A neat (discreet) line of bunting, depicting all the participating countries, hangs in an Italian restaurant. The total absence of (product placement) union flags, displayed from the windows of buildings or cars. With one exception. A full size flag hangs out of an upper floor flat. A celebration of 90 years in service to the union, not in anticipation of victory on the foreign field of play. A tipping point? The nadir of the national game, as the unholy trinity of ‘hype, greed and failure’ finally sinks in amongst those who haven’t already had the foresight to see through the smoke and mirrors of (mis)administration.