Gear up Footy Fans !

Went with my Irish mate to the footy last night. Last minute decision, I'm not a big footy fan, but it was a local derby. So thought it would be a bit of a hoot. Going to a football game in Sweden is pretty far removed from NZ. First up, you can't buy a beer. That's a major culture shock right there. However, I have to say that it's one I agree with. If there's one thing that put me right off going to football games in NZ it was the sight of drunken dads frantically trying to get through their six pack before half time so they could leave their kids and stagger down for a half time purchase. The connection that NZ has made between sport and alcohol is quite bizarre, and does defy logic. The two are so diversely opposed. One thing I do miss at the footy though, and in general, is buying a steak and cheese pie with tomato sauce. I'm salivating just writing this. I'd even settle for a bag of hot greasy chips. God I miss those. So what was on the menu last night ? Well, there were a number of little tables set up around the place, presumably run as fundraisers for kids sport. They sold sandwiches, buns, and cakes, together with cups of coffee. Very civilised bunch, these Swedes. God I miss pies. The game itself never rose to any great heights. One thing that you'll notice about Swedish team sports, and this applies to any team sport, is that nothing happens until there is about 7 or 8 minutes left in the game. Then sheer panic sets in, and it's all on. So, if you like, stay at home a bit longer, and turn up for the last quarter. Why is this so ? Well, Swedes are generally polite people, and don't like controntation as a rule. They are also people who don't like sticking out as individuals. So, before anyone can even THINK about kicking a goal, the ball must be passed to every member in the team at least twice. To be fair. Tackling appears to be the result of accidental contact with the opposing team, rather than any act of intent. Usually followed immediately by an apology. Thank God they've never really been to war with anyone. As a final note, it was quite a laugh to view the parking lot in front of the stadium. As I said, it was a local derby. It was also a crowd record for the stadium, with about 5,500 people turning up. And I reckon that about 5,000 of those, came by bicycle. I have never seen so many bicycles in my life !! God only knows how they knew who's was who's. For once I was glad that I was poisoning the planet a little by driving my Volvo the 5km from home to the stadium. It must have been one helluva cycle trip home.