big-will

I asked my skiing Japanese friends. The best they could come up with was - "it gives an all year round image" So there you go.

You're not the only one. It makes it worse being "near" to the action as well. At least we have the telly to help us along.

Its gonna be an unproductive month work wise -for sure.

I'm gonna plump for Italy I think.

Maybe today will be better.

Yes. I wonder why they didn't think of that when they applied for a team camp to be based there and knew what was in store. ??

"There's a little bit more to it than just what the players owe or don't owe the 'fans'." - Yes there is more to it than that. Namely preparation of new techniques, security etc etc. You seem to think they are here on some sort of JET Program / cultural exahange program. "If people are put out by the presence of all these highly focused and secretive players and they happen not to give a toss about football, it doesn't create a very good impression." - Again, "creating a good impression" is not the purpose of why they are here. "However if some local children seem to be

????? Your point Ocey?

Any more American soccer fans then?

Zidane definitely out of the first game is a blow for France, ne? First games have a habit of being not kind to the defending champions and pulling some surprises.

I agree with you NoFakie - it would be nice. BUT... The teams are not here to doss around and do PR and cultural exchange - they are here to build up to the most important games of their life. In cases like the England squad - until now they have hardly ever been together, let alone play, and so they are in desperate need to practice and concentrate on the task in hand. Having said that, I'm sure they're doing something (?!?!)

Interesting, Raury. Got any as pets too?

Good one, danz!

Alas, if only that were possible. There's lots of brits around here, isn't there. I suppose there would be though. And the American contingent here aren't too vociferous about football, are they?

It may not be overpriced compared to other countries whatever, but are THEY also overpriced. Basically, is it overpriced as a sport? Yes.

All host villages absolutely know that training will be wanted to be done in secret in advance. Many villages etc have been ruled out just because there are surrounding mountains where people can peek in. They may not like it, but they knew right from the word go.

Even better than that; http://www.talksport.net/ Covering the complete game online it seems! Check it out.

Go to http://www.virginradio.co.uk/onair/listen/index.html and you can get virgin radio on your PC. If you have ADSL it should be non-interupted. Kickoff is at 2:30 (in 15 minutes) and they promise to cover the game. That's probably the best you can get. [This message has been edited by big-will (edited 26 May 2002).]

An organised snow dance in the months before the season is called for perhaps?

For a change Ferrari not at the top. Trulli even. May actually be interesting yet

Top tips from IM there folks!

Not Danny Murphy that's for sure

Check this out "KIERON DYER will win the World Cup for England - according to his dad. " Well there you go - now you know!!

Dyer is in too, just saw that on the web.

Joe Cole