God and sporting contests

I was just watching a World Cup match (God help me, I don't know why)... Portugal was playing Mexico. These are, as far as I can tell, both Christian countries. Indeed, I believe they're both Catholic countries. Every time a player was substituted (on both sides), he would make a sign of the cross and mouth some words (presumably) to his Heavenly Creator.

A penalty was then awarded. The defender, upon seeing what he had caused, said a prayer. The striker being given the penalty kick then said his own prayer. In light of my observation in the first paragraph, both of these people werepraying to the same God. Why would He favour one more than the other? (Indeed, why would God care at all about a soccer match?) Do the players of these respective teams realise they're asking their Lord to effectively play favourites? That doesn't seem like the all-loving God, about whom quite a bit is preached in the Bible.

Incidentally, the striker missed the penalty shot, which proves my long unspoken theory that God loves the Portugese and hates the Mexicans.

As do we all, nachos notwithstanding.