Football returns quietly

The COVID-19 virus is a freak. It has just engulfed everything – a daily normal life, socialism, education, economics, politics, health system, and sports. Everything has come to a standstill. None of the experts are sure when the crisis would end. None of the experts could predict the outcome of this unpredictable nemesis. But the hard work of doctors, scientists, and health workers continue –one day they will win.

Europe has been badly hit by the virus.

Each day the news of the deaths caught the attention worldwide and made the hearts heavy. All of a sudden, the momentum-gained European Football Leagues and Competitions had to be stopped. It was a sensible decision. The action could have continued in front of empty stadiums. Keeping in mind the devastation of the virus and the importance of the presence of passionate fans in the stadiums, UEFA and co decided to halt the party.

But after 66 days, Bundesliga returned to action. The show must go on, but when reports from Deutsche Welle says, “A parcel hub that distributes millions of packages daily across western Germany has been closed after 42 workers tested positive. The depot lies in Heinsberg county, home to one of the country's worst outbreaks” – certainly, you are left to think, how sensible was it to run the show, again? And, how football would be without the buzz and celebration of the fans? Nothing, but boring for sure!

Bundesliga took off!

The center of attraction was the clash between Borussia Dortmund and FC Shchalke04. The Yellow Wall was missing. No noise. No party. No music. None chanting the names of their favourite players. No sky-breaking noise after the scoring of a goal. Erling Haaland celebrated by respecting the social-distancing, which only conveyed the message – the threat of COVID-19 still exists.

The match ended with Dortmund netting four goals and no wonder, Haaland opened the scoring as usual. His fairytale run continues, but what was missed, the noise and music after he scored that opening goal. Thorgan Hazard was seen in action. Jadon Sancho was on the bench, who sat spaced apart and wearing facing masks. Roman Burki made his 200th appearances for Dortmund. Raphael Guerreiro struck twice along with Haaland. It was a forgone conclusion.

Actions were going in other stadiums of Germany, where a goal from Matheus Cunhaagainst  TSG 1899 Hoffenheim should have triggered utter astonishment among the crowd, only if they were present in the stadium – a chicky dribble followed by a brilliant run down the left and a right-footed shot from a tough angle - the way a Brazilian scripts stupendous finishes.

Hertha Berlin gunned down Hoffenheim by 3-0. The toast of this season RB Leipzi drew against Frieburg. Whereas, Wolfsburg won against the giant-killers Augsburg.

After 66 days football did return, but too quietly.

We could have waited a bit more.

Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer as CSdesk on 16/02/2020  Football returns quietly

Thank You

Faisal Caesar