NI HAO! Today you will read something different and that is about a soccer match. My joy knew no bounds when my Dad asked whether I would be interested to watch the AFC Cup Football match which would be held in Kuwait between Kazma of Kuwait and East Bengal of India. I was thrilled to nod my head and eagerly waited for the D-day to arrive. This was because I had never seen a live football match that too between two eminent club teams from two different countries.
The day was March 20, 2012. It was lovely sunny evening and the sky was clear and it was a perfect day for a football match at the “Friendship and Peace Stadium” in Kuwait. Before going to the stadium, I have studied about the two teams. I felt that it was important to know about the teams properly before the match. Kingfisher East Bengal FC is one of the eminent Football Clubs of India. The club popularly known as “Red & Gold” (for its Jersey Color) became the first Indian Team to qualify for the prestigious AFC cup (Asian Football Confederation) three years in a row-2010, 2011 and 2012. On the other hand, Kazma Sporting Club is one of the leading clubs of Kuwait, winner of Kuwait Emir Cup in 2011. In 2010, it had reached quarter final stage of AFC cup. On 21 December, 2009, Kazma played a friendly match against reigning La Liga champions FC Barcelona to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the club. The match ended with 1-1 draw. That means, Kazma is a very strong team. By the way, Kuwait is 94th position in FIFA Ranking while India is 158th!
My Dad also invited some of our friends so that we could have company to cheer for both the teams. We reached the stadium a bit early so that we could find a nice parking place and had our seat leisurely. The entry was well organized and we had passes for the VIP Gallery with red carpet treatment. The stadium was very big and well lit. However, the stadium was quite empty. Only the VIP gallery was full with Indian Supporters. A few children from Kuwait were also present. I was quite surprised when some supporters gave us Flag of East Bengal club as well as Indian flags to cheer the Indian Team. Of course, the supporters also brought one big Kuwait Flag as a symbol of friendship and peace between the two countries. They placed all the three flags side by side on the railing. We took some snaps of the players and the game. The match had started at sharp 6 pm and both the teams had lined up for the Asia Cup Theme Song. The referee blew the whistle and East Bengal had started the match trying to make a goal and no luck seemed to favour them. It was when in free kick a Kazma player made a goal by doing a header which came at 38th minute in the first half. We all were happy to see that East Bengal resisted for so long against the strong opponent. The second goal seemed to be quiet a careless mistake by goalkeeper of East Bengal and all the fans were very disappointed. Some of them left even the stadium. The first half was over with score of 0-2 in favour of Kazma. There was 10 minutes break and all the viewers were buying the snacks and water and enjoying the sporting atmosphere. Then second half started and the teams were lined up once again for the match. This time, East Bengal team played quite seriously. One of the Kazma players had just made high kick and it went in for a goal. If I were the coach of East Bengal, I would give the goalkeeper a good practice with the ball. The match ended with Kazma (3) and East Bengal (0). Couple of my friends were sad because East Bengal lost the match. However, this was friendly match true to the name of the stadium, hence not to be taken so seriously. It was quite late when we reached home but my head was lingering with the unforgettable experience.
Would you like to join me if there is a football match in Kuwait in the coming days? Sure, you will! ADIOS AMIGOS!
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