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RHIAN'S SOCCER JOURNALS:

REFLECTIONS ON THE CHINA GAME 10th August 2008

Just as in the last four consecutive times we have played China, we tied our game again, against China last night 1-1.

Usually such a result might be seen as a pretty good one for us, as traditionally, we have had trouble getting anything out of a match against them. But, last night, even though it was good to receive the point for a tie, we really should have won this Olympic game.

We were so ready for the match, and we dominated huge stretches of it. We were disappointed not to take the three points - we should have taken them. We have to realize it is critical to take three points from games when we have the opportunity.

We could feel it was going to be a good match even in the tunnel heading out to the field. The atmosphere was electric. There were between 50 and 60,000 Chinese fans in the crowd, and a few Canadians, but we were making so much noise in the tunnel that that it was almost ridiculous. In the words of Ian Bridge, "I could barely keep the smile off my face as I walked into line to head down the tunnel to the field. The screaming, yelling and shrieking of the Canadian team was unreal, and there was no way that China was not affected by it."

After all our bravado before the opening match ceremonies, I do think that China was the stronger side for the first 20 or so minutes. They really broke us down a few times, and managed some good looks at our net.

However, after this start, I felt the tide start to turn in our favour, and our superior physical presence and fitness started to kick in. After three corners and several good scoring opportunities, we finally found the back of the net in the 34^th minute, off a good set-up by Kara and shot by Sincy.

Unfortunately, the Chinese scored themselves a couple of minutes later, but we continued the attack.

At one point, in the humidity and heat and pace of the game, I thought I was dying. I could barely drag in one raggedy smog-filled breath after another, and I started to get nervous about how much more I could contribute out there. I just felt so bad.

It was at that point though, that I noticed my defender. If I felt bad, she was apparently feeling much, MUCH worse. I was gasping for air and every breath, but she was wheezing, clutching her chest, and her face was turning purple. It was her purple face, not red, but purple, that definitely gave me the motivation I needed to pick my game up a gear. It is quite a sensation, knowing that you may feel terrible , but your opponent is suffering way more than you are.

From 20 minutes into the game, I would say we dominated China completely. They did get the odd break on us and looked dangerous on more than one occasion, but for the most part we had all the game. We hit crossbars and posts, including one from me, on a scarily regular basis.

However, as we all know, luck does eventually change, and what better time could this change in fortune occur, than against Sweden next Tuesday?

By the end of the match I think the Chinese knew as well as we did, that they had dodged a major bullet on the field. Even though it should have been a win for us, and we all know this, the game can do nothing but boost our confidence as a team as we head into the final game of the group stages.