Fri Oct 4th / All-in Global / Archived
Supporting a Team that Never Wins
You stick to your team no matter how bad the results are, that’s something any true football fan knows. But what if your team never qualifies? At this Euro I am pushing the limits of loyalty, but my reasons are legit.
There are two ways to become a fan:
- You pick a team based on whatever reason you might have (except just because of good results which is not a legit reason).
- A team is picked for you because of its’ proximity (or because your father told you to).
But how many teams can you support? According to my moral fan compass there are two ground rules:
- You can support more clubs in one country only if there is a considerable gap between them in the league system, but you have to decide from the start (before starting school) which team you support the most.
- You can only support one national team unless you have particular reasons.
In 35 years I have pleaded my allegiance with 6 teams, and with the Euro 16 the list will grow to 7:
Leeds United
Vålerenga
Norway
Ørn Horten
Panathinaikos
Greece
Iceland
I admit, the list is long. But perhaps any critics may find comfort in the fact that these teams have brought me a lot of misery. The gap between the golden highlights is long, and for the biggest highlight of them all, when Vålerenga broke Rosenborg’s winning streak of 13 consecutive league titles, I was so hungover that I slept through the whole match.
Leeds United was the first team I supported (1988, I was 8), and they brought immediate joy: Promotion to the 1st division (now Premier League) in 1990, 4th place in 90/91, league title in 91/92, and semi final in the Champions League in 2000/2001. Obviously the joy did not last, and if you follow English football you already know what happened next.
Another highlight for me, when Norway beat Brazil in the 1998 World Cup and qualified for the knockout stage, has been followed by almost two decades of painful loyalty. We did qualify for the Euro 2000, but after scoring one goal in three games and being knocked by Yugoslavia who had the same goal difference but more goals scored, I still consider it painful. Now it’s Euro 2016 and we didn’t qualify despite UEFA increasing the number of teams to 24 AND playing Hungary in the playoff.
So what to do? Who to support? I care more about “the beautiful game” when I am emotionally involved, so I always look for reasons to support one team over another. At the last World Cup I supported Greece because my wife is Greek. We have a son together and he is named after my favorite Norwegian football player in history, Erik Mykland, who played some of his best football for Panathinaikos in Greece. But Greece did not qualify for this year’s Euro either.
What about Sweden? As a Norwegian I find it hard to support them. I can cheer for them, and I sincerely hope they do well, but I could never wholeheartedly support them. For that there is too much (friendly) rivalry.
What about England? “All” Norwegians have a favorite team in England, so it comes natural to support the English national team in big championships. For some reason I don’t feel the same.
That obviously leaves me with Iceland, and I could not be more enthusiastic on their behalf in France 2016. Here are my reasons:
- Iceland was populated by Norwegians back in 874, so our countries have a strong bond and similar languages.
- This is the first time Iceland qualifies for a big international football championship, and must be one of the least populated countries to ever do so. It is said that 15 000 Icelandic fans (of a population of 325 000) will go to France to support their team, and as far as I can understand, no other single event have brought more Icelandic people abroad at the same time before. This is also the mantra in a video we recently made to promote Ball In Translations, where the plot is that most of these fans are male. Everybody loves an underdog, and although I personally think Iceland has a good chance of qualifying for the knockout stage, they are most certainly considered outsiders.
Great odds in Iceland from All-In Translations on Vimeo.
So when UEFA opened for ticket applications I went all in on Iceland. The result was 12 tickets: 8 for their opening game against Portugal and 4 for their game against Hungary. We also got tickets for all of Spain’s group games, so we decided to arrange the official launch of Ball In Translations in Marseille during the Euros. We will arrange a five-a-side football tournament at Zinedine Zidane’s Z5 training center in Provence, followed by a pool party at the villa we are renting in Cassis. We are also giving away plenty of Euro 16 tickets. You can sign up and read more about our Euro adventure here.
