The Empire the sun never sets upon

The most decorated Nations were present today: Germany with Johannes, Italy with Giancarlo and Argentina with Diego. The most titled of all, Brazil, was announced but did not turn up. Rumour has it that Victor in fact made it to pitch but as soon as he spotted Diego disappeared in the bushes not to be teased about the Copa America outcome.

The number of players amounted to three, same as last week: that was well above the minimum required for a FDs match and so it was instantly game on.The pitch was inviting, the grass never so green and thick, the weather warmish. The formula was successfully tested last week and this time too fans gave it a massive thumb up.

Diego started in goal with Giancarlo and Johannes outside in a ‘do or die’ one on one confrontation and then on on a rotational basis until each one had played the others twice on a first to three basis, then reduced to best of three as passing time exacted a toll on players who had to be at once defenders, midfielders and strikers.

Johannes lost and won one v Giancarlo and Diego but the latter defeated Giancarlo and emerged as the winner of the tournament. At which point the fans demanded as one the golden penalty in the small unguarded goal, each taken at a growing distance. Yet again Johannes won the contest though Diego took him to the 6th round. As the saying goes: ‘ Football is a game of three and in the end the Germans win…’

Last week we mentioned our FDs ambassadors around the World. The Club received an heartfelt thank you letter from the Biden administration for the work Tarek has been doing since moving back last summer to promote FDs US and improve the overall quality of soccer there.

While women football in US is very successful, for some reasons men are lagging behind. Tarek was first invited back by Trump in a desperate move to boost his electoral credential and swiftly confirmed by Biden in a bipartisan clever act. US has huge potential and the Club has made sure we have all the relevant connection: Hossam’s friend Sameth and his son Andre have been operating from Washington for a while heading the local FDs unit.

So, after Europe, Middle East and LATAM also US is in the bag courtesy Tarek and Sameth. As the Romans would put it ‘the sun never sets upon FDs empire’.  Finally with your permission I’m off for a couple of weeks to prepare for the start of my 15th season with the Club I owe everything (including my little dog Leone) but Francesco should be back next Saturday to rally the troops. Enjoy the rest of summer.