Thursday, July 16, 2009
Coach's Corner V - Game 3
The results of the first two match days guaranteed our passage into the "A" playoffs, thus ensuring that we had met our first goal in this tournament. But we clearly wanted more. With a win against Kungsbacka IF, we could win our group, and gain two advantages: a small trophy, and a weaker 2nd place finisher as our first opponent in the knockout playoffs.
The day started off with a steady drizzle, as most in Gothenburg have this week, before the sun reluctantly accepts its invitation to appear around mid-morning. We had benefitted from a good night's rest, and didn't mind having to arise at 6:30 am to make it to the game in time. The rain was beginning to let up by our arrival at Inlag, but the improved visibility was most unwelcome, because it offered us a clear glimpse of the home side: Kungsbacka IF. I may have been mistaken in calling the Alvsjo players "spruces", for that leaves little room to describe the lads from Kungsbacka. Not only tall, but chiseled, this was a mature team with, as we later learned, a reputation for being a consistent contender in the youth league of southern Sweden.
I felt it was time to adjust to circumstances. We had to match like-for-like at least in front of our goal, so the back line was reconfigured to include (from right to left) Malik/Freddie, Patrick, George, and Brennen. Their courage and cohesiveness were exemplary. Kungsbacka were obviously used to playing directly and often aerially in to their forward duo, and with 12 goals to their credit in their first two games, no one could argue with the logic of continuing that approach. But our back four were resolute, and no aerial service went unchallenged. If I could remind everyone of the meager display we gave in the air when we first played in the Milwaukee tournament last August, the improvement in our challenges for headers since then would be enough to bring a flush of pride, as it did me in watching this game. Our midfield stayed tightly organized as well, leaving few second balls to be won. Mac was restoring his confidence from game 1, distributing the ball efficiently and patiently. Diamond was frustrating their entire left flank with his tireless ball-winning. But perhaps most inspirational of all was Saul's effort, raising repeated cheers from his bench as he took down (fairly) players literally three times his size on a number of occasions.
Along the front Dennis, Joey, Zach, and Joel ran their socks off to help us defend as well as provide wide options on the attack. Tarik was his usual relentless force, making the Kungsbacka central defenders work harder than they wanted and even forcing a mistake or two.
And all of the above might have been for nought without a great save made by Andy in only the 3rd minute, deftly turning a 30 yard laser heading for the top corner over the crossbar. That shot was a clear indication that the quality of this opposition was in a different category altogether than those we had played before, but it was also a call to our team that Andy expected no let up in the fortress we had established in front of our goal.
The game ebbed and flowed, with good possession soccer from both sides, but very few clear chances created. The frustration of the Kungsbacka forwards was an inspiration to us, but we could not find a way through ourselves. After playing the best defense I have ever seen from our team, all that effort seemed unfairly forfeited when Kungsbacka were granted a penalty three minutes from time after we challenged for a 50-50 ball near the edge of our area. I suppose we'll never know whether Andy's previous heroics had anything to do with the Kungsbacka shot being pulled wide, but it seemed imminently fair that our boys be rewarded with at least a point for such stellar display.
The result places us second in our group, matched against the 1st place finisher from Group 53. There is no doubt that another step in the maturation of this team was reached today.
LISC 0 Kungsbacka IF 0
Shots (on goal): LISC 5 (1) Kungsbacka IF 3(2)
The day started off with a steady drizzle, as most in Gothenburg have this week, before the sun reluctantly accepts its invitation to appear around mid-morning. We had benefitted from a good night's rest, and didn't mind having to arise at 6:30 am to make it to the game in time. The rain was beginning to let up by our arrival at Inlag, but the improved visibility was most unwelcome, because it offered us a clear glimpse of the home side: Kungsbacka IF. I may have been mistaken in calling the Alvsjo players "spruces", for that leaves little room to describe the lads from Kungsbacka. Not only tall, but chiseled, this was a mature team with, as we later learned, a reputation for being a consistent contender in the youth league of southern Sweden.
