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've only briefly mentioned on here that I will be at the World Cup next year, but with things moving quickly a lot has happened and my planned trip is really coming together.

With the help of my wonderful travel agent in Sydney, I first tried to figure out if the Fanatics option was cheapest/the best. After deciding yes and getting frantic about the Rio de Janiero start of the tour selling out, I still managed to get on the Sao Paulo start. I'm really happy about that now because there'll be less people to start with, and we're taking in the atmosphere of opening night in the host city.

So who else has been screwed over by the Aerolineas Argentinas pull-out? Was only told today my #Brazil2014 #WorldCup flight was cancelled.
— Katina V (@Katiinkaa) November 13, 2013

To get to Rio I had booked a G Adventures tour starting in Buenos Aires, and found some really cheap fares from Sydney there with Aerolineas Argentinas. Soon before moving from Dubbo I get a call telling me they were pulling out of all Australia flights effective April. So I had to rebook flights wtih another airline, stopping in Auckland and Santiago before Buenos Aires. On top of that, with the move to Darwin I now need a domestic connection and because of the bad flight time I cut a day of South America time to accommodate that. On the plus side, I'm now in Santiago for the last two days of my trip so I'm taking in four countries (Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Chile).

Aaaaaand so the waiting for tickets begins... #WorldCup #Brazil2014 #ihopeijustgetticketsalready pic.twitter.com/RCBVPcQkri
— Katina V (@Katiinkaa) November 11, 2013

Tickets to the games came to me much more successfully than I'd imagined, so for that I'm grateful. On visiting my agent in Sydney, I was told there was a first in, first served sale different to the major ballots. Finding myself in an internet cafe at 10.30pm, I'm surrounded by a ticket seller and his assistants who are struggling to get good tickets - for anything. After I realise the most effective way to refresh for any updates (a process in itself), a Category 1 3-game ticket comes up. Winning.

It's done. @Socceroos #WorldCup group stage tickets BOUGHT #Brazil2014 #excellent #bloodyexcited
— Katina V (@Katiinkaa) November 11, 2013

The next day I stupidly didn't buy a pair of hiking shoes that were probably worth forking out a bit for, and since then I've managed to book a two-week Peru tour and at least get cheap hiking pants. The real adventurer begins to come out...

After a rush to try and figure out whether internal flights to two of the Socceroos games were cheaper to DIY I just went with the Fanatics package (although their flights were crazy for being chartered, they weren't all that much dearer, and at least they're direct). It then comes to today and the reason I wanted to write on this.

I received notice that an updated itinerary for the Fanatics World Cup 2014 trip has been put on their website. I knew from the beginning I would be in Brazil as one of those crazies in the green and gold. But on reading the itinerary, I got goosebumps. And watery in the eyes.

Seriously. I didn't think I'd be so emotional about it. But it's only five months away...



Maybe I can be that girl in Brazil somewhere... Photo: smh.com.au

How GOOD was last night's game?!

Courtesy brisbanetimes.com.au





Courtesy The Age


It was a great display by the boys, and honestly the biggest relief. Just to know we're that much closer to gaining World Cup qualification.

I've planned for some time to attempt a trip to Brazil during the 2014 World Cup. Though the last week has raised questions as to whether I would go regardless of the result. It would be heartbreaking to not have my home country there, but the spectacle of Brazil can not be underestimated/ignored.

Either way, Tuesday night in Sydney is going to be the big one.

And I'll be there.

I've said I'll be the loudest at Stadium Australia should we qualify with a result like last night's, and I intend to keep my word. After all, I have five hours in the car and a day in the city to psych myself up for chants and training my vocals to deal with a bit of strain.

***


3.30am(ish) Macca's fix in Berlin. Super.


In other news, I've decided to launch a spin-off blog of my mega McDonald's post.

For those who don't know, I began a quest to try the McDonald's of different cultures on overseas travels in 2010, which will continue indefinitely.

You will be able to revisit past experiences and be invited to new ones as I continue this lifelong quest to try as many different McDonald's menu items as possible.

Have a look at McDonald's: an odyssey as I'm rolling out old posts - reminisce, have your say, share and subscribe!

