I have a different view to Sunday nights final. Not that I know much about soccer. I was wearing the soccer Friday shirts for 10 weeks before the SWC began. I ran out onto the streets at midday on that Wednesday to show my support. I went to 2 matches in Durban supporting the team outwardly from the colour schemes I could find in my cupboard and spent much time in Florida Road and the beachfront enjoying the fans and taking pictures that captured the fun before the matches. But let’s get back to soccer and the game.
Would I avidly watch all these players playing for the different leagues in Europe or elsewhere on Super Sport– highly unlikely? I mean most these soccer players spend there time falling to the ground with tears in their eyes holding their ankles and shins and surreptitiously glancing up to see whether the ref had noticed their amazing fall and pain (that never lasts too long – unbelievable how they jump up and limp for 2 steps and then its back to running round that field waiting for their next moment.) In the meantime they have caused a yellow card to the player from the opposing team and they are really proud of that. I mean let’s be honest here. 2 grown men running for a ball. One will reach that ball a split second before the other. The first man will connect with that ball and the 2nd man will connect with whatever is there now in place of that ball. 9 times out of ten it will be the ankle or some body part that’s still lingering after the action. Have any of you tried to stop an action already in motion when going hammer and thongs to get there first. It is difficult, I would think!
So Sunday nights final! The Netherlands team played hard soccer. They had to stop the Spanish possession play! We all knew, even if we did not follow much soccer before this SWC that the Spanish players were brilliant on possession and speed. The Netherlands team had to put a stop to Spanish possession. They had to go for the ball and yes they missed many times and their connection came late. Do you sit back and watch the other team play or do you try as hard as you can to get the ball. This is soccer after all and when 2 people run for a ball, one will invariably win the race. The Spanish were good at winning that race but that was not what they were only good at. They won first prize for their acting tactics and falling over onto the floor. As someone said; soccer ref should also hold a pink card, I don’t need to explain what that is for!
Heitinga got a red card for putting his hand on Iniesta’s shoulder. What did Puyol get for putting his arm round Robbin’s waste!! The difference here is Iniesta fell forward after 2 steps and Robbin did not play act the fall! As far as I’m concerned Iniesta deserved the pink card! It is not because the Netherlands played good hard football that will have me looking at Rugby and the Tour De France cycling and other sport on Super Sport but the likes of the Spanish team who should have all been dished out with Pink Cards!!! The fact that I had an Orange outfit in my cupboard and an Orange hat might mean that I am a little biaised!!
To see more fan pics from Durban go to http://welcomewozani.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment