Soccer: A Swede in the lions' den

By SCOTT MacLEOD

Life is tough for a Swedish football fan in a pub full of hundreds of screaming Englishmen.

Tourist Lars Johannsen, 25, wearing the colours of his national team, rashly chose downtown pub Mad Dogs and Englishmen to watch the Swedes take on England in the World Cup last night.

"They respect me because I support my team," Mr Johannsen yelled, his handle of Lapin Kulta beer frothing dangerously, his face flushed with excitement.

"They're under a lot of pressure, the English. We're not. I'm picking nil-all to Sweden."

Outside, dozens of young folk queued in the chill air for the chance to get inside. All seemed to have English voices; all picked scores of 2-1 or 3-1 to good ol' Blighty; all of them were wrong. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

It was unwise of the Herald reporter to cast slurs on the character of England captain David Beckham. "He's matured," bellowed Englishman Craig Marshall. "The nation loves him."

Stefann Perigo, 22, bet $5 on England winning 2-1.

"At least there's no marketing for the World Cup here, like there is at home," he said. "It's a welcome relief."

As kick-off drew closer it was time to sing.

Hundreds of lungs thundered tunes that feature some of the finest English lyrics, such as England, Engellannd, Eeengeellaaaand (repeat 25 times).

There was also some yelling about a bloke called St George.

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

Groups and team lists
Stars
Schedule
Previous winners and key statistics

Interactive graphics:
Groups and team profiles