some family photos... and a football nightmare!
Hello again,
thank you everyone for your friendly comments, and your very kind words about my family. I took some photographs today of my mum and dad so that you can see them (my sister didn’t want to be photographed – I think she’s too shy... maybe next time I’ll manage to include her as well). We stayed indoors today as the weather turned cold and rainy, and many of the photos didn’t come out too well, but I think two of them are clear enough to see, so I will copy them below.
Now, the main news in Poland for the last 24 hours has been the football game we played with Austria yesterday (as part of Euro 2008 Cup). Poland qualified for this competition for the first time in history (we don’t have a very strong national team...), so everyone was very excited about it. We are in one group with Germany, Austria and Croatia. The first game was played against Germany on Sunday, and we lost 0:2, so yesterday’s match was really important: had we won, we would have reasonable chances of going further; had we lost, we would have practically no chances left. I went to the city yesterday evening to watch it with crowds of other fans (I’m not a big football fan myself, but on such occasions everyone is, I guess). There were TV screens in every pub and every restaurant, with the biggest screen built in one of the central squares of Poznan, and I went there (I regretted not taking my camera with me). The game was really exciting: for the first 30 minutes, Poland played really badly, and there were countless chances for the Austrians to score – but they didn’t (we have a fantastic goalkeeper, Artur Boruc – if it wasn’t for him we would have lost the game badly). Then, all of a sudden, we made one quick counterattack – and we scored a goal! After that, we started to play a lot better, as if this one goal had given us a lot of self-confidence. Everyone watched the game with rising spirits until the regular 90 minutes ended. Then the referee ordered 3 minutes extra time („stoppage time” they call it), and... an almost impossible thing happened: after a minor foul commited by one of the Polish guys in the penalty area, the referee stunned everyone by ruling a penalty shot, which gave Austria a goal in the very last minute...
Well, you can imagine the shock and the sadness of everyone over here. Being so close to winning, and then ending with a draw (which is no good for anyone, really) in this most unbelievable fashion is quite upsetting – so upsetting for many Polish fans, in fact, that the referee – Mr. Howard Webb from the UK – apparently had to be given a police escort, just in case...
Ok, 3 a.m. it is here, what a surprising regularity... take care, you all, I’ll write more soon.
Comments
Hi, Łucasz. Although it’s very important your team wins, confidence of polish people that his national team can win on this high level is more important. It seems to me Poland has found that it missed before, it is the faith in own capacity to win. That is further more important taking into consideration Poland is hosting Euro 2012 jointly with Ukraine. Summarizing, even though game’s results have disappointed polish fans, the second half of the game could have long-term positive issue. Vladimir.
Hello Lukasz, yes, you are right: even a Non-Football-Fan will be one, if there is such a special occasion, like it is now: the Europe 2008 Cup! Germany lost the match against Croatia and now they have to play against Austria. It will be very exciting.The town I live in offer several places, where you can participate in " Public viewing". In America " Public viewing" has quite another meaning, do you know it? Thank you for the nice photos and your interesting blog.Have a good time, so long...
Hi Lukasz, It's a pity Poland didn't win but don't put you down so easily. The pictures of your parents are lovely. They definitely look younger than their age. Send my regards to them. Best wishes, Cris
Hi Lukasz! your name sounds quit difficult to me, I dont know how to pronunciate it? What does Lukasz mean by the way? This is my first comment to your blogs after being off from BBC learning english for long owing to some hectic schedule. I am sorry about that soccer match. I do understand your feelings. Here too people are watching these matches with great enthusiasm & interest though Pakistan is somewhere in 160s in world ranking, but I personally dont like soccer at all. By the way your parent look great. Adieu. Niaz Swati!
Hi Lukasz! Thanks for the pictures. Your parents are lovely people. What a pity your sister is shy and she hates posing! Members of your family sound like a very hard workers and very intelligent people. Your mother must be extremely house-proud if everything is always neat and tidy. You have good reason to be very proud of them. Although I am not a real football fan I was sorry to read that the Polish team did not win after all. It might sound a little strange but I like the excitement of Formula One racing so I am much more interested in it. Let me give belated congratulations to Robert Kubica on taking the lead in the Formula One championship after winning the Canadian Grand Prix last Sunday. I am looking forward to reading your next entry. Best wishes,
Hi Lukas, You English is perfect.I would like to speak and write as well as you do:) I have been learning English for 2 years.I am on holiday now and I don't practise English but the website BBC is fantastic:) Take care:) Milena have a nice day
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