Penalty shoot-out drama

It's July 2021. The next General Election is probably going to be in May 2024. So that's less than 3 years away. What's going to happen between now and then? What should those you want to see a non-Tory government be doing? To be honest this week I am too pre-occupied with the Football to think about politics too much. But right now Italy are in extra time with Spain, and I thought I need some light relief - so time for a bit of blogging.

Both Italy and Spain have had fascist governments in the last 100 years. Italy never seems to have a stable government and every now and again there is a massive disaster like remember that big bridge collapsing a few years ago. There's a big North/South divide. There seems to be more or less permanent political turmoil and coalition governments come and go quickly. Whenever I've been to Italy over the years, it always seems like a fantastic country to live in and the atmosphere is generally very welcoming. Likewise Spain. I've never not enjoyed a trip to Spain. Fantastic cities and amazing countryside. Distinct regional identities and some places with strong independence movements. Catalonian political leaders imprisoned or in exile. The Spanish Prime Minister is from the Spanish Socialist Workers Party and his party is in coalition with Podemos which is a serious left wing coalition in itself. Politics in Italy and Spain is complicated and coalitions within and between parties are common, complex and seemingly ever-changing. 

It makes the UK look a bit dull! But, apart from any political leaders actually being in prison, when you think about it the UK has got a similar bunch of issues. North-South divide, strong regional identity (nowhere stronger than the North East), independence movements - and now grappling with the aftermath of Brexit and the pandemic.

1-1 after extra time. It's a penalty shoot out. Who is going to hold their nerve?

Italy miss the first one

Spain miss their first one

Italy score! Spain score! 1-1

Italy score! Spain score! 2-2

Italy score! Spain miss! 3-2

Italy need to score and they are through...................sends the goalie the wrong way and rolls it into the corner. 

Italy win. Spain lose. No coalitions in football. Only winners.

The next 3 years is going to be like a football match. Game of 2 halves, extra time and then the penalty shoot out at the election.

Our team need to be in top shape otherwise the Tories are going to win again. We could learn something from the Spanish and Italians about coalitions, perhaps.






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