They’re Great Scots in Bars
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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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