FOOTBALL IS FOR GIRLS

I’m not a great aficionado of football, but my hearty congratulations go out to the Brazilian women’s team who have today reached the World Cup final, beating the USA for the first time by a score of 4-0. The standard of play from both teams was at times breathtaking, showing that even in football, women are stealing a march on us menfolk. There was little diving and rolling around as if caught in crossfire in a bank robbery, with both teams exhibiting a workwomanlike dedication, individual flair providing moments of exquisite drama.

I personally will be following the scandalously overlooked women’s game more closely in future. The men’s game has long since lost its soul to seven-figure salaries, with players apparently preferring a career in modelling, sportswear marketing or professional celebrity to actually playing the game they are fortunate enough to be richly talented at.

Football is now officially my second favourite women's sport, after beach volleyball (amateur or professional...)