The Emotional Game Of Soccer (Part 1)

In Afghanistan crowds gathered in the streets of Kabul, shouting and waving flags. It is a picture Western TV has shown many times before but this time it was different. These people were not mourning an attack that had left loved ones dead, in fact the complete opposite, it had life. The reason for the gathered crowds was not war, it was soccer.

The beautiful game has been proven over the years to bridge gaps, bring people together and give hope where politically there may not be. Over the next few days I am going to be taking single games which changed the world, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worst and sometimes only for 90 minutes, but all powerful nonetheless.

Courtesy: USA Today

A 6,000 capacity crowd packed the Afghanistan Football Federation in a display of pride in a country suffocated by a decade of war, poverty and Islamic Extremists. Neither side will threaten in the World Cup with both sides outside the top 100 but for the people in and around that Stadium that night WAS their World Cup win and it will live in the memory for years to come.

The political feelings between the two countries have been well documented with each accusing the other for the violence tearing up their country. This match did what the political leaders will not do and that is come together for the good of both peoples. There was tight security and there were not many women in the crowd but with the City the scene of several militant attacks already this year the security and attendance is not too much of a surprise.

The game itself was over halfway through the first half with the home side quickly 3-0 up but this was about more than a score line, it was about bringing enjoyment and pride back to the Afghan people. It wasn’t without it’s reports of trouble though, outside armed riot police and soldiers had to contend with frustrated ticket less fans, but with a massive game like this it is understandable why people would want to sneak in, try to get a ticket there or do anything to witness history.

At the final whistle the crowd went wild, players paraded flags around the stadium as celebrations spilled out onto the streets. The first game in a decade had gone off pretty much without a hitch and shows good signs as the Afghan Premier League kicks off later in the week. A return match is scheduled for December in Pakistan and that will have it’s own security tests and logistical nightmares. For now though, for the people of Afghanistan, the world of soccer begins and ends in Kabul.

Over the next few days I will be taking some other games from history which for one reason or another brought people together, initiated a separation or, like this one, was just what was needed by the people at the time

Jason Bardwell
www.facebook.com/bobbard