Meeting John Biggs - City Hall

What a brilliant view

The picturesque view from the office (not)

The Theatre of dreams

Emdad Rahman

Beginning more than a century ago, the story of Manchester United combines eras of total English and European domination with some of the greatest adversity faced by any football club.

Only at the Manchester United Museum & Tour can you experience the story in all its glory, and immerse yourself in a legend still being made.

Only at the Manchester United Museum & Tour Centre can you see the stadium through the eyes of Manchester United greats themselves on the Old Trafford tour. Or get even closer to the world of Manchester United and share 130 years of football in the award-winning Museum. In the club shop I took matters drastically into my own hands to unzip my top, revealing my favourite Liverpool third strip to pose and lift the league cup at Old Trafford.

Whether you’re a Manchester United fan or not, a visit to the Museum & Tour Centre is a day to remember!

The Museum also offers a range of education programmes for students of all ages. For primary school students in the UK, a range of workshops and tours have been designed to provide an exciting and engaging stimulus for learning, all fully integrated with the National Curriculum and New Frameworks.

The Museum also provides presentations and Q&A sessions for KS3, KS4, Further and Higher Education students on a range of subjects, including business ownership, leisure and tourism, fitness and nutrition, IT, and health and safety.

The absolute best aspect of the tour was the witty commentary provided by our tour guide Dave Smith, by far the best guide I have had the pleasure of listening to so far. An educated and extremely knowledgeable Manchester United man, Dave kept us fully entertained and educated throughout this most enjoyable tour of Old Trafford.

The only criticism our team had was how quickly fans had to move onto the next part of the tour.

For further information or to arrange a visit call 0161 868 8000 (option 3 then option 2) or toursenquiry@manutd.co.uk. Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester,

www.manutd.com

Thank to MUFC for review info

Nil Satis Nisi Optimum – Everton Football Club

Dean, Latchford, Kendall, Ball, Reid, Sharp, Steven, Lineker - the list of those who have graced Goodison Park is long!

Everton has been at the forefront of English football ever since the club was formed in 1878. From the pioneering days of St. Domingo, the story is one that every Evertonian is quite rightly proud of.

The atmosphere is quite unique but when the current team enters the arena to the sound of Z-Cars and the deafening noise from over 40,000 spectators, it's difficult to imagine an Everton team trotting out onto a park pitch with no dressing rooms, carrying the goalposts!

The predecessors of heroes such as Dean, Lawton, Hickson, Labone, Ball, Latchford, Sharp, Lineker and Ferguson, were as far removed from the 21st Century image of a football player as it's possible to be.

The St Domingo Methodist Church Sunday School was opened in May 1870 and eight years later the football team using the St Domingo name played its first match in the south-east corner of Stanley Park, with the players carrying the posts from the park lodge on Mill Lane before fixing them into the metal sockets at either end of the crudely marked pitch.

Everton's success on the pitch in the early years of the Football League were the key to the problems they faced off it in relation to a permanent home.

John Houlding, the owner of the Anfield site Everton called home, doubled the rent in the aftermath of the Championship win of 1891 and the Everton committee decided to move on again, rather than pay the inflated rate.

George Mahon, a respected city accountant and church elder, led the campaign to move from Anfield and he secured a lease on a piece of land on the North side of Stanley Park, known as the Mere Green Field.

The Everton members took just a matter of months to turn the wasteland that was the Mere Green Field into Goodison Park - the country's first purpose built football stadium.

Goodison Park was opened on August 24th 1892, with 12,000 spectators inside, and the first League match was on September 3rd against Nottingham Forest - ending in a 2-2 draw.

Fast forward almost a century and 1984-85 was a season like none before, and certainly none since.

The names still roll off the tongue - Southall, Stevens, Van den Hauwe, Ratcliffe, Mountfield, Reid, Steven, Gray, Sharp, Bracewell, Sheedy.

