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RHIAN'S SOCCER JOURNALS:

PREPARATION FOR ARGENTINA 4th August 2008

The past few days in Tianjin have, in many ways, been boring ones - the usual preparation for a big match. Even though on this occasion, there is always the underlying factor that we know we are at the Olympic Games, the majority of our time is spent in the same ways that we would prepare for any other Tournament. This event is just on a much larger, multi-sport, scale.

When we are not practicing, having physiotherpy, meeting or viewing game tape, we are doing what we normally do to spend our time. Each of us is different and has her own routine. Much of mine involves reading in a quiet place.

Yesterday, Sunday 3rd August, we had one training session at 6:30 pm. This meant that when we all stepped outside at 5:45 pm, it was the first time we had stepped outside the hotel all day. There is nothing unusual about this. For the team to be successful in any match or tournament we have to know how to prepare. And, part of this preparation is knowing what to do with the many free hours we have during the day.

Today, Monday 4th August was much like yesterday’s schedule, except that instead of one training session, we had two. The first session was a regular soccer session with a few drills and a scrimmage, while the second one was a more formal one at the stadium.

I have to say that the stadium looks fantastic. It is a 60,000 seat oval, nicknamed the "Tear drop," and from what we have heard, most, if not all, the tickets have been sold. During training in the stadium, when we are alone on the field, the noise really echoes around the building. This echoing sound makes you wonder what it’s going to sound like when it is packed with cheering fans.

Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium completed (photo attached)

Tomorrow will be another quiet day for us, as we prepare for our game against Argentina on the 6th August. It is still too early to be excited about the game yet. However, the excitement is definitely mounting as the game approaches, and we have to be ready.