That's What I call Soccer...

24th August, at 5.30 pm a field near the Han River was crowed by Samsung employees. We were having a inter department soccer game. Given to understand that Koreans are “Soccer lovers”, it didn’t surprise me to see the enthusiasm and cheer from the crowds. I offered to play with them and bought a pair of cleats, and was all set to enter the field. Our HR President was also offered to play, he is a soccer fanatic. We started to practice a few kicks and that was when this discussion started.

Mr. President: hi, you play good. Do people play soccer in India?
Me: of course we play soccer.
Mr. President: Hmm….but I haven’t seen anything in news on soccer in India
Me: well, our core competency is in Cricket and hockey.
Mr. President: Yes…yes….I heard that. But no one plays Cricket in Korea.
Me: well, we are too good at Cricket.
Mr. President: So, what position are you playing today?
Me: Defense, left side.
Mr. President: ok, let see how well you play.

(We entered the field)

I thought to myself, Man…this is gonna be difficult, me not kicked the ball for 10 yrs, and I suddenly remembered my wife’s saying “why the hell do you have to offer yourself for the game, you can hardly even run” But I defended her with my ego, “I am a football player and have been the head of the team in school for 2 consecutive yrs”. And guess what she said “be careful, don’t screw yourself”

I entered the field, two things were at stake, one, Indian reputation and two my wife’s thinking. The game started and I was playing well, running like a mad dog, breathing heavily and giving my best. We lost the game 5:4 but we had a amazing game. Few shots of mine were brilliant and the crowd cheered every time I defended.

Guess what, our president jus said five words “you are a good player”

Went home, explained the game and my wife said, “I knew you will play well” Grrrr…..Women.