Victory in defeat

It was a sheer gut-wrenching performance. For 45 minutes, I thought the impossible could happen. For 45 minutes, I harbour hopes of a great comeback in honour of the spirit of remembrance of the Hillsborough tragedy. For 45 minutes, I thought how wonderful a testimony it would have been, to tell the world that a ‘fighting spirit that never says die’ lives longer than winning games. That’s the strange thing in life. People often remember only the winners. However, winning is only made sweet when there is a long journey of heartache, disappointment and great suffering.

My favourite soccer team, Liverpool is one example. Not only are they an entertaining side (partly due to their inconsistency), they are one of those rare teams that never say die. Take the 2005 Champions League final, where they fought from 3-0 down to AC Milan, and bravely fought back. Yesterday’s game against Chelsea, their arch-rival is another classic. At half-time, they were one goal away from overturning a 3-goal deficit to Chelsea. Hopes were high. Doubts were low. The press was stunned into silence, from what seemed ‘impossible’ to start imagining that it is still possible. Unfortunately, the comeback that many hoped will happen, could not be sustained. The game ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw.

Amid the cries of agony, there are voices of victory shouting out with gusto. The irony is, there can be victory in defeat. I am certainly proud of the way the Liverpool players held their heads high to produce a performance that speaks volumes of the spirit of Liverpool Football Club. Take nothing away from Chelsea. They won deservedly. My point is that we can learn a couple of things from the amazing comeback spirit, the never-say-die attitude demonstrated in the Liverpool fight-back.

Firstly, life is not about winning or losing. It is about living as meaningfully as possible. Only then one can play with passion and work with commitment. It tells a lot when one says ‘To be a Liverpool player is to be a pleasure.’ As goalkeeper, Jose Reina was reported to say:

"At Stamford Bridge we were better, at Anfield they were. But it doesn't matter who was better, only who goes through. In the first half I thought we were going through, we were playing fantastic football and dominating them.

"We played for Liverpool with heart. All we could give was passion and commitment. To be a Liverpool player is a pleasure."

Reina has revealed his side were determined to honour the 96 Liverpool supporters killed in the Hillsborough disaster 20 years ago.

"We tried our best for 96 as well but couldn't do it," he said. "We were playing as 11 guys with a lot of passion but we were also lifted by 96 souls.

"We were moved by that and tried everything we could but in the end we did not manage it." “”

(Credit: Soccernet, 15 April 2009)

Secondly, learn to look forward. Even in loss, one can still look forward with a more determined stance for the next challenge. Sometimes, victory can introduce pride and invite seduction of laziness. Sometimes, the better thing to happen to us is not a win, but a loss. Liverpool’s inconsistency has cost them many titles over the past few years. They were topping the Premier League a couple of months ago, but some erratic performances cost them dearly. Now, in order to win, they will not only need to win all their games, they have to hope that their opponents falter along the way. It is a tough position to be in, knowing that one is not in full control. The only thing one can control, is to look forward positively and continue to do one’s best. Without a healthy view of the future, one’s view of the present moment can become easily buried in the suffocating soil of yesterday’s misfortunes. Look forward with hope, and press on with a constructive attitude to learn from past mistakes. There is no shame in losing. After-all, in sports, what matters more is spirited sportsmanship rather than childish tantrums that blames everybody else except oneself.

Thirdly, create a personal collection of great comebacks. There is nothing to be ashamed of when we have tried our best. In yesterday’s remarkable game, Liverpool has nothing to be ashamed of. Mistakes were made. Silly missteps were committed, but we cannot fault the positive attitude of playing a good game and making it really terrifying for the opponents. Other teams team would have called it quits after a first round loss. Others may write off the chances of any great comeback. However, the history of great comebacks is a worthwhile book to write. It brings much hope and encouragement. It could even save one’s life especially in the deepest despair. Interestingly, none of the recent Champions League victories in 2008 (Manchester United), 2007 (AC Milan) and 2006 (Barcelona) ever come close, in terms of fanfare and media reporting to the one won by Liverpool in 2005. This goes to show that winning a game is not the only thing. What is more meaningful is the manner in which it was won, or lost.

I am a Liverpool football club supporter and I am proud of it, regardless of victory or defeat. Can LFC win the English Premier League this year? With a ‘never-say-die’ attitude and careful performance, there is only one answer.

ks

I'd love to visit Anfield one day.

This scene at Anfield is incredible. Liverpool dumped Barcelona (on away goals) and is on their way to the Quarterfinals of the prestigious Champions League 2007 competition. Boy I wish was there.

You Never Walk Alone

Liverpool was soundly beaten this week, first they lost 3-1 to Arsenal in the FA Cup on 6th Jan 2007. Then they lost 6-3 to the same team in the Carling Cup on 9th Jan 2007. What made it more humiliating is that both defeats were at Anfield, Liverpool's home!

Looking at it retrospectively, I think we can learn a few things for Liverpool team, as a Liverpool supporter and as a human person. Points of Learning for:
1) Liverpool team
- the higher the stake, the greater the pressure to perform. This leads to a greater temptation to be impatient, to want to get at the opponent as soon as possible, leading to a lack of concentration on defending, resulting in a lapse of defense and concentration.
- the morale is key to any team performance. When the opponents scored a goal or two in succession, morale dips and failure to convert chances deepen that gloom.
- playing at home, with home support, often the players play their hearts out, often leaving the brains behind. Football is not merely passion and heart. It require players to think, adapt and above all be patient.