I felt it was time to adjust to circumstances. We had to match like-for-like at least in front of our goal, so the back line was reconfigured to include (from right to left) Malik/Freddie, Patrick, George, and Brennen. Their courage and cohesiveness were exemplary. Kungsbacka were obviously used to playing directly and often aerially in to their forward duo, and with 12 goals to their credit in their first two games, no one could argue with the logic of continuing that approach. But our back four were resolute, and no aerial service went unchallenged. If I could remind everyone of the meager display we gave in the air when we first played in the Milwaukee tournament last August, the improvement in our challenges for headers since then would be enough to bring a flush of pride, as it did me in watching this game. Our midfield stayed tightly organized as well, leaving few second balls to be won. Mac was restoring his confidence from game 1, distributing the ball efficiently and patiently. Diamond was frustrating their entire left flank with his tireless ball-winning. But perhaps most inspirational of all was Saul's effort, raising repeated cheers from his bench as he took down (fairly) players literally three times his size on a number of occasions.
Along the front Dennis, Joey, Zach, and Joel ran their socks off to help us defend as well as provide wide options on the attack. Tarik was his usual relentless force, making the Kungsbacka central defenders work harder than they wanted and even forcing a mistake or two.
And all of the above might have been for nought without a great save made by Andy in only the 3rd minute, deftly turning a 30 yard laser heading for the top corner over the crossbar. That shot was a clear indication that the quality of this opposition was in a different category altogether than those we had played before, but it was also a call to our team that Andy expected no let up in the fortress we had established in front of our goal.
The game ebbed and flowed, with good possession soccer from both sides, but very few clear chances created. The frustration of the Kungsbacka forwards was an inspiration to us, but we could not find a way through ourselves. After playing the best defense I have ever seen from our team, all that effort seemed unfairly forfeited when Kungsbacka were granted a penalty three minutes from time after we challenged for a 50-50 ball near the edge of our area. I suppose we'll never know whether Andy's previous heroics had anything to do with the Kungsbacka shot being pulled wide, but it seemed imminently fair that our boys be rewarded with at least a point for such stellar display.
The result places us second in our group, matched against the 1st place finisher from Group 53. There is no doubt that another step in the maturation of this team was reached today.
LISC 0 Kungsbacka IF 0
Shots (on goal): LISC 5 (1) Kungsbacka IF 3(2)
Coach's Corner IV - Game 2
After our first game, we found ourselves sitting in second place in our group, trailing the leaders Kunsbacka IF by goal difference (+7 to +5). We would have to maintain that position to reach our goal of qualifying for the "A" playoffs.
There are debates that rage about what a coach's job actually comprises. Some feel coaches should only teach. Others would add "motivate", "analyse", and "discipline" to the list. The one thing I am sure all coaches would include is "worry". Just as players can always rationalize their mistakes and omissions no matter how devastating the consequences, so too can coaches always find a reason to agonize no matter how well things seem to be going.
Such was the state of my mind on the second game day. The previous day's big win had left our boys buoyant, and I was very proud of course, but I hoped we weren't expecting such an easy time the rest of the way. It did not help my state of mind to know that the boys were aware that today's opponent had been beaten by 7 goals in their first game. The situation provided fertile ground for complacency to grow. It didn't help my concern that the night before the team had reveled in the joyous opening ceremony, capping the late evening off with a moonlit ice cream picnic in the park neighboring the school. By the next morning, they were still swooning from the magic of the previous night more than they seemed to be focused on the day's task.
