When I was 7 or 8, I joined the local football (soccer) club. As was customary at the time, we used team names from the English first division (now called the Premier League): Everton, Arsenal, West Ham, Liverpool, Spurs, etc. I was put in the “Liverpool” team and so begun my support of the mighty Reds. Watching football in NZ meant tuning into a show called The Big Match every Sunday morning. They typically only showed one game but added highlights from that round. Since Liverpool was one of the big names of English football, they were featured quite often. I have vivid memories of getting ready to watch The Big Match (often with my dad or grandad) and hoping like hell it would be Liverpool. I also have great memories of getting up in the middle of the night to watch some of the football finals that were being broadcast live. Since kick-off in England was 2pm, that meant a 2AM kick-off time in NZ. My dad would wake me up and we’d watch the big game. Classic memories.
Yesterday Liverpool played Barcelona in the second leg of the semi final round of the European Champions Cup. This is a season-long tournament featuring the best teams from every European football nation. Liverpool had traveled to Barcelona last week and were comprehensively beaten 3-0 largely behind the magic of Lionel Messi – arguably the greatest player in the world. The return leg was being played at Anfield, the sacred home of the Liverpool Football Club. To book a place in the final, Liverpool needed to win by four goals. Damn near impossible – considering Liverpool were without two of their key goal scorers. Every pundit had written them off. I had written them off. Four goals against Barcelona without Firmino or Salah? Yeah right.
I started watching the game at my office (yes, I have a sweet large TV in my office). I just “had it on” while I continued to work. I was hoping that Liverpool wouldn’t be embarrassed. That was my hope. I dreaded the thought of seeing Barcelona mercilessly carve Liverpool up on their home ground. Gulp.
I won’t go into a detailed play-by-play of how the game unfolded (although YOU know I really want to). Liverpool scored a quick goal after six minutes and then two more quick goals just after half-time. After the second goal, my excitement was beyond compare.
But there was one thing missing…
It’s f%&king lonely watching an exciting game of football (or any sport for that matter) by yourself.
When Liverpool went ahead 3-0 after 59 minutes, it was game on. I was hooting and hollering at the top of my lungs! Literally screaming at the players to “SHOOT”, “Get ‘em!” or “TACKLE!!!”. The volume on my TV was set at maximum. I was pacing my office like a mad man; I couldn’t stand the pressure and excitement.
I started messaging a couple of friends (a couple of Liverpool supporters in Chicago and NZ and another avid football fan). The text was basic: please tell me you’re watching. Replies indicated that they weren’t; they were being recorded with the intention of being watched later. Damn it. I couldn’t stand it – I wanted to SHARE my excitement. I wanted to connect with others and share this moment with someone else. I know you won’t believe me, but I kept opening my office door hoping some random stranger would pass by and I would have invited them in to watch this game that was shaping up to be one of the best ever! No such luck.
I responded to their incoming replies trying not to give anything away (no spoilers) but I don’t think I hid it very well.
In the 79th minute, Liverpool got the go-ahead goal. A cheeky little quick corner that caught Barcelona napping. I’m getting chills just typing this. They had to hold on for 10 minutes (plus five minutes of extra time) to secure a place in the final. Barcelona piled on the pressure; the preordained favorites to win this entire competition were not going down without a valiant and sustained effort.
I’m losing my voice. Screaming and clapping.
The final whistle blew. Liverpool won 4-0! Can you believe it?! They overcame a 0-3 deficit (from the first game) and won on aggregate 4-3! And this was done against Barcelona and the Lionel Messi! The scenes of jubilation from the fans was incredible. And the tears from the players… and me. Seriously. Getting emotional over a game of football? You bet. It was a riveting game; a game that will go down in history. There’s this emotional bond or tie you have with a sports team that is difficult to explain yet nearly everyone who follows sport can identify with.
After the game was finished, I wanted to rush home and share my excitement with my family. Unfortunately, no one was home. So, I watched all the goals and highlights again with that same sense of exhilaration and excitement. When they finally got home, I showed them the goals, told them about the result and let them enjoy the scenes of jubilation from the players and fans after the game (and the tears of utter devastation from the Barcelona fans).
I got my share.
The pundits (commentators, journalists and players alike) are calling it one of the best. Ever.
Later that night I was able to reconnect with my mates and discuss the game. Sharing moments, videos, pictures and memes that made it so special. The final is being played in Madrid, Spain on June 1st – can’t wait.
In the mean time, you just GOTTA watch these scenes moments after the final whistle. Miracles do happen…
Highlights from the game…
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