiled eggs. I don't eggs, so the method of preparation is meaningless. I don't like Italy or France. Why should I care which one wins?
I guess the major problem is that neither side is the clear underdog, and I do so love to pull for the underdog. And, failing the underdog, I like to pull for the team which is less smarmy, less arrogant. But they're both smarmy. I see nothing to justify one over the other.
I guess I'm going to predict Italy.
And Germany over Portugal.
And a mildly entertaining, if anticlimactic, final.
BTW, check out England's big achievement for this World Cup: The only team to feature on the top ten tallest and shortest players.
We rock.
Edit: It's Portugal who are out. Poland too, but that's not news to anyone.
4.7.06
History repeating?
So, it appears that there's some trepidation concerning how the England fans will react to Rooney's red card which - it's believed the fans will think - cost us the game. Several team-mates have already come out in support of the Manchester United striker and outgoing manager Sven-Goran Eriksson faced the press and said "Pay attention, please", before stating "he is the golden boy of English football. Don't kill him, because you will need him."
Now, nobody thinks Rooney is facing death over this, but precedent suggests that he may die a million symbolic deaths over the next few months.
During England's ghastly exit from France '98 against Argentina, captain David Beckham was red carded for kicking an Argentinean player after a foul. His return home was less than welcomed. He was booed on his home field, burned and hanged in effigy, vilified by the press, and even received death threats.
Ultimately, though, this is a different story. Beckham was sent off for what most fans perceived as a pathetic breach of the rules. Rooney stomped on an opponent's genitals. Beckham went off whilst laying on the ground. Rooney was on his feet, fighting for the ball with all the skill and tenacity we expect from him.
Let's face it: Beckham's a big girl's blouse. Rooney's a striker on the England football team. Beckham's a pretty boy. Rooney would slot right into the '66 line-up and nobody would think him out of place.
And Rooney got sent off for doing exactly what he's paid to do.
No, I believe that the bulk of the reaction will be squarely behind Rooney.
Sure, some will bitch and moan. Some always do, and there's nothing you can do to stop it.
But most, like those that gathered to welcome our boys home, will not forgive because there is nothing to forgive.
Wayne Rooney is an England striker in the classic mold, tough, tenacious, hard-hitting and strong.
If only the media could stop stirring things for a few minutes...
Now, nobody thinks Rooney is facing death over this, but precedent suggests that he may die a million symbolic deaths over the next few months.
During England's ghastly exit from France '98 against Argentina, captain David Beckham was red carded for kicking an Argentinean player after a foul. His return home was less than welcomed. He was booed on his home field, burned and hanged in effigy, vilified by the press, and even received death threats.
Ultimately, though, this is a different story. Beckham was sent off for what most fans perceived as a pathetic breach of the rules. Rooney stomped on an opponent's genitals. Beckham went off whilst laying on the ground. Rooney was on his feet, fighting for the ball with all the skill and tenacity we expect from him.
Let's face it: Beckham's a big girl's blouse. Rooney's a striker on the England football team. Beckham's a pretty boy. Rooney would slot right into the '66 line-up and nobody would think him out of place.
And Rooney got sent off for doing exactly what he's paid to do.
No, I believe that the bulk of the reaction will be squarely behind Rooney.
Sure, some will bitch and moan. Some always do, and there's nothing you can do to stop it.
But most, like those that gathered to welcome our boys home, will not forgive because there is nothing to forgive.
Wayne Rooney is an England striker in the classic mold, tough, tenacious, hard-hitting and strong.
If only the media could stop stirring things for a few minutes...
2.7.06
Germany 2006 Day 21(ii)
Well, Brazil are out. Which makes this morning's result all the harder to swallow. Had we gone through, it would have been up against France instead.
I've calmed down and I've realised two things:
First, that there are plenty of reasons to be happy with England's performance this World Cup:
Second, that all that doesn't matter. I'm still pissed.
Penalties. Why is it always bloody penalties? Euro '04 against Portugal. Euro 2000 against Germany. France '98 against Argentina. We suck at penalties.
Well, South Africa 2010 is a mere four years away. We'll have a new coach, probably a new captain. And we'll probably end up going out on a penalty shootout there, too.
2014 is provisionally scheduled to be held in Brazil.
I've calmed down and I've realised two things:
First, that there are plenty of reasons to be happy with England's performance this World Cup:
There are 208 teams eligible to compete in the FIFA World Cup. England ended up in the top 8. That's 200 teams who did worse.
