Happy and Inglorious: Nation of Sore Losers

Union Berlin Crystal Palace

In their outstanding book ‘Soccernomics’, Simon Kuper & Stefan Szymanski discuss at length England’s journeys through major international Football cups and the distinct absence of success. They have analysed how the narrative of events told by the English develops before, during and after the tournament. Kuper and Szymanski claim the English & their attitudes follow a pattern Continue reading

Advertising & the Football Cup

Football Advertising

Another major international Football competition and not only fans but also businesses are making serious plans. So much attention from so many people from so many countries is an opportunity to make an easy buck. Hijack the upcoming tournament hysteria, change your product design with the event name & national colours and claim you’re backing the boys in the host country. Kerching.

But governing Football bodies are not going to allow non-affiliated companies to Continue reading

On Wembley Way Baht’at

Hull City vs Sheffield Wednesday Wembley

This year’s Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final will be contested between Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday, 28th of May, in the grandest of all British stadia, Wembley Stadium. While the rivalry of these two teams will be evident, we have to acknowledge the significance of an all-Yorkshire final taking place in London.

The United Kingdom and France share a characteristic that other major European powers do not; in each country one city, the capital, dominates the political, economic and Continue reading

Ultras Aufkleber of the Week – Austria Salzburg

Only after the watershed this time. The caption translates as ‘Horny for Austria’. The boys at SV Austria Salzburg are not large in numbers but boast a lot of creativity and don’t shy away from the spotlight. See our post ‘Saving Austria Salzburg‘ for a brief overview of the club and an account of their eventful meeting with 1. FC Union Berlin earlier this year.

Geil auf die Austria

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