*is too numb to cry*

[anitabuchan]

Italy and France qualify for Euro 2008.

Italy scored in the first minute. We equalised in the 64th. And then, as everyone knew they would, Italy scored in the 90th.

We dominated the game. We had so many chances we just didn't take, missed sitters and headers cleared off the line. We played so well, so bravely.

Some of the players are crying.

They are all heroes. In a group containing Ukraine, France and Italy, we were in it until the very last minute. That is more than anyone ever expected.

Just to rub salt in the wound, Israel are 1-0 up against Russia. England could be going through, despite the fact that they have played rubbish and that their own fans do almost nothing but criticise and boo.

That is the way of football, isn't it? Always breaks your heart. The big teams always win in the end.

Another glorious failure.

Comments

[anitabuchan.livejournal.com]

We were glorious. But we didn't qualify. And at the minute I am just so gutted about that.

The referee was just unbelievable. All through the match he was making ridiculous decisions. At first they didn't seem to be favouring either team, but as the match went on we basically just got nothing. Apparently, he was the ref when we failed to qualify for WC 2002 as well?

[booksbagsshoes.livejournal.com]

I'm gutted for the players but I feel strangely numb about the whole thing, tbh. I've had my rant about the unfairness of it all and now I'm channelling most of my energy into hating the majority of the Sky Sports team. It's cathartic.

It would only ever happen this way to Scotland.

[anitabuchan.livejournal.com]

I kind of just feel...numbly depressed, if that's possible. I don't even really feel angry at the ref. I suppose I feel a bit like we shouldn't all have gotten so hopeful. Because, like you say...we are Scotland.

So proud, though. World Cup 2010, here we come! :D

[booksbagsshoes.livejournal.com]

Yeah, we'll be seeded second in the draw for that thanks to our heroics - hey, we didn't want exhaust ourselves at the Euro 2008 tournament anyway. We're saving our energy to win the World Cup!

I just hope it doesn't come out in 20 years or so that the ref was bribed, given Italian football's fondness for corruption!