Dom Wins It

England U20 1 v Venezuela U20 0

FIFA U20 World Cup Final

Played at Suwon World Cup Stadium, South Korea

Sunday 11 June 2017

Twitter @ball_sup

45 Korean Beer Ticks

Well. That's what we came for. England win the U20 World Cup. In the last Blog, after the SF, I pleaded for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to get out there and win it. Lo. He had a couple of other good chances as well. He was in a full on, up top role today. Frustrating at times. Too much drawing the foul. Too much disrupting his marker. Not enough Ball. But, that's the job nowadays.

It helps a lot when everything around you is running like clockwork. Throughout the tournament, England's midfield & link players have just had more time, more composure. And, been able to slip up a gear when needed. Solanke & Onomah stood out. Head & shoulders. They just seemed to cover the ground. Effortlessly.

And the rest of them were only just behind. Onomah took more of a back of diamond role in this game. But, Lewis Cook had run that show earlier in the tournament. Ojo, Maitland-Niles doing their bits as well. I'm not going down the route of name checking them all. But, I could.

Venezuela were well in it. To be fair, two or three of their players stepped up in Beckham against Greece mode. Trying to win it by force of will. Freddie Woodman has not only kept England in it, he's been the most important player out there. Including a strong wrist penalty save. He not only got something on it. The shot was central as he dived right. But, he was able to knock it away from the goal. Making the rebound difficult. Skills like that matter.

It sounds dour to say that England were well organised against the individual flair of the Venezuelans. Because, England haven't been dour out here in Korea. But, the Vinho Tintos were just banging against a brick wall at times. All said. Venezuela could have won that. And I wouldn't have complained.

We sniffed out two beer destinations in Songdo. Cave, a small shop front Pizza and Beer Bar. Serving a small selection of “home brew”. I went;
Cave, Dalbit IPA on keg at 5%. That was all a bit too sweet, not bitter enough and confused.

And, a top, top recommendation at The Playground Brewery. A more full on, Western style, MicroBrewery taphouse. Wouldn't have looked out of place in Bermondsey. Multiple of their own on keg. Core & seasonals. All available additionally in those growlers that are essentially Big Cans.

Playground Brewery, The Monk American IPA on keg at 7.2%.
Playground Brewery, Hop Splash IPA on keg at 6.7%.
Playground Brewery, Playground IPA on keg at 4.8%.
Playground Brewery, The Hunchback IPA on keg at 4%.

Read that back. I've only had the four. ALL IPAs. A range. Lovely hopped session beers. Banging abvs. That Hop Splash was Hop Bomber style. Glorious one trick pony. The malt only there so it is legally beer, rather than Hop Tea.

You make your own luck in this game. England were in the World Cup Final. We had a last night in Suwon. Out from the gloom. We've had a nice Stumble Across. Just down from the hotel. Daily Beer. A chain. Some nice Korean Micros. But. Look away now. Cooking Oriental Brewery Pilsner served in fucking PYREX JUGS. No really. And, I don't mean you get a jug, and some glasses, to share, with your muckers. I mean, two of you, two beers please, two fucking PYREX JUGS turn up. Hold the handle keep it's lip away from your lips. Drink. FFS.

Anyway, I've ticked that earlier on the trip.
Platinum, IPA on keg at 6.8%.
Craftbros, Gangnam Pale Ale on keg at 5.9%.
Brew One, Hefeweizen on keg at 5%.

I really, really enjoyed that Gangnam Pale. Great hop forward American Pale style. Served in a glass an’ all.

(For completeness). Two can ticks.
hite, Queen's Ale at 5.4%
Korea Craft Brewery, Ark, Haeundae Beach Ale at 4.2%.

I'm not going to bang on for much longer. No mega hiked hotel prices to cover Sponsors & Suits. No multi contingency planning. Final whistle blows. Get to pub. Leisurely buy your match tickets online for whatever comes next. Sort something out on Booking.Com. Beer in the ground. At your seat. My ticket for the Final cost me £17.67. Lovely people. Lovely food. Lovely country. 45 Beer Ticks. Beer Of The Trip to that ridiculous 10.5% White Rabbit Revolover Double IPA. England win. England win. Dom …. *swoons*.

That experiment was a success. Season over. Rejoice. Toulon next year.

490/1027