Australia's Olyroos 2000 Sydney Olympics Odyssey

Opening Match, Australia versus Italy.  93,000 watched the start of an inglorious campaign

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19 August 2000: Olympic Team Announced - where are the forwards?
A fairly predictable Olympic team was announced by coach Blanco yesterday, which featured Paul Okon, Mark Viduka and Stan Lazaridis as overage players.  As it turned out, Lazaridis was not first choice as Blanco initially sort Ned Zelic whose self-imposed exile from the senior national team now extends to the Olympic team.  Why Blanco even approached Zelic after he walked out on the national team against Brazil U23s last November, is beyond reasoning, but the team now looks stronger for it, if anything.   Brett Emerton is captain, which he has been since day one.  This creates a curious situation whereby senior team captain Paul Okon will be subservient to him.

The full squad:
Goalkeepers: Danny Milosevic (Leeds United), Joe Didulica (Ajax Amsterdam)
Defenders: Con Blatsis (Derby County), Hayden Foxe (West Ham), Stephen Laybutt (Feyenoord), Stan Lazaridis (Birmingham City), Lucas Neill (Millwall)
Midfielders: Marco Bresciano (Empoli), Simon Colosimo (Carlton), Jason Culina (Ajax Amsterdam), Brett Emerton (Feyenoord), Vince Grella (Ternana), Paul Okon (Middlesbrough), Nick Rizzo (Ternana), Kasey Wehrman (Perth Glory)
Forwards: Michael Curcija (Partizan Belgrade), Harry Kewell (Leeds United), Mark Viduka (Leeds United)
Standby players: Jacob Burns, Dragi Nastevski, Michael Turnbull, Clayton Zane.

Colosimo and Wehrman are the only local players in the team, and there does not seem to be any real notable omissions.  The only possible I problems I foresee are the midfield which seems over-stocked with "anchors" who merely hold up play, piss-fart around with a few dribbles, then play a pointless 2-metre passes to players who are really in no better position.   Culina and Grella are classic examples of players that get on the nerves of fans when speed and directness is required, especially on the break.  Okon has recently started to exhibit such traits, and while I am no expert on coaching, from a fan's point of view, they are damn frustrating and piss us off.   The recent Euro 2000 showed that the best teams actually let the opposition have gobs of possession, but when they get the ball, go forward with high velocity. Whether it is the players in midfield, supporting team-mates who don't anticipate the break, or the coaching, Australia does not go forward quick enough.  On the positive, Emerton, Rizzo and Lazaridis out wide and Wehrman in the centre wouldl help the speed situation, so it all depends on team selection on the day.   However, playing Kewell in midfield, your problem would probably be solved instantly.

But that leads to another potential problem - the lack of forwards.  Kewell has been picked as a striker, but electing to play him in midfield leaves just Viduka and Curcija as remaining forwards in the entire squad.  While Kewell would probably sit just behind Viduka in a two-pronged attack, and link with midfield, I can't help but feel another out and out striker in the squad is needed.   Even including Kewell, there are still only three strikers.  I can't see how that is enough.  Zane is probably the unluckiest omission and I would have him in ahead of Grella.  His height alone would worry many teams, and in the scenario that Australia does need to push up, or has strikers suspended, who are you going to turn to?  Kewell on the frontline is much less dangerous than from deep, and at the moment, that is the only option.   Especially with all the quality of midfielders selected, Kewell does seem destined to play out and out, for at least part of the tournament.  If Australia do win gold, Blanco will have made the right decision.  Lets hope so.

And just on Kewell, yes there is doubt he will turn up. Blanco is pretty sure is recent injury woes are mere tendinitis and nothing serious, while Leeds hint that he may require surgery on his achilles and could be out of action until next year.  At the moment he is in the team, but until he actually shows up on the pitch, take nothing for granted.   Personally, I think he will at least be here, and there is no reason why he should not be.  After all, his injury can be assessed here.  I have a sneaking feeling he might actually be giving Australia the priority this time.  Otherwise, he'd have had the surgery by now.

My probable team assuming a 3-5-1-1 formation: Didulica, Colosimo (sweeper), Laybutt, Foxe, (from left to right) Lazaridis, Wehrman, Okon, Emerton, Neill, Kewell, Viduka.  Maybe Rizzo in instead of Neill is my only contention which would gain extra attacking options in sacrificing some defensive obligation.  However, with the potent Emerton already on the right, it is probably not necessary.  Especially with those deadly Italians on the break!

6 September 2000: Australia defeat Kuwait in their first warmup match.  Oh shit!
Well, it's started! So too the first disappointment. The first warm-up game last night saw the Olyroos take on Kuwait at Olympic Park in Melbourne. What was disappointing? First, it was not the despair at Harry Kewell not making it for the Olympics. An achilles injury ruined his "dream". Since he'd never played with the team before, and along with all the release problems with his club, Leeds, I was never convinced he be on the park until I actually saw him on the park.

Nor was it the injury to Paul Okon which ended his chances. Australia has enough of this type of player to compensate - Colosimo has his versatility, and Foxe can sweep, and Grella and Cullina can play his holding role in the midfield. However, there was slight disappointment when Zane got the call as a replacement for Kewell, when I'd have preferred Archie Thompson. He and Kewell are both speedy, run-at-defenders type players, whereas Zane is your standard tall tap-in striker. As mentioned in the news section, Australia seems light on forwards, with just three in the squad. While Zane seems to be backup for Viduka, if Curcija goes missing, there is no one left to replace him. Of course, with his strong dribbling skills, Viduka could play that link roll and sit back a bit. It will be interesting to see how it all comes together.

Of course, there were other players missing: Emerton, Cullina and several others were injured. Skoko - Okon's excellent replacement - had not arrived from Europe, nor Viduka.   No, Australia fielding a bits and pieces side of remaining resources was not really a disappointment.  Just another sign that Fifa is totally useless by doing nothing in its power to give the Olympic football tournament the priority status it deserves.   Having players arrive here just one week before the first match is no way any international team can prepare properly.

The disappointment was not in the result either. The boys got up three-nil, in an apparently unconvincing display. According to the papers, Kuwait - who'd only arrived the day before - had two guilt-edged chances missed in the first half, with Australia creating little. First game together for six months, and Australia was rusty and lacked cohesion. With Kuwait tiring in the second half, Australia cut loose, especially with Bresciano, who took over the midfield. He scored the first and then set up Zane for the second. Curcija sealed it after tapping in a long-range shot from Zane that the goalie failed to handle. Rizzo and Neill played well too, which will no doubt help their chances for selection for the first game against Italy.  Rizzo is one player that has captured my eye with his direct, speedy and skilful play.

