There are some moments in sport that we think only happen in feel good films. However…
We played a match against Spain. Spain were the top favourites and absolutely the best team on the tournament, by far. All skilful and fast athletes, just way to good for this division. So our chances against them were 20 to 80 according to me, according to my colleague they were 2 to 98. It turned out he was right. (Notice that the personal characters might also playing a role in this.)
At the half-time we were 4-0 behind. Spanish were too good. However this did not stop us to start playing full press all over the pitch against them. Our supporters were behind us, trying to give us a push. We had some minor successes, even a few chances and penalty corners, but the Spanish played strong and they continued to increase the advantage. Nevertheless our girls were doing their best and left their hart and soul on the pitch.
Eventually we were 10-0 behind, however at that moment, and this was for me the greatest moment of the entire tournament, the whole hall was shouting so loud: “Sloven – sko! Sloven – sko!” that the players could not hear each other on the pitch. It was such a special moment to be on the Slovakian bench. Even an honor.
The Spanish won, but in their eyes you could see the respect they had for us. We lost, but the crowds kept cheering. I have never lost a match that much in this way, that it felt as we had won. The sport won. This was what the sport was all about.
I smiled to my old friend Pierre de Coubertain somewhere up there. His heart from Athens answered with a beat through my heart. I felt it. It was like in a some kind of a film. A dream. Only this was real.
