Monday, March 13, 2006
2 of my classmates and I signed up for the Nanyang Junior College Joga Bonito competition which was held today. And it was a day to remember and to cherish. It was a far cry from the last Nike football tournament I had joined 4 years back.
My team had a pretty great record. We played 12 games, lost 2, drew 3 and won 7 games. Alas, it was not to be, and we did not hit the top 2 playoff positions. Nevertheless, if you had seen the tiny court and rules we had to abide by, you would understand why those 7 wins meant so much to me. I have 2 excellent teammates who really took the game to the opposition, had it not been some woeful finishing from me, we would have been in with a shout for the top 2 positions. But, it was great just being able to play competitively and seeing everyone trying to give of their personal best. Heart. Honor. Joy. Skill. Team. The essence of Joga Bonito. But the best part of the day was at 9.
This Physical Education teacher, who had organised this event, approached us asking whether we wanted to play against the Brazillian futsal team. We took it with open arms. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity playing against the world-renowned Brazillian futsal team. And I would never have missed this chance for the world. They arrived prompty at 9, and trudged down in their beautiful white and gold jerseys. If their warmup was insipring, the way they played was simply elegant and magnificent. It was beautiful. Football at its absolute best. No negative tactics. No hurry to win. Just cool, calm and collected control of the ball. The feints, the tricks, the flicks, the reading of the game. If you enjoyed watching Ronaldinho on television, we witnessed so much more in person.
Our match went alright. We got ole-ed. Got flicked over. Got tricked. And conceded a goal. It was amazing stuff they were doing. But. We managed to get into the game, and had our fair share of chances. We scored one, and left with the proud record of the only team not losing to the Brazillians. Scoreline was level, but we know they are miles ahead in everything related to football. If only, one day I could play half as well as them, it would please me so.
I'll post our picture up with them once I get it. =)
we believe that diving is for the swimming pool. and arguing for politicians.
we see offside traps as a sad attempt to cover for a lack of speed.
we play football with an accent. the accent of the beautiful game.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
1:07 pm
