Fickle football fans

As Jakarta eases back into normality after the last World Cup marathon, it's interesting to reflect on how people have such short memories.

While Brazil basked in their glory, the Italian squad limped back to their own country to a somber, critical public; according to related press reports I've read.

These "fans" should reflect that their side battled valiantly through to the final. I remember the Nigerian game as a classical example.

These victories were accomplished through skill, bravery, a little luck and with the sheer brilliance of Roberto Baggio, who sadly, and ironically, missed the final penalty which gave Brazil their victory.

Maybe the Italian coach could have selected better kickers, but I remember, with great sadness, the misses of Pearce and Waddle (two accomplished penalty kickers) in the semi-final of England v. Germany in 1990.

These misses cost England the game, of which they had a majority of the play, and ultimately gave Germany the World Cup when they beat Argentina in the final.

Italy deserved more praise than their home fans gave them. I know that the English team came home as heroes in 1990 for reaching the semi-finals because the English public appreciated their efforts.

Italy is a respected foot-balling nation, especially here in Indonesia, and I understand that there is a coaching scheme presently operating for Indonesian youth there.

Italian football has a huge depth of talent to the extent of leaving out the loping, lovable Lombardo from their current squad.

Even if the Italian fans didn't appreciate their team's effort, I'm sure that the Indonesian football fans did. One wonders how the Brazilian fans would have reacted if the result had been reversed?

JOHN R. KERR

Jakarta