I love football! Have I said that before? Oh well, I will just say that again. I'm just so happy that France won over Brazil and England got edged out for the semi-finals. Joy!
England and Portugal had to resort to a penalty shoot-out after a 0-0 draw at the end of the extra time. So, everyone knows that when it comes to penalties- that is where bloods rise, and hearts beat at a tremendous rate. Nerves rattle for the players as they gather their courage and guts. It's down to fate to see who wins. Well, not really. As my brother puts it, it's either one of the players decides to be a 'fire-king' (hitting the ball wayyy over the goal) or some player misses and ends up being THE black sheep of the team (for the WC, it could even be for the nation). He was counting on 2 of everyone's favorites on the England team to miss, to which my great shock, they did.
I love penalty shoot-outs. It's just extra thrilling and when your team scores, the thrill and joy doubles. Though sometimes it can be a real killer to your heart too, especially if you have a weak heart and your most favorite team in the world is playing for a really important game. In this case, England v Portugal, none's a favorite but I prefer Portugal to England for reason unknown even to me. It's a huge blow for the Brits to lose in the penalty shoot-out but Ricardo of Portugal is the absolutely wonderful goalkeeper to save three of the penalties. He was absolutely sure of where the player was going and dived the right way, getting the ball and putting Portugal up ahead. I'll say Ricardo had a brilliant role in Portugal's victory.
Another one of my favorite moments in the WC has also prevailed, besides the wonderful goal-scoring by Torres, Cesc' passes and crosses for his teammates to score, Vieira,Henry and Cesc handshake-hug-smiles exchange, it HAS got to be the classic, absolutely bloody classic move by the England goalkeeper. I think it was when...Postiga(?) took his turn for the shoot-out and the goalkeeper didn't even attempt to dive to get the ball though he guessed the right side, instead, just moved barely a few inches and stuck his hand up. That was the most baffling and hilarious moment for me and my brother. Maybe it was because the goalkeeper wasn't ready or the whistle wasn't blown yet (but I think it did) or some reason, but it's still absolutely hilarious. Sorry Brits, I know it's harsh and mean, but I still think it's funny. However, I shall refrain from adding anymore jabbing comments and leave it at that. Both sides had played a good game, though their coach had once said playing a good game is nonsense and the teams who've played a 'good game' have all gone home.
And of course, France's victory over Brazil. I knew everyone, EVERYONE was expecting Brazil to win and crush France. However, I like to think that both team had equal chances and shouldn't be looked down upon. Although Spain got knocked out by France, I harbor no resentment towards the French team, instead, I'm still supporting them. After all, like I said...favorite teams of mine are Japan, Spain and France, so just because two of my favorites met and knocked the other out doesn't mean that I have to resent the team who did so. A 1-0 win, with France defending until the very end and Brazil attacking till the very end, a nerve-wrecking match indeed. I don't know if I could say the best team won, cause I think both were equal, but I have to say the French were really going all out. Especially Ribery and Zidane.
Hopefully the next match between Portugal and France...would be another joyful end for me too. Fingers crossed.
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