World Cup 2006: Time to Make Friends

That's the slogan for this World Cup. Host nation Germany has certainly made many friends with their style of play, so different from their defensive ways in past campaigns. Champions Italy may not have made as many, but they have showed strength of character, putting up a united front and some excellent displays of skill and flair amidst controversial circumstances back home. France have proven that age is no stumbling block when all you need sometimes is a winning mentality. Zidane's act of madness, though unfortunate, reminds us that he's still human. Portugal, being the dark horses of the tournament, gives us the chance to cheer for underdogs. Barring the dives, they have played beautifully too.

So many nationalities can be seen cross representing each other. There are Dutch coaches for smaller football nations, a Brazilian coach for Portugal, players not playing for their country of birth or origin and referees from all continents. Heck, I was blogging for Australia on a football website and I'm not the least bit Australian. The world has become a community, where barriers to communicate and reach one another are almost non-existent now. You might find it easier to connect with a penpal half-way across the world than your next door neighbour.

Just yesterday morning, I received a phone call from Cambodia. It was one of the kids from an Orphanage which I visited and did social work at. If it hadn't been quite so early in the morning, I would have been so touched tears might have fallen. The call was a small gesture but it meant a lot. I could hear how earnest he was, telling me what he has achieved and hopes to do in the future. It was tough not being able to tell him when I will return. The bond forged in such a short time, a mere 18 days, almost three years ago now, still remains. Nothing has changed. Time has pushed us along, but connection is immediate when deep memories are awakened.

I am grateful to have made many friends from all over the world. Circumstances were such that there are so many opportunities to do so. From having classmates of a wide variety of nationalities, to friends from my travels, and also from comrades in faith. As I pursue my dream of being a journalist, I hope to increase this global pool of friends, and in turn make the community itself, appreciate the wonders of friendships across borders.

Circular Quay

Pardon the pun but it has come full circle...well, for me at least...

First of all, I finally went jogging again, after quite a long while. It's been freezing most of the time in Sydney right now. So when it got a little warmer a couple of days ago, I went for a run and swim. Pity I don't have a bike here, or else my triathlon training would start in earnest... No kidding guys, I really want to!

The last time I wrote about the Socceroos, they had just qualified for the World Cup. Six months later, lo and behold, they have qualified again, for the second round of the World Cup Finals! It was an outrageous 93 mins of footballing drama against Croatia. Enough to keep people talking for more than 93 months...wait, make that 93 years!

The Socceroos needed only a draw against their friendly rivals, although that friendship didn't exactly carry over to action on the pitch. There were 3 red cards and numerous petty fouls and tussles. So much went on in the match that even the referee lost track of his card count and actually issued a player 3 yellow cards before sending him off. The Australian no. 2 keeper was bent on causing a few Australians hearts to stop beating. It was emotionally draining to say the least! In the end, the result caused unimaginable euphoria across the country. And I was lucky enough to be at Circular Quay to celebrate with the Socceroos fans. The scenes of jubilation during the match were just as incredible as scenes after. The final whistle went off right after daybreak. Aussie fans drapped in green and gold waved flags, sounded horns and screamed themselves hoarse. Even the Premier of NSW joined in. Wonderful scenes of celebration, unbridled joy in the end, a fitting finale to the first round of games for the Socceroos, as Hiddink prepares to face the Italians again for the second successive World Cup.

My stay in Sydney has coincided with the rise of Australian Football, the start of their new nation-wide competition, the A-League, and their participation in the World Cup after 32 years of wait. I can't ask for a better opportunity to experience the excitement here. And I hope my contributions haven't been in vain, however tiny they may be.

As I prepare to return home, the Socceroos are heading back to Kaiserslautern, the scene of their historic first win in the World Cup Finals against Japan. They will face the Italians in the second round and I wish them the best of luck.