No, the real disappointment was that the game was a lock out which banned members of the public. I really wanted to see the team play, and apparently the next game (against South Africa tomorrow) is a lock out too. Appreciate the need to keep tactics, etc, secret, but it was really disappointing to be denied something that was so eagerly awaited, and for so long.

But wait, maybe the biggest disappointment occurred at one of the Melbourne Casino's nightclubs where Emerton, Cullina and Thompson were spotted by my eagle-eye, and I never approached them to talk over midfield strategies, team selections, and especially, to tell them to get the entire team to run straight to where I will be sitting, and wave to me, next Wednesday when they score a goal.  No, I just stood there like a dork and told my friends who they were.  The players certainly over-heard this, and when my friends turned around to inspect, no doubt made the players uncomfortable. 

Instinct made me want to speak, but for some reason, I was in two-minds about it.   While stewing over it, the three players walked to the other side of the club, and I suspect - Emerton especially - that they did not want to be recognised. Hopefully they weren't breaking a curfew or anything, but if they are, Raul, if you are reading this, I am only joking I saw them. Anyway, none of the players played against Kuwait yesterday due to minor injuries so maybe their partying was sanctioned. Crossed paths twice more that night, but still said nothing. Thompson was the real live wire with Emerton the most reserved. Maybe...... I don't know. Really regret that now. Anyway, I will be back this weekend in the hope others will be there, hopefully the mighty V-Bomber!  Wonder if he remembers me in my Bosnich Villa goalie shirt at the Crobar when the Melbourne Knights won their first championship?

8 September 2000: A positive among negatives.
Australia ended their so-called build-up with a 1-0 over a talented South African team last night.   Ironically, SAF were the first team Australia ever played in this Olympic campaign when they were beaten in two games in their own country three years ago.

Again, a lock-out to the public, but unlike the first game, at least this was anticipated.  The best thing about the match was that Australia's defence held firm and was rarely troubled.  While SAF were unlucky to score at least one goal, holding out against a speedy talented team, was superb.  Bonus is, players are still to return, like Foxe, who will no doubt sweep. 

This apparent bonus - not to mention sarcasm about the build-up - again highlights Fifa's deplorable handling of this tournament.  Viduka and Skoko will arrive tonight and will be thrown into the team with barely five days preparation.  Ridiculous.   Allowing the clubs to keep players so close to this tournament is a slap in the face for the tournament's credibility.  Thankfully, most of the teams are in the same boat, with the exception of certain teams like Korea and Japan who don't have any players based in Europe.  Korea, for one, will be the most prepared team here with 85 matches under their belts.  This includes a 3-0 thrashing in January of Australia.  On the other hand, Italy, Australia's first opponent, only arrived last night and have not played together for 3 months.  Their lack of preparation at least should leave Australia with no excuses come next Wednesday night.

Speaking of which, the first indication of the Olympics being upon us appeared in the Melbourne Herald-Sun TV guide, and it really hit home.  Just had to scan it.   People at work think I am some sort of idiot scanning TV guides, but then I can only sympathise with them as they go about living their "normal" lives.    Anyway, to think that almost 100,000 will be there, and the whole nation watching on TV is unbelievable.  Just shows exactly what our sport has going for it - the international factor, the passion and the emotion, not to mention the enormous prestige that leaves the other so-called football codes in its wake.  Hopefully a cracking, and dramatic match (this time with a positive result, mind you) is in order, to give the nation an ideal kick-off to the games.

Sadly, and even I have totally forgotten about them, the Matildas kick-off their campaign too.  They play Germany, in Canberra, the same night.  And shamefully, this match is not listed in the guides.  Maybe a replay is on the next day - hope so.   The US team arrived during the week and they got more coverage than our girls did.   Well, the Italian men's team got enormous coverage too, but we are playing them first up.  Bit of a difference.  Anyway, Julie Foudy, one of the US veterans, put on a great press conference in highlighting her extravagant personality as well as her team's professionalism when it comes to playing.  They are based in Melbourne and I may even try and catch them in action.  It is not everyday you get see such a high profile enduring world champion team, and I'd much rather these classy ladies than those crass, phoney American basketballers masquerading as a supposed Dream Team.  Get real.

The other downer was the news of Australia's goal keeper Joe Didulica, who has succumbed to a shin injury and been forced out of the team right on the eve of the Olympics.  He been around since day one and must truly be shattered.

Finally, just a reminder, all Olyroo fans should check theworldgame website because it is easily the best football site in world, and will provide the best coverage of our team.   Also, SBS's World Sports (7pm nightly) continues to have the best TV coverage of our boys, as well as all the Olympic football news.  Johnny Warren will be in nightly to discuss all the happenings - the way only he can.  Lets hope, come 1 October, he says, "finally, we have won at home".

11 September 2000: Two sleeps to go
Yep, just two days to go, but more injuries have hit the team.  Blatsis has a thigh strain and will miss Italy, and Foxe almost gave us another scare.  Thankfully his calf strain will not stop him from playing on Wednesday. 

You don't know how much the site of Mark Viduka finally in Melbourne affected my morale.  Thank god he is in the country - safely.  Skoko too.  News is the duo has had a similar affect on the team.  However, both will go straight into the game with no warm-up games, whilst the Italians have been training behind close doors and giving nothing away.  Blanco has been experimenting with a 4-4-2 in the lead-up games, but seems likely to revert back to his usual 3-5-2.  My guess on  the team line-up would be: Milosevic, Colosimo (sweeper), Laybutt, Foxe, (from left to right) Lazaridis, Wehrman, Skoko, Emerton, Neill, Curcija, Viduka.  Again, Rizzo could interchange with Neill on the right, depending on how offensive Raul wants to be.   I'd think he'd stick with the more defensive Neill so as not to get caught out by the traditional counter attacking Italians.

