Here the love is greatest and strongest. Victory is brought to every facet of the team, all players whether or not they stepped on the field, the coach, the fans, the name, and the university. But to be in battle for more than 90 minutes, say 150, the emotional state is in a dimension beyond the range of normal human capabilities. After any notion of individuality is lost to the team, the senses become acutely aware of minute changes. The spin of the ball, drops of sweat, grunts of exertion, smell of dirt, burning lungs, and the simple taste of water all proceed to ignite that internal flame of yearning towards victory.
Passion is too small of a word.
The love of the game asks of us all of this. Now imagine this relationship, its intensity and strength, with the strike of a ball deciding to end. Goodbye, it's over. See you next year. This is what penalty kicks do to you.