After winning the FA Cup in 1984, confidence was high at Goodison Park as the new campaign kicked-off.

A moral-boosting win at Wembley against Liverpool in the Charity Shield curtain-raiser did nothing to dampen the expectations amongst the fans.

Goodison's greatest night - a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the ECWC semi-final - set up a first ever European final. Rapid Vienna were brushed aside in Rotterdam to clinch Everton's first-ever piece if European silverware but the FA Cup final proved one game too many.

Manchester United won 1-0 courtesy of an extra-time goal from future Everton man Norman Whiteside to deny Howard Kendall's men their historic treble.

In all competitions during the 1984-85 campaign, Everton played 63 matches. They won 43, drew 10 and lost 10. Of the 10 defeats, one was the FA Cup final and three were after the title had already been won!

A true family club, the staff were superb. Sam Healey from the club office is absolutely brilliant and a total Ambassador for the club. I'm sure I am not the first to say this. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, sparky and charismatic. She didn't hurry the visitors on like at other clubs, allowing one to savour the clubs rich history.

If you are visiting Liverpool, a tour of this great club is fully recommended.

Everton Football Club
Goodison Road
Liverpool
L4 4EL
Tel: +44 (0) 151 330 2200
Email: everton@evertonfc.com

emdad@londonbangla.com

Thanks to Everton FC for historical data

The Beatles Experience

Emdad Rahman

We visited The Beatles Story in Liverpool recently and loved it.

The group and I spent a morning there with super Jan, my mate from Bootle. Armed with headsets and Jan’s knowledge of all things Beatles, we had a fun packed morning, admiring the exhibition, whilst learning so many new things.

The exhibition is situated on the Albert Dock and within very close proximity to Liverpool one with its array of eateries, shopping stores and cafes.

The basic elements of the Beatles story are all available to enjoy here, and there are also some interviews of interest available on audio commentary.

Visitors can take in a replica of the Cavern Club, take a glance at the Abbey Road recording studio and sit on the 1964 America bound jet. The Cavern has Beatles gear on display, and the exhibition also has rare memorabilia on display, such as George Harrison’s childhood guitar and two of Lennon’s worn glasses.

A visit to the cultural capital of Liverpool would not be complete without a visit to the Beatles experience. The experience gives fans and those visiting out of interest an idea and feeling of the Liverpool’s historic music scene. The gift shop is super with fair prices on official merchandise.

The audio tour is available in many languages, and the personnel are very friendly. Mind you, personnel at establishments we visited in Liverpool are so much nicer than those in London, and not something we are used to here by a long way. A smile goes a very long way, and London establishments have a long way to go to provide such service. I can honestly say that I have met some of the friendliest people ever in Liverpool.

Located in the Fab Four's hometown of Liverpool, the award-winning Beatles Story experience is an atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture and music of the Beatles.

Join the magical mystery tour to see how four young lads from Liverpool were propelled to the dizzy heights of worldwide fame and fortune to become the greatest band of all time.

Major expansion in 08/09 saw the Beatles Story triple in size and expand over two sites to include even more fun and interactive features.

Open every day except 25/26th December.

Albert Dock
Britannia Pavilion, Liverpool L3 4AD
0151 709 1963

Calorie crunch!!

Way too many calories - thank you Anisa & Hamza though. A mighty fine treat, gobbled with much relish!

Guess who??

By Ummi :)

What a strange bag!

Thought this was some camp vest, realising very quickly that it was in fact a girlie bag - no accounting for good taste eh?!

“Tower Hamlets needs a competent Mayor”

Council leader joins Tower Hamlets Mayoral race 2010
Emdad Rahman
Five times Council Leader Helal Uddin Abbas has spoken of his desire to become the first directly elected Mayor of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

Abbas was given a reprieve last week after the Labour party’s decision to re-run its process for shortlisting contenders to become the first executive mayor of Tower Hamlets.

