The Poor Game

Czech Republic 2 v England 1
European Championship Qualifying, Group A
Friday 11 October 2019
Played at Sinobo (Eden) Stadium, Prague

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Different Czech Beer Ticks = 36

That, somewhat disappointing, game was my 144th England away game. And, my first full England away game in the Czech Republic. Not my first Blogging Beers in CZE though. I was here for the 2015 UEFA U21 EUROs. So, I have taken my Czech Beer Ticks from 22 to 36. I was in three or more minds as to what to do drink wise. Obvs, there are some very interesting smaller, independent Czech breweries knocking out IPAs, Sours, Saisons & all the latest malarkey. And, some Craft Beer Caverns to dispense 'em. But, as a big fan of full on Barley Sugar & Dirty Bohemian Pilsners. It was always going to be difficult to leave the traditional good stuff alone.

My Standout Traditional Bohemian Beer Of The Trip goes to….

U Tří růží, Světlý Speciál on keg at 5.1%
I had that in the (alleged BrewPub) U Tří růží. To be honest, that is right up there in Prague Tourist Hell. (Or heaven if you're "that way inclined"). I saw some fella push the door. I looked at my watch. It was 1103am. I was trying to understand the beer menu posted outside. When I was interrupted by some bloke I'd met on the plane, who'd been in the bar the night before. He recommended it. I went in. It was about 1109am. Just before it got impossibly busy. Drats. I didn't do the full count. Even though they'd just opened, the Vienna Red went off before I could order it. Lots of people were chucking themselves at a Monastery Special, St Giles No. 3 at 6.5%. I went for the Světlý Speciál. That was just excellent. Quite bitter up top. The barley sugar swirls in & underpins that.

And. That leaves. Standout Bit More Modern Beer Of The Trip as….

Pivovar Permon, Double IPA on keg at 6.6%
I had that at the banging BeerGeek Bar in Prague. An absolutely superb cellar bar. Great bar staff. A massive keg wall behind 'em. All listed on an in real time set of screens above the bar. (And, you can see "that list" on the internet, in real time). A ridic 30 lines. Of which - one cider, roughly half International, roughly half Czech.

That Double IPA was a great, simple beer. Rich & thick. Sugar up top. Developing bitterness. Towards tobacco in the death.

I think there is probably a little too much noise surrounding that game. And the poor performance. The Czechs needed the win. England are "all but qualified". There's a Friday game. And a Monday game. It's pretty obvious that it's going to be a squad weekend.

"Why the fuck has he picked him….?"
"Well, he's going to play the other fella Monday, that's why"

I'm not looking for excuses. Harem Scarem. Hot Potato. Don't get it under control. Get rid of it. That was odd. How are you going to control & win games like that? I'll take contraries. But, we weren't an attacking threat at all. The lot of 'em need to chin that. You have to create. Have to. In recent games, I've felt Raheem Sterling has been playing a different game to everybody else. 

Tonight. Same game as everyone else. The poor game. The defence looked dodgy on corners and swung ins. Kane does the zone. But, he does it at the front post. Cut out man. Alright if it's in his bit. But, if it's swung over him, he's fucking cut himself out.

Stats
I have now Blogged from 864 games in 1,879 days