While another chapter in my life comes to a close, I am eternally grateful to all my friends and family who have made this experience possible. Mates at St. Michael's College especially... Thanks guys! I'm still at the heart of Sydney right now, but I know my heart would ache a bit when I recall the fond memories. I'll be missing the kind friends I've made and i'll have to admit, the cool weather as well. And boy would that sun-kissed tangerine skyline during sunset take your breath away!

Passion Lives Here

This is the slogan for the Winter Olympics currently being held in Torino, Italy. Short but it embodies a trait athletes would need to have to compete at the highest levels.

With the result of the match between West Ham and Birmingham done and dusted and only a few minutes to the full-time whistle, I decided to channel surf and came across another live broadcast, featuring paired figure-skating. The Chinese pair on screen seemed to be in a quandary with the girl visibly shaken. Sensing something wrong, I lingered on the channel and caught sight of what happened moments before on slow motion replay. The girl had suffered a pretty bad fall after an attempt to do several spins in the air. Pardon me for not knowing the technical term but I suppose most would know what I mean. She landed awakardly, banging one knee on the rock hard ice. You could almost feel the pain. I winced, twice, thanks to the Italian television producer bent on reminding viewers of the disaster.

What happened next made me feel proud to be in some way linked to the games. I am moving towards working in the world of journalism and sport, and this couldn't have come at a better time to furthur rejuvenate myself. It gives me hope that sport can educate, bring peace, restore nations and unite the world. The Chinese pair of Zhang and Zhang truly epitomises the three words.

The female Zhang not only picked herself up, wiped away the tears and after a couple minutes of collecting herself, gritted her teeth and carried on. They produced a stunning comeback performance. Even the commentators were amazed at how beautiful the moves were despite the pain and mental anguish the pair must be feeling. I was watching the rest of their routine with trepidation, worried especially for her safety.

And one would wonder what might have been should the girl's fall not have taken place. The Russian pair grabbed gold but the loudest cheers were reserved for the gutsy silver-medalists, who showed what can happen when you are driven by passion. They deserved every point given by the judges.

Olympic champions they may not be. But champions of strength in character they certainly are. How heartening it is to witness such spirited displays that could inspire and bring hope to millions. Live with passion!

The Zhangs

Sanctuary in January

It's already 2006 and I've been home for almost 2 months. Life has been good, perhaps a little too good. In any case, I'm thankful for what has happened in 2005. Trials and tribulations aplenty but much has been learnt and appreciated. I'm thankful for the friends I've made and the new experiences that had presented themselves, especially those down under.

Expectations abound in this year of the World Cup in Germany. An important year for footballing nations which have qualified for the tournament. The defending champions Brazil look as impressive as ever and are definitely the team to beat. Hosts Germany stand a great chance to topple them, after having come so close the last time. Other favourites include England, France, Italy and Argentina. The World Cup is also a showcase of emerging talents from smaller nations, where big European clubs do their window shopping before splashing out ridiculous amounts of money to get their man.

This year is important for me too. I'm glad to be in Australia watching the World Cup. Absolutely delighted for my Australian counterparts, who have endured many years of heartbreak, I hope the lads do their country proud and give those Brazilians a good fight. As an aspiring sports journalist, I wish the Australian football scene much success, hoping too that I have some part to play in the near future. With the completion of my media degree come July, I would be looking to finally get my career off to a start. A career that I want. I am eternally thankful to my parents who have supported me, family members who have advised me and friends who have encouraged me. You have all been wonderful.

We may not know what the future holds. But I always think that your future, your destiny lies in your hands. A vow, a determination, a promise to yourself that you are going to succeed is worth so much more than wondering if you are going to. Let's make a difference to our lives, and in turn, make a difference to others too.

JUBILATION

Green Green Grass of Gold

In a packed stadium of more than 80,000, the Socceroos have caused the hearts of millions more to leap for joy. On this very day, November the 16th 2005, the second leg of a World Cup qualifying match, the Australian football team has made the entire nation sit up and take notice. The result of the first leg in Montevideo was a concern and there was much work to be done. Fortunately, things turned out well. Very well.