2) As Liverpool supporter
- Never give up. The legend is that Liverpool supporters will always stick with the team, for better or for worse. Just as we cheer the team in good times, we need to rebuke the team performance where needed. This week, we need to let the team know that lack of patience and the overconfidence in fortress Anfield perhaps caused the downfall.
- Never give up. Live to fight another day. Losing one/two games is not a disaster. It simply means, wait it out and concentrate on the game. Remember, brains and brawn are both needed.

3) Personally
- Keep playing according to strategy. A little patience is better than hasty action that leads to regret
- Never lose hope. There will be ups and downs. But behave lowly, yet looking upwards to heaven in hope. Stay the way towards consistency.
- Do not let statistics deceive. Whether the odds are 10-1 or 100-1, every game is the same: They all starts with 0-0.
- Never read statistics first. See it only after everything else is over.

Cheer up, Liverpool, Liverpudlians. You Never Walk Alone.

ks

Liverpool!

The Song All Liverpool Fans should know.

Lyrics:
When you walk true a storm
Hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark

At the end of a storm
There is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song
Of love

Walk on true the wind
Walk on true the rain
For your dreams beats ours
And blow

Walk on
Walk on
With hope in your arms
And you never walk alone
You never walk alone

Walk on
Walk on
With hopes in your arms
And you never walk alone
You never walk alone

Listen here.

Liverpool Does It!

Now, that's more like it. After 85 years, Liverpool finally beat Man Utd in an FA Cup match. Crouch scored again in a game that really matters, after a long goal drought. Even Ferguson agreed that his team could not penetrate Liverpool's resolute defense. Congrats Rafa. Well done team! Rejoice scouser fans. Let's get ready for Wednesday's big game with Benfica. [how do you like my scorecard graphic?]

One thing about living in Vancouver is the lack of TV coverage on soccer ('football' here refer to the oval shaped ball game). The other soccer-friendly places are pretty far for me to go to. One of them is the Library Pub cafe downtime at W Georgia which charges a whopping $24.95 per game. If any of you know any soccer cafe or pub in Vancouver near to UBC, let me know, especially when the world cup is round the corner.

kianseng

A Familiar Story

It is an increasingly familiar story. The better team lost. They did most things right, but failed in what that really matter: "Finishing"

Rafa has got a lot to think and work through. Look at the statistics. Starting with a 4-5-1 lineup, it is clear from the start what Rafa thought about the finishing. Since most of the goals has been scored from midfield, Rafa might have thought that beefing up the midfield is a better idea. Perhaps, the reason why goals has been scored from midfield is because the strikers like Crouch has helped distract the opposing defences. Better to stick to a 4-3-3 like Chelsea, or even a 3-4-3.

It is not because Chelsea is a better team, but Liverpool still have some work to do to sharpen their finishing skills. Still it is considered a 50-50 event, where the teams are so tightly matched that goals could have gone either way. Chelsea is not invincible. They are a beatable team, but only if Liverpool can perform on all departments.

kianseng

Big Game and Prayer for the World

Tomorrow's the big game.

Not Superbowl for me. Not ice hockey for me.

It is the match of the month. Chelsea vs Liverpool!

Guess who I will be rooting for? I will be rooting for two teams. That the home team will fumble and the team with Fowler and Gerrard will hit home with more than 1 goal. But the match will not be covered on a Sunday (grrrr!). That's the thing about Canada. More coverage on superbowls and ice-hockey but soccer? Guess even if Canada wins the soccer world cup, soccer is not going to be a popular sport anyhow.

Saturday's Prayer for the World event is an all-nighter. Beginning from 9PM to midnight, with prayer for a country every hour, it is a great way to start the year with a focus of missional outreach that recognizes only God can change the world. More information can be found here-> [http://www.rojak.net]

kianseng

Of Peter Crouch and Never Say Die

Last Saturday was a memorable day.

No, it was not my birthday. No, it was not me getting an A for any of my subjects. No, it was not me completing a paper. It was the celebration of Peter Crouch's first goal.

Many of you may have known my weakness to football. My legs will start going wobbly when I think about missing out a 'live' football game. Last Saturday was no exception as I watched Liverpool demolish Wigan 3-0 at Anfield. What makes it more special is that it was Peter Crouch who finally scored. After 22 continous football games, equivalent to 24 hours, the lanky striker scored and the Kop roared. I shouted, and woke my wife up on an early Saturday morning. I cannot help being happy for that courageous lad, who never gave up but believed that one day he will 'break the duck'. He did not once but twice.

That is a worthy attitude in Crouch, not only because I am a Liverpool fan but because of the self-belief that builds upon the trust and faith people have in Crouch. As I thought about this, there are 3 simple lessons to learn.

First, never say never. A striker will eventually score. The goal will eventually be achieved. The target will eventually be reached. It is a matter of patience and diligent waiting. Second, faith. We need to learn to believe that it is possible. Though I am wary of building up egoistic confidence, I think it becomes more meaningful when you are doing it in the midst of such wide support when everyone believes in you. It makes achieving something for yourself as achieving something for others as well. When one can achieve a personal conviction with an eye to encouraging others, I think it is a worthy task. Finally, do not be discouraged. Hebrews 11 has a long list of people who kept faith despite not seeing the results soon. We need to learn to press on, regardless of the results. That act of pressing on will bring us at least a step closer to the goal. Like Paul, we need to leave aside all that hinders us, and press on towards to goal, the calling set out for us in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

kianseng