***
How do you get world peace? You get world peace through inner peace. If you've got a world full of people who have inner peace, then you have a peaceful world.

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!

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*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.

It's great to play a soccer match with support on and off the pitch, and you want your resting teammates to know they're in comfortable and safe surroundings. But I've never seen that comfort for the benched players reach this extreme. Maybe it's a regional thing?

Thought I would just share the visual of this from a Dubbo game on the weekend as a random snap. Feel free to share it around :D

It happens to all of us doesn't it? At one time or another in our lives we attempt to put ourselves out there and say 'hi world, I'm here, how you doin'?' only to find it falls flat on our faces. Part of me feels like the Dubbo social experiment has failed, which has come as more of a surprise than anything else.


While I've been told I seem reserved here, my friends back home would punch you at the very suggestion. I feel I'm definitely being myself, there are just certain elements of me that have rarely seen the light of day.

Although I love a bit of solitude, I'm not a loner. And I have friends here. Just not in different groups like I used to in Adelaide.

I was always planning to join a soccer team when I moved to sort out the whole making friends issue, it was just the wrong time of year. Before I went on my trans-Tasman trip it was the right time. I sorted out who I was playing for and would resume training on my return. It was all sweet.

Then I went to my first training. While it felt really good to run around, I soon realised I was training with mostly girls 18 or under. Not exactly what I imagined being an all-ages team. We even have a 13-year-old waiting to turn 14 so she can play!

I shouldn't have been surprised - after all, I first played Premier League (reserves) soccer at 15, but not out of choice, and I had a lot of girls my age playing with me. Then I found part of it was the same for the all-ages mens side too.


But the whole thing really hit me hard. The social experiment I was counting on had largely failed me.

***

It's now over two weeks since then and there ARE some teammates that are older. I'm an optimist, so yes, there is room for change to this situation.

I may not be able to go out or share similar ideas about certain things in life with some of these girls, but I hope to really enjoy the season regardless. We did win our first game 4-3 too, which was pretty awesome.

The whole thing has shown me that making friends clearly isn't about how old they are, but that you share the same interests and enjoy each other's company. Good moral justification that one...

Not that I'll be scoring many goals - I never have in my time as a football (soccer) player. But playing for the first time in three seasons is exciting me a bit, and even before I found a team I went out and invested in my latest pair of boots.

Nike T90s. These are the most flashy boots I've ever had colour wise, how exciting. And only $73! Win. Don't really like supporting Nike because I saw a doco once exposing their Asian sweatshops, but paying a lower price makes me feel a tiny bit better. Plus I'll wear these until they fall apart. First game's on Thursday, can't wait.

***

Now, I've been absent from here for a bit and so have neglected the Shoe of the Week columns like everything else. Basically most were shite in the last month. Including these.




Enough said.

Going to the gym has predominantly been about keeping fit for me; I really only ever considered it in the soccer off-season of 2009-10 for the first time.

Finding Curves ended up being more than just going to a gym - for one thing it's not about treadmills or weights. The circuit ended up being a routine but remained a challenge, and an eventual job out of it didn't hurt either.

Holidays overseas shifted my focus slightly to regaining my former numbers. In 2010 I didn't gain much at all so it wasn't an issue. But in 2011 I found it a bit harder. Like, gaining a whole size harder.

With my move looming and no real employment I returned to Curves and did my best to shed the holiday kilos in what I call my 'unknown' month. Luckily for me I seem to do that okay. And a month or so after joining the Curves here in Dubbo I'd actually gone back to just under my pre-holiday weight.

And then I saw this.

I've never had anything like this before. I'd lost 20 centimetres on the road to recovery! I couldn't believe I actually had something significant up there, it was really encouraging. And it's still up with all of the others.

***

Before I went to Newcastle in early January the last time I wore my bikini I was a size bigger. It was in Athens, my last day before flying out of Europe where a really sleazy middle-aged Greek man tried to make me run away with him after coming up to me in the water. So I was experiencing a whole mix of emotions there.

I noticed when I had it on most recently (laying in the amazing Newcastle sand) that it was a little bit loose, top and bottom. Felt a bit smug there. But annoyed I'd stretched it out at the same time. And realised I felt no different to what I usually do.