Both teams had players who were playing in major leagues and on paper, Uruguay were the aristocrats with a more illustrious history. They had Alvaro Recoba, a brilliant play-maker coveted by the big European clubs. The Aussies had someone of a similar mold in Harry Kewell but he has just returned from injury and not been playing much. In terms of skill and flair, the south americans were clearly better. In terms of spirit and mettle though, the team in green and gold probably edged it. Those were some pretty gutsy displays by the Australians.

Kewell played a part when he came on. His rustiness in front of goal translated into a given chance for Mark Bresciano, an attacking midfielder who stormed into the penalty area and crashed the ball into the top of the net. What a relief! A goal that got them level. But it was scored in the first half and it meant having to defend tooth and nail to keep the lead. An away goal conceded is disastrous, since two more goals would have to be scored to settle the tie. Uruguay came close to inflicting that sort of damage with a barage of crosses. Recoba threatened to break the hearts of millions down under. In the end, fans and players had to wait more than 90 minutes for a result. Extra time was required to separate the teams.

Australia came close many times. They have qualified once in 1974 and went through much heart-break against such teams as Uruguay and Iran in previous campaigns. Now 32 years later the opponent is once again the team of blue from south america. Which history would repeat itself? The tragic disappointment of having to wait another four years, or the glory of playing in the World Cup, which was incidentally, held in West Germany in 1974. The latter is now written in the history books.

A penalty shoot-out was required but that didn't matter. It didn't matter even when the captain, Mark Viduka missed his spot kick. The other Mark, goal-keeper Mark Schwarzer, made two fantastic saves and left striker John Aloisi to score and send Australian fans into rapture. If you want an idea what makes a grown man cry, just look at those scenes on and off the pitch. The giant has awakened and hopefully it has calmed the nerves of sceptics and brought hope to the fanatics.

I can't believe it. Perhaps it's coincidence now that I am in Australia. A huge football fan dreaming to contribute in some way. I want to be a part of the preparations, if not the celebrations. Luscious Green and Sparkling Gold of Australian Colours... It would be brilliant in June. Absolutely brilliant.

Summer Holiday

After a few months of 'struggles', it's end of semester and time to go home for the holidays. I hadn't expected myself to return so early. One thing led to another, i'm flying with Martin (or Gulf Air...possible cultural mis communication haha). It has been an interesting experience, fruitful but at times, frustrating.

The cool, refreshing aussie morning and evening air i'll miss. And the gorgeous blue skies. I surprise myself when i say i would be missing college. I know i will. The guys here have been great, though the same can't be said of the food. Always someone to turn to, when you need to talk. Always someone to lend a helping hand, when something goes wrong. Always someone awake at college, giving you the feeling you aren't alone in your misery, and that someone shares a common understanding, even with words unspoken.

Normally I'm not awake this early in the morning, but the procrastinating devil has conquered me once again, leaving me awake through the night to rush a piece to the editor at Soccer International. I like the satisfaction at the end when the piece is done and you can hit the send button. More satisfying than seeing something published, especially when you know that you have done a good job and the editor would be happy. I am starting to feel more assured of this career choice. Every article i write would have to reinforce this passion, like shoving hot coals into the fire.

I have learnt to be more humble than ever, more appreciative of what i have. I hope to do better for my second semester. Academically, the first has been one to forget. Things didn't turn out as well as i thought it might have. Nevertheless, the people i've met are to be remembered. Great buddies.

The last trip to Sydney was on a holiday, and now i'm going back home for holidays. Well, it has been far too long a holiday starting from two years ago. I must start to build and create...hmm, wait...let me enjoy my summer holiday first! Cheers, mate.

Uncle and Me at Bondi

Pensive...

Beautiful Day at the Beach

Crowded Scene at Bondi Beach