Another Sixsmith – not our Pete, not even his Phil or Michael, but Andy, the television and events host (and son of Mike) – made several good points during the scintillating first half of France vs Switzerland.
Here’s a sample of his tweets:
* Have to say this is France’s strongest front three. Valbuena, Benzema and Giroud so sharp and fluid. This scoreline could be anything.
My reply, while watching excitable French TV coverage (Arsene, a little more cool, as pundit):
* Only Switzerland. But this France is reminiscent of les Black-Blanc-Beur of 1998. Watching in France with excitable TV commentary
Andy again:
* Expectations have to be tempered until they come up against better opp. But a French team w/confidence is v. dangerous!
But whether or not the Swiss grab a sensational 4-3 win after the break, let’s get back to Sunderland. England’s travels are all but over but check out this, from the SAFC Supporters’ Association London and SE branch (which may well have originated at safc.com):
Sunderland AFC head to Portugal next month for a warm-weather training camp ahead of the 2014-15 Barclays Premier League campaign.
The side will be based in the Algarve between July 28 and August 3, playing three games during the week.
The first game will take place on Tuesday 29 July at the Estádio Municipal de Albufeira with the opposition to be confirmed soon.
The following evening (Wednesday 30 July) Sunderland will take on Primeira Liga side Benfica, in a special Guadiana Tourneo one-off game, at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão, 8.45pm kick-off (local time)
SAFC will complete the stay in Portugal, taking on top-flight opposition side Vitória Setúbal at the Estádio Municipal de Albufeira, 8pm kick-off (local time)
Ticket details for all three fixtures will be announced in due course.
Now that might tempt Messrs Sixsmith – ours – and Horan
The French display against Switzerland was breathtaking. The most compelling performance to suggest that the trophy might be heading back across the Atlantic. Wonderful stuff. Exactly what the World Cup is all about. Devastating pace and energetic no nonsense defending. Real team play. Great to see that France have put the nightmare of South Africa behind them. Deschamps has them firing on all cylinders.