The loneliness of the long-distance England supporter

There are several reasons why the World Cup experience just isn’t the same in Bermuda as it is in the UK.

First, there’s the coverage. While my English friends are boasting about watching in high-definition widescreen, here the options are woeful. While I’m grateful to ZBM for screening every match on one of the terrestrial channels, with English commentary, the picture is atrocious. Not only is it blurry, during England’s first game against Paraguay, every now and then it would disappear completely for a second or two. "Poor quality signal" warned an on-screen message, prompting me to hurl abuse at the screen. A better picture can be found on the American cable channels, but then it’s necessary to suffer through asinine American commentators.

During Euro 2004, CableVision screened full BBC coverage of all matches on their pay-per-view channels. It’s a shame that they haven’t done the same for the World Cup.

Second, there’s the time difference. With Bermuda being five hours behind Germany, every match takes place in the morning or afternoon Bermuda time. At the weekend, the only impact is that a 10am game is more likely to be accompanied by a glass of orange juice rather than a beer. During the week, however, watching any game means taking time off work. Although my boss has generously allowed me to do this for all the England games so far, I’ve missed some of the other matches that I might otherwise have watched.

This leads on to the third problem with being an England supporter in Bermuda: you’re one of a few. There was a good atmosphere in MR Onions during the Trinidad match, but most of the people in my office could care less about England’s games. None of my colleagues are English, and as a result there’s not the same camaraderie that I felt during the last World Cup. Suggesting that one of the TVs in the office should be set aside for watching them is a non-starter. In contrast, in our London office, the staff watched last Thursday’s game on a TV in one of the conference rooms.

Still, if England keep playing the way they have been, something tells me that there won’t be too many more matches for me to watch.

Comments

[kristen sousa on 20.06.06 at 14:17]

*stops suggesting her english boyfriend read this blog for a 'limey perspective' of life on the rock*

thanks, phil!

[jake on 20.06.06 at 14:29]

I don't know, Phil.

The problem at your job is that they are Yanks - and so they are not really taken seriously in World Cup (nor does the USA really follow it). So no one will quite understand.

The benefit in mine is that we have groups who have been flying the English Flag and the T&T Flag at every match (even when, for instance, it is Ecuador / Germany). We are loving the celebration of diversity.

On the poor image - I agree and suffer alongside you.

Solution: Tune TV "A" to ESPN for image without sound and have TV "B" tuned to ZFB, but facing the wall. solved!

For friends, call the Rugby teams and there are bound to be some English there. Or you can come and join our secretarial pool who are giving their best for England!

[Triforce on 20.06.06 at 14:36]

I also am not sure about the "few England supporters". I'll wager among the poulace of Bermuda, England's no less than the third-most supported country (after Brazil and Portugal for obvious reasons). But perhaps your beef is that your co-workers simply just aren't into the tourney. However, with the NHL finishing, the NBA about to finish and the US Open concluded maybe more eyes will turn to the action on the pitch.

[Darkside on 20.06.06 at 14:38]

Hang in there Limey ... there is more support of the World Cup here than you would think. Its the time difference that's killing the early matches ... most feel its not worth taking the time off work until later on in the tourney.

[The Right Reverend Uncle Elvis on 20.06.06 at 14:42]

You think YOU got it bad?

Try supporting MY team. They NEVER get any coverage, NO scores show up in the paper or even online, NO-ONE supports them at games. It's disgusting.

Ah the travails of being a St. Brendan's Bombers fan...

[TheRealDeal on 20.06.06 at 14:43]

Man you guys are so 2004. Shall I point out a very revolutionary piece of hardware called a SlingBox? (Oh and yes it does work perfectly with "poor signal" zfb and crappy digital cable.) Guys get with the program, if you can't go to the tv, stream the tv to you. :)

[SmokingGun on 20.06.06 at 14:44]

"A better picture can be found on the American cable channels, but then it’s necessary to suffer through asinine American commentators."

I guess they call it "colour commentary" for a reason: It makes Limey's face turn green.

I have to agree though. There's more dribbling coming from them than there is on the field.

[JJ on 20.06.06 at 14:55]

My ESPN coverage is blacked out presumably because of the ZBM coverage. Am i the only one?

