“No cohesion, no plan”

Germany is out of the World Cup. After three games characterised by mistake-prone incoherent play, leavened briefly by one good free kick, they lost to a nimble and sparkling South Korea. With all respect to the sensitivities of our German colleagues, it is a result that most of us will celebrate. In the past weaker German sides have somehow managed to grind out wins against superior teams, resorting occasionally to brutal play (Boateng’s sending off against Sweden this time). The best German sides in the past deserved their success: this one is deservedly out. As the BBC commentator observed, “no cohesion, no plan.”

Do members of the SMT follow the tournament? Many Kingston staff would consider the SMT to be without cohesion and any worthwhile plan to improve the University’s lot. Just as Germany changed the team it fielded for every match, so the SMT replaces its members nearly every year. Plan2020, more risible each day, is a failing plan. And as for fouls, the staff have been kicked about by the SMT ever since the head coach Weinberg stumbled on to the pitch.

Unfortunately there is no South Korea to dismiss our failed team. Still, it’s summer, the World Cup is approaching the most exciting stage, England (wonder of wonders) are playing well, so let us celebrate Korea’s win and hope the whole of the SMT gets substituted before too long. The only goals that team will be scoring are own goals.