5 Jul 2007(Thu)

July 3, 2007: I don't know about you, but that was quite a strange experience watching Japan beat Scotland 3-1 in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

The result was impressive for Japan, but the environment was unusual to say the least.

All those people walking around as the game was in progress; all the tents; and the near silence of the large crowd providing a training ground atmosphere for the players.

It looked as though the players were walking through a cow field to the stadium pitch, and that the football match was just part of a summer show. I was wondering what would be next on the entertainment programme, the sack race for boys or the egg-and-spoon race for girls? Or maybe it was time for the Victoria Vegetable Society to display their spring onions?

Whatever, it was a very surreal backdrop to the match -- and the situation deteriorated when the Mexican Wave began in the second half.

Sorry to be a kill-joy, but the Mexican Wave should be outlawed by FIFA at all football grounds, with anyone found guilty of starting it escorted to the nearest exit and banned for life. Rather than showing how much everyone is enjoying themselves, it reveals boredom and is disrespectful to the players trying their hearts out at a potentially career-changing moment.

Just think...a young player with stars in his eyes finally pulls off the Cruyff trick he has been practising in his back garden for two years, and half the audience are looking the other way, preparing to raise their arms and cheer.

Football is not about fun! "It is not even about life and death -- it is much more important than that," to paraphrase the late and legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly.

Against the big Scots, Japan won well in a confident team display (notably Umesaki) marred slightly by Japanese players feigning injury (Umesaki) and taking the ball into the corner (Umesaki) a good five minutes before full time.

The Canadian neutrals, brought up in the rough-tough world of ice hockey, did not appreciate the theatrics and were quick to boo and jeer the "injured" players. Good on 'em!

But please no Mexican Wave.

ends