[TheRealDeal on 20.06.06 at 15:51]

ESPN black outs? So sad. I love my satellite tv. Oh yes, the SlingBox works with that too. :-)

[jake on 20.06.06 at 16:20]

We are watching England now, Phil. Problem is the Americans have taken over ZFB!!!!!

[ace on 20.06.06 at 16:39]

"Still, if England keep playing the way they have been, something tells me that there won’t be too many more matches for me to watch."

If I see them (England)hoofing the ball down the middle of the field in the air with only a freaking PRAYER of getting to a forward I'm going to frigging well lose it!!!!!

They have to be the most frustrating team to watch.

[This Yank is watching on 20.06.06 at 18:07]

"The problem at your job is that they are Yanks - and so they are not really taken seriously in World Cup (nor does the USA really follow it). So no one will quite understand"

Why would "Yanks" not understand him wanting to watch the games? While Americans might not follow football (or soccer or whatever the hell you call it where your from) I think they understand that most of the world is into it and therefore want to watch. Americans have lots of series or play offs for the sports they do follow and to suggest they dont understand the longing to watch these games is ..well...dumb.

[Shark on 20.06.06 at 18:09]

Though I'm Bermudian, being in the UK for a long time I tend to support England.

Did you guys see the thrid match? What a terrible defense by England! I mean both goals for Sweden the result of set pieces, I mean come on. I also would of liked to see the face of England suporters in the first minute when owen went off (watch it form home not the pub). But still England are tough and Sweden is almost assured progress as second place to England as last I heard Trinidad and Tobago are losing.

Also Limey i remember watching tv in bermuda and if you don't have cable or satellite don't bet on seeing much. Also US TV really is not that concerned with football (only american football).

[Phil on 20.06.06 at 18:22]

Re the Sweden game: great first half, but what happened in the second? Ah well, can't complain with a draw I suppose - glad we're facing Ecuador rather than Germany in the second round!

jake

The problem at your job is that they are Yanks

Very few Yanks here, actually - they're all bloody Canucks! ;)

Triforce

I really meant that there are few England supporters here compared to England. Which is as you would expect, but it does mean there's not the same kind of buzz in the air.

[SmokingGun on 20.06.06 at 18:24]

Cole's chest and volley has got to be the best goal of the tournament so far!

[Fifi on 20.06.06 at 18:27]

Hey Limey, try watching at one of the sports bars. Flanagans, or maybe Robin Hood. You're bound to find better atmosphere. Couldn't believe they lost to the Swedes today. Don't be so hard on the Americans, they are a sporting nation, of course they understand the hype.

[SmokingGun on 20.06.06 at 18:37]

Fifi - 2-2 draw. Although it was a pleasant example of solid American color commentary to remind everyone that England has never beaten Sweden and that this will mean 4 loses and 7 draws.

All the same - glad to see Sweden advance as well.

[Phil on 20.06.06 at 18:41]

Fifi

We didn't lose, we drew!! ;)

I watched both the Sweden and Trinidad games in MR Onions, and there was a good atmosphere for both. Not the same as watching with a bunch of your mates though, and once I stepped outside you'd never know a game had taken place. I miss the buzz on the street that you'd get after watching such a game in London.

But hey, such is life. There are many other things that are better in Bermuda than in London!

[JJ on 20.06.06 at 19:42]

Limey, was that you leaving the RH just before the game started?

[Bermudian on 20.06.06 at 20:56]

Limey,

Although you have acknowledged that the atmosphere in Bermuda what you would expect, it sounds like you are whining over nothing!

1. The poor quality signal has been cleared up (I believe) and I haven't seen it since the first couple of days. I find the American commentators quite humorous and we guys in the office have a good laugh at them! Cheer up!

2. As for the time difference, did you not know that we were 5 hours behind Germany? If I were you I would just be happy it's not taking place somewhere where the matches would be taking place in the early morning hours Bermuda time!

3. Regarding the small number of England supporters, of course there aren't as many England fans in Bermuda as in England. Just to prove a point, even if every Bermudian supported England there still would not be as many supporters!

The only way you would see a "London-type" atmosphere in Bermuda would be if Bermuda was in the World Cup...take the qualifying match against El Salvador at the National Sports Centre. The place was packed... can u imagine what it would have been like if Bermuda would have won? Pandemonium!!!