I decided to try to inject a dose of reality by taking the team to the Heden Center to see a showcase game in their group between IF Brommapojkarna of Sweden and FC Praha of the Czech Republic. The Swedish team were dazzling. Speed and technical proficiency at every position were combined with collective movement that created gaping paths through the Czech defense at every turn and in every part of the field. It seemed that every Swedish position created a real threat to the Czech goal. Moreover, every chance thus created was efficiently placed on goal. Only the heroic efforts of the Czech keeper prevented the score from being more lopsided than the final 8-0. This was what we had come to see, and to have a chance to play against. I hoped that the boys recognized it would take a better effort than that of the day before to earn such a chance. I hoped the boys recognized that the Swedes had shown us how well I expect us to play one day.
We returned to Inlag, and repeated our routine of the day before. Today's opponent were Alvsjo AIK FF, a large club from Stockholm. They too had their share of "Swedish spruces", tall and robust fellows, but they also had a nifty if small central midfield #10 who unsettled us with his dribbling forays. We were clearly the more skilled team overall, but as opposed to the day before, our play was more selfish and disorganized. Apparently expecting the easy game I dreaded we'd expect, we repeatedy held the ball longer than necessary. We were no longer willing to trust our teammates by playing the ball to spaces, often being punished by loss of possession when the in the same situations a day earlier we would have found a way to play someone in. Our own goal was rarely threatened, but there was no rhythm nor variety in our play. Even the good chances we created were squandered by the extra, unnecessary touch. Our first goal came fortuitously when a headed clearance from our back line by George eluded their outside back. The ever-alert Patrick swooped in to finish before the charging Alvsjo keeper could close off the angle. A 1-0 lead at halftime seemed a paltry return, given our technical superiority, but the second half proved no easier. We allowed them a foothold in the game which they were only too happy to accept. Urged on by our frustration, they continued to use their physical presence to deny us space, while counting on #10 to provide a spark that might cinch an equalising goal. But after a goalmouth scramble resulting from a missed clearance, George pounced on the loose ball to gain a 2-0 lead that both looked, and proved, secure.
Two games in, two victories, and no goals conceded, yet I had not shaken my worry. On the whole this effort was a step back from the day before, and our hardest games were just around the corner. Clearly, we would need a better effort the next day against Kungsbacka who, by defeating IFK Valla 4-0, now stood atop the group by goal difference (+11 to +7). We spent some of our time at school that night talking about trust in one another, about playing for the group rather than for our individual selves. We went to bed early with renewed commitment.
LISC 2 Alvsjo AIK FF 0
Shots (on goal): LISC 18 (12) Alvsjo AIK FF 5(1)
LISC Goals: Patrick, George
LISC Assists: George
There are debates that rage about what a coach's job actually comprises. Some feel coaches should only teach. Others would add "motivate", "analyse", and "discipline" to the list. The one thing I am sure all coaches would include is "worry". Just as players can always rationalize their mistakes and omissions no matter how devastating the consequences, so too can coaches always find a reason to agonize no matter how well things seem to be going.
Such was the state of my mind on the second game day. The previous day's big win had left our boys buoyant, and I was very proud of course, but I hoped we weren't expecting such an easy time the rest of the way. It did not help my state of mind to know that the boys were aware that today's opponent had been beaten by 7 goals in their first game. The situation provided fertile ground for complacency to grow. It didn't help my concern that the night before the team had reveled in the joyous opening ceremony, capping the late evening off with a moonlit ice cream picnic in the park neighboring the school. By the next morning, they were still swooning from the magic of the previous night more than they seemed to be focused on the day's task.
I decided to try to inject a dose of reality by taking the team to the Heden Center to see a showcase game in their group between IF Brommapojkarna of Sweden and FC Praha of the Czech Republic. The Swedish team were dazzling. Speed and technical proficiency at every position were combined with collective movement that created gaping paths through the Czech defense at every turn and in every part of the field. It seemed that every Swedish position created a real threat to the Czech goal. Moreover, every chance thus created was efficiently placed on goal. Only the heroic efforts of the Czech keeper prevented the score from being more lopsided than the final 8-0. This was what we had come to see, and to have a chance to play against. I hoped that the boys recognized it would take a better effort than that of the day before to earn such a chance. I hoped the boys recognized that the Swedes had shown us how well I expect us to play one day.