My faith in the team's abilities to perform are actually quite good at this stage, and I would be slightly surprised if they lost.  A 1-0 win would be my favoured result at the moment, with a 1-1 or 0-0 draw being the worst.  Given both teams build-ups, quality of players on paper, passion, and general history at this level, I can't see Australia being out-classed at all.  While Italy say they rate Nigeria as the toughest opponents, I could not imagine they'd be convincing themselves Australia will be that much easier at all.  In fact, based on Nigeria's late and lucky qualifying (got two goals in injury time to make it), players that are not in the squad, and recent performances at not only this, but at senior level, I feel they are somewhat overrate this time around.  A lot has changed since Atlanta.  Of course, if Australia does beat Italy, I'd love to have egg on my face if Nigeria could do the same too!

Great news, personally, with the Matildas first match being shown on C7 cable at 10pm that night meaning hopefully a double dose of Aussie glory.  Just hope the ground announcer at the MCG will not give score updates that would ruin watching the game.   Can't see remaining immune to the result as all that feasible anyway, because if the announcer does not relay the score, no doubt someone in the crowd will.

Regardless, the Matildas have the reverse scenario to the mens team, and have their easier opponents first.  Germany are not the strongest team in Europe, and on pedigree and past form, and playing at home, Australia surely has the edge and must win this one.  A first up loss, why not devastating in the context of the tournament, could still jeopardize it.  Brazil would be tougher, but they are still to achieve a level anywhere near that of their mens team and would be the slightest under-dogs in this one given Australia is playing at home.  Again, a very winnable game for Australia, and if they are serious about progressing, really, a must win.  However, the final game against Sweden is not the one that the girls would want to be relying on in order to progress.  The Scandinavians have always been Europe's toughest at this level, with Sweden having excellent recent form over Australia which includes a win the Australia Cup early this year, and also a World Cup thrashing last year.

My sister arrives in town from the Gold Coast early Wednesday afternoon.  Weather looks OK too.  Would you believe that Melbourne has been predicted to have showers most of the week, except for Wednesday, which should be fine at 20 degrees?  Of course, in keeping with our fickle weather nature, it will probably turn out the other way with the rain on Wednesday and fine every other day.  And for the other main even on at this time - the rest of the Olympics - fears about a typical spring Sydney downpour seem most likely to literally evaporate with fine weather forecast as well. 

So all the early negatives are slowly turning to positives, hopefully climaxing with a win - and an exorcism of the Iran demons of almost three years ago - in just under 47 hours.  Just two sleeps to go....... Hmmm..... No.  Just one.  I doubt I will be sleeping much tomorrow night.

13 September 2000: "They got it...... Look, they're celebrating"
These were the words spoken by my sister that instantly turned one moment of ecstatic reprieve into knife-in-the-chest disappointment.  The fatal Italian shot on goal, hit the post, bounced back across the goal mouth, but just crossed over the goal line miniscule seconds before Hayden Foxe could clear it.  However, it took several moments before the goal was confirmed, much to the shock of the crowd who'd all thought it had been saved.  Time and time again, you see ball crossing the line during open play, and the referees miss it.  Why did they have to do their job properly this time? 

And again, like Iran, a moment of madness in defence, this time from Foxe - who'd played brilliantly all night - failed to control a long ball forward that ended in a cough-up, allowing Italy a two-man-on-the goalie scenario that ended in the obvious.   But not before yet another rollercoaster ride of emotion that started hours before the kick-off with furore, progressed to relief, followed by tension, then anticipation, adrenalin, excitement, nervousness, anxiety, contentment, impatience, fear, agony, and upon reflection coming home in the train, solace.  Yes, while Australia again suffer heart-break at the "G", thankfully this match was not do or die..... thankfully, we are still in it.  And upon hearing the news that Nigeria and Honduras drew 3-3, making easier for Australia to recover, my emotional state is now back to hope, and expectation.

It was, again, a wonderful occasion for the sport, and just proves how great this world game is.  While not experiencing the full gamut of emotions from the Iran game (never really likely since that was a cut-throat match for the ultimate reward), it still left me pulsated, engrossed and totally absorbed.  Once the hour mark had passed, I was really hoping for 0-0, as that probably would be a fair result for both teams.  And it sort of seemed Italy were becoming content with the 0-0 and becoming less adventurous forward.  But then we'd see some end to end stuff to totally confound me. Still, like the Iran game, I was looking at the clock at a similar stage in hope that the current score would be preserved until the end.  Sadly neither game granted my wish. 

For Australia's other match tonight - the Matildas - their campaign got off the worst possible way with a 3-0 loss to Germany.  The first and last goals were due to goalkeeping errors, but I have not seen any footage to know how they performed overall.   However, from my vantage point, the mens' team were desperately unlucky to lose, and except for the middle stages of the first half, seemed to control most of the match and create the better chances.  Curcijia seemed to have the best chance in the first half when a header was brilliantly saved.   And in the second half, he seemed to be on the end of few crosses that were agonisingly close.  And there was a corner that bounced onto the knee of a surprised Viduka and narrowly went over the bar.  For Italy, their best chances came first in the first half when an Italian beat two Aussies on the by-line, but failed to find a player with his cutback.  And in the second half, a one-on-one scenario brought out an outstanding save from goalie Milosevic, after a defence splitting pass allowed a short cross to be played to the free player. 

Credit to the Australian defence, that while a bit nervous early and having to cope with the perennial problem of Australia giving the ball away to easily, anticipated well and suppressed the Italian breaking game with aplomb.  Colosimo was colossal with his tackling.  Foxe was a wonder, especially in the air.  And on the ground, his jigging of players and confidence on the ball, while nerve-racking from my point of view, created space.  Shame his cockiness ultimately saw him very much the villain in the end.  I felt the referees were sucked in too easily with Italians diving and feigning injury; and from my vantage point, the pitch seemed a tad slippery.  Up forward, some final balls and lobs went astray, and really, at this level, at least one of those chances had to be converted.  But then, from my vantage point, I was never really convinced on anything..... this is where the furore started.

Grabbing my Gold tickets a year ago, I expected a central, mid-height seat in the southern stand (which Gold was for the Iran, Brazil, and ManU games).  But no, I was in the MCC reserve - the opposite side to the "front" of the ground where the teams face during the national anthems and where everything else is directed.  But once inside, fears of not being high enough increased when we were directed to the lower deck.  And when the usher said we were five rows from the front, I was livid.   Totally unacceptable being so low down as you get no depth perception of the match, especially on an oval when you are so far away from the action.  It may be great for Aussie rules that close (which it aint, in my opinion), but whoever decided Gold should be there should be shot.  Thankfully, there was no boof-head in the way, leaving a clear view, but that all changed too.  Yep, Mr Six Foot plonked himself right in front of me and blocked out the centre of the pitch, and also the video scoreboard for my sister (yes, the one at the top of the grandstand!).