England went out at the same stage as Brazil, current World Champions, the team that has won the World Cup more than anyone else, and the only team to have qualified for every World Cup since the first one.
England didn't score, but neither did Ronaldinho, the so-called "greatest player in the world".
Despite being a man down and with our captain out injured, England held Portugal, a team ranked 3 places higher in FIFA world ratings, to a goal-less regular and extra time.
The quarter-finals is our third best performance of all time, with only '90 (fourth place) and '66 (champions) better.
Not only that, but three times since we've been entering, we've failed to even qualify, so we did good.
Second, that all that doesn't matter. I'm still pissed.
Penalties. Why is it always bloody penalties? Euro '04 against Portugal. Euro 2000 against Germany. France '98 against Argentina. We suck at penalties.
Well, South Africa 2010 is a mere four years away. We'll have a new coach, probably a new captain. And we'll probably end up going out on a penalty shootout there, too.
2014 is provisionally scheduled to be held in Brazil.
1.7.06
Germany 2006 Day 21(i)
5 minutes in and no score, but I'm encouraged by a few hard shots and some reasonable playing, but discouraged by the fact that half of it is coming from Portugal.
It seems like every time England takes a shot, Portugal answers, and the fouls are coming thick and fast.
Robinson is shooting up in my estimation, twice now he's saved the scoreline. I'm more than a little surprised and pleased that England's showing some sparks in defence, unusual for us.
14th minute - If there ever was a time for England to show some razzle, this is it. We're pulling back and defending. Defending well, but simply defending nonetheless.
(And Ashley Cole's pink boots are freaking me out, Why are they pink?!)
16th minute - This is better, England. Pressure, attack, shots.
18th minute - And here comes Portugal right back atcha. Robinson had it covered, but that was some nice attacking.
20th minute - whoa.. I don't know how many more of these near misses I can take. Sooner of later one's got to go in.
28th minute - And Terry gets a yellow card?! WTF?! That was a 50/50 collision, why does Terry get the card?!
Terry has to sit out the next game - if we go through.
Halftime - Still scoreless, but it's looking like it may get all the more physical.
Note: I was at work whilst this game was playing, so we recorded it and now I'm watching it. What's annoying is that Mrs Doombreed knows the final score. I don't want to know, I want to watch the game, but she's giving me the smug "I know something you don't know" treatment.
On to the second half.
52nd minute - Bye bye Beckham. This is a terrible shame, no disrespect to Lennon. If this game remains scoreless and goes to penalties, Beckham's exit won't help us.
58th minute - Oh, I see, that was almost Argentinianesque playacting by Maniche. Wanker.
61st minute - Rooney gets a red card. FUCK! FUCK FUCK FUKKITY FUCK!
And Crouch is coming on.
Oh bollocks.
Stat alert - England are 9-0-1 when Crouch plays.
Oh, and if we win, Rooney's out for the game against Brazil or France.
Listening to the crowd around the 67th minute, you can tell that England's fans are in the majority. Every time a Portuguese player gets the ball, it's boos and jeers, and cheers for England's players.
Ronaldo is joining the Argentinian squad with his Oscar-worthy diving. Play the fucking game, people.
And now the Portuguese are bringing out a sub with pink boots. Nice.
Okay, I just spotted an England flag in the crowd with the word "MINGE" written on it in big letters. What's that all about?
Robinson and Ferdinand. Fuckin' A. These guys kept the Portuguese out. I get the impression that when he retires, Robinson is going to have his name spoken in the same breath as Banks, Clemence, Shilton and Seaman. [post-game edit: I still believe this, even with the penalty shootout result]
3 minutes of stoppage time and the attack's on. And on! We haven't seen England play like this the entire tournament.
Okay, regular time over. Now we're into extra time, and there's no Golden Goal here. It's 15 mins each way.
No matter how this goes, there's pride in fighting even when down. We're the underdogs, and we always were. And that's how we fight best. We're a man down and still Portugal couldn't score.
This is exactly what I mean about England not scoring first. The donkey's off the field and the lions are loose.
EN-GER-LAND EN-GER-LAND EN-GER-LAAAAAAND!!
YOU FUCKER!!! I do NOT believe this!
Because of the extra time, my DVR STOPPED RECORDING!
So now I have to go to the Germany 2006 website for the final score.
And wouldn't you know it. England go out on sudden death penalties AGAIN.