I cannot wait to paint an Icelandic flag on my face and forget about Norway, Leeds United and Vålerenga for a while. My throat will be sore from screaming, my head will spin from trying to keep up with the beer drinking tempo of the Icelanders, and euphoria will be close when the referee whistles the kick-off on 14th June. 60 minutes later Ronaldo will probably have completed his hat-trick, celebrated arrogantly and ruined my day. That gives me 4 days to build up new hope for the game against Hungary. And so it goes.
Aw, this was a really nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to generate a top notch article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t seem to get anything done.
Major thankies for the blog article.Really thank you! Really Cool.
is hydroxychloroquine over the counter hydrochlor hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine side effects
Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he just bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I certainly enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you postÖ
Great blog you have got here.. It’s difficult to find excellent writing like yours nowadays. I really appreciate people like you! Take care!!
Kamagra modafinil online pharmacy Persantine
Once I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you possibly can remove me from that service? Thanks!
Outstanding article it is surely. My friend has been searching for this content.Feel free to surf to my blog post: Pure Kana CBD Reviews
“I’ve been a celebrity each and every day of my life,” he told reporters.
Outstanding news it is without doubt. I have been searching for this information.My blog post Jibe CBD Gummies Reviews
Im obliged for the post.Really thank you! Fantastic.
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of yourblog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyablefor me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme?Outstanding work!
It’s really a great and useful piece of information.I’m happy that you shared this helpful information with us.Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
What’s up, I want to subscribe for this blog to obtain hottest updates, thus where can i do it please assist.
proxy rx companion animal pharmacy walmart pharmacy canada locator
Thanks for any other great post. Where else may anybody get that kind of info in such aperfect way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such information.my blog post – a913.vip
I delight in, lead to I found just what I was taking a look for.You have ended my four day lengthy hunt!God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
Currently it sounds like Expression Engine is the best blogging platformout there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’reusing on your blog?
Thanks designed for sharing such a nice idea, post is good, thats why i have readit completely
In fact no matter if someone doesn’t be aware of afterward its up toother visitors that they will help, so hereit takes place.
Thank you for the good writeup. It in truth was once a leisure account it. Look complex to far brought agreeable from you! However, how could we keep up a correspondence?
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact wasa amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you!By the way, how could we communicate?
is ivermectin safe for humans interactions for ivermectin
zanaflex medicamento tizanidine alternative names zanaflex vs tizanidine
Some individuals speak very much related with Rolex.
You said it perfectly.!how to write a essay about myself research dissertation i need a ghostwriter
ivermectin lotion for humans ivermectin guinea pig
There is evidently a lot to realize about this. I think you made certain good points in features also.
Major thankies for the blog.Much thanks again. Much obliged.
Appreciate you sharing, great article post.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.
Awesome post.Really thank you! Awesome.
A round of applause for your article post.Thanks Again. Great.
Thank you ever so for you article.Thanks Again. Fantastic.
Really informative article post.Much thanks again.
Your mode of describing the whole thing in this post is truly good, all be able to withoutdifficulty know it, Thanks a lot.
Really informative article post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.
Thanks again for the blog post.Much thanks again. Want more.
Thanks for the blog article.Really thank you! Fantastic.
Im obliged for the article post. Will read on…
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic blog article. Keep writing.
wonderful points altogether, you just won a new reader. What may you suggest in regards to your publish that you just made a few days ago? Any certain?
Hi, this weekend is fastidious in favor of me, since this moment i am reading this fantastic educational post here at my house.
Im obliged for the article.Thanks Again. Awesome.
Awesome blog. Fantastic.
Very informative article.Much thanks again. Great.
Im obliged for the article. Awesome.
wow, awesome post. Will read on…
Awesome blog post.Thanks Again. Awesome.
A big thank you for your article post.Much thanks again. Want more.
Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really thank you! Great.
I will immediately take hold of your rss as I can’t to find your email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please allow me realize so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.
Say, you got a nice article.Really thank you! Fantastic.
Great blog.Really thank you! Really Great.
ivermectin for tonsillitisliterature duodenitis embrace
I value the blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…
I really enjoy the article post. Great.
