We’ve seen the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup over the past couple of weeks and it is evident that football is associated with passion, emotion, and dedication from the players to coaches; and even fans.
Right from the first whistle, whether you’re watching on TV or in the stands you’re in for a 90-minute emotional treat.
Football provides for many fans an opportunity to let themselves go emotionally to release the frustrations of everyday life.
The feeling of anxiety was visible in the opening match of the world tournament. With being host came great expectations. Ones that had everyone at the end of their seats both in the arena and their living rooms.
The joy of scoring the host nation’s first ever goal. On and off-field; Lisa Cole, Nicollette Ageva and her teammates- but also in the stands and in the streets.
And the danger, when conceding a goal against tough opponents; or bursting out in pain when caught in a challenge minutes into play. An example was the contempt reaction of Ghana’s coach, Mas-Ud Dramani when his charges were ruled off-side; you could see an asymmetry on Dramani’s face.
The sadness was well captured when twin sisters Sabrina and Monica Flores playing respectively for USA and Mexico embraced after the quarter-finals defeat to USA.
Regardless of what was diplayed on the Port Moresby football fields, it is the undying love of the beautiful game of football that connects everyone. More of the love is expected in the coming days when the semi-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016 intensifies.
