GOL?

by Angelia Ong

We have always encouraged our boys to try different sports and to take an interest in the world around them. This being a World Cup year and since they play in their school football club, it seemed a good time for the boys to observe what makes a good sportsman.

Being Asian and Malaysian (adding the ‘Malaysian’ bit at the end appears to be catching on these days), it seemed appropriate to begin their World Cup foray with Asian teams: firstly, the South Korea vs. Greece match. They thoroughly enjoyed watching that, although I’m not sure they enjoyed the game more than being allowed to stay up past their bedtime.

The match that fired their imaginations was Argentina vs. South Korea. My eldest son is a fan of Lionel Messi, so he felt torn between supporting Argentina and joining the Asian Pride bandwagon. My second son stuck with South Korea; my youngest just cheered whenever the rest of us did, being more interested in lining up his toys for his own imaginary World Cup game.

It was one of the most exciting matches we had seen in the World Cup so far and as usual, I was tweeting while watching this game with all my men, big and little.

Eldest son was mimicking the “let’s get over-excited because we scored a goal and run around and slide across the ground” routine when Argentina scored. Second Son sat slumped, dejected by Korea’s near misses, tempted to switch sides if only to stop the taunting from Eldest Son.

I told Second Son that just because a team is losing you shouldn’t give up hope and abandon them – they would need your support now more than ever. The Koreans held their heads up high against a footballing giant, playing with heart and soul and an extra dose of Kimchi spirit! They kept trying and trying despite the goal deficit. I told my three little men how great it was to have a never-say-die spirit instead of the ‘tidak apa’ attitude they see around them these days.

Lo and behold, the Koreans snuck in a gorgeous goal in the dying seconds of the first half. Thank you, Taeguk Warriors, for making my points all the more effective! More kimchi for you guys, on me!

I took Eldest Son to task for gloating over his brothers: running around, sliding and lifting his pajamas like he had scored the goals himself. It would’ve been funny if it wasn’t so annoying.

Hubby pointed out to him that you have to give props where props was due whether they were on the losing side or not. Hard work, dedication and a good attitude will get you somewhere in life, not sliding on the ground and lifting your shirt up, well, depending on your profession of course.

When the final whistle blew, we were cheering South Korea for their sheer grit and tenacity and despite their near misses, they never gave up till the final whistle went. My sons saw men who didn’t give up, who didn’t dive when barely touched, and got on with the business of playing a beautiful game.

This was a special time for me, not so much because I’m an avid football fan, but because it was a wonderful moment to share with my sons and husband. It was a game where I found ways to tell my boys that even a bunch of blokes kicking a piece of leather around a bit of grass can be inspiring.

It is something that our country needs very much. We need future generations that know the value of hard work, of tenacity, of feeling national pride without belittling anyone along the way, of thinking and finding solutions, of getting your game on mentally, of refusing to be cowed by failing that first time.

I can’t name half the players from either side but thank you lads for providing me a game that I could point out positive lessons for my sons. Now if only they could ban those vuvuzelas, all will be well in the world again.

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