Since the period without football, during the summer break, is always too long, I took a look at the European matches to try to speed things up. The draw for the European Cup qualifiers came to my aid, where I discovered the intriguing challenge between Wisla Krakow and Rapid Vienna. Two great scenes in terms of fans whose confrontation promises to be of certain interest. On the one hand the Polish style that has been on the rise in recent years, on the other Rapid Vienna that, as is known, remains more tied to the Italian tradition.
From a footballing perspective, the curious fact is that Wisla Krakow was relegated from the previous season.Top leaguethe top Polish league, but still qualified for theEuropa League winning the national cup. Despite participating as a second division team, Wisla managed to overcome Llapi, a team from Kosovo, in the first round.
There was so much euphoria ahead of the match. The stadium Henryk Tomasz Reyman in Krakow has a capacity of 33,130 seats, almost all sold out for this occasion. Traveling for several hours on a night train to reach the important center of southern Poland, I was able to admire its beauty thanks also to the clear weather, taking advantage of which I also allow myself a tour of the old city before heading to the stadium.
Arriving in the stands, I immediately notice the main sector of the premises decorated with a large banner in English with the words “Always on the right side”, framed by the coats of arms of Wisla and Poland. The word “Patriots” is then formed with white-red-blue cards on a black background. Not that it was necessary, but the home fans wanted to reiterate, once again, their already known political opinions.
Around 700 guests from Vienna following their club. Since it is less than 500 km away, I honestly expected something more. However, we must not forget that they only knew a week before where they would play. So let’s not be surprised by those who are not there, but let’s be happy for those who have come this far, beyond all the logistical difficulties. Above all because they have been the authors of a truly beautiful performance. In a sea full of flags and banners in the club’s colors or with the symbols of the ultras groups, their sector has offered a truly remarkable sight. As mentioned, the cheering is very much influenced by the influences and long-standing Italian friendships, mainly focused on long and persistent melodies with beautiful lyrics. It is difficult for them to be heard, positioned as they are behind a plexiglass partition that shields their volume.
The rest of the stadium is mostly dressed in red and occasionally takes part in the chants of the curve, helping to raise the level of support. Coordinating it are two drummers and a chorister on a huge platform, aided by a system of microphones that sometimes reach impressive volumes. It is a shame that in the entire Curva you do not see a single flag, a prerogative that seems to be part of the identity of Polish fans.
On the pitch, Rapid managed to win away despite receiving a red card halfway through the match, thus creating the best conditions for the return match and to gain access to the next round. As a second-tier team, Wisla deserves credit for being able to keep up with the top Austrian club in a game that was truly exciting to watch. After the final whistle, we brought together these same feelings and considerations, starting with the blatantly political choreography of the home team as well as numerous other impressions of the day in a restaurant, where we enriched today’s knowledge with excellent Polish cuisine. Highly recommended as is a game in front of their excellent fans.
Totti
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2024-08-01 18:31:29
#WislaRapid #Vienna #Europa #League #Political #imprint #stylistic #influences
