Playing for Third
Germany vs. Portugal            Score: Germany 3   Portugal 1

Amadeus
Augusta Ave.
Kensington Market on a perfect summer Saturday afternoon

 We wondered initially what it would feel like to play for third. But then it occured to us that the opposite of consolation is desolation. Desolation is very bad. Consolation implies hope - you get to win one more time. But what a different game - what a different atmosphere - to play, and to be a fan, without the pressure of "going on". The crowd at Amadeus was much changed from our last foray there for the Argentina/Germany match. It still was crowded -we got there early to snag a seat - but our fellow viewers were a mixed bunch. Possibly they were more in favour of Portugal (there was much cheering at their lone goal, but it may have just been face-saving approval). Mostly people just wanted to see more soccer. All of us idlers are in denial that this time-out-of-time is soon coming to an end. We just want to see another game. There was a long table of older boozing gents of very mixed heritage, very loud, very full of opinions and arguments. The only thing they agreed on was their utter disdain for Vic Rauter as a commentator.

The first half was neither here nor there. The Portugese had their usual  flashes of wonderfulness, but simply could not finish. Kahn came back in goal for Germany and looked to be about nine feet tall and about as wide, with a visage like the Incredible Hulk. Then in the second half,  the wonderfully and appropriately named Schweinsteiger stuck it in the net two times and was responsible for another goal . The German determination to win must have been fueled enormously from the fan fervour in Stuttgart.

Our energy was stoked by a couple of Stellas and the engaging company of Daniel and Salvador. We beercycled home and did not encounter a single flag waving hornmeister. Ah, it is truly almost over.
Tomorrow, there will either be cacaphony throughout Toronto - or a big dance party on King St  West.
I may not sleep tonight.
Rocco has a bad cold and is feeling quite under the weather.
No surprises there.