Taking Sides

I am one of those people who find it impossible to watch any sporting contest without finding myself coming out in support of one or other of the antagonists. The process is perfectly logical when the match involves England (or Britain) or an English (British) club or player. But it is not so obvious in the case of foreigners or foreign sides, or indeed in the case of TWO British sides, etc. Here, all sorts of factors come into play: favourites/underdogs, old-timers/upstarts, physical appearance, personality, etc. Preferences can change, too, over time. For instance, I was never a great fan of Rafa Nadal in the past, finding his style of tennis somewhat laborious, his countenance somewhat forbidding, and his presence representing a threat to the continuing dominance of my special hero Roger Federer. The Fed can still count on my undivided support but I have also come to admire and like Rafa who has shown himself to be a gentleman and the possessor of a most engaging personality. Pity all the others, including Andy Murray, doomed to compete in an era dominated by the two greatest players of all time!

I wish I could feel more optimistic about the chances of the England football squad. They have been built up by the press so often in the past, only to reveal themselves no better than average, that I prefer not to hold up much hope this time. We shall see.