Speaking exclusively, the member for Spitalfields and Banglatown highlighted his vision for the high powered role. “Tower Hamlets needs a competent Mayor. I am an adept leader and have proven that I can turn the fortune of failing services.

“Social Services is now a 3 star service and the attainment levels of our children has improved remarkably. “

Abbas has a proven track record and is a mature and knowledgeable politician, equipped in the art of safely negotiating the minefield of local politics.
“I can lead from the front, and Tower Hamlets is a richer place than when I started. “
On the local electorate vote to appoint a Mayor he said; “We are where we are – the voters have spoken and we have to respect that. The voters voted in favour of having a directly elected Mayor during the recent referendum.

“I for one, who believes in democracy, will respect that, and what is important is that we get a competent, stable and skilful Mayor who will protect frontline services, who will provide services to elderly and vulnerable people, and reach out to all communities, black, white, Muslim, and non Muslim.”

Abbas has highlighted his top three priorities should he emerge top of the Tower Hamlets Labour pyramid; “my first priority is to continue to provide excellent education services that we have built up for our children and their future.

“Second is to ensure social, accessible and affordable housing for our communities.
“Thirdly, it is important to make sure to make sure there are youth and leisure facilities for both young and old, so that we can enjoy the environment that we live in, so that we can build relationships with our activities.”

Abbas states that he always leads by example; “I believe that whoever the Mayor , he or she reach out to not only people of their own party but to others, whilst retaining links with their own colleagues.”

“I will work closely with fellow politicians if I have the honour and privilege to be elected.

“I will certainly work to shape and mould Tower Hamlets to become a borough that we can all be proud of.”

The mayoral system is enormous and new to Tower hamlets. It is a major diversion from the structure that the people are used to. Therefore it is important that the right candidates enter the coliseum.

“It’s essential that we get the right person”, say’s Abbas, adding, “Skills, experience and personality are important. We need a Mayor that is outgoing, makes strong decisions, and who will work with people and stand by people in good times and bad times.”

Review: Merseyside Maritime Museum

Emdad Rahman

It is hardly surprising that Liverpool houses the Maritime Museum.

Outside of London, Liverpool was once one of the most influential and prosperous cities in Europe. Liverpool was a major trading port and merchants from around the world would import and export their goods to and from Liverpool. Liverpool was also notorious for its involvement in the slave trade and the museum illustrates the connections and deplorable conditions of the slave ships that would regularly be seen travelling up and down the Mersey.

The Merseyside Maritime museum opened in 1980 in an old warehouse in Albert Dock in Liverpool. Merseyside Maritime Museum is in a former bonded warehouse, part of the historic Albert Dock on the banks of the River Mersey. The museum, tells the story of one of the world's greatest ports and the people who used it. The Museum is situated at the heart of the best eateries, as well as one of the best shopping areas in the country, Liverpool 1.

One gallery looks at Liverpool's most famous ships the Titanic, Lusitania and Empress of Ireland. All three ships sank and within three years of each other between 1912 and 1915.

For energetic kids under eight there is a play area called Sea Urchins. Here they can dress up as pirates, mermaids, sailors or lobsters and there are lots of free activities on offer with a maritime theme.

Merseyside Maritime Museum is without doubt a fun day out for visitors, be they singles, pairs, groups or families.

The Museum invites the visitor to explore a very large and varied collection that reflects the seafaring importance of Liverpool as a gateway to the world.

Based in the Albert Dock, this shipshape museum contains four floors of fascinating galleries that explore the city’s maritime legacy. Displays look at Liverpool’s important role during the Second World War, life at sea with the merchant navy and the brand new Titanic, Lusitania and the Forgotten Empress gallery. The Maritime Archive and Library also contains one of the finest collections of merchant shipping records in the UK.

During a weekend jolly to the wonderful city of Liverpool, my shipmates and I set sail and dropped anchor on the Mersey. At the Merseyside Maritime Museum you can explore the history of Liverpool’s seafaring traditions and the merchant navy. The museum also hosts a collection of shipping records in the maritime Archive and Library.

