Anyone But Brazil.

The World Cup is upon us and so far it's been a cracking tournament. With very few exceptions (England v Paraguay and France v Switzerland) the games have been a great advert for football. However, there is one thing that has been bugging me about this years event.

What is it with the British media and Brazil? I'm getting really pissed off with the fawning when any commentator speaks about Brazil. Last night for instance Mark Lawrenceson said that the tournament hadn't started properly until Brazil took to the field. Well excuse me I 've been watching it since last Friday mate. I think you'll find it has started. What's more, John Motson kept giggling with delight everytime a Brazillian touched the ball. And made some crappy excuse when their passes went astray. From what I saw Croatia were giving them a good run for their money and played some lovely stuff themselves but the commentry team couldn't praise them because they aren't the adored Brazil.

Yesterday afternoon I found myself shouting at the radio (something I do quite a lot these days as I enter grumpy old manhood).The reason, the presenter told me that everybodies second team were Brazil!! Bollocks they are. Supporting Brazil is such an easy option. It is like supporting Manchester United because they win all the time (when they did that is). Why would I want to do that?

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Brazil or Brazilians. They are a fantastic football team, but there are some other teams playing at Deutschland 2006. According to the British media only England and Brazil are playing this year. I would like to see the other teams getting some respect. If the BBC had their way the Final would be today and it would be England v Brazil (and I'm not sure who they'd want to win).

For the record if England don't win the World Cup (and I'm not sure that they will) I hope either the Czech Republic or Holland win it. In fact I'll go as far as saying that the Czech Republic will win it. But I really don't mind as long as it's ANYONE BUT BRAZIL!!!!!