They’re Great Scots in Bars
Scottish fans won the votes of taxi drivers, bartenders and hotel operators in Bordeaux as the best visiting fans. Mainly because they spent the most money on beer--140 barrels in two days, or what one bar owner said he normally goes through in a year.
The Saudi Arabian players were the most unusual visitors. According to Patrick Revoyne, a manager of the Sofitel-Aquitania, many slept on the floor and left their mattresses outside the door, in the hallway.
The most unusual requests of management at the Sofitel: a cell phone for a Saudi prince on a Sunday, a day when businesses are traditionally closed, and a smoked salmon breakfast from Austrian player Anton Polster. Both were granted.
FANS CAN’T HELP THEM
Italian players aren’t intimidated by facing host France in the quarterfinals Friday at Saint-Denis.
“I think Italy has good chances to win,” Italian defender Paolo Maldini said, “even if the stadium is entirely for the French, the supporters can’t score goals, while [Italian striker Christian] Vieri, he’s the leading goal scorer.”
Coach Cesare Maldini issued the ultimate compliment for the French.
“France is a little [like] an Italian team reinforced by foreigners,” he said.
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