Maybe in a few days I'll be able to approach this game pragmatically, but for now, I'm just drained and pissed off.
I'm going to bed.
It seems like every time England takes a shot, Portugal answers, and the fouls are coming thick and fast.
Robinson is shooting up in my estimation, twice now he's saved the scoreline. I'm more than a little surprised and pleased that England's showing some sparks in defence, unusual for us.
14th minute - If there ever was a time for England to show some razzle, this is it. We're pulling back and defending. Defending well, but simply defending nonetheless.
(And Ashley Cole's pink boots are freaking me out, Why are they pink?!)
16th minute - This is better, England. Pressure, attack, shots.
18th minute - And here comes Portugal right back atcha. Robinson had it covered, but that was some nice attacking.
20th minute - whoa.. I don't know how many more of these near misses I can take. Sooner of later one's got to go in.
28th minute - And Terry gets a yellow card?! WTF?! That was a 50/50 collision, why does Terry get the card?!
Terry has to sit out the next game - if we go through.
Halftime - Still scoreless, but it's looking like it may get all the more physical.
Note: I was at work whilst this game was playing, so we recorded it and now I'm watching it. What's annoying is that Mrs Doombreed knows the final score. I don't want to know, I want to watch the game, but she's giving me the smug "I know something you don't know" treatment.
On to the second half.
52nd minute - Bye bye Beckham. This is a terrible shame, no disrespect to Lennon. If this game remains scoreless and goes to penalties, Beckham's exit won't help us.
58th minute - Oh, I see, that was almost Argentinianesque playacting by Maniche. Wanker.
61st minute - Rooney gets a red card. FUCK! FUCK FUCK FUKKITY FUCK!
And Crouch is coming on.
Oh bollocks.
Stat alert - England are 9-0-1 when Crouch plays.
Oh, and if we win, Rooney's out for the game against Brazil or France.
Listening to the crowd around the 67th minute, you can tell that England's fans are in the majority. Every time a Portuguese player gets the ball, it's boos and jeers, and cheers for England's players.
Ronaldo is joining the Argentinian squad with his Oscar-worthy diving. Play the fucking game, people.
And now the Portuguese are bringing out a sub with pink boots. Nice.
Okay, I just spotted an England flag in the crowd with the word "MINGE" written on it in big letters. What's that all about?
Robinson and Ferdinand. Fuckin' A. These guys kept the Portuguese out. I get the impression that when he retires, Robinson is going to have his name spoken in the same breath as Banks, Clemence, Shilton and Seaman. [post-game edit: I still believe this, even with the penalty shootout result]
3 minutes of stoppage time and the attack's on. And on! We haven't seen England play like this the entire tournament.
Okay, regular time over. Now we're into extra time, and there's no Golden Goal here. It's 15 mins each way.
No matter how this goes, there's pride in fighting even when down. We're the underdogs, and we always were. And that's how we fight best. We're a man down and still Portugal couldn't score.
This is exactly what I mean about England not scoring first. The donkey's off the field and the lions are loose.
EN-GER-LAND EN-GER-LAND EN-GER-LAAAAAAND!!
YOU FUCKER!!! I do NOT believe this!
Because of the extra time, my DVR STOPPED RECORDING!
So now I have to go to the Germany 2006 website for the final score.
And wouldn't you know it. England go out on sudden death penalties AGAIN.
Maybe in a few days I'll be able to approach this game pragmatically, but for now, I'm just drained and pissed off.
I'm going to bed.
20.6.06
Germany 2006 Day 12 (ii)
England-Sweden (from one fan's perspective)
At half time (which was when I picked up my AlphaSmart and started blogging whilst watching):
Well, Owen going out was - stat alert - the fastest substitution in World Cup history.
Replacing Owen with Crouch may have been the stupidest decision in World Cup history.
Ah well..
Oh, and sports shows can stop showing how Owen's knee goes splurk as he goes down. It's making me squirm and we keep having to see it over and over and over again.
WHAT A GOAL!
Joe Cole slotted home what may be the goal of the tournament so far - and that's not just my opinion, even the American commentators were talking about it in those terms.
England are playing better - far better - than I've seen them playing for years.
Second half:
England coming out attacking. This is encouraging.
But Sweden are also starting to wake up, and this could fall into..
Okay. I was about to type that this could fall into the old pattern of England laying back and Sweden replying with an equaliser.
And guess what happened?
Sweden equalised.
MERDE!
