Football: More Than Just a GameCEFR B1
25 May 2025
Adapted from Reza Talebi, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Hadi Yazdi Aznaveh, Unsplash
Football has deep cultural connections. In Portugal, it was significant during the rule of Antonio Salazar, who focused on music, religion, and football. Some thinkers dismiss it, but Javier Marías believes it connects people and affects their emotions.
Marías argues that football becomes meaningful during intense matches. Fans often express feelings during matches, and their loyalty to teams lasts a lifetime. Rivalries, such as Milan vs. Juventus, also add depth to the experience.
Difficult words
- connection — a link or relationship between people or thingsconnections
- cultural — relating to the ideas and customs of a group
- significant — important or having a big effect
- dismiss — to decide something is not important
- affect — to produce a change in someone or somethingaffects
- emotion — a strong feeling like joy or angeremotions
- loyalty — strong support for a person or group
- rivalry — competition or fight between two people or teamsRivalries
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you agree that football connects people? Why or why not?
- Can you describe a rivalry or a team loyalty you have seen in your country?
- How do intense matches change the emotions of fans you know?
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