We returned to Inlag, and repeated our routine of the day before. Today's opponent were Alvsjo AIK FF, a large club from Stockholm. They too had their share of "Swedish spruces", tall and robust fellows, but they also had a nifty if small central midfield #10 who unsettled us with his dribbling forays. We were clearly the more skilled team overall, but as opposed to the day before, our play was more selfish and disorganized. Apparently expecting the easy game I dreaded we'd expect, we repeatedy held the ball longer than necessary. We were no longer willing to trust our teammates by playing the ball to spaces, often being punished by loss of possession when the in the same situations a day earlier we would have found a way to play someone in. Our own goal was rarely threatened, but there was no rhythm nor variety in our play. Even the good chances we created were squandered by the extra, unnecessary touch. Our first goal came fortuitously when a headed clearance from our back line by George eluded their outside back. The ever-alert Patrick swooped in to finish before the charging Alvsjo keeper could close off the angle. A 1-0 lead at halftime seemed a paltry return, given our technical superiority, but the second half proved no easier. We allowed them a foothold in the game which they were only too happy to accept. Urged on by our frustration, they continued to use their physical presence to deny us space, while counting on #10 to provide a spark that might cinch an equalising goal. But after a goalmouth scramble resulting from a missed clearance, George pounced on the loose ball to gain a 2-0 lead that both looked, and proved, secure.
Two games in, two victories, and no goals conceded, yet I had not shaken my worry. On the whole this effort was a step back from the day before, and our hardest games were just around the corner. Clearly, we would need a better effort the next day against Kungsbacka who, by defeating IFK Valla 4-0, now stood atop the group by goal difference (+11 to +7). We spent some of our time at school that night talking about trust in one another, about playing for the group rather than for our individual selves. We went to bed early with renewed commitment.
LISC 2 Alvsjo AIK FF 0
Shots (on goal): LISC 18 (12) Alvsjo AIK FF 5(1)
LISC Goals: Patrick, George
LISC Assists: George
Coach's Corner III - Game 1
Monday marks the start of the actual Gothia Cup competition. By then we had already felt quite settled. We knew where the showers were and where meals could be obtained. We found the latter to be plentiful and tastier than expected. We had made friends with Zambian, Malaysian and British boys; Canadian, Kenyan and Swedish girls, all at our school. We realized that they found us of great interest, and we also realized that they had much to tell us about parts of the world we had never before imagined. We knew how to navigate the tram system, and wondered how cool it might be to be able to get around so far, so quickly, so safely, and all together back home. We roamed along the main avenues of this city of 600,000 as comfortably as we might roam along ...... well, I guess there aren't any analogous places for us to convene arm in arm, and chat, walk, and giggle in the clear cool night back home.
There was only one place left for us to make ourselves 'at home': on the soccer pitch. Our group games would all be held at Kungsbacka, an affluent suburb and former royal retreat about 30 miles south of Gothenburg proper. We boarded a fast train at the Central Station, and found an entire well-kept and comfortable car to ourselves for the 30 minute journey. Smiles were prevalent everywhere you looked. The boys were not only enjoying themselves, but really learning to enjoy each other.
But no matter how well prepared you might be, no matter how comfortable your hosts have made you, the first game of an international tournament always brings with it some unease, if not outright anxiety. How good are these Europeans? Do we really belong on this stage? Will the crowds appreciate us, or conspire against us? Just how different will this feel from the tournaments we play back home?
The differences were quickly in evidence. As we alighted from the shuttle bus that transported us to the Inlag complex, we were met by a full ice hockey rink and clubhouse complete with locker room, trophy room, and dining area, all for the benefit of a community less than the size of Champaign-Urbana. Teams were warming up in a practice area that was smoother and better groomed than any we have played games on back home. As we proceeded further along the path bordered by trees and hedges, the playing complex emerged: seven manicured grass fields and 1 artificial turf field bisected by a hedgerow.