Stat alert - that was the 2,000th goal in World Cup history.
54th minute: Here's a wake-up call for England: The crossbar should not be saving goals.
What happened?
England need to get back into this game and quick or we'll loose and have to face Germany, and we will loose that match.
But the good news: Eriksson just brought our man Campbell on. Excellent. We like Sol Campbell. He used to play with Spurs, and is a giant in defense.
What's worrying is that England are looking more and more like we're playing for the draw. That's never good.
Again: This is why England aren't allowed to score first any more.
59th minute: And AGAIN with the crossbar!
61st minute: Campbell just showed why he's there. Excellent defending.
69th minute: Sheeit. Rooney's out. And he is not a happy chappy about it. Great save by Gerrard, his replacement, though.
75th minute: The first lesson in FOOTball, Mr Hargreaves, is that we use our FEET, not our HANDS.
85th minute: That goal was textbook. Bloody textbook. 2-1. Sweet strike, Gerrard.
89th minute: Sweden pulls it out and now it's 2-2. What the hell was Ashley Cole doing? The ball just dribbles into the net and he just watches it go in. Great. 3 minutes of stoppage time and we've got a draw.
Game over: 2-2.
Sweden faces Germany, England faces Ecuador.
Stat alert: England haven't beaten Sweden since 1968.
At half time (which was when I picked up my AlphaSmart and started blogging whilst watching):
Well, Owen going out was - stat alert - the fastest substitution in World Cup history.
Replacing Owen with Crouch may have been the stupidest decision in World Cup history.
Ah well..
Oh, and sports shows can stop showing how Owen's knee goes splurk as he goes down. It's making me squirm and we keep having to see it over and over and over again.
WHAT A GOAL!
Joe Cole slotted home what may be the goal of the tournament so far - and that's not just my opinion, even the American commentators were talking about it in those terms.
England are playing better - far better - than I've seen them playing for years.
Second half:
England coming out attacking. This is encouraging.
But Sweden are also starting to wake up, and this could fall into..
Okay. I was about to type that this could fall into the old pattern of England laying back and Sweden replying with an equaliser.
And guess what happened?
Sweden equalised.
MERDE!
Stat alert - that was the 2,000th goal in World Cup history.
54th minute: Here's a wake-up call for England: The crossbar should not be saving goals.
What happened?
England need to get back into this game and quick or we'll loose and have to face Germany, and we will loose that match.
But the good news: Eriksson just brought our man Campbell on. Excellent. We like Sol Campbell. He used to play with Spurs, and is a giant in defense.
What's worrying is that England are looking more and more like we're playing for the draw. That's never good.
Again: This is why England aren't allowed to score first any more.
59th minute: And AGAIN with the crossbar!
61st minute: Campbell just showed why he's there. Excellent defending.
69th minute: Sheeit. Rooney's out. And he is not a happy chappy about it. Great save by Gerrard, his replacement, though.
75th minute: The first lesson in FOOTball, Mr Hargreaves, is that we use our FEET, not our HANDS.
85th minute: That goal was textbook. Bloody textbook. 2-1. Sweet strike, Gerrard.
89th minute: Sweden pulls it out and now it's 2-2. What the hell was Ashley Cole doing? The ball just dribbles into the net and he just watches it go in. Great. 3 minutes of stoppage time and we've got a draw.
Game over: 2-2.
Sweden faces Germany, England faces Ecuador.
Stat alert: England haven't beaten Sweden since 1968.
16.6.06
Germany 2006 Day 7 (i)
Three pretty good games today, and my score is 2-1.
Ecuador 3-0 Costa Rica
Fun fact: This is the first time Ecuador have ever got out of the group stages. Okay, so it's only the second time they've been to the World Cup, but still, impressive.
Ecuador are looking quite dangerous right now, certainly a team to keep an eye on. And as for Mr Kaviedes and his yellow spiderman mask, what a great way to celebrate. But, hadn't that been in his sock for over 90 minutes of hard play? Mmmm.. cheesy..
Sweden 1-0 Paraguay
Okay, Sweden needed 88 minutes to score against Paraguay. England needed a Paraguayan player to score for them. Who did better?
Nothing truly shocking about the game, but Sweden shows that slow and steady can, indeed, win the race.
And wasn't there another game played today...?
Oh, yeah...