Wow! This could be one particular of the most useful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Great. I’m also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your effort.
Great, thanks for sharing this blog article. Awesome.
Thank you ever so for you blog.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
Im thankful for the post.Much thanks again. Awesome.
Great article post.Much thanks again. Much obliged.
Great blog.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
That means you’ll perceive some fresh features and suffer with access to additional channels where you can gain visibility, without having to modify sense of some elaborate, guide migration process. https://googlec5.com
diploma onlinepersonal statement writing services
Tremendous issues here. I am very glad to peer yourpost. Thanks a lot and I am looking ahead to touch you.Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
Awesome post.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
Thanks-a-mundo for the article post.Really looking forward to read more. Awesome.
It’s difficult to come by educated individuals on this subject matter, however, you sound like you know very well what you’re talking about! Thanks
On another call masteron vs winstrol hair loss The research also shows a gradual rise in the use of the word „feel” and decline in the use of „act.” The study suggests this is due to a focus toward inner mental life and away from outward behavior.
I appreciate you sharing this article post.Much thanks again. Cool.
Hi there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 3gs!Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts!Carry on the outstanding work!
Great blog. Keep writing.
generic ivermectin cream – stromectol generic stromectol australia
Good info. Lucky me I ran across your blog by chance (stumbleupon). I’ve saved as a favorite for later!
There is definately a great deal to find out about this issue.I really like all the points you made.
I cannot thank you enough for the blog.Really thank you!
magnificent post, very informative. I ponder why the other experts of this sector do not realize this. You should proceed your writing. I’m sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic blog.Much thanks again. Much obliged.
After study a few of the blog posts in your web site now, and I actually like your method of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website checklist and shall be checking again soon. Pls take a look at my website as properly and let me know what you think.
Wow, great post.Really thank you! Really Cool.
I appreciate you sharing this article post.Thanks Again.
Ponto IPTV a melhor programacao de canais IPTV do Brasil, filmes, series, futebol
My website: русское порно видео смотреть бесплатно
Truly lots of helpful information! inderal la
A round of applause for your blog post.Much thanks again. Will read on…
Really enjoyed this post.Thanks Again. Great.
My website: любительское порно бесплатно
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you actually know what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also visit my website =). We could have a link exchange contract between us!
Say, you got a nice article post. Cool.
A round of applause for your blog article.Much thanks again. Cool.
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic blog.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.
I am so grateful for your article.Really thank you! Great.
Im grateful for the blog article.Much thanks again. Really Great.
Im thankful for the blog article.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was looking for this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.
sulfamethoxazole generic name Trimethoprim side effects
Monetary advisors business is individuals business.
I cannot thank you enough for the blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
ama hydroxychloroquine hydroxychloroquine uses
sun river apartments sandy apartments cape cod apartments
Everyone loves what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and reporting! Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll.
Thanks a lot for the blog post. Really Great.
Fantastic points altogether, you just gained a new reader. What would you recommend in regards to your post that you made some days ago? Any positive?
wow, awesome blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.
Hallo! Ich lese Ihre Weblog nun schon seit eine Weile und habe endlich den Mut, weiterzumachen und Ihnen zu geben ein Gruß von New Caney Texas! Ich wollte Ihnen nur sagen, machen Sie mit der großartigen Arbeit weiter!
Saved as a favorite, I love your blog!
ivermectin for dogs side effects stromectol france
I really like your writing style, fantastic information, appreciate it for putting up :D. «In university they don’t tell you that the greater part of the law is learning to tolerate fools.» by Doris Lessing.
ivermectin for sale for humans ivermectin for cats mange
This is a topic that is close to my heart… Thank you! Where can I find the contact details for questions?
Amazing! Its really amazing post, I havegot much clear idea concerning from this article.
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blog loading?I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
A big thank you for your blog.Thanks Again. Fantastic.
Hey! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Great, thanks for sharing this article post.Thanks Again. Want more.
