Yes I like the womens game too. It has a long way to go but I watch also to see if they will take their shirts off and the end (or in the case of the US team, when they score a goal). That's the sexist comment out of the way.

Now for the racist one. There was a programme on Channel 4 last night. A stand-up comic (who was half Iranian and half English) was talking about the match where Iran beat the USA. He said, "one half of me hates the Americans and the other half is exactly the same"

In truth the programme was very interesting as they were(minor) celebrities talking about the various clips of notable events. It brought it home that these events, thought thought by many to be pointless, like Gazza's tears and Pele's magic tended to be shared experencies.

The one where the Zaire player decided to run out of the 'wall' and take Brazil's free kick for them, is a particular example. Or Pak Do Ik scoring the goal that sent the mighty Italian team home in 1966. Baggio's penaly miss or even Chris Waddles's one, which I think the ball is still in orbit.

My favourite was David Platt's last minute winner against Belgium. I remember I shouted so loud, my wife, who was painting the ceiling, fell off the chair she was standing on.

I suspect that football fans at least will have these memories in common, where ever they live and whatever their prejudice. Even in Wales, Gareth *Smiles*.

I think it may be a good thing and may help to prevent us fighting each other, at football games or even in the real world?