Football weekend - the excitement was palpable!

Whilst everyone was busy with the Premium League - I was busy with the division league of my son. It was a home match which was no less exciting than professional football - a good match is a good match!!

First half
The match started like any other with the favorites, AFC, playing well but the underdogs, Buitenveldert SC, were no pushovers. Both teams were playing well but the match was somewhat slow.

The linesman declared a ball offside - so an opportunity for a possible goal was not allowed for our home team. It became heated for some fathers from both sides. The “unofficial referees” on the grandstand thought otherwise and became quite vocal and loud.

The first attempts by both sides proved non-productive. No goals. The players only scored yellow cards for kicking the ball away in frustration - when the referee’s decision was not favorable. Now the referee had impertinence, not only off the field but on the field as well.

The opponents scored the first goal. There was some pushing. The referee did not whistle. A few loud parents for the home team were in uproar. That did not matter. The match continued.

The away team scoring first - made the match exciting but a bit tense. The outcome was foul plays. One occurred in the box - the referee saw it this time. An advantage for the home team.
The penalty resulted in a 1:1 score at half time.

Half-time fun fact
During the halftime break - I went into the clubhouse to get a drink. Upon my return to the grandstand - I saw the referee sitting 3 seats away from where I sat. I realised that I was sitting 2 empty seats away from his girlfriend. The surrounding spectators had a lot to say when the referee allowed the first goal and when he missed a “hands”. I decided to be careful to not offend anyone - it is just a game after all.😁

Second half
5 minutes in the second half, the home team had the first goal and another one 4 minutes later - bringing the score to 3:1. They were on a roll!
The home team had another amazing goal but unfortunately despite the jubilant de-shirting of the central attacker - the ball was offside.

A few chances by the away team were declared offside. One was certain to become a goal at some point and it did. After this easy goal for the opponent - making the score 3:2 - the match became faster and a bit more aggressive. Then the stands got heated when a goal was being discussed with the linesman which was clearly NOT offside - the score was now 4:2. The home team’s advantage was paying off. The grandstand cheers and support was exhilarating.

Seems like the left back was becoming tired. With 10 mins left - it was 4:3. The referee issued more warnings to a few players and the threat of more yellow cards loomed. The players should continue to use their feet not their mouths. Then the home crowd audibly sighed with relief when the ball rolled past the goal as the away team became energized after their third goal.

Time to focus and “pull out all stops”. There was a fantastic pass and a beautiful goal. The home crowd was cheering and screaming their heads off - it was now 5:3. With about 5 official minutes left. Our home team should not become complacent- the opponents had new found energy.

When a home team player collided with the away team’s goalkeeper - the goalie uttered some colorful words. Things were becoming chaotic - too much chatter in the field. The match continued - the next goal was for the home team- there was no holding us back. The central attacker scored - his father being the loudest in the stands. It was now 6:3. Without delay it was 6:4.

Neither sides let down their guard- the match was not yet over. The ball moved swiftly across the field. The final whistle was blown. The cheers from the grandstand was electric. The central attacker took the ball - due his hat-trick.

The thrill of victory was clear on the faces of the home team; the agony of defeat on that of the away team. It is over!!!!

It was a tense, fun and entertaining match!

⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
With all the excitement and being focused on the match, I could not take many photos.
I hope you enjoyed the match through my eyes.