Thaat is a really good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere.Short but very accurate information… Thanks forr sharing this one.A must read post!
I love looking through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this article plus the rest of the site is really good.
Im grateful for the blog post.Really thank you! Want more.
A round of applause for your blog.Really thank you! Great.
Aw, this was a really good post. Taking the time and actual effort to makea superb article… but what can I say… I hesitatea lot and don’t manage to get anything done.
Say, you got a nice blog post. Great.
What’s up, yes this paragraph is truly pleasant and I have learned lot of things from it about blogging. thanks.
Thanks-a-mundo for the post.Really thank you! Awesome.
My website: cartoon porn
Very informative blog. Keep writing.
https://drugsoverthecounter.com/# united healthcare over the counter essentials
This is one awesome blog.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
Hello all-in.global webmaster, You always provide valuable information.
[url=https://over-the-counter-drug.com/#]over the counter antihistamine[/url] over the counter yeast infection treatment
over the counter viagra substitute best over the counter yeast infection treatment
https://over-the-counter-drug.com/# over the counter oral thrush treatment
[url=https://over-the-counter-drug.com/#]best over the counter yeast infection treatment[/url] over the counter ringworm treatment
jock itch treatment over-the-counter over the counter medicine for uti
[url=https://over-the-counter-drug.com/#]over the counter nausea medicine[/url] cvs over the counter covid test
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this blog. I am hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own blog now 😉
strongest over the counter painkillers is zofran over the counter
[url=https://over-the-counter-drug.com/#]over the counter pink eye drops[/url] over the counter adderall
Major thankies for the article. Fantastic.
I’m not sure why but this blog is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
pharmacy rx one review onlinepharmacy onlinepharmacy
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this post plus the rest of the website is also really good.
Good blog! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!
Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin ffor my comment form?I’m using the samme blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one?Thanks a lot!
https://zithromax.science/# zithromax canadian pharmacy
[url=https://zithromax.science/#]zithromax for sale[/url] where to buy zithromax in canada
You are so awesome! I do not believe I have read through a single thing like that before. So great to discover another person with a few unique thoughts on this subject. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This web site is one thing that’s needed on the web, someone with a little originality.
https://amoxil.science/# cheap amoxicillin 500mg
[url=https://amoxil.science/#]buy amoxil[/url] amoxicillin discount
That is a really good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate info… Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read post!
https://stromectol.science/# cost of stromectol medication
Asking questions are genuinely fastidious thing if you are not understanding anything fully, but this paragraph presents pleasant understanding even.
https://zithromax.science/# buy zithromax without presc
[url=https://stromectol.science/#]stromectol pills[/url] minocycline generic name
https://stromectol.science/# ivermectin pills human
natural pills for ed erectile dysfunction treatments – new treatments for ed
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me dinner due to the fact that I found it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your internet site.
https://zithromax.science/# can i buy zithromax over the counter in canada
[url=https://amoxil.science/#]generic amoxil online[/url] cost of amoxicillin 875 mg
An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you need to write more about this subject, it might not be a taboo matter but typically people don’t speak about these topics. To the next! Kind regards.
Really informative blog. Will read on…
Good article. I certainly love this site. Stick with it!
Read information now. earch our drug database.
ivermectin cost canada
Long-Term Effects. Actual trends of drug.
Cautions. Long-Term Effects.
[url=https://stromectolst.com/#]stromectol[/url]
Everything what you want to know about pills. Drug information.
I was able to find good information from your blog articles.
Medicament prescribing information. Drug information.
ivermectin 1 cream generic
Drug information. Get warning information here.
Awesome things here. I am very happy to look your article.Thanks a lot and I’m taking a look forward to contact you.Will you please drop me a e-mail?
I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on yourblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one today.
I really liked your article.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
You should take part in a contest for one of the most useful blogs on the internet. I am going to recommend this blog!
Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. Generic Name.
[url=https://stromectolst.com/#]ivermectin 500ml[/url]
Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. Actual trends of drug.