Anyway, once the air force Roulettes came out - to the tune of Star Wars mind you - I'd become somewhat placated.  Even better, the boof-head moved up a seat leaving me a bloody clear view for the match.  That's when the relief came.  While the match did not let me down, another minor thing did - the scoreboard.  For some totally stupid reason, instead of replays coming on for recent action, a stupid Sydney Olympics logo did for 80% of the time.  What the hell!!!  At first I thought it was just a replay malfunction - maybe it was all night - but since it occurred only sometimes, I am not so sure.  Basically the seating debacle and scoreboard problems goes down to another classic SOCOG stuff-up.  I was thinking of heading off tomorrow night to the US/China womens and the Spain/Chile mens matches, but SOCOG can get stuffed.

There were 93,252 there, and other than a few small pockets in the corporate area, I could not see where they could fit any more in.  Obviously some other areas were set aside for media and other non-essential dick-heads.  And the much talked-about crowd loyalty, showed that the Australian fans vastly outnumbered the Italians.  Even when Italy scored, their "cheers" were easily snuffed out by the Aussie boos.  Fantastic stuff.  In contrast, when Curcija almost scored that header for Australia in the first half, the abort roar almost lifted the stadium off the room.  Even this aborted roar seemed greater than the goals against Iran.    Maybe it was because I was facing the southern stand this time, and not in it, but imagine if we'd scored what would have happened.  It seems Australia is finally shaking off its "if you aint anglo, you aint Australian tag", because there were easily a 50/50 anglo/non-anglo split there.  It was also great see children supporting Australia whilst their parents were supporting Italy.

The early Sweden/Brazil match was highly entertaining with plenty of goal mouth action, and those Swedish girls that I remember so well when they stretched in front of us after an Australia Cup match last January, a still spunk-o-ramas.  Dissappointing they lost 2-0, however.  But go striker Malin (can't remember what your last name is).

At the end of the day, a wonderful experience that was worth every penny.  Sure a few things could have been improved, but being there has given me priceless memories for the rest of my life.  My mum loved it, but then, she is a devouted football fan.  My sister, here from the Gold Coast, got bored a tad, but was soon cursing and agonising as Italy scored and Australia were chasing.  A few more experiences like that will convert her.  And for the team...... well, if they finish second in the group, they play the quarter final in Melbourne (against the Group B winner of Chile, Morocco, Korea or Spain), and that would be my wish.  In that respect, the narrow loss to Italy could work out fine.  Two wins against Nigeria and Honduras would still see them make it - maybe even win the group, depending on what Italy does - whilst a win and draw would most likely be enough provided Italy does their job by keeping winning.  

Facts are, Australia played high-quality, brilliant football tonight against the European champions and gold medal favourites (read: maybe the best in the world), and proved they are a highly capable team that could go all the way.  Emerton was brilliant and created much havoc with his runs and quality crosses.  Almost scored with a long range shot.  Grella did well, and Viduka, while often double-teamed, proved troublesome.  In fact, it was an all-round great team performance, which unfortunately, was not rewared on the scoreboard.  Against Nigeria and Honduras, they will be rewarded, and I have every confidence they can do the job.  And who knows, if the boys do make the gold medal game after this minor setback, the luck may finally turn their way.  Lets hope it pans out that way.

Team: Milosevic, Foxe, Colosimo, Laybutt, Lazaridis, Wehrman (Bresciano), Skoko (Rizzo), Grella (Neill), Emerton, Viduka, Curcija.

14 September 2000: "We were lucky to win"
No shit.  Italian coach Marco Tardelli's words at the press conference, whilst entirely accurate, were of little comfort.  Australia's coach, Raul Blanco, also spoke openly about the one that got away, and of the excellent performance of the team.   Like me, he seemed reasonably comfortable that Australia were not too badly affected to progress, and really have no excuses not to.  Life goes on.  It has to be remembered that Australia were badly beaten 3-1, and played poorly, in their opener against Ghana in the 92 Olympics, but still recovered with a 0-0 against Mexico, followed by a 3-0 win over Denmark, to make the quarter finals and eventually the semis. 

It is rare that an Australian team goes through a group without losing a match, and whether that be the first or last match, it is all part of the journey.  No doubt if last night's game was sudden death, there would be much hurt.  It was not.  It was part one of a 3-part journey that is the group phase, and thanks to Nigeria's and Honduras' draw, a win and a draw would most likely get Australia through.  In fact, if Italy beat both these teams by more than one goal, Australia would only need two draws to progress.  That is a mere group tally of just two points!  Saturday night's Nigeria game will be the crucial one.  But even then, a narrow loss there would still give Australia hope if they beat Honduras well and Italy keep winning.  In a day of reflection, the cruel loss to Italy has had no more negative affect on my morale.  In fact, I'd say it has increased.

The newspapers were full of the events last night - all with wrap arounds.  TV, unfortunately, proved shameful. The Sunrise show on Ch7 feature absolutely nothing.   No interviews, analysis, nothing.  Only crappy highlights that you'd see on the news. I know the games are in Sydney, but 93,000 saw a scintillating match, and ultimately heartbreak, yet Ch7 saw no reason to review the events of an outstanding start to the Games.  The 15 seconds or so surrounding that Italian goal was unbelievable.   When it looked like we'd escaped from deathrow, the crowd roar and cheering was like nothing I'd ever heard.  Then, suddenly, bang.  The cheering stopped at the realisation that the guillotine did indeed drop, and Australia was now in desperate need of a miracle.  Where was all the colour commentary of that?  How about interviews with fans leaving after the game.  It really was shameful that Ch7 elected to end coverage of the event the second the whistle blew.  When in fact, the event continued on with the post mortem over-night and into the next day.  Suppose we will just have to bloody win (or lose) gold to get any post-match coverage.

Also, where was the report on Skoko's injury that may keep him out of the next game?   Not everyone has net access to TheWorldGame. Also, there were six games played tonight, and all we got was the results.  No footage or nothing.  Is this really the Olympic network?  If your news can't squeeze in some highlights amongst the over-exposed torch relay that features apparent Australians that spend all their lives in the USA, then how about a couple hours highlights late at night?  Shit, it is the Olympics after all.  Just hope it is not the start of over-patriotic coverage that only focuses on winners and higher profile events.

