The Beautiful Game

Thursday night saw the much anticipated game between Canada U-20 and Brazil U-20. This was the third and final game in a three match series. The Canadians won the first game, which was the first time any Canadian team had ever beaten any Brazilian team. Brazil bounced back and won the second.

So tonight was the finale. We nearly missed the kickoff as we got stuck in roadoworks. Canadians, not used to such things, panicked and started looting the streets. Us Brits however, used to such things, calmy waited on the bus and got to our seats just in time for the kickoff.

I have to say, I did feel quite a thrill seeing the bright yellow shirts of Brazil for the first time. There were a lot of Brazilian Fans there too, so both national anthems we met with equal amounts of gusto.
Right from the kickoff you could sense the quality of the Brazilian. They instinctively knew where all their players were. There first touch was sublime, and they his so many across field balls to the feet of the other players, I don't think the royal artillery could have done better.

They had so many tricks to pass defenders and bounced off tackles as if they were made of rubber.

However, Canada scored first! It was a screamer, right into the top right hand corner. The Canadian keeper had no chance. No you didn't misread. It was possibly the finest own goal I have ever seen.

To make matters worse, Brazil then scored one of their own. It was a very well taken effort, crafted from some lightening counter attacking.

Don't despair Canada. The Canadians then scored one of their own. In the other sides net. In my humble, but no less expert opinion, it was the best goal of the night.

This started a some sort of renaissance for the Canadians. The started a sustained period of pressure on the Brazilian goal. Too wary of the counter attack, they were loathed to bring more men forward, which was a shame, because the Canadians really didn't threaten.

GOALFLASH: The Canadians score again to make it 3-1 Brazil. Again, you're not misreading. This time a Canadian defender back heeled the ball into the net. I saw the replay on the TV and was just amazed at how he could have done that.

It could have been worse. The Canadian keeper pulled off the save of the night, to defy a flying header from a Canadian defender. It was at this point I started taking pictures of the scenery.

Nice mountain in the background don't you think

So the final score was three one. We all agreed it was very entertaining and jolly good fun. As we didn't have time to eat before hand we all went to Darby's for a bite to eat and a beer. As you can see, only Liz wanted to be in the photo with George Lucas. Holy Pants.... That's ME!