The beautiful game
Posted by
Maya
Posted on: 06/19/08
The beautiful game
I'm sitting at home in India, it's 1:45 AM and I'm making myself stay awake to watch the first quarter-final match of the Euro 2008 tournament. Why? I'm not a particularly huge sports enthusiast, but football, along with cricket, is something I will watch if I get a chance.There's something intoxicating about the thrill of supporting a team and watching them either perform brilliantly or make you hold your head in despair. Of getting so wrapped up in the game you find yourself jumping out of your seat, hollering at the TV screen, and, if your team wins, making your joy known in exuberant fashion, perhaps even by running down the street, honking horns, or hugging strangers.
I got to witness this in spades last week during my vacation in Germany, and it was infectious. My brother and I would find a bar or restaurant each night, settle down and watch the match (every such establishment had a television set up outside to watch the match), and it was glorious. Even if we didn't have immediate access to a television, if the German or Turkish teams were playing, we would know instantly whether or not a goal had been scored, a goal had been prevented (for better or for worse), or whether someone had been fouled or sent off unjustly. It was one of the best travel experiences I've ever had, and one that I wish everyone could have - there's nothing like seeing an entire city or country united and rooting for a team. It truly shows you what a beautiful game football (and indeed, any sport that causes such sentiment) can be. Watching at home just doesn't come close.
Maya
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