Emotions are often written all on the players faces. Other than
just enjoying the matches, we can observe mans swing of emotions
throughout the magical 90 minutes. Emotions are just as
entertaining as good football; we can see dismay, despair and
frustration in every footballers face. It is very interesting
watching every decision made by the referee hotly contested as
players flung their arms up in protest. Despite all the fiery
competition, matches are often full of humour if we look at it in
another way. Goalkeeper wasting time, protests from players and
bickering had added flavour into the competition, making it much
more entertaining.
Making a mistake, squandering a chance will trigger off great
dismay as footballers were pressured all the time not only by the
opponent, but also by his fellow playmates. We had seen in every
single match, there is full of dismay and despair. A player would
be utterly disappointed when he missed chances repeatedly, just as
in the previous matches of England, Germany and Sweden. They were
veterans and should have no problem in finding the net. However,
luck seemed not to be on their way, especially Germany, unable to
score for 90 over minutes until stoppage time when Neuville struck.
Even as I was just watching the match on television, I could feel
the huge frustration in the stadium, every single German, every one
of them. However, the stadium erupted when the final minute of
stoppage time came, then we had seen the big swing of emotions in
this dramatic moment. England playing against Trinidad and Tobago
last night, it was another interesting match. Trinidad and Tobago
had once again, played heroically and kept the England at bay for
82 minutes. Englands Frank Lampard wasted chances as he repeatedly
struck the ball over the crossbar; he had shown us clearly what
true dismay was by just sticking his tongue out. No matter what,
Englands was victorious in the end as Crouch scored with a header.
England was not that frustrated as compared to Germany, but it was
still a great torture for these two strong teams as they faced the
impenetrable defence of their opponents.
Swedens victory came even later than Englands. Freddie Ljungberg
headed home the goal in the 89th minute, sending Paraguay straight
home after much frustration faced by the Swedes as they too,
created so many good chances to score but could not do so until the
last minute. They tried all kinds of ways to score and their
efforts finally paid off after a goalless 179 minute in their two
matches. This goal came just in time to make Swedens World Cup
hopes alive again. The scenario for the England, Germany and
Swedens matches were so similar, full of dismay, despair and
frustration. However, it was still sweet victory for them as their
efforts for over 80 minutes were not wasted.
Other than the players and the fans, coaches are also very
interesting. Every coach watched their matches in great
anticipation for their side and even showed much stronger emotions
than the players sometimes. A good example was Hiddink, as he
erupted after being denied by the officials to watch the reply of
Japans controversial goal. Even Englands coach Sven-Goran
Eriksson, a man who seldom shows emotions, cannot hide his joy as
his side claimed a late victory from Trinidad and Tobago. Fans,
players and coaches are the flavours of every match, contributing
to the great deal of entertainment. Thanks to all those wonderful
fans, players and coaches, who had made this World Cup much more
colourful than any other football event.