The Year of the Dog

Its half time, one each to France and Italy.

Earlier, I was at the neighbourhood food court for dinner. Was joined by a couple of old chinese men. Asked me what I thought about the final. France. They seemed concerned. "You put money?". Yes. Seemed distraught.

"This is the year of the Dog". And every 12 years before and after. "Only Brazil or Italy have won in the year of the Dog". Quick calculations later, and I realised that it was true. 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958 and 1934. 3 for Brazil and 2 for Italy. Given the chinese are extremely superstitious, am sure thats where every China man in this world has put their money - Italy.

Not only does the French have to beat history, the extremely efficient Italians but also about 1.5bn Chinese people praying together. That sure is a tough one to beat.