Vol. 26 No. 283 (2021)
Soccer paradoxes
We ask them to give everything, that they win with strength; that they are exquisite, that they win through skill, with talent. We enjoy winning however it comes, even if all eleven hang off the crossbar; we prefer they win by many goals, with brilliance. We affirm that the best defense is a good attack; teams are built from back to front. We like that they play quickly, as a team; that their personal ability makes the difference. In addition, that they let it all hang out, but do not risk but rather, respect the strategic plan; that they are animated, that they are daring, undisciplined and go off the miserable script imposed by the coach.
We demand that they be honest, it is not sporting to win by cheating; to act as if they have received the foul in the area, just in case... we have to win at all costs. We are convinced that we must put in the kids, who are hungry for glory; you have to put the most veteran players who are more experienced in difficult games. Better to get the kids out, so as not to burn them out; we must replace the veterans, who no longer run and are always getting injured when they make an effort.
Undoubtedly you have to go out playing with ability; you have to crush the ball with your boot tip, so as not to risk anything. It is convenient to put players with mettle, with personality; you have to give opportunity to players with mischief and skill. Those who were transferred to Europe have to play since they are used to a better competitive level; you have to put those who play locally as they are the ones who really feel the weight of the shirt and do the hard work.
This absence of all logic puts us in eternal disagreement with others and even with ourselves. Fueled and expanded by the fervor of the media, the enormous, rich and complex culture that accompanies soccer is reduced to just passion.
Tulio Guterman, Director - December 2021
Videos Abstracts: access to the abstract videos page of this issue
Published:
2021-12-03
