Win!

It’s the same but it’s all different. I know what to expect. The sandwiches, the crowd. But I didn’t expect how I would feel. Calm. Like normal. My second football game in Rome. I’m a fan, going to the game on Thursday night.

I know to expect the awe as you walk up the steps and see the crowd under the lights. This time I take a moment to take it in.

This time is different.

Calm. A game to enjoy. Sitting here with my friends. I can see the entire field. No opposing fans to distract me. I can watch every play. I can feel the thump in my heart as they miss the net over and over to the left.

I know the songs. I sing them. Well, maybe I make sounds and words that can’t be heard under the roar of the crowd.

I take a moment with my arms wrapped around my friends to soak the moment.

I feel the sink when they score first. I wait in anticipation as we get a PK. We cheer together. Laughing and hugging. Another PK, more hugging and laughing. This is joy.

When they score, I sit on the edge of my seat. They replay. I can’t believe it. Never before have I seen this. They take back the goal! We are winning. And one more goal to finish them off.

It never gets old to watch thousands of Romans all pointing in one direction. Yes the play happened on the field, but you! You over there in the stands deserve the punishment.

It’s different to leave a stadium of chanting, laughing and singing.

Now to walk home. You think they’d have more transportation these nights. No, they have less. I’ll eavesdrop on these British guys walking behind us. They don’t know we speak English. "I dare you to speak to them in a British accent." I accept and try out my accent.

Let’s not tell mom and dad what time we got home tonight.