The First Day

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We were on our way, flying from Stansted and what was the first thing they did? Yes the burger bar, really professional! In the Hotel in Reggio Emilia it soon became apparent how serious the other team's were taking it. The memory for many of us is of the Roma manager ranting at his players over trying to eat profiteroles and cola. Profiteroles will never quite have the same meaning! They ended up with fruit salad and water.

The confident manager Keith Taylor, a local fireman, last to get on the plane. Will this be a moment in history? Hopes were high, but we did not know the standard of the teams we would be playing, after all, we are just a Sunday league team!

No this wasn't our hotel. The same evening we went to a civic reception for all the teams and the draw. The pic is the town hall where the draw was held. Boxes all around the stage. Ive never seen so much gold leaf! Even Pavarotti's been here!

So on to the draw, there were 18 teams who represented their countries plus the hosts A.C Reggiana and the holders Real Madrid. Like a true world cup draw, teams were seeded hence the various bowls with balls containing the teams names. In the centre is the crystal glass trophy and the celebrity on the left who drew the balls is Pierre Luigi Casaraghi.

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