We've arrived in China now for the Olympic Games proper and our preparation so far has gone well. We arrived in Hong Kong last week for a warm up tournament featuring Holland, Ivory Coast and the USA. I started the first game against Holland and slowly the team started to get into the rhythm of the game. We lost 2-0, which we're not too worried about. It's better to lose in a warm up after all!
I picked up a dead leg after about 70 minutes, so sat out the game against the USA as a precaution, which we won 1-0. The conditions throughout the tournament were quite tough, because the weather was so humid. It was very tiring playing in the heat too, but we feel stronger and the group is bonding very well.
In some time off, we took the opportunity to see some of the sights of Hong Kong, which is a place I've fallen in love with. For someone who likes a sharp suit, Hong Kong is perfect. I need another suitcase to bring my clothes back!
We're now in China and our first game of the Olympics is against Korea on Thursday - I know, I know the Olympics opening ceremony is on Friday, but our tournament gets underway before then. After Korea, we face Honduras, who I don't know much about and Italy, who I do know. It should be a good group, but I think if we play to our strengths and show some composure in front of goal, we will get through the group.
I'll keep you guys posted of how things go.
Alex