We have arrived in Slovackia...Today was the icing on a triple layer, double chocolate, fudge and whipped cream cake. In all honesty, I can't come up with another analogy to use for this trip...each day seems to top the previous.
The 95s kicked off first at a very intimate soccer complex. This was a very open match, we started to gain the territorial advantage and wasted a number of chances. Sure enough, we were punished at the end of the half to be down 1 nil. In the second, more of the same--Tons more chances for us but they made theirs count and we drop the final match 3 nil. Quality stuff by our hosts on how to slow down a game when under pressure-huge lesson for us!
The 94s, would round out the tour with the final match of the day. The host side looked to keep possession and our group looked to counter. Sure enough on our first attack, we would win a corner and score. Minutes later, we win the ball in a cental area and score on the breakaway to be up 2 nil at the half. More of the same in the second, with the 94s countering quickly. We grab one more goal before our hosts respond for a consolation strike off a free kick. 3-1 VA.
What a fantastic way for us to finish the soccer! Both VA teams played 4 quality games against teams that are the backbone of the Czech and Slovakia youth national teams. The skill level of our opponents was significantly better than previous trips, womens' soccer is on the rise in Europe and the "world football" lessons were huge.
After spending time trading practice worn shirts with our hosts and conversing about Slavic Facebook-we had to make a decision. Go to the historic area of Bratislava to sightsee or picnic, relax and then go watch our hosts pro game that afternoon (they are the number 1 team in Slavackia). No vote-all wanted to relax and go to another game. Was it being tired of walking/sightseeing or were we getting into the soccer culture?
We are escorted on a 10 minute walk to the Slovackia national team stadium by a rep from the club (we were their VIP guests at the game). Apparently, certain streets have been blocked off to keep rival fans apart. As we enter the stadium, we are greeted by songs, chants and flag waving. On one end of the stadium are the rival fans, surrounded by dozens of Robo Cops in full riot gear. The "friendly" banter between the fans of each team was classic. Coorinated shirts are put on, synchronized dance, thousands of fans standing, waving at the same time. SK Bratilslava score first and then often, routing the guests 6 nil. The stadium is in full voice from the early goal and doesn't stop. At the final whistle, the guests' fans are escorted away by the Robo Cops, we leave comfortably with our hosts who have arranged our final dinner.
Wow, 3 pro games in 3 different countries!
It is now 10:30 am Europe time, we were up at 2:00 am to get to the airport in Vienna for the 6:30 flight.
All is well, it will be a long day of travel. A total of 17 hours... Will go now and let your sons and daughters tell you their stories.
