The team fans love to hate

CCTV sports commentators had a laugh at England's expense when their fans were interviewed after the Algeria game, a draw that means the Three Lions must win their final match against Slovenia (tonight) if they want to avoid flying back home on the next plane.

The roving reporter in South Africa neatly characterized the fans as falling into two camps: "Disappointed and Very Disappointed". Their colorful criticism bemused the studio guests somewhat because they were surprised at the lack of patriotism.

Let me explain. Though China claims to have invented football, it was England that codified the rules of the modern game and we have the oldest club (Sheffield United, in 1857) and league. Since the beginning of soccer time we have lived under the mistaken impression that first is best.