I must admit that I'm not the biggest football fan in the world, but after the tragedies of what took place on Friday night I thought it would be uplifting to watch my home country England take on France in a long awaited friendly football match. I knew that it was going to be one of the few football matches I'd watch knowing that it wasn't just about winning. It proved to be so much more than that. The horrendous terrorist attacks that took place in Paris last week Friday 13th November have brought so much pain and loss to some many families and friends of the victims. Our hearts break for the 129 victims who lost their lives and the 300 people who are currently injured, many of which are fighting for survival. The tragedy left the world speechless, questioning how a group of people could commit such horrific acts on innocent people. Thus it is true what they say, human beings are the deadliest mammals on the planet. Will there ever be world peace? Terrorism leaves even the atheists and agnostics to rely on nothing but hope and prayer. However, the England versus France football brought the two nations together in a globally recognised sport. Even with England winning 2-0, the real victory was solidarity which is what this game definitely brought to our attention.
Following the Paris attacks, the safety of the crowd was extremely important. Fans were advised to go to the stadium early due to increased security measures which was reassuring not only to people attending but to those watching worldwide. When tragedies like the Paris attacks occur, you can't help but worry about the events to come. With France declaring that they are now at war against ISIS, there is a sense fear for the safety of our nations. As I was enjoying the match, I couldn't help but think about the threat of terrorism to Wembley stadium that night, filled with hundreds of people who came out to watch a thrilling game of football. You can't help but think that these terrorists are constantly going to target places or events with the most amount of civilians. This attitude and fear can easily lead you into a state of paranoia especially with Wembley being a place so close to home, I couldn't begin to imagine what it would be like if the Paris attacks were repeated there and the thought alone petrifies me. Yet this is what terrorism aims to do - it imposes fear and causes pain. But we can't let terrorism win. Terrorism is inhumane and must be defeated. I personally refuse to live in fear and paranoia which is why I thought this match was so important. It showed power and unity through sport which gave a sense of hope and restored some faith in humanity. Football is very much a sport associated with rich, arrogant men who cheat on their wives and spend all their money on cars whilst kicking a ball now and again. However, the England versus France game, showed a different side to football in the form of unity. But most importantly, it showed terrorists that these nations are more defiant and powerful than ever.
The match
Despite these recent terrorism attacks in Paris, the French federation wanted to go along with the match last night which was highly commendable considering the unfortunate circumstances. Although a few players had admitted that they were reluctant to play, many of them wanted to go ahead with it mainly for symbolic reasons. Some of the French players had even lost family and friends during the attacks, such as Lassana Diarra whose cousin was unfortunately killed during the attacks. Diarra received a standing ovation when he came on as a substitute and played very well considering the circumstances.
It was clear that this match was definitely much more than a game of football. With the Wembley arch lit up in French tricolours and the English fans displaying a mural of the French flag in the stadium, it was clear that the game was a symbol of solidarity and strength. The English fans even joined in with the French singing their national anthem 'La Marseillaise' as the words were displayed on big screens around the stadium, A one minute silence took place as a sign of respect for the 129 people who tragically lost their lives at the hands of ISIS. Floral tributes were brought forward by Prince Harry, president of the FA, and the English and French players united in a circle in the middle of the football pitch holding arms in a symbol of union. It was a beautiful and highly emotional moment which demonstrated the power of nations when brought together.
To my surprise, the match was exciting and engaging from start to finish and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I tend to zone out of football after the first 20 minutes, but I had my eyes glued to the screen from the moment the first whistle blew. Once kick off was under way, the crowds were incredible. The roars of enthusiasm and the singing chants uplifted Wembley and gave the stadium the atmosphere it needed. I won't go into the gritty details of the match mainly because I'm not exactly a football expert. What I can say is that England played fantastically, which was somewhat shocking to me considering they had on of their youngest squads ever to play. It was lovely to see them set off to a good start which followed throughout the whole game. They had plenty of possession of the ball as well as some pretty good shots in the goal area. France's defence wasn't at their best and just 5 minutes before the end of the first half, 19-year-old Tottenham Hotspur player, Dele Alli scored a wonderful goal on his first Wembley start and made his mark with an electrifying shot. Wayne Rooney, who was on top form for the whole match, soon followed suit in the second half as he volleyed and scored his 41st goal in international football aided by Alli. The teamwork from the England squad was phenomenal and it was lovely to see them play so well. I felt that the France were lacking aggression and passion which is understandable on such an overwhelming and emotional match day. They did play well and fair, but it was clear England wanted that ninth victory at Wembley.
Despite it being a difficult night for them, France were tremendously grateful for the support demonstrated by the English fans. French manager expressed his gratitude and gave England manager Roy Hodgson a hug at the end of the match. Both agreed that this match was more about solidarity and a chance for a moment of communal grief.
One thing is for sure, this match was definitely not a normal game of football. England came out victorious but it was France that won our hearts,
#PrayForParis
#PrayForTheWorld
#AllLivesMatter
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