Liverpool was one of the World's greatest seaports for over two hundred years and is now Britain's largest west coast port. The museum looks at this history of shipping, which shipping companies existed and how and when ships were built.

Admission to Merseyside Maritime Museum and all the National Museums Liverpool venues is FREE.

All exhibitions, events and activities at National Museums Liverpool are also FREE. There is access for visitors with disabilities to all National Museums Liverpool, although limited restrictions apply.

There are various temporary exhibitions and events, please check the website or call for more information.

Contact info:

Merseyside Maritime Museum
Albert Dock
Liverpool
Merseyside
L3 4AQ
Tel: 0151 478 4499

Opening times:

Open daily 10am-5pm.
Closed from 2pm on 24 December and all day on 25 and 26 December and 1 January.
www.merseysidemaritimemuseum.org.uk

emdad@londonbangla.com

Tower Hamlets Mayoral race 2010 - Helal Abbas interview

Tower Hamlets Mayoral race 2010 - John Biggs interview

Ajmal Masroor talks about Mayor of Tower Hamlets

Shiria Khatun: Aspirations for becoming London Mayor

Africa's World Cup Final: Holland 0-1 Spain (AET)

Hark the carnivals end
Arise united at Soccer City
Jabulani swiped off the plinth
End kickoff with Sneijder and Van Persie

Roars for Oranje and the Roja
Applause for Nelson Mandela
An Englishman graces the final
The Chorus resonates for Matiba

Van Bommell and De Jong snap
Total bruality is the name
Shackles on Xavi and Iniesta
Oranje out to kill the game

Twenty four year record cracked
Howard Webb's world cup final fame
From Romuald Arppi Filho the Brazilian
Record yellow cards for the game

Van Marwijk lets loose Elia
Del Bosque summons Navas
Swing from Alonso's precision
On comes Gunner Fabregas

Oranje gameplan works to a tee
But Robben misses two sitters
Rojas cut and thrust muffled
Bring on the extra time jitters

Van Bronkhorst a final farewell
“I’m nervous,” say’s pal Carmen
Fabregas injects pace to the play
Ms Guardado say’s “watch the Dutchmen

Paul the Octupus said Spain
Match winner at the death
Liverpool’s number nine lurking
Iniesta with the last breath

Amazing tribute read ‘Dani Jarque:’
Iniesta sprinted like a bus
‘Siempre con nosotros'
Dani Jarque is always with us

Espana are world champions 2010

11.07.10
Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
Www.football-poems.com

Against The Wall, The Art of Resistance in Palestine‏

Emdad Rahman

Carlos Latuff has said that the Palestinians are the bravest and most courageous he has met.

This stunning book of photos captures the graffiti and art that has transformed Israel’s wall into a living canvas of resistance and solidarity.

Featuring the work of artists including Banksy, Ron English, Blu and others, as well as Palestinian artists and activists, these photos express outrage, compassion, and touching humour. They illustrate the wall’s toll on lives and livelihoods, showing the hardship it has brought to tens of thousands of people, preventing their access to work, education and vital medical care.

The wall itself cuts through Palestinian communities in the West Bank with devastating effect. The artwork and graffiti range from vast murals expressing international solidarity to powerful symbolic expressions of the Israeli authorities’ brutality and Palestinian civil society determination to continue resisting Israeli expansionism and expulsion.

The graffiti, written by people from all over the world, expresses anger, outrage, humour, sympathy and solidarity. Between the artwork and graffiti are vignettes of the Palestinian lives and communities devastated by Israel’s wall, which convey Palestinians’ steadfastness and determination to fight for justice and dignity. One message appears all along the wall and in the hearts of the communities penned in by it: to exist is to resist.

Emdad Rahman interviews Author William Parry

Have you met Banksy?
There's a chance I may have.

