When the Cheshire emerges...

With all the speculation of whether Brazil could pull off the World Cup in time, being in the thick of it suggests there is nothing to worry about. Perhaps it's just that the condition of the stadiums (among other things) are taking a backseat to the building vibe of the country's two biggest cities. But this very proud nation is anticipating the start of the world's biggest tournament with nothing but high expectations.






There have been stark messages still protesting against the World Cup, from simple graffiti on Rio De Janeiro bus stops defaming FIFA to union strikes in Sao Paulo too well timed that led to the suspension of their metro system for days.






Multiple tour guides, who make their livelihood from displaying the best of what their city has to offer, tell of the country's darker side. A country struggling to help its people with good health care, focusing on the wrong things and neglecting what's really needed. They agreed the World Cup would always be a good thing for the importance of football worldwide as well as the Brazilian economy (not to mention national pride), but understood the anger of those not as sports-minded.










It's even a case of uncertainty for many teams. Major injuries have ruled out players like Franck Ribery and Marco Reus, leaving the door open for any possibility throughout the tournament. Spectators will appreciate that more than teams and the tournament organisers.








So with all of that, the tourists are the winners - for now. In Rio De Janeiro, the visible influx of media, sponsor officials and spectators across a two-day period gave rise to a buzz unlike anything else, where high spirits were mixed with the kind found in a caipirinha. And now in Sao Paulo, host to the opening game where the world will closely watch Brazil's form, tourists are around for nothing else. Particularly males - for this writer, it is felt strongly in her budget accommodation of choice; a 'shared' dorm not hosting other females and struggling to spot a non-staff female in the building.






Whatever a tourist or local's circumstance, the feeling is electric. Knowing the world will stop in just a couple of days and being in the centre of it all can do nothing but raise emotion in the best way possible. It's a wonderful ability that sport has in bringing the world together.

I haven't really kept up with as much Adelaide news in a year as I have this WEEK with the story that most of Adelaide had been reluctant to hear: Kurt Tippett has decided to leave the Crows. He's flying out.

Bye bye

Now, over the last few days I've had discussions about this with my dad as well as trying to explain it to my colleagues, and I feel like getting my two cents out there today.

Went on to the Adelaide Now website where they have the most easily accessible coverage, and discover that, lo and behold, someone's making some death threats on Twitter. All in jest of course, tying in with the release of Taken 2 (which by the way you'll see my review for tomorrow night).


However jokingly or not that was written, it's a bit extreme.

What everyone in Adelaide seems to have a beef about is the fact that this is a real sort of betrayal. Not in the sense that he's leaving the club itself - that happens, it's life - but his reasons for it. He cries homesick for a year and then decides that clubs like Sydney and Collingwood are also potential new friends, leaving Brisbane and the Gold Coast as distant maybes.

And you know why? MONEY. It makes the world go round and he's likely going to take the opportunity at the expense of his reputation in Adelaide and beyond.Tippett was on $700,000 at the Crows as (apparently) our highest-EVER paid player. We were going to bump it up for him to $800k. But clearly if a $1 million pay cheque is on the horizon, something's ticking in his head. The Swans are offering $1 million a season. His parents probably said to him he should man up and go where the money is instead of going from a club on the verge of a premiership to clubs that have no hope for at least five years.

Print coverage courtesy of mum

Then the plot thickened when his younger brother announced he was also leaving Adelaide after having played in the SANFL. It screamed the 2011 situation of Jack Gunston who went home to mummy in Victoria after the Crows also nurtured him. That's the thing with Tippett - we took him in as an 18-year-old who had a basketball background and made him the athlete he is today. And for him to go about his departure in such a bad way hurts.

I say that with full respect to the club and the players. I would've felt gutted if this is what I received as a parting goodbye.

Again, courtesy of mum (legend)

I think Patrick Dangerfield put it best when he tweeted: "Disappointing day for the AFC. Club has done everything it could. But you have to want to be apart of where we are going. #2013 we r coming!"

Something tells me they're pretty disappointed.

***

The Big Footy forums have produced 64 pages of discussion, including comments such as this one:

"Speak for yourself brother, if he goes anywhere but to a Qld club he is a low, dirty dog and I will have zero respect for him!!

