Why women ought to love the beautiful game

There is something about playing soccer. It subtly and openly teaches us about how life ought to be lived and appreciated. So, it perplexes that some women bluntly dismiss the beautiful game as a useless activity in which 22 grown-ups’ chase a round piece of rubber around the pitch.

I play ball too

At home she insists on a Mexican soap opera and, when you go out to watch with the boys, she throws a tantrum, saying flatly she did not know she had a co-wife named soccer.

Sweetheart, collect yourself and get a little knowledgeable about the game. Many benefits accrue being on the same team as your man's. When you win you celebrate together- passionately. When you lose, you console one another - passionately. Either way, you bond like never before and sparks fly every soccer weekend.

My friend Kenneth is one of the lucky ones. His wife is passionate about soccer and supports Arsenal, his team. Last weekend before they played with Liverpool she asked him, "Do you think we shall win considering the form of Suarez and Sturridge?" Kenneth felt good that she could turn to him. He knew it was going to be a tough match but he spoke as a man who knows his stuff.

"Honey, this is our season," he said. "We have the best midfield at the moment, and our team is solid in all aspects. Nothing will stop us tonight." When Arsenal won 2-0, she hugged and kissed him and said in the loveliest voice, "You are so right; this is our season!" And you can bet Kenneth had a great night, ha-ha!

Anyhow, that spontaneity that women love, ball control, the marvelous dribbles, spectacular saves, the unity of the team, the telepathic communication that makes a player pass a ball perfectly without looking up, the strategy and verve that wins and the gleeful celebrations -- if all applied in real life, they can make living a magnificent thing.

It is always beautiful to see some players on the losing side exchanging jerseys with the winning players after the match. It shows what a beauty it can be when the contests of life do not turn us into enemies. Moreover, losing is not the end. When you reorganise, train hard and stick together, you bounce back and do amazing things.