Malta and Euro 2012

 In the event of some type of natural disaster wreaking havoc and destruction across continental Europe - (hopefully this doesn't happen, of course) - then Malta might stand a chance of qualifying for a major football tournament.  As this has not yet occurred, the Maltese must content themselves with cheering on more successful footballing nations, specifically England and Italy.  Although that should be England or Italy, since you are a supporter of one or the other around these parts, not both.  There are sizable contingents from Spain, Italy and Germany offering support to their respective teams as well.

Anyway, the bars are doing decent business what with all the tourists, and the Maltese people who love football and are quite fond of drinking beer while doing so, so all is well with the world.  Or nearly all..

Holland v Germany - June 13th

Somebody had the very good idea to set up a big screen 'fan park' type of affair in Spinola Bay, which is smack in the middle of the tourist hub of St Julian's.  A popular venture, as you can see from the photo  taken during the Holland v Germany game.  A little too popular for some people though.

France v Ukraine - June 15th

The local bars and restaurants were none too impressed by the appearance of a big screen luring away up to a thousand potential customers.  The more upmarket restaurants and hotels complained that the screen was attracting "football maniacs" who were driving away their "first class customers".  One local restauranteur feared that such a populist device as a big screen could bring St Julian's down to the level of Bugibba, and may eventually transform the area into "the stinking hole it was a couple of decades ago".  (These are real quotes, check out the Malta Times article).  These gentle business-folk made their displeasure known to the relevant authorities, and as of June 15th the fan park was shifted, leading to some confused French fans walking around wondering why nobody had turned the big screen on for their game.  In fact, the whole shebang has been relocated to a car park outside a local supermarket, which does not have quite the same ambience, but which has been deemed a better holding area for all the "maniacs".

As an Ireland supporter, I am happy to watch my team in secluded areas without too many fans of the opposition around...

Tournament Update:
Italy 0 - 0 England  (Italy win on penalties)
- This is about as big as it gets for Maltese supporters watching Euro 2012.  And I think it's fair to say that the (vocal) majority leans towards Italy rather than Italy.  Certainly if you are to go by the number of horn-honking, flag-waving, boozed up motorists driving round the suburbs shouting 'Italia' based slogans at passers-by.

Italy 2 - 1 Germany
- Suddenly all the Italian fans love Mario Balotelli, after something of a reluctance to adopt him initially.  I heard about his first goal 2 second before I saw it, as there was an impressive roar from one of the houses down the street which obviously had a less-delayed TV feed than mine.  Can Italy win this thing?

Italy 0 - 4 Spain
- No they can't.  Completely out-passed and out-classed by the football machine that is Spain.  Not so much horn-honking this evening.