Different German boots in Astana this evening

Time in Dublin 18.31, in Berlin 19.31 and in Astana 00.31.

Thirty-one minutes ago was kick-off time for the football game between Kazakhstan and Germany.

Obviously the time is to suit German TV viewers. What about the people of Kazalhstan?

Still, that young German men are playing in friendship and peace against young men from Kazakhstan is the miracle of our time.

Seventy years ago, 69 years ago, young men from these parts were slaughtering one another.

It is a great evening for the world even if the money of the wealthy have the people of Kazakhstan staying up so late. Better than to be kept awake watching football than listening to the bombs and rifle fire of German guns and Russian Katushas.

Fortunately, the Germans never got so far east but it was the young men of the east, who were drafted in to fight on the Volga.

Alas, now at 18.36 the Germans are two goals to the good.