Resistance through art - is it effective?
Yes

What is the overwhelming message in this wall grafitti?
I can only speak for the graffiti that is in English, and some that's in Arabic that has been translated for me, and the artwork that speaks pictorially. There are several interlinked messages: 'to exist is to resist' and solidarity with the Palestinian people and their struggle for justice.

Can art bring these two sets of people closer, promote tolerance and better understanding?
To a degree. But so long as Israeli and Western media continue to cover the issues as they do, and as long as Western leaders maintain their unwavering moral and financial support of Israel, which enables it act with impunity, dialogue between artists will be largely ineffective. Artists advocating the BDS movement would be far more fruitful given the present reality. I think is has a role to play. If nothing else, it's a cathartic means of expressing support, outrage, etc., when our governments fail to uphold international law of our behalf.

Have you highlighted or come across any art related to Muhammad Al Durrah? If so please tell us more?
I haven't.

Are artists who contribute in danger or under threat?
By and large, no, but it's not without risk.

Are there Israeli artists that have contributed resistance art on the wall. Who are they? Why do they do it?
Not whom I've met but I'm told there are some -- I believe one guy is behind the Know Hope work in Bethlehem, and may go by that name (see Tel Aviv Grafitti & Street Art). Like a number of Israelis who join the weekly demonstrations against the wall in Palestinian villages like Nil'in and Bil'in, they do it because they believe the wall is illegal, they disagree with their government's policies, and it's another way of articulating their protest and expressing solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for justice.

How interested have the mainstream media been?
Mainstream media were very interested in Santa's Ghetto's project in Dec 2007. It needs a big name like Banksy doing something new before they are inclined to give it column space, sadly.

How big is the effect of the work of artists in highlighting this international issue?
Hard to measure but it's another creative means of the non-violent resistance in Palestine. Do you remember what transpired at Annapolis in Dec 2007, with Bush, Olmert and Abbas, where they addressed the Roap Map? I bet more people around the world got a greater insight into the conflict thanks to Banksy and co.'s antics, which happened at the very same time. Each day people visiting Bethlehem see the graffiti and the conditions. I'm sure it makes a lot of them think more.

Please tell us about some of the contibuting artists?
I've met a number of them. Ron English is based in NYC and his organisation is called Popaganda. Kennardphillipps are a terrific duo based in London who highlight the injustices we cause through financial and military might. Blu is a terrific Italian street artist who contributed a brilliant piece to Tate Modern's facade two summers ago; as did Faille, and artistic collective from NYC. Swoon is also American. Sam3 is from Spain and is a great guy. Erica il Cane is from Italy. Paul Insect is also UK-based. Antony Micallef was also part of the group that went Bethlehem and is based in London.

Why do they do this?
Best to ask them but they went as part of a fund raising project, to raise money for Palestinian charities and to raise the issue in the media in an unconventional way.

Are there any examples of counter or dark art that may be considered racist or detrimental to the people involved in these conflicts?
The wall provokes a lot of anger. It is destroying livelihoods and communities, and is being built by Israel in violation of international law. Naturally there are plenty of angry sentiments sprayed on it.

Can these wall artists be subjected to the same treatment as vandals or the walls a free for all?
In parts it's a closed military zone according to Israel, which can be risky for people approaching it. But by and large it has been a free for all.

Do you plan any future artistic sojourns to the West Bank?
Definitely.

What is the way forward for Israelis and Palestinians?
The only way forward is justice for Palestinians.

Is there hope for the people of the West Bank?
For any group denied justice, there is hope. Their steadfastness is incredibly inspiring, for sure. They show extraordinary reserves of strength, as well as hospitality.

Why is non violent resistance so important?
It morally disarms any occupier, however mighty they may be, and exposes the injustice; at the same time it morally empowers and gives greater legitimacy to those engaged in the struggle.