As for being in the minority, I agree with one of your other readers that England is quite popular on the island. I was watching the match in a boardroom on a projector this afternoon with 10 colleagues... 8 were British and supported England...the other was an American and was also for England. I, the lonely Bermudian, was for neither England nor Sweden, but I was hoping for an English loss or at least a draw. So I was pleased in the end :-)

[Njegos on 20.06.06 at 21:15]

England are certainly relieved to face Ecuador. And the way England are playing, Ecuador will be delighted to face England.

It may not be the same atmosphere as in England but at least we don't have to set our alarms for 5am to see our favourite teams as we did in 2002 (or walk around with ear-plugs waiting for the delayed broadcasts). In fact, I can hardly remember the action from the previous tournament. My routine was a stumble to the sofa where I would promptly pass out 5 minutes from the start and wake up 5 minutes from the end. I do recall repeated "oh no!"s from my 2-year old son each time a player took a tumble.

And to hell with the European curse. Argentina are going to lift the cup this year.

[Shark on 20.06.06 at 21:34]

what about Brazil?

[Njegos on 20.06.06 at 21:49]

I missed the Australia match but I was very unimpressed by Brazil's play against the Croats. Their defense was quite poor and Ronaldo was fat and useless. There are too many "heroes" in this squad, eg. Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Emerson etc. Argentina by contrast are young and hungry. I think they stand the better chance.

[Phil on 20.06.06 at 21:56]

JJ

Yes it was. Decided the place was just too crowded. Plenty of space at MR Onions as they had a big screen up in the back as well as the bar area. Place was full soon after the match started though.

Bermudian

I know, I do sound a bit whiny. Hey, gotta get it out of my system somehow. :)

[Njegos on 20.06.06 at 22:16]

During the week, however, watching any game means taking time off work. Although my boss has generously allowed me to do this for all the England games so far, I’ve missed some of the other matches that I might otherwise have watched.

Phil:

Simply outrageous. Now you understand why I started my own business.

[boogie on 20.06.06 at 23:31]

The problem is the fact that ZBM muscles in on the big events but runs the signal through their 40 year old equipment. All to generate advertising money to prop up their ancient physical plant.

I'm learning the game of rugby but gave up during the recent Six Nations because the picture and sound quality through my 36 inch, 2004 model Toshiba was atrocious. (I like that word nowadays, my teachers used to describe my work as being "atrocious")

I was reduced to watching CableVision's French language station at 121 to see the glorious colours but couldn't follow the game. Mme. XXX used to warn me about sleeping in her class, "Wake up, Boogie! You never know, you might need to know these pluperfect participles one day."

I stopped watching the Olympics a decade ago because of of ZBM. Even the little "ZFB" logo gets in the way of programming. I haven't watched a Super Bowl in seven years because I miss out on the most exciting part - watching the million dollar adverts - because ZBM must show the Bermuda ads which cannot compare.

Be damned who's playing in this World Cup - I just want to see some quality football in sharp, bright colours with quality sound of people who know the game: Something ZBM is utterly incapable of providing!

[Two Cents on 21.06.06 at 00:04]

I find the World Cup interesting, it brings out the "proud to be English" in the Bermudianised Brits especially.

My mum & dad have been here nearly forty years (you'd never guess..my dad still talks like an extra from The East Enders after forty years...and isn't in the least bit 'sporty'). But when ever England is involved in sports, especially Football or Rugby he's glued to the screen (along with his other Bermudianised Brit mates) to the shouts of "Come on England every 47 seconds". I don't know why but I find this extremely amusing.

Personally, I follow two teams for two very different reasons;
England - It's my heritage, I feel somewhat obligated.
Brazil - If you'd ever been there on holiday, you become addicted to the place, it's people, and it's especially it's footabll (and I've been too many times)

As for the American's and football, as my 'trivia maniac' dad has pointed out to me everytime I make a 'anti-USA' World Cup prospects joke:
THE LAST TIME FOOTBALL WAS AN OLYMPIC SPORT, THE AMERICANS WON THE GOLD MEDAL.

[39 Alpha on 21.06.06 at 09:01]

Whether you're watching it in black n white or on a high definition plasma flat screen

England suck.

[lost in flatts on 21.06.06 at 09:25]

Seriously, I managed to catch last week in Bermuda, this week in the UK, it's not so bad on the island. We get every game, that poor lonely commentator who does know his stuff and you can always record matches and watch them when you get home, if the cup was in N/S America it would actually be better to watch in Bermuda for the time zone, so that doesn't really hold up either.