England 2-0 Trinidad & Tobago
Rooney came back. I like Wayne Rooney, even if he does bear a passing resemblance to Shrek. Mrs Doombreed likes David Beckham, just not the way I like Wayne Rooney, if you catch my drift.
A few comments, though.
This game was English football through and through. Nothing flashy, nothing to make any "greatest Word Cup moments" DVD, but a victory nonetheless.
What's surprising to me (and, probably, to many an England fan) is how we're scoring a lot later in the game. We're used to seeing an England team that goes out and plays well for 45-60 minutes, then falls to pieces in the end. Now, we're staying the course, which can only be good.
Peter Crouch needs to grow up. Before he scored the excellent goal, there was a bad moment where he was called for holding in the goalmouth. I say holding, but in order to keep his opponent down any more efficiently, Crouch would have had to have nailed his feet to the floor. And, when caught, Crouch reacted like it was a unfair call, and he's done that a lot over the last two games. Here's a message: You did it, you got caught, take it like a man and move on. The childish temper tantrums are unbecoming.
Having said that, nicely done with the goal.
I felt, and was giving vent to my feelings, that England was going to pull back and defend, and we'd conceed a goal. Minutes later I was proved wrong when Gerrard left-footed a scorching ball straight into the top corner. Nice.
Trinidad & Tobago should have equalised from a brilliant 92nd minute cross tapped in by John, but fell foul of the offside rule. Which I then had to explain to Mrs Doombreed. Fun.
Overall, not a lot of razzle-dazzle, no great amounts of vroom-vroom-vroom, little to bother keeping the DVR recording for (I was at work for most of the first half), but a victory is a victory.
So, as I said, pretty much 100% England.
Tomorrow we have Argentina vs Serbia & Montenegro, Holland vs Ivory Coast, and Mexico vs Angola.
I see no reason to go against the numbers on these three, so Argentina, Holland and Mexico it is.
Ecuador 3-0 Costa Rica
Fun fact: This is the first time Ecuador have ever got out of the group stages. Okay, so it's only the second time they've been to the World Cup, but still, impressive.
Ecuador are looking quite dangerous right now, certainly a team to keep an eye on. And as for Mr Kaviedes and his yellow spiderman mask, what a great way to celebrate. But, hadn't that been in his sock for over 90 minutes of hard play? Mmmm.. cheesy..
Sweden 1-0 Paraguay
Okay, Sweden needed 88 minutes to score against Paraguay. England needed a Paraguayan player to score for them. Who did better?
Nothing truly shocking about the game, but Sweden shows that slow and steady can, indeed, win the race.
And wasn't there another game played today...?
Oh, yeah...
England 2-0 Trinidad & Tobago
Rooney came back. I like Wayne Rooney, even if he does bear a passing resemblance to Shrek. Mrs Doombreed likes David Beckham, just not the way I like Wayne Rooney, if you catch my drift.
A few comments, though.
This game was English football through and through. Nothing flashy, nothing to make any "greatest Word Cup moments" DVD, but a victory nonetheless.
What's surprising to me (and, probably, to many an England fan) is how we're scoring a lot later in the game. We're used to seeing an England team that goes out and plays well for 45-60 minutes, then falls to pieces in the end. Now, we're staying the course, which can only be good.
Peter Crouch needs to grow up. Before he scored the excellent goal, there was a bad moment where he was called for holding in the goalmouth. I say holding, but in order to keep his opponent down any more efficiently, Crouch would have had to have nailed his feet to the floor. And, when caught, Crouch reacted like it was a unfair call, and he's done that a lot over the last two games. Here's a message: You did it, you got caught, take it like a man and move on. The childish temper tantrums are unbecoming.
Having said that, nicely done with the goal.
I felt, and was giving vent to my feelings, that England was going to pull back and defend, and we'd conceed a goal. Minutes later I was proved wrong when Gerrard left-footed a scorching ball straight into the top corner. Nice.
Trinidad & Tobago should have equalised from a brilliant 92nd minute cross tapped in by John, but fell foul of the offside rule. Which I then had to explain to Mrs Doombreed. Fun.
Overall, not a lot of razzle-dazzle, no great amounts of vroom-vroom-vroom, little to bother keeping the DVR recording for (I was at work for most of the first half), but a victory is a victory.
So, as I said, pretty much 100% England.
Tomorrow we have Argentina vs Serbia & Montenegro, Holland vs Ivory Coast, and Mexico vs Angola.
I see no reason to go against the numbers on these three, so Argentina, Holland and Mexico it is.
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