Just a brief, seemingly off-topic post.
I seldom go entirely off-topic on this blog, but today I felt the overwhelming need to share a positive overall post.
If you are a frequent visitor here you are aware of my love of soccer; reminders here and here. And if you've been listening to even some half descent news show you may also be aware that the Women's World Cup, held in Canada, ended yesterday with an incredible overall triumph for the US Team.
Of course I hold a bias towards the US Team. That final game truly was one for the record books. I wanted to take today and salute these women on an excellent performance throughout and especially on their final match vs. Japan. Here's to you Ladies!
On the surface it may seem odd to some readers here, or even some people who think they know me, that I am saluting the Women's World Cup athletes here on this blog.
Well, it shouldn't.
It shouldn't in the least.
As much as I find the need to handle certain young ladies in my own firm ways, preach about certain attitude adjustments that should be made to certain individuals; none of that correlates to me in looking down on women. Quite the opposite. Actually I share the factual belief that women don't get enough respect in general, especially on the playing fields.
I could easily go into the examples as so clearly demonstrated by the controversies around FIFA in general or the Women's World Cup specifically, or this World Cup's issues in particular; but I won't. Neither will I detract by my wandering thoughts on the England vs Canada or the England vs Japan matches (I'll leave those dirty thoughts for another time. Be sure to come back for those more overall on blog-topic posts later).
Nothing else today. Today I give credit to all these amazing international athletes who competed in all the rounds as they are a gift to watch. A gift to watch their skill and athleticism, witnessing their challenges and their triumphs. It has truly been inspiring.
Today, I will leave you all with the following picture. The US Women's Soccer Team has made their country and their families proud. And it all makes me smile.
Congratulations Ladies!
Well played and well deserved.
I have gender specific polls for you this time. Please select appropriately and vote.
The whole tournament was brilliant with all countries playing above themselves. The Matildas (Aust) made it to the round of 16 for the first time and were beaten by a freak goal at the 87th minute .
ReplyDeleteAll the teams are to be congratulated.
I have been a soccer fan for over 70 years. I grew up in England, and I have supported "ARSE"nal those many years. For the last two years as you may well know, they have won the English Cup. Here in the states being from New York, I have supported the "NEW YORK RED BULLS, the new NEW YORK City team, playing at Yankee Stadium, and the NEW YORK COSMOS, (old and new)
ReplyDeleteI sure watched that Woman's Final Game, and I can say proudly I loved every minute of it. Since the U.S.A. Won with great honors. The team will meet with President OBAMA, and possibly have a parade given to them here in New York.
ReplyDeleteDon - I saw that game as well.
ReplyDeleteAlways thought the "matildas" nickname sounded harsh, but that may be only because I'm not from Australia and don't fully get it.
Thanks for commenting!
SixotB - We follow Arsenal as well, but only since the Premier League started being broadcast by NBC sports a few years back. By the way, never heard the "are"nal reference before. Looking forward to the US tour by the US Womens team as well.
Thanks for commenting!
Many years ago, while I was a school-boy in England, we learnt the song "Waltzing Matilda. Beautiful song, and I always associated it with AUSTRALIA. I was also a cricket fan, and I remember they always talked about the fabulous DON BRADMAN. Yes, we had two who also played both cricket and soccer. Dennis, and Leslie Compton. Of the many countries that I have travelled to, the number being 150. Australia, was one of them. Yes, Sydney harbor, and the opera house sure looked fantastic.
ReplyDeleteBoth Denis, and Leslie Compton, played for ARSENAL.
ReplyDelete