For-za

In Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s Weapon of Choice (not to be confused with the Fat Boy Slim song of the same name), we’re informed:

I won’t waste it, I won’t waste it

I won’t waste my love on a nation

I won’t waste it, I won’t waste it

I won’t waste my love on a nation

(or, just listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YutsXRzQjck)

Anyway, that’s my plan, to not waste my love on a nation. I am pretty sure I’ve used this line before, but with Switzerland not even qualifying for the Euros, well, it’s even easier!

Yes, I am supporting Italy. Yes, the flag is on the car. Yes, the flag is on the veranda. Yes, I will be on St. Clair tomorrow. Yes, I will be sporting the away 08 kit. Yes, I currently look like this:

(wears scarves well)

But, I have no illusions that they’ll win. Or that I will be forza’ing for very long. Or that Di Natale will score.

And you know what? I’m cool with that. So, who do I think will win? Well, glad you asked! Let me share my pool picks with you (especially now that you can’t steal them… thief!)

Highlights indicate a win, unless it’s a draw:

Group Stage

Poland vs. Greece

Russia vs. Czech Republic

Netherlands vs. Denmark

Germany vs. Portugal

Spain vs. Italy

Republic of Ireland vs. Croatia

Ukraine vs. Sweden

France vs. England

Poland vs. Russia

Greece vs. Czech Republic

Netherlands vs. Germany

Denmark vs. Portugal

Spain vs. Republic of Ireland

Italy vs. Croatia

Sweden vs. England

Ukraine vs. France

Greece vs. Russia

Czech Republic vs. Poland

Portugal vs. Netherlands

Denmark vs. Germany

Croatia vs. Spain

Italy vs. Republic of Ireland

Sweden vs. France

England vs. Ukraine

Quarter Finals

Russia v Netherlands

Greece v Germany

Croatia v Sweden

Italy v France

              

Semi Finals

Russia v Germany

Croatia v Italy

Final

Germany v Croatia

I may have screwed up this somewhere. In fact, it would not surprise me if I did. But for now, let’s just go with the above.

I’m going to leave this post here because I have to be up early to paint my face as the Italian flag. In the meantime, I suggest checking out John Doyle’s Globe and Mail articles while he’s over there. I’m living vicariously through him for the next few weeks and this is absolutely lovely:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/a-rare-chance-for-nationalist-self-expression-at-euro-2012/article4240805/

Forza,

scm.