We had arrived early enough to get used to the surroundings. As compared to American tournaments, most of the noise we heard came from the teams themselves rather than from the spectators. Chants and songs in a variety of languages were heard in a ritualistic effort to inspire teammates.
We warmed up with energy and purposefulness. If there were jitters, they were not noticeable. Our bench was alive, our supporters (including the just-arrived Voulgaris family) were alive, and our chant reverberated as loudly as any other as the game began.
Our opponents were IFK Valla from Hjalteby, due east of Gothenburg. Their chant went "En for alla, Valla", meaning "all for one, Valla". They were cut from the traditional Scandanavian cloth - big and eager to be physical. They intended to boss the game, to impose themselves upon their smaller American rivals. After trying to play the ball around their back four early on, however, they were surprised by our athleticism and quickness. We were winning balls before we could be pushed off them. We established a good passing tempo from the start, and the movement off the ball became incisive. A through ball to Tarik lead to a late tackle in the box, but our appeals for a penalty went unheeded by the referee. The pattern of play had been established nevertheless, and it was not long thereafter that Patrick was played in by Diamond. After an excellent first touch to beat the recovering outside back, Patrick left no doubt that this chance would be finished for a 1-0 lead. Valla were clearly rattled. They replaced the left back with a more athletic player to deal with the threat Patrick had shown himself to be, but this proved fruitless, as within minutes, another great run by Patrick resulted in a low cross to the far post that was expertly directed in the goal by a sliding Tarik. We were up 2-0 in our first international match! I exhorted the boys to keep up their tempo, keep up their intensity, and they rose to that challenge. Tarik found himself on the end of a more central attack before half, and smartly pulled the ball back for Mac to finish after he had made the necessary run to the penalty spot.
The second half saw little change in our domination despite several line-up changes. We kept the ball well, and our goal was never threatened. Increasingly, Valla had to resort to bringing back the bigger players they had hoped to threaten our goal with in order to defend their own. Patrick scored his second goal after great work on the left flank by Dennis, whose low shot could only be parried into the path of our opportunistic #16. Similarly effective flank play by Brennen provided George an opportunity near the top of the box, which he finished left-footed after an elegant turn of his defender.
A 5-0 win in our first game in Europe was beyond our expectations, but nothing more than we deserved. We played soccer that was pleasing to the eye, and showed that we had a skill set that could offset the physical disparities we were sure to be up against while we are here. We had proved that we belonged. By the end of the game, we had attracted the attention of many Swedih fans as word of the quality of our play spread through the complex. Several of these fans, as well as referees who had watched, congratulated us on our outstyanding play.
LISC 5 IFK Valla 0
Shots (on goal): LISC 20 (12) IFK Valla 2(1)
LISC Goals: Patrick 2, Tarik, Mac, George
LISC Assists: Diamond, Patrick, Tarik, Dennis, Brennen
There was only one place left for us to make ourselves 'at home': on the soccer pitch. Our group games would all be held at Kungsbacka, an affluent suburb and former royal retreat about 30 miles south of Gothenburg proper. We boarded a fast train at the Central Station, and found an entire well-kept and comfortable car to ourselves for the 30 minute journey. Smiles were prevalent everywhere you looked. The boys were not only enjoying themselves, but really learning to enjoy each other.
But no matter how well prepared you might be, no matter how comfortable your hosts have made you, the first game of an international tournament always brings with it some unease, if not outright anxiety. How good are these Europeans? Do we really belong on this stage? Will the crowds appreciate us, or conspire against us? Just how different will this feel from the tournaments we play back home?
The differences were quickly in evidence. As we alighted from the shuttle bus that transported us to the Inlag complex, we were met by a full ice hockey rink and clubhouse complete with locker room, trophy room, and dining area, all for the benefit of a community less than the size of Champaign-Urbana. Teams were warming up in a practice area that was smoother and better groomed than any we have played games on back home. As we proceeded further along the path bordered by trees and hedges, the playing complex emerged: seven manicured grass fields and 1 artificial turf field bisected by a hedgerow.
