Choose the most appropriate option for the gap labelled [….77…..] above

Choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gaps in the passage.

The day of the great tournament arrived and -71- trooped into the stadium in their thousands. Meanwhile, the home team had arrived and was in the -72-. The visiting team was late. With both teams now around, the referee – 73 – his whistle and the two teams emerged from the tunnel and walked onto the pitch. The referee, his assistants and the players stood still while the national anthems of both countries were being played. After this, the captains of both teams came forward for the -74-. The home team won, they then exchanged -75 – and shook hands.
         At exactly 4.30 pm, the referee signalled for the start of the match. The supporters were singing and dancing in the– 76-. Both teams played very well but -77-a lot of chances. After playing for forty-five minutes. the referee stopped the match for the hall time break. During this brief break. the -78 – of both teams came out to warm themselves up. When the match resumed, the home team now played better. A -79- from the half-back at the opponent’s goal was – 80- into the net. There was a thunderous shout from the crowd. The match continued till the ninetieth minute. The result at the end of the match was 1-0. The home team had won.