Tuesday 25 June 2002

Sharon, Arafat React to Bush Speech. Israelis welcomed President Bush's outline for Mideast peace, but the Palestinians rejected calls to replace their leadership and sought to focus attention on the call for an eventual Palestinian state. [AP World News] So this is what we all waited so long for? All it turns out to be is a yes-Sharon touting of vague generalities and one-sided criticisms. The sheer effrontery of the US making its 'backing' of a Palestinian state dependent on a change of leadership and internal reforms is quite extraordinary. And the idea that Dubyoo should seriously consider seeking support for these 'ideas' at whatever international get-together is coming up in Canada is laughable. I can only hope that saner European minds will make it clear that this 'initiative' is going nowhere. 5:36:41 PM  Your view

Bye bye Korea!  Ah well, another World Cup dream comes to an end. In fairness, Germany deserved to win this semi-final match, producing football of a much better quality than they showed earlier in the tournament. Meanwhile South Korea, weakened by injuries, played with great spirit and determination but became yet another side to be denied by the hands of Oliver Kahn in the German goal. It was a good, enjoyable game which neatly put an end to all the talk about bad decisions being responsible for Korea's surviving to this stage.       Once again, though, the specter of 'simulation' raised its ugly head, with players deliberately throwing themselves onto the ground to gain advantage. The commentators on our national television station seemed prepared to accept this conduct as being part and parcel of the game, but I find it disturbing in the extreme. Fortunately today's match officials were aware of what was going on and more than once called the dives for what they were. Is there no way to do away with conduct of this type?       Finally, while it's sad to see Korea exit, their doing so may yet benefit me. I made a bet with a friend after Germany's win against the USA. I win 25 euro if the lineup for the final is Germany/Brazil (he favoured Korea/Brazil). So I'll be cheering for Brazil tomorrow. 2:43:01 PM  Your view

		© Copyright 2002 Jim MacCormaic . Last update: 29/09/2002; 06:03:07 am .