We had arrived early enough to get used to the surroundings. As compared to American tournaments, most of the noise we heard came from the teams themselves rather than from the spectators. Chants and songs in a variety of languages were heard in a ritualistic effort to inspire teammates.
We warmed up with energy and purposefulness. If there were jitters, they were not noticeable. Our bench was alive, our supporters (including the just-arrived Voulgaris family) were alive, and our chant reverberated as loudly as any other as the game began.
Our opponents were IFK Valla from Hjalteby, due east of Gothenburg. Their chant went "En for alla, Valla", meaning "all for one, Valla". They were cut from the traditional Scandanavian cloth - big and eager to be physical. They intended to boss the game, to impose themselves upon their smaller American rivals. After trying to play the ball around their back four early on, however, they were surprised by our athleticism and quickness. We were winning balls before we could be pushed off them. We established a good passing tempo from the start, and the movement off the ball became incisive. A through ball to Tarik lead to a late tackle in the box, but our appeals for a penalty went unheeded by the referee. The pattern of play had been established nevertheless, and it was not long thereafter that Patrick was played in by Diamond. After an excellent first touch to beat the recovering outside back, Patrick left no doubt that this chance would be finished for a 1-0 lead. Valla were clearly rattled. They replaced the left back with a more athletic player to deal with the threat Patrick had shown himself to be, but this proved fruitless, as within minutes, another great run by Patrick resulted in a low cross to the far post that was expertly directed in the goal by a sliding Tarik. We were up 2-0 in our first international match! I exhorted the boys to keep up their tempo, keep up their intensity, and they rose to that challenge. Tarik found himself on the end of a more central attack before half, and smartly pulled the ball back for Mac to finish after he had made the necessary run to the penalty spot.
The second half saw little change in our domination despite several line-up changes. We kept the ball well, and our goal was never threatened. Increasingly, Valla had to resort to bringing back the bigger players they had hoped to threaten our goal with in order to defend their own. Patrick scored his second goal after great work on the left flank by Dennis, whose low shot could only be parried into the path of our opportunistic #16. Similarly effective flank play by Brennen provided George an opportunity near the top of the box, which he finished left-footed after an elegant turn of his defender.
A 5-0 win in our first game in Europe was beyond our expectations, but nothing more than we deserved. We played soccer that was pleasing to the eye, and showed that we had a skill set that could offset the physical disparities we were sure to be up against while we are here. We had proved that we belonged. By the end of the game, we had attracted the attention of many Swedih fans as word of the quality of our play spread through the complex. Several of these fans, as well as referees who had watched, congratulated us on our outstyanding play.
LISC 5 IFK Valla 0
Shots (on goal): LISC 20 (12) IFK Valla 2(1)
LISC Goals: Patrick 2, Tarik, Mac, George
LISC Assists: Diamond, Patrick, Tarik, Dennis, Brennen
Coach's Corner II - The Lead Up to the Games
My apologies to those who have been awaiting details of the trip from the team's perspective - I have simply been without internet access until now.
As much as I might expect to be used to it by now, after 4 previous trips, I am still amazed by the extaordinary hospitality with which we are greeted every time we come. The trip itself went extremely well. The boys were eager and accomodating, and we arrived without incident in Gothenburg early on Saturday. We arrived at the ISGR (International School of the Gothenburg Region), delighted at the courtesy our host Sven-Erik Jensen had shown us by moving us there. The room was spacious and directly across the hall from the very helpful tournament staff that is present 24 hours/day. We were the first team at the school, giving us a decided advantage in acclimating ourselves in comparison to trips past. We quickly arranged and assigned our cots, then took a much needed three hour nap in an effort to mitigate our jet lag. It seemed to work a charm, because no sooner had I awakened the slumbering masses than they begged to be shown the main tournament sight: the Heden Center. Final preparations were still being made there. The concession stands were being assembled, the flags of the participating nations were being raised, the grounds were being groomed ..... and the fields were open! So what better way to spend your first afternoon in Sweden than to have an 9v9 game with a mini-ball on an FieldTurf surface. It was only the need for food that caused the boys the reluctantly give up their session after an hour. We met the parents at their hotel, found a Pizza 'Butik', where the boys struggled with, but eventually enjoyed, deciphering the variety of toppings on offer.