Moral of this story: you work toward what you feel is right for you.

I could have stayed at that size. I had a lot of people telling me I looked healthier as that little bit bigger. But not fitting into my clothes did NOT want to make me be home. I couldn't even pick out three-quarters of my outfits as daily choices, which was for a short time a terrible loss. Curves has brainwashed me into thinking healthier thoughts about exercise and looking after myself - so don't touch me, I'm a star okay?

Wow, what a morning... wake up at 1:45am to discover FIFA have delayed the announcements of the World Cup 2018/2022. Good thing I didn't wake up earlier. But I was glad to discover OneHD were talking to none other than Hamish McDonald, who was trying to get updates via Twitter while talking with Brad McEwen. Man I love this guy. Best young journalist ever. Seriously, he puts a smile on my face. WHY DON'T WE GET AL-JAZEERA ENGLISH IN AUSTRALIAAAA?! So I felt better that I hadn't missed the big call AND felt in the loop because of the discussion.



Took the advice and went on Twitter. Early reports tweeted on there first rang true: Russia (you could see the distaste on Prince William's face, it was kind of funny. Oh, and the VP blocking Vodianova - that right? - in the official photos: hilarious) and then... QATAR. Ok, so Russia I can handle, never done Eastern Europe, cool. But Qatar?! REALLY? I've only seen Doha Airport, and after spending six hours in the place it wasn't that great. Pluuuuus the humidity is ri-DI-culous. And they're not even the size of TASMANIA. WHAAAAT?! I did not know this. Read somewhere we should've just based our bid out of there... could we have done any better? I don't know. All I do is that money talks. Money talks. Dirty cash I want you, dirty cash I need you oh. Disappointing.


In other European news, ITALY HAVE APPLIED FOR EUROVISION 2011. Another total left-of-field result. They've had a 13-year absence. To quote from the press release sent to my email (I'm trying to get tickets, okay?):




"We are eager to show the Italian people how the contest has evolved over the past 13 years. I am sure they will be positively surprised!" (Jorgen Franck)



So they're good enough for it now are they? What's Berlusconi been doing all this time? Shocked it's taken him this long... whether Dusseldorf will be better for it who knows. But this is the biggest news to hit the Contest in years. Maybe as big as the whole TATU controversy. Ah TATU. Those were the days...

Dear Diary,

EXPLOOOOSIVE stuff last night, now THAT's what I'm talking about!!! The World Cup has continued to deliver in the finals series with near upsets, actual upsets and plenty of scandal and drama in between. Oh, and Paris Hilton being arrested and then let go over her friend's marijuana possession. Cover-up so Hilton didn't get more jail time - or (shock horror) a bad rep? TOO LATE, she dug her grave looooong ago.

Ok, the important stuff. Had to be out during the Germany vs Argentina game BUT utilised my Mobile TV package and ended up watching plenty of it on my phone. Yes, in a pub. They had no screens so I didn't have a choice. Unfortunately the sound option was cancelled out by the live music but with four of us crowding over a screen with about 80% clarity it still had a tense enough feel. One friend didn't want to know the score, so I obliged his wish... but when we start shouting OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH over Germany's third goal he's looking at us with a mix of envy and curiosity - I simply said 'Go... just go.' We didn't see him for a while.

Saw all the goals so feel proud I had a solid viewing of the game. And seeing Diego Maradona's face on the final whistle was priceless. Was debating staying up straight through until Paraguay vs Spain, but after a trip to Vili's for a Bacon and Cheese Sausage Roll left me with an upset stomach (but to be fair, it was triggered by the alcohol, the food was awesome as always) I needed a lie-down. An hour later, the last QF began.

So I discovered being on about 50 minutes sleep doesn't really work for me. Plus being in a warm, cosy room with my brother asleep kicking his legs around everywhere didn't help. The first half's a slight blur but what happened afterwards makes it irrelevant anyway except to say that it was a good contest in that both teams refused to concede. It was the same for most of the second half, except for the goal obviously. Which came more from luck anyway; any double crossbar hit will startle the defence. The goalie had no choice but to attempt a scramble back but had no chance. And this comes after yet another interesting series of events... that neither team could capitalise on penalties two minutes apart and that Paraguay should've had another crack at their's because the ref missed the Spanish encroachment in the box. Ended up sleeping in after going back to bed: with the 50 minutes before, hours of sleep: 5h50m.

