The curse of English football is back - the notorious penalty shootout chokers once again undone in the men's European Championship football final.
Sarah and Cullum watched the game at the Bristol on Cuba St. Photo: RNZ / Hamish Cardwell
It was a cruel end to a strong English campaign, and déjà vu for Manager Gareth Southgate who in 1996 missed a crucial penalty sending the team tumbling from the Euro semis.
It was the first time an English team had made it to a major tournament final since winning the World Cup in 1966. It was a new, young England team, with a manager drawing praise for inspiring cultural inclusion and team unity.
For Sarah, lined up outside the Bristol on the Capital's Cuba Street this morning, the scene was set.
"It's the best team we've had in my lifetime, the way they played together as a team, as well as individually, it's perfect.
"If it's not this year, then I don't know when."
People line up outside Bristol to watch the game. Photo: RNZ / Hamish Cardwell
They were modest hopes - but adequate - the overwhelmingly England-backing crowd spoken to by RNZ were calling it for for their team 2-1.
The English hit the field fired up, scoring a goal in the second minute as many punters were still filing - and there was pandemonium.
"Oh man, I literally came through the doors and everyone erupted - it was just unreal," one fan said.
But as the game went on the Italians favourites got over the early goal and came to dominate play.
Their second period equaliser brought about extra time - and a chilly prediction.
Young Italian fan Bruno said the England supporters' optimism was admirable but delusional, the jinx was back - the island's fate pre-ordained.
"It was destined to go to penalties, I've had bets on since the beginning.
" draw game [at] full time. It's going to penalties, [the] curse of England's back."
And so came the dreaded penalty shoot out, and then one miss too many and it was all over.
England fans said they were devastated to have come so close.
The crowd at Bristol watch the Euro 2020 final. Photo: RNZ / Hamish Cardwell
"I'm pretty gutted. We played well but, like a lot of English fans, we're used to this," Sarah said.
Lady T was one of just a handful of Italy fans at the pub.
"They do deserved it, I believed in them, they had composure and luck was on their side."
Alessandro, who also backed the Italians, called the game a squeaker.
But Italy fan Primo was anything but low key.
"Of course it was obvious from the get go... Gloria Italia, I mean it was it was written in the stars."
England fan Sarah said they would pick themselves.
"We've got the World Cup next year, so we'll continue to keep hoping, keep dreaming, keep having the faith."
