9 July 2006

11:00pm CST

Italy wins World Cup - Another great day capped by my Italians winning the World Cup and once again our kids were in the middle of it all.

Breakfast at 9 as we let them sleep in a little bit and then a light training session. Weather once again was magnificent with sunny skies and temperature around 75-80 degrees.

After training we departed for Hamm FC, about 30 minutes away, for the boys to play a friendly. Same team that we played yesterday and tied 0-0. Different scoreline today as we lost 5-0 but good soccer. Older team once again and very physical and with game on turf the pace was more than we can handle. Aram was POD for this game.

Girls did some match analysis and actually did a great job breaking down the game and making some good observations. Boys spirits are not broken which is a good sign and we are just about ready for the Cups to start.

After the game we went to an indoor-outdoor water park and had a blast. Ask the kids about their Deutschland chant and I guarantee a smile will come across their face. Water slides were a total hit. Back to center for dinner, pasta which was great once again, and then a quick trip to the internet cafe before the game.

We watched the game once again at the slaughter house and although not the same atmosphere as the German-Portugal game, still great to be here. Kids have really bonded with the South African team and they were up until midnight traiding items, tshirts, etc. Great fun.

Long transfer tomorrow to Denmark so should be an interesting day. Kids are all well, eating all of their food, and cleaning their rooms in anticipation for departure.

More tomorrow.

Ed

Player of the Day (POD)