It is Sunday today, and upon my arrival in the bus, I search out Guido, a good friend from the mission. He is down at the church, where the service has just finished, and I find him farewelling his parishoners. After greeting and catching up a little on where life has taken us since we last met, we both head off down the road chatting. I did not know where we were going, but after a couple of blocks we reach the main town field where everybody is gathering.
My friend Guido just before the match starts.
Guido tells me that there is about to be an official match here. A competition between his team, the Taxistas (taxi drivers) and the Constructores (builders). All locals to the town and although friends off the field I am soon to find out that they are the greatest of rivals during the game.
The guy known only as "Baldy."
It takes longer for the game to start than expected. The Constructores understood that the game started several hours later and had to be searched out from their houses where they were enjoying lunch. So from the start there was disputes. Once this issue was settled, the game began, and over half of the town was there to watch it.
All present watched the game intently, giving their ideas of how it should have been done.
Mostly it was men that watched the game, sitting or standing along the sidelines of the field watching intently. Although the women were generally occupied in other work, some of the women selling their wares in the Sunday market would crane their necks to see the game through the spectators blocking their view.
Guaranies watching the game. Their hair is never cut so it is curled up under their hat and the material around their head stops the sweat from running down.
People from all walks of life were there. Farmers and city folk, mountain people and town people, traditionally dressed and formally dressed. There was no distinction between them as they all focused on the action of the game. Football is a love throughout South America, and this town was no exception.
The goalie tries to argue his point during the game.
When the game finally ended, the players once again returned to being friends, and walked off the field arm in arm, content that they had done the best they could. The teams all then hung around together, chatting about their experiences and how they could perhaps improve for the next time.
Two players, rivals on the pitch, are friends again after the game.
It was great to watch a game where sportsmanship ranked higher than winning, and where the players were there to enjoy themselves and give their best.
Two players wrestling for the ball during the first half.
The playing field is set with mountains and a statue of Christ for a backdrop.
Clash between the two teams.
The official scorers intently watching the action.
The Taxistas team resting during half-time.
Using advanced tactics to try and gain control of the ball.
This ball made it past the goal keeper, bringing the teams to a draw.
Guido in action with the ball.
As the ball moved across the field it was entertaining to watch every head move with it.
The team hangs around together to discuss the merrits of the game after all was over.