When the Cheshire emerges...

Dear Diary,

There wasn't much to say about night eight, except that it was important to watch Serbia vs Germany for a result to affect our game. Serbia's upset was surprising; Germany's Miroslav Klose - sent off?! That's HUGE for their game against Ghana, and good for us because we now need the Ghanians to win. More on that in a minute.

Only saw second half of the Serbia vs Germany game at Penny's... and again next thing I know I'm jolting in my seat. I'd fallen asleep before it was over and found her parents curiously looking at me. Time to go home. At the expense of USA's game I went to sleep and got approx 5.5 hours sleep (oh and night seven was something like five - Diary, I'm getting sloppy).

So night nine was the chance for the Socceroos to seek redemption and get the win we so sorely needed. Attempted the Rosemont again but it didn't happen. Made some friends in the line though, one of whom presented me with his Solo promo undies (which were seen on numerous heads and over jeans along Hindley Street for much of the night). We gave up 20 minutes before kick-off and we managed to get into the Casino's sportsbar a few minutes into the game. SO SQUASHY in there it was ridiculous. But when we scored, it went boonta. Surprised I didn't get hurt in such close confines. But I didn't like the set-up. Their big screen was too low so you couldn't see much unless you were right at the front.

I was only watching on a smaller screen (where I could see) when Kewell was sent off. The disbelief in the room was incredible. I didn't understand what had happened... I'm still in disbelief. Apparently some are saying any handball (intentional or not) in the goalbox or on the last line is an automatic red card. I've never heard that rule before, and for it to happen to frickin' HARRY KEWELL of ALL people, it's the most unfortunate thing our team has endured. World Cups really don't go our way, do they? As a fan I feel enormously frustrated at all the constant bad calls and lack of recognition for being there - imagine what would be going through their heads! Ffs, how long will it take before they realise we're there to play and not just making up the numbers!!!

Hours of sleep: actually did get some. 5.5 hours again I think. Feeling okay physically. Mentally, not so much, I can't believe the bad luck's returned. Talk about deja vu.