Losing in a finals can be so annoying, painful and frustrating. I have watched and seen how sad professional players get upon losing in a final. For instance, my favourite team, Liverpool; when they lost to Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League final, tears was everywhere. Everyone was moody and sad but truth is, only one side can always win the trophy.
So, I'll be sharing my experience when I and my team lost in a final of a tournament in 2019. During the festive period at the end of the year, there is this football tournament usually being hosted by the youths in my community. It is named after the street, ' Udoekong Ekwere Novelty Tournament'.
The competition usually involves a five-aside team because of the goal size being used. It is not the normal 22 players pitch. Each team registers seven players; 5 play while the remaining 2 are substitutes. In that year, we had 12 teams registering and I was in team B. The name of our team was CF Stars.
That's me bare body after winning 2-0 in the second group stage game
We played 3 games during the group stages and we won two while being held to a tie in the last group stage fixtures. With this, we had 7 points and this was enough for us to top our group. We then progressed and qualified to the next stage of the competition - the quarter-finals. In total, 8 teams progressed to this stage; the first and second place in each group while two best losers were promoted as well.
In the quarter-finals, we were fixed to play against 'Idosam Nation.' It was a tough game but we won by 2 goals to 1 and I registered my name on the score sheet as well. With this, we got to the semis, this one was tougher. We were up against a side called, "Esuene FC". We played the first-half (30 mins) goal less. Coming into the second-half, they had an early goal but we were not disturbed. We were still organized and without complaining or blaming anyone. Thanks goodness that in the last 10 minutes of the second-half, we equalized taking the game to extra time.
You can spot the goal post
At the end of the extra time, the scoreline was still 1-1 so, we went straight to the penalties. The penalty was taken from the center of the pitch; you are to kick the ball into the goal. Note, the goal commonly called "Monkey Post" in our town is about 3x3 feet in size. At the end of the penalties, we won by 3-2. The final was before us! We were so excited and we trained more in preparation for the finals.
The finals came and we were playing against a side called "Tiverton". Tiverton just like us never lost any game till the finals so, they were a strong side as well. Everyone in the community came out to watch so, the mini stadium was crowded and noises everywhere; each man cheering his side. We played about 90 minutes without a goal that is, the normal game and extra time. It was really tough and since, the was no winner after extra time, we went to the penalty.
I took the first penalty for my side and I watched the ball rolling till it hit the goal posts. Gosh! I felt like crying but I didn't; I was really disappointed. Luckily for me, the first taker for the opponents lost as well. We lost the second again and they equally missed. The third kickers came out and both missed. It was really funny as all missed the spot kick. The fourth players for both sides came and still missed. The last round came, our man missed yet again but their man scored with the help of the goal post.
The uproar in the stadium was out of this world. While the Tiverton guys were jumping and celebrating, we were moody but we just had to be men. We shook hands and some guys came around to console us but that wasn't necessary. It was time for the ceremonies, we got our silver medals while they got gold medals and the trophy.
At that point, I understand how players felt when they lost in very big and professional competitions like the Champions League, Europa League and the likes.