Quite frankly, it was a scrape. After hearing so much about how Spain were meant to be the hot favourites, from what I've seen they haven't impressed. Even in this game against an impressive South American nation they just don't appear like a team deserving of the prize. As much as I hate to say it, I think Germany will take this out. They'll thump Spain (and while the Argentina pounding make the Socceroos look pretty good this'll look even better) and meet Uruguay in the final - haven't seen much of the Oranje crew but again, not overly impressed.

I'll miss it tonight. But the void's filled with the only game of Wimbledon I'll see in 2010 - the Men's Final. Eeeexcellent. I feel bad not having watched any tennis. But what's a girl to do?

Dear Diary,

Things have been rather hectic these past few days - organising a party will do that to you. And not to mention muddling your memory; can't remember what games I actually tried to watch four nights ago, that's deplorable.

So night 18: This is the hazy one... think I watched the beginning of Netherlands vs Slovakia and vaguely remember Dad waking me up saying 'You're missing the soccer, the soccer!!!' I remember brushing him off and somehow stumbling to bed, not knowing what time it was or even caring that I was missing out. Missed Brazil vs Chile completely and didn't know the score until a while later. Hours of sleep: something like 8, 8.5. That's the most I'd had in weeks. God knows I needed it.


Night 19: I was starting to prepare for my party here, so getting photos off an infected computer in a room whose TV doesn't get SBS made it hard for me to watch Paraguay vs Japan properly. Ended up being a tense game though (enough to make me sit down for the last bit of ET and the penalties), a shame Japan couldn't further Asia's aspirations. Was really keen on getting up for Spain vs Portugal so I did. Confident that Spain would win, and they did... don't remember too much of it again (wow, I'm really sounding like a broken record by now aren't I?). Hours of sleep: between games 2.5, after another 2 I think? So about 4.5.

Night 20: No matches! And I didn't even realise until later because there was so much I had to do anyway. Hours of sleep: 3.5. And THAT'S because photo collages don't magically create themselves.

Night 21: No matches here either I think (it's frying my brain so I'm giving up on trying to figure it out. Because I know I had to finish the collages and so still had a late night). Hours of sleep: 6.5.

Night 22: My party! And Brazil vs Netherlands was on! I was at the bar watching it on the screen above amidst the festivities and saw Brazil's goal early on. I had hoped the DJ would play 'Cup of Life' as I'd requested (hey, it's the World Cup and that's the best theme for it ever) but alas he did not. Total shame. Can't believe Brazil lost! That's so crazy! Maybe it was because they were wearing their blue and they're not used to wearing a duller colour. Maybe they passed to the Oranjes by mistake a bit because they got confused. Either way, the Cup's provided some really interesting upsets after an average start. Almost had another one with Ghana vs Uruguay too - Dad excitedly telling me in detail how the Ghanaian hit the crossbar with his penalty and then lost in the shootout. It's like with Japan but for Africa - but they should be so proud to have gotten so far, an awesome effort.


Hours of sleep: about 10.5. I KNOW, RIGHT? But when you're intoxicated you can't help it, and then find yourself getting to the duties of the day at 4 in the afternoon. Oops. Going to be out for Germany vs Argentina tonight, hopefully there's a screen where we're going. Or I'll tape it. OR I CAN WATCH IT ON MY PHONE! After all, I did pay for access, sweeeeet. Geez I'm smart sometimes. And Paraguay vs Spain should be good too, I can watch that at home.

Dear Diary,

What a night of football we saw. How incredibly unlucky for the Poms. What a match-up it turned out to be. Germany vs England ended up being the game of the tournament so far - but not for all the right reasons. The refereeing continues to bring a blight to the game and its constant mentioning warrants more pressing questions.

Hoping for an England win, the 2-0 lead to Germany wasn't looking good. But two minutes of brilliance and the Poms were suddenly back in the game. But for Lampard's strike to unbelievably be called out shocked even us neutrals. Heck, Andy Roddick was even having a go at FIFA left, right and centre via Twitter. A great strike from at least thirty yards out, and it ends up playing out as the opposite to the debatable goal from the '66 Final.

