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 Semifinal agony for players, fans alike
Posted: Saturday June 19, 1999 09:32 AM
What is the most tantalizing, joyous, agonizing event in sport? A semifinal. It doesn't matter what the competition or how big the prize, the final four is always the most nailbiting and fascinating stage of all. To those with an interest - and, after all, the sport is played at the highest level on four of the five continents -- there is such an experience currently at the Cricket World Cup. Pakistan's match with New Zealand on Wednesday, and South Africa's clash with Australia on Thursday, is sure to keep a worldwide audience of countless millions of cricket fans glued to their television sets, radios and websites. Sites such as CNNSI.com have ball-by-ball coverage available on both the semis and the final. So what is it about the semifinal stage that's so fascinating? Well, firstly, of course, they're as much about nerve as they are about talent. Talking to the Pakistanis, who start the match as favorites, and the New Zealanders, who are far and away the underdogs, it was apparent that the Kiwi side genuinely believes it can beat the odds and win not only the semifinal, but ultimately the trophy. They just have the belief that in a one-off they have what it takes, and "bottle", as nerve is known in England, is a precious commodity. Nowhere is it more sternly tested than in a semifinal. The potential for ecstasy is also compelling. With World Cups held only every few years, the players and fans of Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia stand on the verge of what may be a once in a lifetime experience that could possibly end with their team claiming the title of World Champions. Nowhere is that dream more tantalizingly in and out of reach, however, than in the final four, which makes for dramatic viewing. Then, of course, there's the potential for agony. Losing in the semifinal, I'm reliably told from people who've been there at the highest level, is worse than losing in the final. I mean, whichever of the four teams makes Sunday's showpiece at Lords in London, at least the players and their fans will be part of the hoopla, win or lose. For the beaten teams in the semis, there's only the long journey home. To watch the pain unfold may be perverse, but it's the kind of emotion on which sports fans thrive. Those are just a few reasons why semifinals are unique, and I'm sure there are others. And over the next couple of days at the Cricket World Cup fans across the globe will be living, loving and dying a little every second. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the writer.
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