The team practised intensely for weeks before the match … it lost.

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "The team practised intensely for weeks before the match ____ it lost."

We need a word that links two contrasting ideas: the team practised hard, but it lost. So we need a conjunction showing contrast.

Explain the concept

"Yet" can work as a coordinating conjunction meaning "but" or "nevertheless." It joins two clauses that contrast with each other.

Test each option

• A. still yet: This is not a standard conjunction phrase. It is awkward and not idiomatic here.
• B. for: "For" means "because." It would say the team lost because of the match, which makes no sense and does not show contrast.
• C. yet: "...before the match, yet it lost." This is correct. It links the contrast between the hard practice and the loss. Note that "yet" is followed directly by a full clause ("it lost").
• D. despite: "Despite" is a preposition and needs a noun or gerund after it (e.g., "despite the practice"). "Despite it lost" is ungrammatical.

Answer

The correct option is C. yet.

Tip

For contrast in sentences like this, check the grammar after the gap:

• If a full clause follows (subject + verb), use a conjunction such as yet or but.
• If a noun or -ing form follows, use a preposition such as despite or in spite of.

Remember: despite is never followed by a full clause, and for as a conjunction means "because."