Speaking of religion, this being Sunday and all, here’s the official prayer from the good old C of E:
Lord God, the source of all life and joy, recreation and skill,
we pray for all involved in the World Cup,
and especially for those who represent our nation:
for good health for the players,
for high standards of sportsmanship and fairness,
and for the safety and well-being of all who will watch,
that in our shared enjoyment of the game,
we may rejoice in the one who came to bring life in all its fullness,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God of work and play, Lord of all the nations,
guide, guard and protect all who work or play in the World Cup.
May all who watch or engage find in this competition a source of celebration
and a recognition of what it means to be made in the image of the One who played the cosmos into being.
Amen.
Now I’m waiting on the Islamic response…