"Fair enough if he goes to a Qld Club for lifestyle or family reasons, I'll just look forward to Daniel Talia giving him a footballing lesson next year but!!"

And that's the long and the short of it. Go to a Queensland club, and it'll be much easier to swallow as well as possibly retaining a smidgeon of respect. Defect to a Sydney or Melbourne team, and face the wrath of Roo as well as many general fans (not just Crows supporters) who would see him for what he really could be. The drama is warranted because of the deeper hole Tippett has dug for himself.

It's disappointing mate. You were one of my favourites.

I haven't had as much time to blog during the last week or two because my work routine's changing all the time and Euro2012 is messing with my sleeping patterns. But anything goes for some high-end football. And what a great topic for post #200!

I've been let in on a little secret by a friend of mine in the States that has changed the way I watch sport forever.

ATDHE.

The guys at this directory website offer online live sports streaming for international sports matches through heaps of links. All for free, and only some with really annoying ads (like, popping up exactly when a goal's scored - twice - annoying).

It all started with my frustration at the crap highlights at 12.30am that Nine were showing of the French Open. They didn't even show Sam Stosur when she got to the semi-final. Booo. And unfortunately, although SBS are showing their hour-long highlights at a better time, their efforts at showing full replays come two whole nights after they've played which is really rather pointless if you've watched the highlights the night before.

So through this wonderful portal I saw all of Greece's group games - I was shocked to see we now have our own Cristiano Ronaldo in half-Uruguyan Jose Holebas. He's alright on the pitch though, and not irritating me like the prince does.

Actually, I'm also a bit surprised to see the amount of sleeves in the world game now. And no, I don't mean long sleeves on guernseys. Gross random tattoos yes, but the sleeve trend is obviously fast become a worldwide thing. I've been annoyed with this in sport before, but I just hope it doesn't totally take over the world game because then I'd just be really shitty. One must remember that it isn't a look for everyone.

A real highlight was Germany against the Netherlands. It was a great game, plus it was a chance for me to actually see Mario Gomez in action. The guy's a gun! And has totally great hair, I must say. I am a fan. There were a few good lookers in both sides, so that's always a bonus from a female perspective. Looking forward to the finals!

But there's so much I can see now. I saw the Socceroos draw with Japan - I can see our boys qualify on my own terms again! There's Wimbledon, although I think 7Two's going to be okay because the shift from Nine is promising, and the Tour de France if SBS for some reason fails with their broadcast. The possibilities are endless!

-------

*I have two photos entered in the current Qatar Reflections competition. Please show your support for me by voting for either photo! Short backstory and links here.

Turns out it even has its own Facebook page. I'm torn between what is right and wrong with the mullet and so am yet to join it. The mystery for me continues as it gives no explanation as to why he has grown it as such.

To Collingwood and briefly on a better note, Dale Thomas' hair is looking good cropped after his shave for charity. This was news to me, I didn't recognise him lol.


Then there's Dane Swan, who continues to take me by surprise. I'm not a fan of Collingwood by any means, but I appreciate this guy's talent. It's just a shame to see him go from this unassuming humble guy to wanting to stand out with all the tattoos and a new military-style do that makes him look like a skinhead from the 80s. Sorry man.




This combination does nothing for Swan whatsoever. He was one of the first to really bring the tattoo sleeve to the game (not a good thing in my opinion), and now he's going full pelt. Yes he plays for Collingwood, but even with that shame on him it's still a bit much. I kept thinking I was watching a game from 1982 in HD or something with all of these elements combined.

I have mixed opinions on the whole tattoo thing, but focusing on the game and its obvious explosion of tattooed players, Swan (and Dayne Beames among others) have singlehandedly brought the overdone pointless tattoos back. Look at the hand tattoos on Swan now, and LEG tattoos (for me the worst). He's putting them on places that scream 'bikie!!!' and disappointingly it distracts you (well me at least) from the game/talent.

What I don't like the most about his bogan revival is that there's no real reason for it. He said so in an SMH article published yesterday. Seriously dude, you won a Brownlow and that's cool, but you've clearly let it get to your head. Stop now before you regret it. Please. And Maric, your locks have to go.