William Parry is a London-based freelance journalist and photographer. He has lived and worked in the Middle East for many years and has written on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict for the Washington Review of Middle East Affairs, The Middle East, Times Higher Education Supplement, and several electronic news organisations (including Electronic Intifada and New Matilda). He has also published in the Guardian and Independent and a number of other magazines and journals. In February 2008, William Parry went to Bethlehem to write an article about the after effects of the stunning, visual political assault that Pictures on Walls had achieved there through the spectacular artwork by Banksy and 20 other street artists. He interviewed several of the artists and organisers of this project. As he toured Bethlehem for this article, just six months after his previous visit, he was stunned by how quickly it was evolving as a unique, ephemeral canvas of local resistance and international solidarity that ought to be documented – given that all walls eventually fall.

“The wall stands as a dreadful symbol of oppression. The spirit of resistance may be strong but Palestinians need international support. I hope this book makes that more likely.”
Ken Loach, filmmaker

Publisher: Pluto Press

Publicity Contact: Jon Wheatley jonw@plutobooks.com 0208 3746424.

Germany seal bronze: Uruguay 2-3 Germany

Thomas Muller's fifth
On third place play off day
Off Schweinsteiger's rocket
At Nelson Mandela Bay

Schwein robbed centre field
Tackled by Diego Perez
Sweet finish by Cavani
Fed by Luis Suarez

Cavani and Suarez thwarted
Double saves from Butt
Fourth cap for the veteran
As Charrúa began to strut

Weaving intricate patterns
Arevalo's cracking one two
Acrobatic volley into ground
Forlan with the breakthrough

Herr Jansen off the ground
Again the DFB fight spirit
Jump and off the ear
Equalising with great merit

Ref Archundia let play flow
A brilliant open game
Klose one off Ronaldo
Low diminished the flame

Clincher from the Germans
Khedira the winning wizard
Forlan hitting the bar
Heroes in the raining blizzard

10.07.10

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
Www.football-poems.com

Tower Bridge - City Hall

Rejoicing Rojas: Germany 0-1 Spain

Repeat of the Euro final
Die Mannschaft gunned revenge
At stunning Moses Mabhida
Duel to meet the Oranje


Alonso piled in the drives
Peppering the German goal
Ramos inches to freedom
Blocked by the Berlin wall

Bad call for Nationalmannschaft
By Paul the psychic Octopus
Stopper quick as a flash
Kid Kroos testing Casillas

Set piece grandeur for Espana
Goldilocks Carlos turned Gullit
Schweinsteiger's anguished scream
Puyol the Catalan bullet

Victory red for the raging bull
Now a double Dutch cliffhanger
White flag for plucky DFB
Viva La Furia Roja

07.07.10

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
Www.football-poems.com

G.I Gio’s Dutch destroyers: Uruguay 2-3 Netherlands

Rumble in old Cape Town
Upon whose head the radiant gown
Van Marwijk's golden crown?
Or Tabarez' halo of renown?

Hail a total first half screamer
Armoured trident from a schemer
Jousting G.I Gio with a steamer
Explosion roused the daydreamer

Rising to Van Bronkhorst’s task
August assassin in a ski mask
Marksman Forlan revelled in the bask
With a Bullet straight from the cask

Oranje tuned in tuned out
Wesley scored the finishing grout
Robben leapt and sprang like a trout
Old chrome dome put it beyond doubt

Accra blew the Dutch bugle call
When Pereira struck late to recall
Charrúa can still stand tall
Whilst Tulips evoke Total Voetbal

Confetti after Green Point’s exam
Boulahrouz awarded the Mega slam
Van Persie danced the street jam
Mild revelry erupts in Amsterdam

05.07.10

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
Www.football-poems.com

Heroes & Villa-ns: Paraguay 0-1 Spain

Referee whistles the start
At the atrium of the heart
Ellis Park the soccer mart
Guaraníes, La Roja take part

