'I watched Lionesses in Euros semi-final and one factor actually shocked me'
Regardless of taking part in woman’s soccer for years, watching England vs Italy within the Euros semi closing was my first ever girls’s recreation, and it was not what I anticipated
I performed soccer approach earlier than it was even an expert sport for girls within the UK, and but shamefully had by no means been to observe a single recreation of girls’s soccer.
So, when Geneva Tourism offered the chance to go to Geneva and watch the Lionesses play within the Euro’s semi-final, it was a no brainer.
It’s uncommon you get to observe a soccer recreation set towards the backdrop of the French mountains, while standing in Switzerland, however that was the great thing about seeing the lionesses play at Stade de Genève. A gorgeous stadium for the gorgeous recreation.
Seemingly now soccer followers, together with myself, are realising the Lionesses have a lot to supply to lovers of the game and the workforce are actually giving them a lot to have fun.
I went into the stadium with an open thoughts, a buzz within the air, and an pleasure to get to know the way it feels to help a workforce that has a excessive likelihood of strolling away with a win.
I need to admit, I didn't anticipate there to be as a lot environment from the spectators within the crowd as there was however as stands packed out with followers of all genders, flags hung excessive, drums banging, and trumpets blaring there was a special sort of atmosphere.
This crowd was far much less rowdy, much less merciless to the opposition—seemingly much less drunk too—however certainly not did they lack that exact same ardour that drives any English soccer membership.
When it got here to the sport itself, the standout factor I couldn't assist however discover, and albeit might simply be right down to the depth of this semi-final, is these gamers like to get handsy. The ladies on the pitch couldn't assist however foul left, proper, and centre, and that goes for each side.
I've by no means seen so many close to yellow playing cards, palms being grabbed and gamers being shoved, sneaky pulls on shirts, and cheeky tripping over than I’ve in another recreation of soccer.
It proved these Lionesses have simply as a lot, if no more grit, aggression, and daring streak than the male gamers I've been watching my whole life. Though it did have me cringing anytime a nook was taken – hoping and praying that we wouldn't foul contained in the field.
For years, as a fan of soccer, I did really feel a way of awkwardness inside me, in each the pubs and on the video games, feeling I couldn't absolutely contain myself within the chaos.
It virtually felt as if this was a recreation that belonged to the lads and I used to be simply merrily passing via. I didn't really feel welcome to hitch in with the celebrations and the cheering as a result of usually, I didn't really feel protected to.
However standing there in Geneva watching the Lionesses, it actually did really feel prefer it was everybody's recreation and one which I may very well be part of. I hugged the girl I simply met after we watched a fresh-on-the-pitch 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang rating that first purpose.
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We collectively drank wine (sure, outdoors within the stands, are you able to imagine it) and talked recreation play with fellow followers and it felt like a spot the place my model of soccer belonged.
Whereas I gained't be there to see the Lionesses tackle Spain within the Euros closing, I shall be standing firmly in a pub, wine in hand, cheering alongside.
There's little question I may even be responsible of screaming 'REF' on the TV even when it's clear we did the truth is foul, as a result of let's face it, there was a variety of that occuring.