Playing a game at 1:00 pm is a little different for us. We are much more used to playing in the late afternoon or evening. As it was, today we had a different routine. We woke up just before 8:00am, had a light breakfast and then we went for a team walk and stretch.

I was delighted to find that the temperature had dropped dramatically from yesterday. Thank goodness. I didn't feel line running around in 30 degree Celsius weather. After our walk was ended, we headed for our final preparation meeting before we ate our pre-game meal. Eating two meals in a two hour window isn't easy, and we had to be very conscious to eat enough carbs; we almost had to force then down.

We left for the game at 11:00 am and there was little traffic, so we were soon at the stadium. Our first impression of the crowd was that there were hordes of Brazilian fans, all decked out in green and gold, who had come to watch the match. I did espy one or two brave Canadian fans in red, but the majority of the fans were definitely not rooting for us.

Having said that, during the anthems I did see a group of KK fans high up in the top tier of the stands and they were brandishing huge cut outs of Karina's face - awesome!

The game was a good one for us, and even though I am obviously likely to be biased, I thought we thoroughly deserved the win. The first half was all Canada. We put the Brazilians under a huge amount of pressure. Sincy eventually scored a nice goal from a Chappy ball through from the back, but I felt we should have scored even more. We really did have them on the back foot. However, there was a scary moment when Emily and the Brazilian keeper went head to head in a challenge. Emily was okay, but the Brazilian keeper was taken off on a back board and went straight to hospital. Our first thoughts are with her and we hope she is not badly hurt.

In the second half, we slackened off, and the Brazilians really piled on the pressure and we were definitely more on our back foot. I thought we did well in keeping the game tight at the back, but we will still have to work at making sure there are no lapses in concentration.

Marta was subbed on fro Brazil in the second half, and she is always a handful. She is a world-class player and she did much to swing the momentum of the game to Brazil in the second period. There were soem nervy moments, including when Marta smacked a shot off the cross bar, and Karina came up with an amazing save from a half volley. In general though, but in general I thought that we kept our shape well. WE kept the game tight and we were organized.

Sincy scored her second goal of the game from a great pass from Sophie. Brazil pegged one goal back off from a PK we conceded. It was all a rather stressful end to the game for those of us who ended up on the bench. However, everyone kept their composure and we pulled off the win: Great job ladies.

Now we fly off to Sweden tomorrow for a game against them later this month. It is wonderful to have games against such high quality opposition, and we know that every time we step out onto the field we are one step closer to preparation for the Olympics. The Games are coming up fast. To reach Sweden, we will be flying through Copenhagen in Denmark. I am looking forward to this as my father was born there, and I have always wanted to see the country. Probably though, I won't see much more than just the airport.
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