England 1 Slovenia 0 - WORLD CUP 2010 - They thought it might be all over... Relieved Three Lions supporters celebrate in Leicester Square
Published: 25 June 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM
NEVER have there been so many 3pm dental appointments.
Westminster went “In-ger-land” mad on Wednesday afternoon as Fabio Capello’s men squeezed through to the next stage of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Slovenia. Schools closed early to allow children to race home for kick-off, staff left offices deserted and pubs were packed to the rafters.
Among the more ingenious schemes to watch the footy were a group of traders in Berwick Street market, who erected rows of milk crates outside a handily placed electrical goods shop to keep business ticking over while watching the game.
Three cheers must also go to generous bosses at property firm Jones Lang LaSalle, who gave employees the option to pay £10 to charity to be allowed to watch the game in the Pitcher and Piano bar close to their Hanover Square offices.
But spare a thought for pupils sitting exams at Westminster Academy. The school bell rang at 3.30pm as usual while youngsters at Pimlico and Quintin Kynaston worked through lunch in order to watch it.
For police and ambulance services it was a busy day. Dozens of officers watched on in Leicester Square as rowdy England fans danced at an impromptu street party following the narrow 1-0 win over Slovenia.