On the Matildas front, newspapers reported that they did play poorly.  Their passing was riddled with mistakes, and their only real shots were long-range attempts.   It would be a true miracle if they can recover, but if they do, will we even hear about it? And apparently tonight, Morocco wrongly had a man sent off after 5 minutes and were further victimised by the referees in their 4-1 loss to Chile, that included two penalties.  Korea, the best prepared team and one of the dark horses, were destroyed by Spain and their arch rival Japan scored an impressive win against South Africa.   Tournament co-favourites Brazil beat Slovakia 3-1.  The USA toyed with Norway in the women's match, to get probably the best performed team here (along with maybe our female hockey team) off to a flying start with a 2-0 win.  Their nemesis, China, posted an easy 3-1 win over Nigeria.  Only SBS gave any synopsis of the Italian match, though strangely, I thought Johnny Warren's assertion that if Kewell had been here, we would have won.  We would have won if many things happened - like the shots were a few centimetres better, etc.  It is all hypothetical in the end.

Anyway, Olympic fever has really hit, and I can't wait for the first gold medal events of triathlon and swimming.  The opening ceremony as well, I am really looking forward to.  Normally I don't take much interest in those sorts of things, but this ceremony seems primed to be truly memorable.  And I don't think I could call myself Australian if I did not watch it.  Seeing Sydney all lit up, with Olympic rings on the bridge, and fireworks going off, was really inspiring.  Can just imagine what it must be like for the athletes.  And lets remember, it is all about the athletes.  To all those people, who could only be described as jealous, that have maligned soccer in the press, or to me or anyone else personally, look at the expressions on the goal scorers so far, plus the emotions upon the final whistle to see how much it means to them and to the people in their countries that religiously follows them.  You will never get a roar at any other sport like we heard last night.  It is not the world game for nothing.

16 September 2000: Australia, you bloody beauty!
What a start to the games - a wonderful opening ceremony.  Really made me proud to be an Australian.  While the pre-march activities lacked any "wow" moments, the post-march stuff did.  The evolution of our nation as portrayed through the dreams of a girl was an outstanding theme - and started off really well - the construction and colonial segments seem to drag.  In fact, it was hard to imagine that these were even the Olympics.  Probably alieness of them being on the other side of world, was missing.  Even when the teams came out, it seemed not to be the Olympics.  And Australia's singers, whilst performing splendidly, their lack of international status that marked previous Olympics made it seem a second rate, or lesser, event.   But it was not.  Familiarity with the stars are surroundsing, I suppose, is what evoked these feelings. Weird. 

However, the cauldron lighting was truly spectacular and awe-inspiring.  Cathy Freeman was the perfect choice, and the entire procedure, really surprising.  Freeman under the waterfall, I will never forget.  Only slight disappointment was that the stadium announcer announced her before we got a glimpse.  Suddenly appearing under a spotlight - like with the rest of the stadium runners - would have really added to the surprise factor, and the magic.

Good to see our Matildas get a good camera shot during the march.  Due to her injury in the first game, striker Julie Murray was in a wheel-chair, with the rest of the team behind her screaming their tits off.  Could not spot our mens' team though.   Quite possibly, they may not have been marching.  But I'd have loved to have seen Viduka there, to match our other high profile professional athletes like Rafter and Longley, waving to the crowd.

First disappointment of the games - women's triathlon.  Our girls were favourites to win, if not clean sweep.  However, only Michellie Jones could stay with the leaders, and when it came down to the final sprint, she got out-sprinted for one of the rarest times in her career, and ended up with the silver two second behind.  I know silver is great, but when you go into an event with such high expectations, anything less than gold is disappointing.  You can't help the way that you feel, and even though Jones realises that silver is a magnificent reward for a life-long dedication to the sport, she'd still be disappointed that she, or at the very least, another Australian, did not win gold.  Life goes on, and no doubt Thorpe tonight in the 400 free will win, and even more inspiring, Shane Kelly in the 1km time trial, if he can rebound after he suffered the misfortune of the foot coming out of the pedal as a raging hot favourite in Atlanta.

I hate to go on about the media, but when the Italians came out during the opening ceremony, Bruce mentioned our "brave" loss to them on Wednesday.  Gimme a break.  Even the Sun-Herald mention that "Italian class overcame Australian pluck".  Again, gimme me a break.  If you had to sum it up in one sentence like that, Italian capitalisation overcame Australian misfortune, was what really happened.  Australia played skilfully, not stoically.  And Viduka - described as big and burly in the press - is one of the most highly skilled and intelligent players we have ever produced in the sport.  He is at Leeds for his overall abilities, not just his size.  There is no doubt that Italy is a classier team, but that does not mean Australia has none.  In the old days, Foxe would have hacked that ball away, and we would not have conceded that goal.  Credit to him that he trusted his skill and class.  It just happened that it was not an appropriate time to use it.  It was a simple misjudgment.  And before the press, or anybody, rues the missing off the old days, remember that in those old days, we'd have already been four goals down and had next to no impact in offence.

Nigeria is next, and well, I hate to say this, but I have been weighing up on what I should watch.  Swimming and cycling gold medal races and taping Nigeria at my mum's (it is on live only on pay-tv and I don't because the selfish body corporate refused it).  Or watching Nigeria live, and catching up with the others later?  I am leaning to watching the game, and a quick call to my mum, confirmed this.  She is watching it, no doubts.

Can we win?  No doubts. Skoko's injury may keep him out; Culina would most likely come in.  Blanco is talking about Rizzo and Bresciano coming in - more attack minded players.   And Blatsis may now be fit enough to come in, but I can't see where he is needed unless Blanco decides to play 4-4-2, which I doubt considering how well the team played on Wednesday.   Regardless, I am confident we can win.  I spoke about Australia's group future last entry: two draws is enough if Italy win well, a win and a draw will be enough provided Italy beats the team we play the draw against, and two wins will guarantee it.   Destiny is in our own hands, and if we can't win both the remaining matches, then gold was never in reach.  However, lying in bed last night, one thing occurred to me: if Australia lose either of the remaining matches, the campaign is over.  Simply, we must not lose.

Oh, and the Matildas. They have Sweden, who also lost their first game, and a win is surely a must.  Difficult, since lead striker Julie Murray is out with a hamstring injury.  Good luck girls.  I will be over at my mum's to watch you. 