Herald La Seleccio swarm
Assess La Albirroja's reform
Juggler Xavi with a brainstorm
Extorted dip shot out the norm

Rennaisance to come from Torres
Awaiting my time, he say's
Disallowed goal from Valdez
Relieved raised glasses in Jerez

Penalty by Piqué the bozo
Casillas saves from Cardozo
Instant Spain penalty from the throw
Steps up maestro Xabi Alonso

Coolly Xabi slots into the net
Ref Batres whistles to reset
Villa hugs hard to whet
Xabi then misses with regret

Iniesta weave and pass, eight to go
Pedro hits the post a great blow
Villa posts winner with his toe
Red ecstasy, red woe

03.07.10

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
Www.football-poems.com

Die DFB-Elf (The DFB-Eleven) Argentina 0-4 Germany

Green point against racism
Time honoured hero's way
Pre match collective photo
Every day is Mandela day

Don Diego and the Sopranos
Plenty of fashion stick
Cute in matching sets
Joachim Low and Hansi Flick

High loft by the Schwein
As three ticked on the clock
Jump and header by Muller
Eerie silence, German roar

Replay proving conclusive
After four had strayed offside
Tevez square pass to Higuain
Messi too along for the ride

Hairy stuff from nervous Neur
Green Point not El Monumental
Klose strike takes him past Pele
Breathtakingly instrumental

Grand Ozyl splendidly diligent
Run and lending hand by Schwein
Friedrich tap his first ever
Victory jets launched at the Rhine

Chancellor Merkel and psychic Octopus
Humiliation mixed with mirth
Klose joins level with Gerd Muller
Simple volley for a fourth

Asociación del Fútbol Argentino
Diego returned to the shelf
Deutscher Fußball-Bund
Ovation for Die DFB-Elf

Klose with once a costly miss
One he could afford to rue
La Albiceleste truly tanked
Die Mannschaft again go through

03.07.10

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
Www.football-poems.com

Africa still singing : Uruguay 1-1 Ghana

Uruguay win 4-2 on penalty kicks

City versus Melchester?
Eastlands or Mel Park
Shimmering Black Stars
Are Africa's benchmark

La Celeste Olímpica
Guests at Soccer City
Twice the Jules Rimet
Is the Charrúas pedigree

Shocked Olympic Sky Blue
On this African safari
Charging run by Boateng
Stunning strike from Muntari

Tabarez unshackled Lodeiro
Suarez a solemn pastor
Equalled by deadly Diego
Forlan the grand master

Enter extra time
Intelligence test by Mensah
Opponents jaded and worn
Gyan still running for Ghana

Suarez hand and red card
Deathly silence in Accra
Last shot of the game
Gyan agonisingly over

Pheet! Full time by Benquerenca
Misses by Mensah and Adiyah
Sealed by Abreu’s brilliance
Deathly silence in Accra

02.07.10

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
Www.football-poems.com

Don't give up on Madeleine!

Madeleine McCann was abducted in Praia da Luz, Portugal on Thursday 3rd May 2007

Brazil Tangoed: Holland 2-1 Brazil

Hail free flowing Oranje
Angry Brazil out to stifle
Jiggy Robben smothered
Eastlands Robinho shot the rifle

Real Maicon turned Jairzinho
All Green gold sovereignty
Port Elizabeth in awe
Shades of Mexico seventy

Flapping circus clown Cesar
Odd leap by the green fellow
Sneijder's slick in swinger
Own goal by Felipe Melo

Worse for Esquadrão de Ouro
Robben rocket the provider
He man's perfect flick
Two one by Wesley Sneijder

Van Marwijk's clockwork oranje
Deal Dunga the deathblow
Cynical stamp on Sneijder
Early bath for the Melo

Nichimura wielded the axe
Tulips win the day
Undefeated run extended
At Nelson Mandela Bay

02.07.10

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
Www.football-poems.com

Afsar Khan Sadek: Community leader beaten by racists

Full story