China News Service, Rongjiang, Guizhou, February 4th: Macao and Guizhou compete in the "Village Super League" New Year's Eve battle spanning 900 kilometers
China News Service reporter Yuan Chao
On the afternoon of February 3, with a crisp whistle, the 2024 Year of the Dragon "Village Super League" Lunar New Year Tournament officially "started". The Macau Workers United Football Team, which spanned nearly 900 kilometers, came to Rongjiang, Guizhou, and had a fierce and exciting competition with the Guizhou "Village Super League" team. Macau and Guizhou, using football as a media, work together to continue the love between mountains and seas.
Standing at the football field of Guizhou's "Village Super League", the one word that Macau player Zuo Wendi sighed the most was: inspiring. The arrival of the Macau Workers United Football Team received cheers from the people of Rongjiang. Zuo Wendi and the team members kept waving to the audience and responded with the same enthusiasm.
The picture shows a friendly match between the Guizhou "Village Super League" team and the Macau Workers' Team on the 3rd. Photo by China News Service reporter Qu Honglun
In the first half, the two sides went straight to the point, passing, fighting, shooting... Amid the cheers of the audience, Zuo Wendi ran the whole court and scored two goals in a row. For the second goal, Zuo Wendi completed a "full moon scimitar" shot cleanly. The commentator on the scene said: This is a perfect arc.
In the summer of 2023, the "Village Super League" in Guizhou became popular. Zuo Wendi has been following the "Village Super League" events through the Internet. He believes that the "Village Super League" provides a platform for players in the community who love to play football, allowing ordinary people to have a chance to play football. A chance to shine.
The wonderful New Year's Eve game on the green field of "Village Super" is an important part of the "Village Super Village Gala·Vibrant" 2024 China "Village Gala" demonstration and exhibition event, building a new bridge for exchanges between Guizhou and Macao.
The picture shows the Macau cheerleading team performing "Drunken Dragon" at the "Village Super League" stadium. Photo by China News Service reporter Qu Honglun
During the intermission, the Macao cheerleading team brought the national intangible cultural heritage "Drunken Dragon". One of the performers holds the dragon's head and the other holds the dragon's tail. They drink and dance at the same time. The wine does not enter the throat, but immediately sprays out. In an instant, the wine splashes everywhere, and the atmosphere of the scene reaches a climax.
Seeing the traditional culture of his hometown blossoming in the "Village Super League" stadium, Macau player Szeto Huasheng said: "This is an event where the cultures of the two places are exchanged and blended."
The 43-year-old Szeto Huasheng is engaged in the service industry in Macau. Playing football on the "Village Super League" stadium made him even more excited after 30 years of playing football. While resting on the sidelines, he kept recording with his mobile phone. Lively atmosphere at the venue.
How can a football match without professional players attract fans from all over the world to watch? Situ Huasheng said frankly: Standing on the "Village Super League" football field, I feel very proud in my heart. Seeing the audience standing in the cold wind to cheer for the team, the "Village Super League" excellent national cultural performances and Folk culture display...you will know what the joy of pure football is.
According to Pan Yongquan, director of the Macau Sports Bureau, pure football matches and unique national culture are the two "trump cards" for the "Village Super League" to enter the world stage. "The 'Village Super League' is not only a sports competition, but also a very important link that connects people who love football around the world, expands the circle of friends, expands the platform for communication, and at the same time drives the regional economy of Rongjiang. ."
The picture shows the Macau Workers’ Union receiving a roasted piglet after the game. Photo by China News Service reporter Qu Honglun
"I want to promote in-depth exchanges between the teams from the two places." Pan Yongquan told reporters, hoping to invite the Guizhou "Village Super League" team to play in Macau, so that more people can see the development of grassroots football in China through the Macau platform.
According to incomplete statistics, more than 30,000 spectators came to watch this New Year match that day. Despite the plummeting temperature, the audience was enthusiastic. In the end, the Guizhou "Village Super League" team won 3:2.
Forgetting their fatigue, the players and coaches of the Macau Staff United held hands for a long time and were unwilling to leave. They thanked the auditoriums in all directions, and the audience gave thumbs up and shouted loudly: "Hanbala (translated in Dong language: Come on) )!"
"This is why I love football. It closely unites people of different nationalities and regions." Macau player Li Yaofeng said with a smile when leaving the stadium. (over)