Although it had reached nearly 9 pm by our return to the school, there was still plenty of daylight to have a light training session at a nearby park. We ran through about thirty minutes of individual ball skills before noticing two women watching us. They stayed for the remaining half hour before coming over to introduce themseves as two of the Swedish referees who would be working the tournament. They wanted to stay in order to tell the boys how impressed they were by the level of their skills, and how in all their time in Sweden they had never seen such skill in a team so young. Needless to say, the boys were beaming.
The first night in the school was predictable: between their excitement and their biological clocks telling them it was only early afternoon, sleep was hard to come by. But eventually it did come, and there was little difficulty in raising them the next morning, apart from the jitters that come with the inaugural trip to the common showers. That hurdle gratefully cleared, we met the parents for breakfast and a day at the Liseberg amusement park, before returning to Heden for a two-hour training session. With Malaysian, British, and Norwegian teams surrounding us, the boys were inspired to give a great effort as we rehearsed some of our attacking patterns learned over the past three weeks. The boys were making it clear: they were ready to play......
As much as I might expect to be used to it by now, after 4 previous trips, I am still amazed by the extaordinary hospitality with which we are greeted every time we come. The trip itself went extremely well. The boys were eager and accomodating, and we arrived without incident in Gothenburg early on Saturday. We arrived at the ISGR (International School of the Gothenburg Region), delighted at the courtesy our host Sven-Erik Jensen had shown us by moving us there. The room was spacious and directly across the hall from the very helpful tournament staff that is present 24 hours/day. We were the first team at the school, giving us a decided advantage in acclimating ourselves in comparison to trips past. We quickly arranged and assigned our cots, then took a much needed three hour nap in an effort to mitigate our jet lag. It seemed to work a charm, because no sooner had I awakened the slumbering masses than they begged to be shown the main tournament sight: the Heden Center. Final preparations were still being made there. The concession stands were being assembled, the flags of the participating nations were being raised, the grounds were being groomed ..... and the fields were open! So what better way to spend your first afternoon in Sweden than to have an 9v9 game with a mini-ball on an FieldTurf surface. It was only the need for food that caused the boys the reluctantly give up their session after an hour. We met the parents at their hotel, found a Pizza 'Butik', where the boys struggled with, but eventually enjoyed, deciphering the variety of toppings on offer.
Although it had reached nearly 9 pm by our return to the school, there was still plenty of daylight to have a light training session at a nearby park. We ran through about thirty minutes of individual ball skills before noticing two women watching us. They stayed for the remaining half hour before coming over to introduce themseves as two of the Swedish referees who would be working the tournament. They wanted to stay in order to tell the boys how impressed they were by the level of their skills, and how in all their time in Sweden they had never seen such skill in a team so young. Needless to say, the boys were beaming.
The first night in the school was predictable: between their excitement and their biological clocks telling them it was only early afternoon, sleep was hard to come by. But eventually it did come, and there was little difficulty in raising them the next morning, apart from the jitters that come with the inaugural trip to the common showers. That hurdle gratefully cleared, we met the parents for breakfast and a day at the Liseberg amusement park, before returning to Heden for a two-hour training session. With Malaysian, British, and Norwegian teams surrounding us, the boys were inspired to give a great effort as we rehearsed some of our attacking patterns learned over the past three weeks. The boys were making it clear: they were ready to play......
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