Why people are willing to travel long distances to watch football matches is beyond me.

　　As a girl, I have always regarded those games as something you occasionally watch on television when you have nothing else to do. They never appealed to me very much.

　　But one day, I happened to read a piece of news about China's participation in the World Cup Soccer match. Excited, I decided to play soccer with my parents during the weekend.

　　I was hoping that we could find a place to play. However, every place we looked was packed with people.

　　There were numerous people on the football field. They seemed to be very skilled players. Their feet carried the ball effortlessly.

　　I forgot my purpose and began to watch the match. I supported the blue team, for I love the color blue.

　　I found myself attracted by the goalkeeper. At first I thought being a goalkeeper is an easy job for they don't have to run. But my mother told me goalkeepers often act as team leaders.

　　Why? At first I didn't understand. But now I realize they have a lot of responsibilities. If the goalkeeper isn't able to catch the ball, the team will lose.

　　Even if the goalie is not at fault, people usually hold to the illusion that the goalkeeper is the person upon whom all blame should fall. So a goalkeeper must have not only good playing skills, but also a thick skin to put up with unfair remarks.

　　After that day, I became a loyal soccer fan.

　　Angel's wing