With the World Cup in just over twenty days, every footballing nation around the globe will be fuelling themselves with nostalgia, patriotic passions and a stash of their favourite alcoholic beverage. Being a English boy, born and bred as we well know, this summer probably won't be easy, so I've devised a survival kit to get through the cup, keeping the fever alive... Even after we are battered and buried.
Panini Sticker Album...
Now I know what a lot of people are thinking and yes most of you are grown adults but the World Cup comes once every four years. Yes, you may get some odd looks checking out at the till whilst buying packs but these people clearly don't understand World Cup fever; if worse comes to worse, self checkout. Imagine the feeling of nostalgia when you pull out your favourite player or even better the craved shiny that has number uno on the back. Get your mates involved and have a crack with this awesome piece of memorabilia, not only that but if England do win.. Keep it handy as it may be worth a bob or two.
The Brazuca Ball...
Once again adidas have been given the prestigious job of creating the official ball for the competition and, at no suprise, they have created a real beaut. The brazuca has a basic, yet capivating design boasting the brilliance of adidas furthermore. Subtley placed vibrant colours highlight the host nations samba vibe and helps to give a unique ball that will sit nicely next to your collection of World Cup footballs.
Booze and a Really Big Fridge...
All the football watching has been proven to be extremely hard work, tiring both emotionally and physically and above all else, dehydrating. An essential item for any fan is a large fridge or at least a portable one; some people push out the classic box coolers for sheer ugliness and size but when you're on the edge of your seat gasping for refreshment, you won't be complaining. The fridge comes in handy for storing any meaty snacks but most importantly pleanty of booze. Stack it full of your favourite beverages to build your self up for celebration as no one likes a warm beer but be certain to keep a bottle of the hard stuff nearby because a couple of shots of spirits will wash down your sorrows.
Designer Get Up...
So you want to be patriotic and support your team but you feel a bit of an idiot donning the nylon jersey? Look no further because some top designers have conjured up some serious street worthy cloth. Brands like Fred Perry, Adidas Originals and Hugo Boss have got the memo the World Cup is on with the designers popping up thrilling threads for the summer. The items range from fresh trainers, polo shirts and classic tracksuits which all badge various teams from the competion; it's certainly worth bagging one of these stunners to get you aboard the Brazilian boat.
An African Underdog...
Every footballing festival, without question, pundits and fans will write off all the African teams. The nations are unfairly overlooked, sitting shyly in the shadows of the big nations that normally win it leaving them long shots to do any damage. From this cup onwards I have pledged to have an African team as my "second team" giving the underdogs that bit of recognition they need and I think everyone else should too. I'll never understand why people shoot down the nations as they bolster some serious players, for one Ivory Coast host ballers such as Yaya and Kolo Toure, secondly the Africans bring a vibrant energy to the world like we witnessed last tournament. Not only that but they pull off some pearler kits and yet again puma have really brought colour to competition with some stand out strips.
Sofa Side Bookies...
Everybody loves a little dabble on the footy now and then, meaning that the World Cup is no excuse to scrimp back on placing those bets. It's essential nowadays to get yourself the app of your favourite bookmakers making it easy for you to bet where ever you like. There's no more throwing on clothes to make a quick dash to the bookies, only to get poor odds on a bet you so desperately want to place, in this century everything can be done at the click of a button and better still in play. Don't miss out on grabbing that instinct you have that could leave you pennies up in your pocket and download the apps now.
Now you have your survival kit ready, kick back, relax and get ready for the ride to begin because now, more than ever your nation needs you!. Get behind the boys in Brazil and pick up where South Africa left off by witnessing the greatest sporting specticle in modern times. Last but not least... COME ON ENGLAND.