Dear Diary,

I've found my groove again. Small sacrifices are necessary for the bigger picture. But I still don't have the best knack of choosing the best game of the three to focus on watching, which is frustrating. Take last night: out of Paraguay vs Slovakia, Italy vs New Zealand and Brazil vs Ivory Coast I picked the latter. I thought it was a no-brainer - six-time champs against a top African team led by Chelsea's Didier Drogba... but my doubts got to me when I awoke from my slumber at 4am, finding two texts from Penny mentioning how awesome it was that Italy and NZ drew. I couldn't fathom this at 4am. I still can't fathom it now. THEY DREW??? 1-ALL?? Wow, so New Zealand are the surprise packet of the tournament so far, holding the reigning champions and a decent European side to draws. It's astounding - THEY'RE DOING BETTER THAN AUSTRALIA. There, I said it. And I'm actually annoyed that I haven't really seen them play properly. Therefore making the game vs Paraguay my must watch.

So the Brazil-Ivory Coast game was still good. Great plays by the Brazilians, especially leading to that first goal by Luis Fabiano. Genius. But Drogba didn't go unheard of, which is a relief for I.C. I'm sure. Loved that the Brazilian defenders missed him completely and couldn't do anything but stand there gaping. It's funny to watch.

I also discovered I love saying Cote d'Ivoire. If I was a commentator I'd always say that in a put-on husky voice with my newly learned French accent: 'Cote d'Ivoooooire...' Very intriguing.

Hours of sleep: 5. Had brekky before it ended and got ready for work just after it finished. Didn't fall asleep - because I left the heater off. Small sacrifices = bigger picture.

So the first round ended with the games overnight, with my pick of the three games on offer Spain vs Switzerland. The Swiss captain Alexander Frei is out, who I actually remember from four years ago (shame, he's fair good). That's what I'm loving about watching all these games; picking out those I remember from '06 and those I don't recognise. A lot are still around which is good. It bothers me that I don't watch a lot of soccer regularly so it's interesting to refresh yourself on players' strengths after so long.

Ok so to the games: saw last part of Chile vs Honduras - but saw the end of the first half while DRIVING in my car, on an iPhone. How am I excited about an iPhone? Oh how the times have changed; from me being totally against it the whole app/everything else thing I now find myself getting an iTouch as a replacement for my 3rd (or 4th)-gen iPod! Such is life. Anyway, I informed my friend Nav (see 'Navioli' blog) that because she's with Optus she has free live access to all the games. So she tried it, and it worked. And it's a really good picture too. Very clear. Considering the roads were wet it probably wasn't the best idea for me to be looking at the phone half the time - but I was impressed dammit! Meanwhile I've paid $8 for the month to access SBS unlimited on my own phone - but for some reason it won't connect! And it's not just SBS either, other channels are the same. So maybe there's something wrong with my connection :(

Watched most of Spain v Switzerland and was pretty impressed that the Swiss team held the favourites scoreless. Seems they needed Torres for longer than they had him on. Sure, he's been injured, but not on for the whole first half? Oh well, it was surprisingly worth seeing him anxious on the sidelines. And he's cut his hair - therefore looking a whole lot better.

Because of my radio work I'm up early on Thursdays anyway so figured I'd get up for South Africa vs Uruguay at 4. But instead I found myself setting my alarm for normal time and resting on the floor for half an hour. Saw Diego Forlan's amazing goal though, the yells from the commentators made me jolt up... So I watched the majority of all three games, a PB so far. Sleep count: 2.5hrs (uninterrupted, again another PB. Actually proud of this.). I have the entire day off, which is a miracle, but it's not one of rest so I'm going to be knackered. But hey, it's worth it.

I JUST TRIED BLOWING A VUVUZELA!!! That's the opportunity that live radio gives you... and I failed miserably. Jase had one in his shed from years ago and we dubbed today's show 'The Vuvuzela Special'... I actually managed to finally get a sound out of it, so so proud of myself! My South Africa experience is almost complete. Oh, and a small sidenote: a regular customer at Valleygirl comes up to me yesterday and says: 'Saw you on TV the other night!' She said I looked nice... that's reassuring. Greece tonight - I'm going to watch it regardless of how tired I am!!!

