A semi-success, if there is such a thing
There was, of course, an oaf. The England supporter who in the midst of a troglodytic tanty hiffed his drink in Newshub reporter Lloyd Burr’s face was a reminder why that nation’s footy fans aren’t collectively beloved worldwide.
Granted, New Zealanders can themselves look back and find painful reminders of gutting departures from world tournament and reflect that our own reactions haven’t always edifying.
But sheesh, this chucklehead, holding his hammy forearm high to jab his stubby finger in Burr’s wet face, was the worst sort of cartoonish cliche fleshed out.
And yet, cliches can be true enough to survive without being fairly representative of the group to which they belong.
From our distant perspective a more deserving memory of England’s loss to Croatia might be that a host of England supporters remained in the Moscow stadium and roared an arguably tuneful but unassailably heartfelt version of the Oasis song Don’t Look Back in Anger for the consolation and encouragement of Gareth Southgate and his team.
It was touching.
Inevitably there is some anger, notably the squirts of bile some English fans are directing at the referee for the high-footed nature of Ivan Perisic’s goal.
And Star Croatian player Luka Modric’s contention afterwards that England pundits’ lack of respect had helped focus his side can be taken as his team finding motivation where it can.
Neutral observers would surely judge Croatia the deserving winner but if England deserved to go out, it also deserved to do so on a grace note.
On field, and in terms of team culture, Southgate has fashioned a more likeable, promising team.
It’s also worth noting – as a good thing – that even now he also seems to be the sort of realist who doesn’t want himself, his men, perhaps supporters, to be easily tranquilised and comforted.
There will, in time, be lots of positives to take,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s hard to put that into context now, and a bit too soon.
‘‘You have to suffer the result a little bit. It’s too easy sometimes to move on quickly.’’ So that’s England, then. Overtaken and ousted – but it looking up. It would be churlish to deny that Southgate’s young team retains a sense of potential to an extent that offers uplift to the nation’s ambitions.
The team will return to England and a heroes’ welcome.
And now a thrilling World Cup final awaits between France, with its conspicuous talents but intimations of fragility, and Croatia, an underdog with seasoned comeback credentials.
These teams are finalists because they deserve to be.
In spite of the sentiments of the rather snortworthy Football’s Coming Home the rest of the world is hardly now going to regard the World Cup as somehow homeless.
In spite of the sentiments of the rather snortworthy Football’s Coming Home the rest of the world is hardly now going to regard the World Cup as somehow homeless.