Though it's not very considerate of cablevision to black out coverage on ESPN2, can they actually do that legally? But then, when have Cabelvision ever worried about little things like laws.

As for England's performances, well they're through first in the group, against Ecuador for a place in the quarter finals. The only way they could be in a better position would be if Owen wasn't injury prone and Sven hadn't selected some 17 year old who has as much 1st class footie experience as you and I do.

The real tournamnet starts now :)

[hotspur on 21.06.06 at 09:41]

I’m glad you’ve brought up the picture quality of ZBM’s feed. Let’s be honest, it’s shit. Which is a real shame given that this is supposed to be the digital age. It would be nice if ZBM acknowledged this and told us it’s something that can or cannot be fixed. Even last night’s game (on the Plasma’s in the Hood) you couldn’t tell who was tackling in the box. Sometimes I just didn’t know who to moan about! (and being an England fan that’s like taking away your oxygen).

And don’t get me started on the fact that there is no decent highlights show (Fox at 11pm the only one but limited video rights).

Phil, get yersell down to the bar at the Hood. It’s packed with boozy, hairy, sweaty, singing, passionate fans of all teams. And some of them are men! I’m not very good with numbers but it’s as good as you can get being 300,000 miles from England. What more could you ask for?

All, if you haven’t seen it, check out Drew Carey’s program on Thursday nights (Travel Channel). He’s over there now (with a press photographers pass to the games!?) doing a weekly show from an American view – very good viewing.

Therealdeal, did you get that SlingBox here? I’ve read good things about them

[HockeyFan on 21.06.06 at 09:48]

...rubbing eyes, slowly coming to life after Stanley Cup Finals hangover...

So, there's a soccer match on, eh? ;-)

[D'Olivier on 21.06.06 at 09:54]

Consider the lonliness of the Portugal supporter in London working with a bunch rabid English supporters....I'm secretly hoping England crash early in the second round so that I don't have to wonder about the disconnect between the fans' utter confidence in winning the World Cup and the lack of quality play on the pitch. At least the TV quality is good here. They split the games between ITV and BBC, though. I'm not sure whether both companies offer the games as a single package overseas. Based on current quality, the BBC is infinitely better than the drek commentary that ITV produces.

Anywhoo, I'm hoping for a Portugal-England quarter-final so that we can teach the English how a football team should be coached. Again.

[Adjustah on 21.06.06 at 10:35]

Portugal vs. England quarter-final?

The island would come to a complete fuggin' stop...

...not to mention the hangover.

[The Lion on 21.06.06 at 10:38]

England have won twice and drawn once without playing well. The team is made up of winners and when the time comes they will raise their game.

As for Portugal I can't wait to see them booted out and am hoping it is England that does it. I wonder how many Portugal "fans" on the island have ever even been there.

[Njegos on 21.06.06 at 11:00]

Quality of coverage may be an issue here. Iranians, however, appear to have other things on their mind. A half-Iranian/half-Swedish friend writes:

Zendeh Baad 35-year-old Henrik Larsson! ("Zendeh baad" means "Long Live!") He wanted to retire from international football but the Swedish fans wouldn't hear of it.

What a contrast to our 37-year old Ali Daei! All his sports-shop windows in Moniriyeh Ave and in Shahrak Gharb were smashed by irate Tehrani's; after the Games he's escaping to Los Angeles to look for a coaching job; coach Branco Ivankovic has also asked that his packed suitcases be sent to Croatia- he doesn't dare return with the team back to Tehran.

[Bermudian on 21.06.06 at 11:03]

Limey,

I thought you were a techie...have you not figured out how to watch the world cup online yet?

it is possible you know!

[SmokingGun on 21.06.06 at 11:57]

"During the week, however, watching any game means taking time off work. Although my boss has generously allowed me to do this for all the England games so far, I’ve missed some of the other matches that I might otherwise have watched." - Limey

"Simply outrageous. Now you understand why I started my own business." - Njegos

One of our company's employees are pretty much all Brazilians. We literally have to shut down operations early on the days they play. Which is fine because I'm nowhere to be found when England or the Czechs play.

