Well at least Our Boys know how to beat USA
THEY think it's all over and out, sarge.
Well, it is now after Our Boys in Afghanistan took on their US counterparts in a battle-dress rehearsal for last night's World Cup clash.
And while we may only have managed a draw against America in Rustenberg - our RAF lads beat the Yanks 4-3 in Camp Bastion.
The allies took time off from fighting the Taliban to line up against each other on a makeshift football pitch and settle scores in the dust of Helmand Province.
Before a ball had been kicked star player Senior Aircraftsman (SAC) Mark Orr, an RAF fireman, said: "Bastion or Bafokeng - it doesn't matter where we take them on, we'll win.
"Soccer-ball just isn't their game. We're red hot and we'll leave the US smoking." Tensions had been running high at the huge military base as 4,000 UK troops and 12,000 US soldiers awaited the real crunch game in Rustenburg.
So when the RAF Firemen of 903 Expeditionary Air Wing challenged American troops to a game of five-a-side, it seemed a great way to let off steam.
Our Boys strolled on to the pitch in their combat shorts and T-shirts while the Americans pranced on in what one onlooking squaddie described as "the finest hot-pants in Afghanistan".
In just half an hour of play, the players lost around 4lbs a-piece. And the Americans were no pushover.
Star striker SAC Nathan Grey, who scored twice in a close contest, said: "The afternoon has been hotter than anything I've ever experienced - but there was no chance of anyone staying inside by the air-conditioning when national honour was at stake. We were raring to go."
SAC Orr added: "It's all been good fun with the Americans, lots of camaraderie. We sprayed a maple leaf on the back of the US Fire truck the other day.
"I think they were hoping for revenge on the football pitch."
After their win, British troops settled down for England's opening match against the US which was shown on huge screens.
Lance Corporal Oliver Toon, of 4th Mechanised Brigade, said: "Missing the World Cup was one of the things I worried most about being sent out to Afghanistan."
Three weeks ago, former England captain Becks surprised troops by dropping into Bastion. And on Friday, current captain Steven Gerrard, 30, told how the England team had watched a DVD of Our Boys on the front line to inspire them.
Gerrard said: "They were wishing us all the best which was very inspiring and touching.
"It drives you on when you realise how much it means to people that we do well."
Next time maybe his goalie will remember that!
SOURCE--WORLD NEWS BY PAUL