A real shame to find they couldn't swing the momentum their way for most of the second half. The decision obviously affected them and only in the last 15 minutes did they look like making a serious threat again. Rooney made almost no impact, and their defence had to work too hard just to keep up. The 'Golden Generation' have had their day.

Hours of sleep: 3.5. Woke up for the second half of Argentina vs Mexico before going to work. Tevez's goal was awesome.

Dear Diary,

Oh how behind am I? Watching highlights of Ghana vs USA, the score of which I didn't know until about twenty minutes ago. I need to watch the news more intently. GOOOOOOOAAALLLLL! That goal from the Ghanian in extra time was awesome... Ok so the past two nights have been relatively - hang on, who's that guy? Andre Ayew apparently... - whoops, back on track. Relatively quiet, not a lot watched.

Managed to see most of the replay of Slovakia vs Italy. What a final fifteen minutes. I so wish I'd seen that live. That was incredible football. Looked like Italy were actually trying... my game of the night was Brazil vs Portugal. That was meant to be a showdown - and it was really boring. The commentator said it was a 3rd-string Brazilian team, and it showed. Not as many fancy skills or as high-tempo a game. I vaguely remember the second half starting and then went to bed what seemed like five minutes later. Hours of sleep: 5.5.

Last night was unfortunate - although a quiet Saturday night out was had, there was no way I could've stayed up to watch Ghana vs USA... although we did have a World Cup McDonalds experience - stayed in the Cross Rd restaurant past midnight when they normally shut it. Woo! But I was falling asleep (yes, in a public place. Think I've mentioned I have a tendency to do that) and so hit the hay as soon as I got home. Hours of sleep: 6.5? I don't remember what time I went to bed...

Plenty of hype surrounding England vs Germany... Ed Kavalee put it so well on Cup Fever (the SBS show) when he said that the World Cup's really started now. The business end of the tournament should bring some cracker contests! Would've loved to have gone out tonight; the Barmy Army supporters (they do call them that for football too right?) would be a fun bunch regardless of where you are. Time for Shrek to step up!

Dear Diary,

It's now 10:54pm and I've been up since 3:30am for the Socceroos game (which was of course match of the night - although I'm a bit annoyed I missed USA; even though I'm not a fan of theirs that game would've been interesting. The only goal in the final minute!...). Hours of sleep: 5 or so... felt it at work all this afternoon and even a bit now. I'm still getting my head around the various events that have filled the day.


I don't know that I can say the Socceroos' loss is the biggest thing that happened. After all, we DID get a new Prime Minister (Julia Gillard - first female PM AND former Unley High scholar... represennnnnt!). But I certainly feel shattered by it. Confused, but shattered. Different environment for this one, I stayed at home with company in my dad and brother. I was hopeful, unlike so many others, that they were capable of a win and that miracles may happen. And for a while it looked like it might. The first goal from Cahill

Diary, I FELL ASLEEEEEEP! It's 7am exactly on Friday morning now, I'm hopeless. SO: The first goal from Cahill was amazing and by that point Mum was even up getting ready for work. So with my dad and brother sitting with me we all saw the marvel that he is. Even Mum got a bit excited. The boys and I were beside ourselves. And when Holman repeated his good form we couldn't believe the good fortune the soccer gods were finally displaying on our team. But alas, it wasn't the perfect game - the goal against us cut deep and the realisation that we still missed out on progressing even with a win still hurts. I didn't even have time to process... after getting ready at half time, I had to rush straight to Fresh (Funny story that, Tim and I legged it up two flights of stairs and with 10 seconds to go made it into the studio before I had to speak. A breathless intro ensued... and then Jase didn't rock up and I did most of the show alone).

Now it's a day later I can reflect a bit better... the win and everything else seemed to be a bit overshadowed - albeit for a good reason (you know, having a new PM and all). But watching The World Cup Show last night (when I was meant to have finished this), Les Murray brought it all back into perspective. His use of Winston Churchill's quote that 'success is never final, failure is never fatal' was absolutely spot on and I felt so moved and inspired by his words; so proud to be an Australian with a team full of fighting spirit. I remember feeling much the same post-2006 when Murray did a similar speech after the loss to Italy. I love how sport can move people much the same as things like music and family. Murray always knows what to say in these situations and I'm so glad I actually tuned in to watch it. And then Craig Foster (deservedly) went and bagged Verbeek. Gold.

