16 July 2012

July 16th - first day of games at Gothia Cup and some nerves as usual
Boys A get us going but start flat vs. a German team.  We go down a goal but Dominic ties it before halftime.
2nd half we settle down but give up a bad goal 2 minutes from time to go down 2-1. Boys fought back and Brett strikes a volley from the 18 to tie the game 2-2.  The final whistle blew 20 seconds later so we settle for a 2-2- tie.

Boys C up next and I think they get a little cocky vs. a team from Norway and give up 2 goals in the first 5 minutes.  They go on to lose 4-0 but did not  play their best so they have a point to prove on Tuesday.

Boys B play at 12:50 and have the best performance of the day.  Nice grass stadium and Sebastian W outworks a defender to give us a 1-0 halftime lead.  We control the game but cannot put our chances away and allow them an equalizer off a corner kick.  Game tied 1-1.  But shortly after that, Lars plays a great ball into the 18 and Sebastian W once again heads home a goal which proved to be the game winner as Bs win 2-1.
After some rest and meals, we depart at 7:15 for the Gothia Cup Opening Ceremonies.  One of the greatest nights on tour. Every soccer fan needs to see a World Cup live but every soccer player needs to experience the Gothia Cup Opening Ceremonies first hand.  Its hard to explain that this is a Youth tournament but what a great show. Parade of teams, bands, events, musicians, opening oaths, chanting, and fireworks.  
Kids are pumped and excited to play on Tuesday so wish us luck.

POD
Boys A - Dominic Duffell
Boys - C - Jonathan Otto
Boys B - Sebastian Winkler

Ciao,
Ed

 

Players of the Day (POD)

Boys A

Boys C

Boys B