Passion Is Emotion Under Control

What does it take to get a standing ovation at the Bernabeu?

Heart, vision, control, desire.

I have coached games in which the final results were determined by the man with the whistle. In one game, the opposition were awarded a penalty 2 minutes before time for no reason at all. Even that team's bench and coaching staff were flabbergasted by the decision. We lost, and with that, our chance to go to provincials. In another, my captain was carded; he asked for ten yards for a free kick. The referee walked towards the other team's wall, told them they should know better, and walked away without counting the yards. The addressees shifted a yard or two in response. My captain counted out the yards. The response to the 'you should know better' from the referee was about 5 yards short of the 10. Instead of counting out the yards, and ensuring the wall was where it should be, the ref carded my captain for dissent.

I have also played in matches that were similarly decided. Under the stewardship of men and women that could be influenced, the decisions went the way of whoever could complain the loudest. In one, in the spirit of letting the game flow, the whistle was heard three times in 90 minutes- one to start the game, one to signal the end of the first half and one to signal the end of the match. There were 3 goals in that game. To resume play, the ref simply said "start." He did not blow for fouls, free kicks, off sides- 'he let the game flow.'

Then comes something that every team has and will face at some point- playing a better team. In those 90 minutes, tactics will fall apart. As the game progresses, there will be less of a team, more individuals, each a player and a coach. Fighting ensues between players, and the beauty of the beautiful game is forgotten. It is simply overshadowed by the frustrations of failing to do the simple things well; of impending loss; of the injustices and disadvantages accrued because of poor decisions all around; of playing in front of an unfriendly crowd. Without exception, the emotional athlete will 'lose it', and if you lose it, you lose the game.

I am making a distinction between a passionate player, and an emotional one. The difference- passion is emotion under control. You let what you feel inspire you to believe in your ability to perform, even in a hostile environment. You let what you feel drive you to work hard, never giving up; chasing down every ball; making the pass; making yourself available for one; whatever it takes to win the game. Let passion help you focus on what you can control, what you can change. That is what it takes to get a standing ovation at the Bernabeu. See for yourself...and keep the game beautiful!