England v Portugal: an apology

Following England's defeat in the World Cup quarter final against Portugal, I feel I must apologise to my fellow England supporters, as I think that I may be responsible for their defeat in some way.

About a month before the competition started, I bought an England t-shirt from Next. I've worn this t-shirt during every England match in this competition. I even wore it during the friendly matches England played before the World Cup. My dad remarked that my wearing the said T-shirt was a lucky omen, seeing as England managed to get through even though they weren't exactly playing at their best. I almost believed that it was lucky, thinking that if I wore it for every match that England played, we would get through to the final and win the cup for the first time in 40 years.

Alas, mine and the nation's hopes were dashed this evening during the penalty shoot out. Another loss on penalties, another defeat at the hands of Phil Scolari. Another match of me shouting at the TV screen, telling John Motson and Mark Lawrenson to shut up with their inane prattle. Honestly, were they deliberately trying to tempt fate with their talk of past penalty shoot outs and what's happened in recent encounters with Scolari and his men?

After the match was over, I changed my top. I didn't feel it was worth keeping the England one on for much longer. As I took it off, I noticed the writing on the tag and thus the reason why I feel like I'm to blame for our cup run coming to an end.

It said "Made in Portugal".

Upon reading this, I did what any person in my situation would do.

I hurled it across the room and let out a heady stream of swear words.