17 September 2000: Not Again.  More defensive errors end the Olympic dream.
Two, possibly three, goals were gift-wrapped and express-post-packed to Nigeria, to give them a 3-2 win over Australia in yet another drama packed match.  Australia cannot progress, but there is still life for our other team - the Matildas - as they drew with Sweden to keep their chances alive.  Brazil lost to Germany in the other game, meaning that if Australia beat Brazil and Germany at least draw with Sweden, Australia will progress.  Just goes to show how much I know about women's football as I totally expected Germany to be the easier team in the group.  Sure they were European champions, but I still thought the Scandinavians still had an edge over them. 

It did not start all that well for the girls, as Sweden had most of the possession and most of the chances.  Sweden had eight corners to nil in the first half, and really should have scored from one with Nordlund missing a sitter.  Nil-nil at half time was very pleasing, but the girls needed to improve if they were going to win.  Whilst possession  and chances became more even, defensive errors almost conspired to ruin the good work.  The impressive Wainwright almost caused an embarrassment when she was dispossessed whilst dwelling on the ball. Thankfully Sweden did not capitalise. 

Australia hit the lead when an excellently taken free kick was drifted into the far post, with Salisbury timing her run perfectly to head the ball into the net.  The crowd went wild, but Australia needed to hold on.  They looked shaky, with several Swedish attacks being contained.  One attempt brought a great save from Wheeler, who redeemed herself from the the first game.  Later however, a lob in the air was totally misjudged by Alagich with an air-swing giving Ljunberg a one-on-one on goal.   Her shot hit the post, but Alagich's shrug of the shirt saw the referee award a penalty that was easily converted when Wheeler sold herself short by diving too early.   Makes me wonder why they do try and predict the shot because the women simply can't shoot it as hard as the men. Waiting for it before diving is surely the better way to go, and on this occasion, it would have been saved.

Who'd have thought the women's team would be the one surviving instead of the men at this stage?  Well, the men have had their chances - in two games now - and have simply blown it.

Against Nigeria, they started well with Foxe and Viduka having excellent chances to score from headers off free kicks.  And at the other end, they were able to curtail the speedy Nigerian breaks from midfield.  But then it all went wrong.  Yes, my pet-hate of players piss-farting around with the ball, instead of playing swiftly and directly, was eventually punished.  Italy may have failed to capitalise on the midfield turnovers, but Nigeria did.  At the 16th minute mark Grella was the culprit this time when he tried to turn a pass from defence but instead got dispossessed.  With already two players either side of him, perhaps the pass should not have been made, but it was, and should have been played straight back.  Maybe a lack of talking on the pitch is the problem? Who knows.  Whatever, it was a dreadful error all-roun.  Typical of these crack international teams, Ikedia, sensing the turnover, was already steaming forward from deep to play his role.  He was sent through, and scored easily with Milosevic seemingly selling himself a bit short. 

The cameras missed the second goal, and all we got was the strike - a lovely chip over an exposed goalie.  The preceding action saw the outstanding Emerton - who was outstanding all night in beating just about any player he took on - nearly score with a header from a free kick. It seems a quick goal-kick down field caused all the problems.

Nigeria now engaged in the their spoiling game - feigning injuries, pushing and grabbing Australians - to protect the lead and the referee failed to stamp it out immediately.  It did not look good for Australia.  However, they pushed forward while Nigeria seemed to sit back.   Shots rained on goal and when it seemed all Australia's luck was gone, five minutes before the half ended, Foxe scored from a free kick that deflected off the Nigerian wall.  About time some fortune fell our way.   And three minutes later, a lovely break from midfield saw saw a delightful one-touch movement between Wehrman, Curcija, then Viduka, who then back-heeled sublimely back to Wehrmen, who then equalised with a close range shot. The crowd went wild and Australia were still alive.  However, there was the chance to lead into the half when two great opportunities were ruefully missed.   First Curcija missed a cutback from Emerton that hit a defender on the line, then Viduka missed an angled attempt seconds later.  Australia were in total control, but going into the half, were still at square one.

Both teams started more cautiously in the second half, but the Nigerians upped their spoiling tactics.  While several cards were dished out, it was all too late.   The match eventually got out of hand, when the Nigerian diving incited several of the Australians. The resulting fracas saw both teams' captains sent off.  This hurt Australia more as Emerton was clearly Australia's best.  

Naturally, there was much more space now, and Australia still looked more likely to score.  But come the 65th minute, a long ball was cleared straight into the air in defence, with Colosimo's decision to head back to the goal keeper, ending in disaster when Agali read the chance well, to round the goal keeper (just) and score.  Again, where was the talking?  Foxe and Laybutt were around, and instead of watching the ball, a call to clear it elsewhere should have been made.

All was not lost, as an equaliser would still give Australia hope of progressing.   They peppered the goals, but could not overcome the packed Nigerian defence.   They also became too Viduka-centric, who was constantly marked by two or even three players whenever he had the ball.  However, two chances came that simply had to be scored.  Curcija missed a point blank header that went wide, and Zane had an air swing at a cross from Lazaridis that went across the face of goal.   I am always loathe to criticise forwards, but in circumstances like this, these chances must be converted. There were at least five good chances that should have went in, plus many other half chances.  It was not to be.

So, the campaign, ruined by injuries and player problems, is over.  And like our last dismal failure (against Iran), lessons have to be learnt.  People will point to Kewell not being here as costing us a game.  While I'd agree that with two superstars to mark, Nigeria would have succumbed, despites Australia's defensive errors.   Against Italy, I am not so sure.  Again, preparation was not up to crash.  We can blame Fifa on that.  Besides, all teams suffered - certainly Nigeria and Italy.   Dealing in hypotheticals is fruitless.  The facts are Australia were good enough, and in positions good enough, to draw and win the first two games.  They did not, and while it may be easy to blame the quirks of the game, this is now the third-straight big game (Iran, Italy, Nigeria) that basic errors have caused our downfall that simply should not occur so consistently.  Even that Teheran Iran game, the goal should have been avoided, and it makes painful reading that in our last four big games, six of the seven goals conceded should have been avoided, with four, gift-wrapped.

If any good comes out of this campaign, I hope the next big tournament - the World Cup - Australia heeds all the lessons learnt over the years and has one glorious run.  We are really due.  But first, we must eradicate these costly errors in midfield and defense and learn the fast-breaking game.  If the players are not capable of it, play in a way that does not jeopardise results.  The fans are just about sick of being tantalised with glory only for the team to be shooting themselves in the foot.

