Sorrow day for Brits in HCMC over Euro exit
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Báo Tuổi Trẻ English
- 11 month(s) ago
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Nearly 100 British football fans who are living in Ho Chi Minh City flocked to the Spotted Cow bar on District 1’s Bui Vien Street at 1:45am Monday to watch their national team play against Italy in the Euro 2012 quarterfinal, but unfortunately had to go home with misery.
A British soccer supporter in Ho Chi Minh City reacts after England lost 2-4 to Italy in the penalty shootout during their Euro 2012 quarterfinal on June 25, 2012 Photo: Tuoi Tre
After the solemn moment when all the fans sung their national anthem along with the players in Kiev, Ukraine, their football fest began with an atmosphere as exciting as one in England, with beers and traditional songs.
As the match progressed through the first half, the bar became loud with cheers for the English side, and boos for the Italians, especially striker Mario Balotelli.
Yet all the cheers and laughter gradually faded away when the Italians took control of the game during extra time.
Worry began to appear on the face of the female fans, except for Sandra Kasia, one of the most optimistic fans. Kasia was still eagerly photographing her friends when the two teams were preparing for their penalty shootouts.
After Italy’s Montolivo misfired his shot, Kasia said: “England will definitely win since we have goalie Joe Hart, and we’re not scared of penalty shootouts.”
But her delight was extinguished by the two consecutive misfires by Ashley Young and Ashley Cole.
Some supporters even had their legs fail them when the match ended. They just sat silently and shook their heads.
“Ashley, Ashley, oh two Ashleys have ended everything,” someone said.
The Brits continued to talk with each other, while those who were the most optimistic went around, shook hands, and consoled the remaining fans.