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17
Jun
By all accounts the World Cup so far has been poor. We’ve seen the rise of the Asian teams, including a heroic display from Korea DPR against Brazil, unfortunately finishing the game as a 2-1 loss, a magnificent triumph by Japan over Cameroon, despite being heralded by the entire African continent as an overwhelming sense of patriotism for their continent sweeps over Africa. Then yesterday, in what can only be seen as a tragic result, South Africa slumped to a 3-0 loss against Uruguay. It would take a miracle for South Africa to qualify now, but then, this World Cup is already a miracle we’re told.
Apart from the ball, that is, which everyone warns is a nightmare for goalkeepers, and yet has somehow lead to 7 less than the lowest number of goals in this first round of games ever.
And then, of course, there are the Vuvuzelas. By all accounts a traditional symbol of South African football, which is said to have begun in the 1890s (the football, not the Vuvuzelas!), and which have now spread so fast as to have necessitated a ban from Wimbledon. Desmond Tutu, Archbishop, said this in response “For those of you saying you don’t like the vuvuzelas… You have come to South Africa, and you will enjoy EVERYTHING South African. Everything!!” But nevertheless, the largely negative commentary at the start of this world cup seems to have settled on the opposing viewpoint.
And, as always England seem to be performing abysmally. Despite being picked in an easy group, England lowered themselves to a 1-1 draw against the USA, and yet again England fell foul of victory because of a goal-keeping error. So what, I ask, is the solution, the ultimate revenge to an England squad that fails to include some of our best talent – Walcott the shock exclusion, and a premier league full of foreigners.
Actually the answer is simple. A Stoke Season ticket. With a squad largely comprised of Englishmen and a smattering of others, reliable mid-table finishes (12th and then 11th in recent years), full capacity crowds in their stadium week in, week out, nothing epitomises British football more than Stoke City. They even have their fair share of heroes, including Sir Stanley Matthews, whose ashes are buried in the centre circle of the pitch. Just like every other British club they have their own derby, nicknamed the Potteries derby, however it’s unlikely that they’ll ever play against each other again, amusingly, as Port Vale are in the Second League, and Stoke the premiership.
If that’s not enough, quality food is also on offer at Delilah’s Bar, which even serves great pies, thanks to the sponsorship of Wrights Pies!
Are you already a fan of Stoke, or have you just been enjoying the World Cup? Comment below and let us know!
Links :
Why Delilah? : Stoke City Fan Site
Stoke City on the BBC
I was recently watched Chelsea vs. Fulham at Stamford Bridge. During a stoppage in play, probably because Didier Drogba was receiving treatment from the medical team, I noticed an advert for an online shopping sale at chelseafc.com flash up on the advertising boards. Suddenly the same advert included Chinese lettering instead of English. So why was there a Chinese advert in London, 5000 miles from Beijing? The reason comes from what I mentioned earlier. The Chelsea fanatics in China probably have the match streamed to them live or would watch highlights and see the adverts during the game. The same goes for an advert about the Chelsea Megastore USA during the same match and probably many other adverts across the Premier League.
