Day 12 - USA vs. Brazil

Brazil 1 - USA 0 Today, everyone came to play and we left our hearts on the field. The game was physical and played mostly between the 18's. Towards the end of the first half, we were called for a foul in the box. Jeff almost saved it but it found the back of the goal. Unfortunaly, we couldn't equalize. Don Kent almost scored with 10 minutes left to equalize on a cracker from the side of the 18 that the goalie somehow tipped over the bar. Nothing else came for us and in typical Brazilian style, they wasted the clock and the game ended. We're done for the tourney not achieving the outcome we had hoped for. They bus ride back was very spirited as many guys receieved acknowledgement for their efforts. See you all in Sao Paolo, Brazil in 2011.

Today's game wraps up the Maccabiah competition for us. Not the outcome we had dreamed for but the experience was phenomenal. What a priviledge to represent USA in an international competition. Sao Poalo in 2011 here we come and we will redeem ourselves.

Posing with the flag of the Maccabiah. The Israeli flag in the middle surrounded by the flags of the other countries.

The four "Plonkers". Fishy coined the term several months ago for this group of "British Subjects". Wiz, Indy, Glanc and Fish - After this tournement, we really are a bunch of Plonkers!

Exhausted after leaving it all on the field. There's that mohawk again.

Team USA after the game wearing our "Flag" colours.

Corner kick for us.

Challenging for a ball down in the left corner.

Back and forth the ball went. There was a lot of chippiness in this game and boy am I felling it this evening.

Looking to get the ball and score one for the team.

Both Wiz and I were closely marked for the throughout the game.

Brazil playing the ball forward.

This formal "football tradition" really makes it feel different than a local club match.

Both teams lining up at midfield and then shaking hands.

The formal procession onto the field.

Hydrating after the warm-up. It's 92 degrees at the field but very humid. Thinking about the "MAN IN THE MIRROR".

Getting started with the circle stretching routine.

Gathering in the hotel lobby before we board the bus to the Avi Ran field.