Go Goalies!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
World Cup is upon us again so expect no shortage of late nights, melodrama, Oscar-worthy acting and of course goals, Goals, GOALS!
But that's so over-rated.
We're naturally drawn to the spectaculars so the likes of [insert names of hot scorers of the moment here] gets most stardom. But who are the people who make victories taste ever so sweet? It's those annoying people dressed in unique attires standing in the way of glory.
Dad was in a soccer team in high school. His coach was some crazy ex-military guy so vigorous in training was an understatement. However, thanks to superhuman stamina, the team trashed many opponents. One day, dad caught a nostalgia bug of his wonderous youth, so he brought the kids on Sunday morning to a nearby soccer field. I could not kick a ball to save my life so I volunteered as goalkeeper. Moreover, my basketball experience would surely come in useful. However, standing in front of the net became intimidating and I couldn't reach the top bar even when I jumped. Dad lined up my brothers and himself and took turns kicking the ball. My basketball reflexes were useless as I darted from one corner to another. Getting scratched or bruised from diving was the last thing I wanted. I even had a mental picture of paramedics being called to the scene because I was comatose from hitting my head on the goal post. How do these people do it? - Throwing away their safety to stop a hot shot goal scorer from getting the ball through?
The goalkeeper." ...They say where he walks, the grass never grows".
-- Eduardo Galeano, Soccer in Sun and Shadow
Demands are high. Goalkeepers, as the last line of defence, have to throw (literally) themselves in to do whatever it takes to stop the ball in its track. Even if it means diving towards incoming opponents, perform acrobatics as well as risk getting trampled. At the same time, they're expected to have lightening fast reflexes, foresight and quick thinking.
While they are not perfect...
When they do step up to the plate, they can inspire.
Watch out for an amazing mid-air back flip kick save at the 40th second mark.
In any sports, I have a huge respect for the ones who are left to stand guard. Let the strikers and forwards have their fun because ultimately, a brilliant goalkeeper plus strong defence will make a team invincible. And they certainly don't do victory runs around the pitch after every successful saves. |