How would I describe the Olympic campaign?  Shattering?  No. No crying, no sleepless nights.  Strangely, the early elimination feels pre-ordained.  Writing this makes me slightly angry in fact.  The two early goals, then the third goal, and the loss to Italy, meant I was never up to feel shattered.  High expectations were never there - it was always a case of wait and see.  And then, immediately after the match, I watched the stirring 4*100 relay swimming win which tempered the disappointment and anger.  That is the problem with the Olympics - football is merely one gold medal amongst many. It is easily forgotten.  While football gold would mean so much more than other golds, we have never, or ever been in the position to, win one.  At the moment, swimming gold gives Australia the most glory at the Olympics.  I wish football could have changed that.  Maybe next time.

19 September 2000: More errors leave the hosts disgraced and the campaign a bloody shambles.
I can honestly say, that football has already taken a back seat in this Olympics.   Other than anger and a sense of terminal inevitability, no real emotion after the Nigeria game.  It was not until after I watched South Africa defeat Brazil that it hit - a golden opportunity thrown away and some despondency set in.  A depleted Australia beat South Africa in the warm up games, yet one team is the first eliminated, and the other is through to the quarters.  But typically, more bloody swimming gold soon pepped me up.  Incidentally, no one anyone has tried to explain Thorpe's shock silver medal in the 200m when he should have won.  Not for the first time, I will do the job for Ch7's lousy commentators.  Basically, he got sucked in and went out too fast to match Hoogie.  In the semis, Thorpe was 1 second over the world record pace (that Hoogie set in the first semi), yet finished just 2/100s outside it, comfortably, and seemingly, with plenty to spare.  In the final, he and Hoogie were .3 under it - a 1.3 second tournaround for Thorpe.  Hoogie is a sprinter moving up in distance and would naturally go out fast, whilst Thorpe is middle distance swimmer moving down, and naturally comes home quicker.  Whether Thorpe could have eclipsed his personal best of the semis is problematical, but with a full day's rest, you'd think he would have at least made up the 2/100s to equal the final winning time of Hoogie that was actually identical to his semi final time.    Facts are he did not give himself the best possible chance and like the football teams, he should learn from his mistakes.

The Matildas, our only live team left in the football, caught a bout of defensus-stuff-up-perus when they let an outstanding Hughes goal go unrewarded by conceding two second half goals against Brazil.  While Australia had two good chances early to Hughes and Ferguson, it was Brazil that had all the possession.  Australia's defence held up well, and it was Hughes, atoning for the earlier miss, that juggled a looped pass, beat one Brazillian, then beat another, to score from just inside the box, to give Australia hope of making the semi finals.  And just when it looked like they had Brazil under control in the second half, a mix-up with the goal-keeper saw a defensive under-hit pass land straight to a Brazillian who then looped the ball into an unguarded net.  While one more goal was all the Australia needed, a turnover in their defensive third again gifted a Brazillian goal to effectively seal the Matildas' hopes.   Australia did score late, however, but for some reason (seems a deflection off an Australian player lieing on the goal line was insanely declared as an active offside - it would have went in regardless), the goal was disallowed to really end the campaign on a sour note... and amidst a ramgaging streaker!  For what it was worth, Germany did their bit by defeating Sweden, which would have meant our women would have qualified for a semi-final most likely against the USA.

The Olyroos were playing merely for pride, but any expectation turned immediately sour when Honduras scored in the third minute from (yes again) a speedy midfield counter attack.  Colosimo erred again, when in coming forward, passed straight to the opposition leaving a huge gap up the middle for the speedy Suazo to run through.  He received a pass from the wide midfielder that was instantly set free from the turnover.  Typically of a team in the box seat, Honduras sat back, content to absorb and counter attack.  Again, a silly error, and whilst you can't really blame Colosimo for going forward, clearly someone should have tracked back to fill the hole, or Colosimo should have played a less risky pass.

To get back on track, Lazaridis started creating havoc down the right and sent in many good crosses.  One of which should have been converted easily.  Instead, Viduka uncharacteristically, and typically of this tournament with all Australia's chances, put it wide.  Australia still pressed, with Viduka nearly setting up a wonder goal with some sheer brilliant play, when double-teamed, he back-heeled a pass to Lazaridis at the by-line.  Unfortunately, Lazaridis could not beat his man but won a corner instead.   There were several more half chances for the remainder of the half for Australia, with Viduka, Foxe, Skoko and Curcija not converting.  However, the best chance, a corner with seven minutes to go, saw Laybutt miss another sitter, which again, simply has to go in at this level.  At the other end, Suazo, who'd scored the first goal, caused a few troubles with his speed, but mostly, the Hondurans were largely curtailed.   Even a weak Neill back-header did not create a situation of deja-vu for the Australians.

Pressure paid off early in the second half, when a move down the right involving Neill and Werhman, saw a low cross deflected in by Honduras' sweeper after Curcija totally missed it.  A fortunate goal that should have been converted anyway.  With half an hour to go, with Laybutt disputing a free kick, Honduras played it quickly to Suazo, whose speed and skill saw him go past three Australians and steal another goal.   Milosevic got a hand to the ball, but typically of Australia's luck, the ball just snuck in at the far post.  From here on, the second half saw a repeat performance of the Nigeria game. Australia peppered the goals but could not break down the mass defence and also had to contend with the outrageous Honduran play-acting of injures.  Why Fifa does not impose a rule that keeps stretchered players off for 10 minutes, is beyond me.  The play-acting would be stopped instantly.  However, in all this action, Australia stiff managed to waste at least three great chances, that again, simply have to go in.  Zane (twice) and Viduka, missed close range headers that either went straight to the goal keeper or hit the post.

So all the action is over for Australia, and I suppose, like the rest of Australia, will just forget about football until the final.   Off the field, a serious post-mortem must occur to somehow explain the calamity of this high-profile and heavily funded build-up to what should have been the crowning glory for the sport in this country.   Instead, both teams finish on the bottom, with the men's team losing all games.   Silly errors were critical, but why did other teams avoid them. 

Sure, Australia has made tremendous progress in skills on the pitch, but it is glaringly obvious that their mental and tactical skills don't match.  You can look at the real tough European experience that the back trio of Laybutt, Foxe and Colosimo lack that no doubt contributed to the errors.  To me, they tried to play too skilfully and not intelligently.  Confidence on the ball is one thing. But cockiness on the ball has proved our downfall.  There is a time and place for playing out of the defence, and there are occasions when the intelligent thing to do is to simply boot it out.   In fact, I can't even remember once in the three games that Australia booted the ball away.  The other teams - the winners - did.