Dear Diary,

I couldn't bring myself to write in here again before now, I'm still crushed by the Socceroos' loss. After my last entry I slept in my sorrows for five hours and still felt like absolute shite when I had to get out of bed. Yes, even though it was a public holiday I still had to get up. Can't believe they're considering suspending Tim Cahill for TWO games because of the red card. If anything I would think FIFA had the authority to REVOKE the decision because it was unwarranted. However, the upside to yesterday was that I managed to get myself on TV. TWO stations (Nine and Ten), one as a vox pop with a comment (thanks Nick lol) and one belting out the national anthem with scarf above head. Sound embarrassing? It still is. But for some reason I find myself hilarious. Should I be admitting that? Now I feel like a comedian should when they laugh at their own jokes: like a douche.

Last night I have to admit I hit struggle town. Now, lately I've been okay with handling long hours at work and everything else, but I think adrenaline has a lot to do with it. Watched bits and pieces of Netherlands v Denmark (the og was HILARIOUS, at least the guy himself saw the humour in it), but I was really keen on Italy v Paraguay at 4am. So after sitting in front of the lappy until midnight I got my shuteye.

First half, I was fine. Saw Paraguay's goal, the Italians were panicking and noticed they had a few younger players in their squad (although it's interesting that they're still a VERY strong side and it's the oldest in the Cup). Second half, kept drifting off... 'woke up' at one stage to see a 1-all scoreline, nodding in agreement. Next thing I notice it's NOT 3-1 in Italy's favour. Guess the images I saw of two extra goals being scored were figments of my imagination. My bad. Before I know it, it's 6am and Mum's asking me to take her to work. And so began my day.

Hours of sleep: 4. Have slight headache, but that could be from straining my brain at French class before. I couldn't remember what 'vous vous appelez comment' meant when she sprang that on me. It's only what we learnt in the first lesson... Idiot.

OMG, NEW ZEALAND JUST SCORED. WHAAAAT??? First goal for NZ at the Cup in 28 years apparently. First POINT in Cup history (think I heard that right). HA, they've drawn with Slovakia. Wow, that's fair impressive. Go All Whites. Ok, looks like I'm ending this on a good note. Ivory Coast and Portugal to come. Brazil later a possibility.

Dear Diary,

It's 3:10pm Sunday as I write this sentence, reflecting on the fact that Greece are the 'easybeats' of Group B (the commentator's words, not mine) and the huuuuge blunder by England's goalie against the US.

So viewing of Greece vs S.Korea was minimal because I was out - but a 0-1 deficit in the first 20 minutes wasn't a good sign. I get home later to find the 0-2 loss was a result of defensive slips. Disappointing. Saw last 10 minutes of Argentina vs Nigeria though, and Lionel Messi... well, he was unlucky to score. The guy showed so much brilliance (yes, even in just that 10 minute gap) and couldn't convert! It's a classic example of the world's best performing less than standard when playing in their national colours (Thierry Henry is another example if it must be argued).

Two hours of sleep later and I was up for England vs USA at 3:30am. My brother had stayed up and was surprisingly awake until about 5:30. I was surprisingly ok for about the same time. Ok, I lie: I kept 'resting my eyes' throughout. Kicks in the side provided a good incentive for me to do otherwise.

Good game; the US had more possession than I would've thought and the fact that it was a draw astounded me. The goal that England's keeper let through was ridiculous... wasn't behind the ball. It was like watching a train wreck with the various replays - the more intriguing the more you see it. Gerrard's goal was a great showcase of a strong attack and taking the lead four minutes in was actually a surprise. I wanted England to win (right now I feel it's important to pick any side against a particular team, and in 2010 the 'hate team' is the US. No hard feelings...) but I can handle a draw.

Then another 2.5 hours of sleep and I had to get up for the day. Therefore sleep count: 4.5 hours. Went to a movie before - and didn't even get close to dozing off (as some would know, I'm prone to doing that more and more these days). Very proud.

GEARING UP FOR THE SOCCEROOS AT 3:30AM TONIGHT!!! Scarf's ready to go, rounding up the crew and heading out to watch it amongst the people. Thank goodness tomorrow's a public holiday, we're allll gonna need it :D