...what is? Easter?

SESL Cup group stage. I love the romance of the cup.

Another odd football term:

"the romance of the cup"

What does that really mean ???

And commenatators saying "Wonderful ball". The ball is round. Mainly dull white in colour. Often with some scuffs or dirt on ball.
What is 'wonderful' about the ball?

wonderful ball refers to the pass.

and romance of the cup, is about the fact that it pits the top teams against the bottom teams, and on their day the minnows might win.

This year's FA Cup is perfect example