URUGUAY has long struggled to live up to its football heritage, but then any country of just three and a half million people battles against huge odds to win major competitions, especially with far noisier and more acclaimed neighbours on their doorstep. Yet two Olympic titles and two World Cups, along with 15 Copa America titles, make Uruguay football’s most successful country in terms of … Continue reading Gods in sky blue – the 1930 Uruguayans
THERE was something very unsettling about sitting in the conservatory of a luxury hotel and enjoying a hearty breakfast as you watched the centre of George Square, Glasgow prepare for the Homeless World Cup. Unsettling because the night before, I was a little unhappy that the water brought to my room was not sparkling and the tea was Earl Grey not English Breakfast, as requested. … Continue reading Discomfort and delight – the Homeless World Cup
EVERY DAY I walk past a young girl who sits in Bishopsgate, the City of London, asking people to smile. She always looks tired and stiff after a night sleeping on the street. Occasionally, I give her some change – once or twice, I have bought her a coffee. I’m ashamed to say, that doesn’t happen too often. It’s easy to walk past people like … Continue reading Like everyone else, the homeless love their football
