August 26, 2004

THE CRITICAL 12-HOUR PERIOD

Today is the curtain call -- the last time during this Olympics in which the players will don their jerseys, come onto the stage and display their teamwork, skill, dedication, passion, and love for each other and the sport.

It is very fitting that the two best teams in the tournament will meet to determine who will stand on the top level of the podium. One extra game (for us, at least), multiple venues, planes, buses and hotels have put Brazil and us in the winners circle. In the beginning, it was talked about. We have to play more games, we have to move more than anyone (other than the Aussies), BUT we all decided that we liked the hard road, we WANTED the hard road. Bring on all challengers!

Four of the Manhattan Beach gals wearing their bracelets given to them from our neighbors, Corie and Kameron.

My better half, Jerry, do his part to be spirited in the stands by paining himself with the "U" in the USA)

With Argentina's Andres D'Alessandro

We have played Brazil twice recently, once in Birmingham, Alabama and once here in Greece. In tune-up games, otherwise known as "FRIENDLIES", teams are working on tactics, systems, introducing new players, but never is there a feeling that they are really that "friendly". Let's just say that tonight is definitely NOT viewed as a "friendly" match between old pals from the Brazilian perspective.

The Brazilian coach has been quoted as saying that tonight is going to be a "war". My teammates and I don't agree with him in the least bit. War is far more serious, dangerous and real. Though we are all very serious about winning, we will never confuse the importance of a soccer match with world peace and freedom. In my opinion, there should be room for friendship and sportsmanship in the championship match. Though tonight is a challenge, though tonight is about spirit, though tonight is about pride, though tonight is about PATRIOTISM, what tonight is really about is the Olympic Movement. It’s all in "Olympic Charter: Fundamental Principles" a paper taped to the wall in the US athlete's lounge:

"The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play."

There is nothing that says "win at all costs,” "ruin your competitor’s spirit" or "humiliate and degrade your opponent.” "Friendship,” "solidarity,” "fair play,” and "peace" are the words that will drive me through tonight's game.

I hope that everyone who reads this understands that the spirit of competition goes beyond winning. Though victory is exciting, it can never replace the camaraderie and friendship that is found on the playing field. Tonight is the last chance I will have to play with my best friends, Joy, Julie and Mia, and wish to be the best person, player and friend I can be tonight so when they reflect on this time in their life, they will know that there were people who did everything possible to make them smile.

Enjoy the game!!!!!!!!!

GO USA

Brandi