Oh, and among all this was also the information that I'd missed history in the making with the longest tennis game ever at Wimbledon. Up to 59-all in the fifth set?! Ridonkulus.

Dear Diary,

Again, I've been slack. Night Eleven didn't bring a later night than normal, so felt rather meh about it yesterday. Although it was entertaining. Walk in to see Portugal score their second goal against North Korea and thought 'alright, that makes sense'... keep doing my business, three minutes later another one. Thought 'ok, talk about good timing.' Then as I'm at my laptop every few minutes there's an 'OHHHHHH!!!' and I look to see Portugal scoring yet again.

I thought the Socceroos' loss to Germany was bad. This was annihilation. I felt embarrassed for them (and admittedly also relieved there was a bigger loss than the one involving us). And it was interesting also to see Cristiano Ronaldo score - I honestly don't think I've ever watched a game and seen him get it through. Then I find out it's his first international score in two years. That's a long time between drinks. Or Castrol ads.

Hours of sleep: estimated at 7.5 (but that really sounds wrong). Fell asleep in front of computer and then realised when I woke up I hadn't set my alarm :/

Then last night: Greece vs Argentina. Against all plans I ended up staying at home watching it el solo. What an awesome display by the Greek defence. Now, I prefer an attacking game (in any sport mind you), but the resilience against the strength of the Argentinians for three quarters of the match was incredible. I'd gone into it hoping for a draw and it really looked like we'd get there. Samaras was cutting through the centre backs and was unlucky to score, and on the other end goalie Tzorvas was easily the man of the match. Messi was limited in his fancy footwork, and in a game where all three subs were used on both teams it proved an almost miracle contest. A real shame about the two late goals to send Greece home. They were also hoping Nigeria could beat South Korea but alas only failure.

Hours of sleep: 5.5. Curves opens at 6:30 so pretty much got changed and went straight after the game.

Imagine the possibilities if Samaras was a Socceroo (he WAS born in Melbs after all)... have him up front and have the double whammy, Jesus 1 & 2. That would be an awesome Aussie attack... I've been sad today, knowing that one of my teams are out for this Cup. And very nervous about the others' fate tonight. I'm hoping third time lucky - NO red cards, NO goals conceded. We have the ability to play well against Serbia, and I so dearly hope it shows.

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.

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.

Dear Diary,

I'm a bit sad this morning... the World Cup so far has provided almost sleepless nights and interesting results but I let myself down overnight. The one day I was feeling fine (even on 2.5 hours sleep) and had time to relax at home what happens? I end up falling asleep on the couch BEFORE the start of Greece vs Nigeria - and then not even my brother could wake me up properly until his scream of 'Ohhhhh!' in the latter part of the second half. Shameful.

Had been hanging out ALL day, and then I was struck by stomach pains. So fine, it wasn't something I could control - besides lying down, but as soon as I do THAT what else is going to happen? Make me MORE awake? Pfft, sure. So I watched the last 20 minutes intently and by the end felt more awake than I had for half the day. Aaaaargh!

Found out some interesting things though. Chris reckons he tried waking me up at least twice last night - but did he emphasise that GREECE was on? Don't think so. I don't remember any of this, I must have been so out of it. Then he tells me when the Portugal vs Ivory Coast game ended a few nights ago and he woke me to go to bed I said: 'I have to wake you up at 6am to go to bed'. Or something. Rambling and not making any sense.

It got me thinking whether it's worth watching as much as I can at the expense of my inability to actually keep my eyes open. For some reason I feel like I'm missing out, like I'm not paying 100% attention to the good matches. Got shittier when I heard the commentator say how good a game it was. And it's not like I can really watch a replay when I'm back at work (and reality, yesterday was such a productive day off...). How frustrating. At least I found my Hellas scarf (authentic and all), I'll be wearing that today!

Oh yeah, (when I load it) I want to put a photo of me with a vuvuzela up. It's hilarious.

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!!!