Just a last whine on the media.  First, if there is any indication that football is taking a back seat during the games, even SBS declined to show highlights of the Nigeria game, and did not even have Johnny Warren on until the following night to discuss the woes.  Even then, the confirmation of South America not participating in future Olympic games because there is no money in it seemed to take precedence.  Also, I am sick of seeing cruel, brave, unfair, etc, being used to described our results.  Even SBS's website labelled the loss as cruel.  It was not.  We were beaten by an overall better exponent of the game - just like last the first two games.  The losses were not brave, not cruel and not unfair.  Australia had their chances, were good enough, and failed.  Realise this, and learn from it.  Or go play AFL or basketball if you want scoreboard supremacy to match on-field possession and statistical supremacy.

For the future, heads should - and must - roll.  Our highest skilled and best prepared team has returned the worst results since Australia first qualified for the Olympics in 1988 (they qualified for Melbourne 1956 as hosts, but even India beat them).   Honduras, which turned up the morning of their first match, played no warm-up games since they qualified, and amidst player quarrels and pay disputes, out-smarted the Australians.  Nigeria's preparation was barely any better; Italy too, did not play any lead up games.  Yet all three were able to get results against Australia despite being out-played.  Hate to point he finger, but to me, it seems the coaching was the problem.  The cocky Australians needed to have it drilled into them to use their skill wisely and appropriately.  And just like the disastrous 1999 World Youth Cup campaign, anger directed at the coaching will hopefully see changes being made, and a total re-think of Olympic preparation philosphopy come Athens 2004.

I will watch the rest of the football games, especially the later finals. But no doubt the rest of the Olympics will distract me.  Already there was probably the greatest single performance of the Games, maybe even the past 30 years, when the German pursuit team broke the magical four minute barrier for the 4000 metre pursuit in cycling.   This is as big as an achievement as the four-minute mile, with only the two-hour marathon the only thing around at present that could possibly rival it.  And no doubt there will be more gold in the bloody pool, more on the bloody waters, and as I write this, one missed in the bloody shooting, but one won in the bloody archery.  Basically, more gold everywhere bloody else.  But not where I wanted it bloody most.

2 October 2000: It's Over.  Cameroon and Norway worthy winners.
In terms of football, the best Olympic games tournament I have seen is over.   The quality of play, the number of goals, the dramatic run of the winners, plus, and something the World Cup cannot vouch, yet again, a wonderful final.  Cameroon preserved Africa's claim on the title by defeating Spain 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.  While penalties is not the way to decide things, the right team won because minutes before the end, Cameroon did score only for the referee to stupidly call the goal off-side.  Time and time again I am amazed how Fifa can allow such blatant poor refereeing.  This is not a mere friendly; it is the gold-medal game.  I can't think of one sporting organisation that would tolerate such incompetence in on-field decisions like Fifa does. 

The women's final saw an even more dramatic match when Norway defeated the highly fancied USA 3-2 in extra time.  Germany beat Nigeria and Chile beat the USA in the third place playoffs respectively for women and men.  The men's USA performance just highlights the chance missed by a similar standard team like ours.  Whilst the USA had the better draw, they played intelligently and within themselves to win their group and end up finishing fourth.  Basically, they played to maximise their results.   To have Australia in that final on Saturday would have made, what has been described as the best ever soccer game held in this country, even better.

Australia should learn lessons from Cameroon too.  They had a shocking lead up, with players arriving in dribs and drabs, and some not even arriving until the day of their first match.  Sure, their squad is more talented on paper, but more importantly, they had the international know-how of overcoming the dilemma of the isolation and inconvenience of having players scattered around the world.  So did most of the other teams.  And it showed.  The high goal average reflected the teams' lack of defensive cohesion and intensity that you see at a World Cup, but were able to compensate by scoring the extra goal or two. 

Cameroon did ride their luck getting into the final, however, especially in the Chile semi-final.  Chile missed countless chances, including open goals, and were leading 1-0 with eight minutes left.  Cameroon scored off a corner that luckily rebounded in front of the scorer, and then were awarded a dubious penalty at the 89th minute.  In the quarter final against Brazil, they managed to score in extra time with only 9 men.   Even in the final, Spain missed a penalty to go 3-0 up and Cameroon's first goal was a lucky deflection off a Spanish defender from a cross.  In extra time, stupidity (and cockiness) set in. With the benefit of having Spain two men off, they dwelled too much in going forward (thought I was watching Australia) and kept trying to walk the ball through the middle of the Spanish defence and into the net.  That is Cameroon for you - and what makes them so popular.  At least they stuck to their strengths and played within their limitations, took their chances, and succeeded.

Against the teams that progressed passed the knockout phase, skill wise, Australia has reached a competitive enough level to succeed at this level, but now needs the mental and tactical guidance to realise it.  After absorbing all the aftermath of our abysmal failure, and following the other teams' fortunes, it is clear our entire coaching structure needs to be overhauled.  If Soccer Australia does not realise this - which it seems they don't - then they need to be overhauled too.   Well, stuff the overhaul, maybe keelhauling is required?  Then the overhaul.  Brazil sacked their coach  upon his arrival back home.  What have we done?  I know we are not Brazil, but it is time we realised that if want to fly with the eagles, we have to stop hanging around with turkeys.

Yes, it has been a bittersweet experience, this football tournament.  In some respects, even I have received a severe wake-up call that our team is not all that it is cracked up to be.  A cosy run at the 1992 Olympics, defeating Argentina in World Youth Cups, nil-nils against Brazil and other similar results have given a false interpretation of our team's standing and taught us nothing when it has come time for the really big games.  Hope, rather than confidence, is what I now feel for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.  If the shock from this Olympic campaign does not manifest itself into those who matter, and resolve to cover all contingencies, then the next World Cup campaign will do nothing but continue to show that Australia, as a footballing nation, is still very much third world.

As for the rest of the Olympics, relief, despair, jubilation, anger, sadness, and shock were all felt during the games.  Quite often, within minutes of each other.   Ultimately, pride - pride in our country and people is the overwhelming emotion felt, not just by me, but everyone it seems.  Look out for a complete write-up in a new page called "Warrior Wisdom" shortly. It really does feel great to be Austalian at the moment.

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