Football – the game so many people worldwide are madly passionate about. It is a game that brings every race, gender, and political opinion together. Irrelevant of the differences that may exist, those 90 minutes are sacred. From kicking a leather ball in Japan way back in 1004 B.C., football has come a long way. Nowadays, a common argument is that football is becoming less about the sport and more about the money, making the idea of it being a passtime sound old. While that might be true, I believe that we should focus most on what is important – the sport in itself.
The passion is also clearly seen in the players. The way they kiss the club’s crest after a goal, the way they fervently sing their national anthem, the way they cry after losing a cup final. Perhaps, one of the most striking moment during the ongoing 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Canada was the moment Laura Bassett, England’s national team defender, clearance looped over the own keeper, gifting Japan the win in the 92nd minute. The heartache was visible; an emotional rollercoaster. Sadly enough, this was followed by hurtful abuse on social media by so-called "fans’.
It is a dream for any footballer to participate in a sporting event of the same calibre as the FIFA World Cup. One should respect these players who gave their all of crest on the front of the shirt. Irrelevant of how their experience in the World Cup ended, the Lionesses have inspired many aspiring young, female footballers, with over 2 million spectators watching the semi-finals despite the time difference.
While the players and the coaches are an integral part of the team, the fans are considered to be the "twelfth man’. Being a true fan is not about being a mere spectator but it is about being an actual participant. This means that supporting our local football clubs and men and women national teams is so significant. It is the chants, the banners and the fervent fans that motivate the team and maybe intimidate the opposition. It doesn’t involve sharing hateful messages on social media, or passing abusing comments in the stadium but supporting the players and the team when they need you the most.
