Not a football fan? Me either, with one exception: every two years I get hooked on following the Euro or World Cup tournaments. Actually, not even the whole tournament excites me, only games involving my home country, Germany. Lucky me, the German team usually plays really well so there’s quite a few games to watch. Last night they played Italy in the quarter finals of the Euro 2016, and we hosted a viewing party for our London friends.

Bubsi enjoys her (foot)ball

Bubsi really likes football – at least her own football (she mostly ignores the TV screen so far, except pointing out the ball when she sees it). She has a mini replica of the official Euro 2016 ball and often runs with it through the hallway shouting “ball” on repeat. Her kicks are still more miss than hit, but throwing to Papa is working well already!

Bubsi’s Euro 2016 ball replica

Euro Night

Kick-off was right at Bubsi’s regular bedtime, but knowing she’d likely not sleep with so many people around we put her down for a short late afternoon nap hoping she’d make it through the game. Our friends arrived well in time, and after cleaning up what used to be a full bottle of white wine broken into a thousand pieces the fun could begin.

While the game itself was boring throughout the first half, Bubsi had lots of fun. She stuffed herself with my self-made guacamole, handed out tortilla chips and popcorn to our guests, and played with her “choo-choo” train. Surprisingly, all the people and cheering didn’t faze her. Bubsi is normally somewhat shy around people she doesn’t see often, but last night she had a blast. Our friends entertained her and she entertained them, while I got to enjoy my glass of wine in peace. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

When the match went into extra time, Bubsi got tired, but she decided not to cuddle with Papa or me and instead observe the commotion from the lap of our friend A. After the penalty shootout drama that saw Germany pass on to the semi finals, she dropped dead in bed.

Bubsi “watching” Germany – Italy on our friend’s lap