Lion - that's a little unfair on the Portugal supporters don't you think? It's their heritage. Heck half of Bermuda still supports Brazil just because of the days of Pele.

[Bermudian on 21.06.06 at 12:32]

Lion,

Way too harsh on the Portugal fans. Just a note, you dont have to go to a country to support their football team (a bit obvious, dont u think?)

Portugal has been playing much better football than England. I am for neither Portugal nor England and I doubt either of them will win the tournament. As for England being able to step up their game, they demonstrated that they cant in their game yesterday versus Sweden... England isn't a multi-gear team like Brazil. They can't just step up their game because a match requires it.

[Onion on 21.06.06 at 12:36]

Hey Lion, just a tad bitter are we? 2004 still haunting you?

[observor on 21.06.06 at 12:50]

Onion - I was thinking the same thing.

That was a great match, however.

[witchieblackcat on 21.06.06 at 13:07]

I'm watching in England - being English with Bermudian connections. A lot of people are tuning to BBC Five Live for the commentary (available via radio or the internet) and watching the coverage on TV. This is especially so when ITV are screening the games.

[Liam on 21.06.06 at 13:17]

Sadly here in England it is wall-to-wall coverage .. not being a big footie fan I can't really get away from it, except at home. In our office we have several plasma screens around the place and we've had to put them on either BBC or ITV to show most of the games so far (they're usually on BBC News 24)! Most pubs and bars here are also showing all games and there have been the huge outdoor viewing areas too ... So spare a thought for us folk who aren't too bothered about the World Cup!

[Adjustah on 21.06.06 at 13:28]

"Hey Limey, try watching at one of the sports bars. Flanagans, or maybe Robin Hood..."

...or ACE or XL, or Marsh or Aon...

That's the way to do it - keep 'em in the building...

...FootieRe? Hmmm...

[The Lion on 21.06.06 at 13:32]

I guess a little harsh. Yes bitter about 2004 (in a friendly way despite tone of my post).

I really beleive that you will see the best of England when they play quality or "better" opponents. To my mind the most important match is the next one when England face another underdog. If they can get through that and if I have calculated correctly they would need to beat Brazil in the semi final and Germany/Argentina in the final. Both certainly possible with the best midfield in the tournament.

[Phil on 21.06.06 at 13:35]

D'Olivier

I'm secretly hoping England crash early in the second round so that I don't have to wonder about the disconnect between the fans' utter confidence in winning the World Cup and the lack of quality play on the pitch

That disconnect is an essential part of being an England supporter! :)

[Guilden M. Gilbert, Jr. on 21.06.06 at 13:53]

Njegos,

Brazil has never had a very strong defense, however, with the way the mid-fields and fowards pick a team apart they have been able to get away with a weaker back.

I wouldn't count Brazil out they have always shown that they play better and better as the competition goes on. Brazil very really dazzle in the first round, they play well enough to get through and the real Brazil begins to come through during the round of 16.

I think the Cup should be engraved right now with Brazil as the winners, after all, it is in the colours of Brazil, gold and green, that should tell you something :-)

[SmokingGun on 21.06.06 at 14:01]

Guilden - I'm sort of with you as my money's on a Brazil vs Argentina final. And that means a win for Brazil either way. Even if Argentina wins it doesn't matter cos' they all want to be Brazilians. ;-)

[Njegos on 21.06.06 at 16:38]

Smoking Gun:

As an aside, Argentinians have a reputation for conceit. Hence the popular joke:

Q: What is a quick way to become a millionaire?

A: Buy an Argentinian for what he is worth and sell him for what he thinks he is worth.

Guilden:

Point taken. They just seemed unusually sloppy and haphazard but they always improve. Unfortunately I am always comparing Brazil with that incomparable squad that lost to Italy 3-2 in the '82 semi finals - Socrates, Zico, Falcao, Eder etc. (sort of dates me, no?).

[SmokingGun on 21.06.06 at 16:51]

Njegos - LOL. I never knew.

[Fifi on 21.06.06 at 17:49]

Thanks for the correction on the score. Don't know why I typed in "lost". I watched the entire game. Couldn't believe that second Swede goal...geuss the word loser came to mind. I love the idea of an England/Portugal QF. Would put me smack in the middle, with family ties on both sides. Hey Lion! If you saw Portugal and Mexico today, don't count on Portugal being booted out too soon.