27 July, 2003 : Azul Banana stick It Out After Penalty 'Gifts'
Nine man Azul Banana take surprise two goal lead then hold out for a well deserved point under the blazing desert sun. OK, it wasn't as hot as in recent weeks, because the game was brought forward two hours so that the Mexican's on the team (all except the Ancient Briton) get back to watch their national team beat Brazil on TV - but even with an 8 a.m. kick-off it was 72° in the shade. The inhuman start time ensured that the saturday night drinkers didn't turn up (except the Ancient Briton and the press corps) so Cruz Azul only had nine; the opposition were also short (ten), but taller and above Cruz Azul in the league. It would be a long 90 minutes...

Coach Grahamio's long search for a goaless draw was scuppered by the famous shape of the 'little' ref Juan Rotundio - followers of Azul Galacticos Banana will know that they haven't been awarded a penalty kick all season, but now there were two, in ten minutes, then Rotundio gave the opponents one. All converted 2-1.
Coach Grahamio was beside himself, (there being no spectators at that time except a suspicious looking security guard with his Shiatsu). At half-time Grahamio rang the changes, insisting that his recently hot striker Adomaydis (115° on his bald spot) drop back to defence along with everyone else. "If that fat midget is going to award penalties for blatant acting then it won't be to US!!" Raged the coach.

Clearly the the heat had got to him, but what else could he do? Unable to rely on the star striker not scoring goals anymore after his recent 3 goal spree, and without subs, he gambled. But defend? The Anciant Briton? Grahamio was vindicated, Les Blues Banane defended heroically to earn a 2-2 draw against slick opposition. As Manchester Utd's USA tour began and Mexico beat Brazil, the nations eyes and hearts were with Adomaydis as he wondered... will it ever rain again?