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World Cup Diary
12
October 2003, Sunday
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FIFA Womens World Cup
Well, it is the last official day of the tournament, with Germany playing Sweden for the Cup. It is a good match up although the Germans are definitely the favourite. I am not quite so convinced as the Swedes have a lot of strength and speed up front. There is all of the pomp and circumstance before the game with dignitaries and special guests arriving from around the world. It is once again VERY warm for an early start. Although the Americans are not playing, virtually all the seats are filled by the mid-way point of the first half…the atmosphere was fantastic. The game ends in a 1-1 tie and we are headed for overtime. It has been an excellent game once again, with both teams creating several scoring opportunities. The game is 7:30 minutes into the first overtime when the Germans score from a free-kick just inside the half-way line…the Swedes are stunned and the Germans are dancing! The Germans are the first team to win the men's and women's World Cup…what an accomplishment!
We spend the last evening reflecting on the past month. It has been an adventure to say the least. Although I can re-tell the events that have occurred this past month, it is hard to convey the emotional side of the tournament. It is stressful and tiring as you are always professional and working hard every day in training and during the games. There is the 28 000 people who are cheering for 'their' team and the pressure not to make a mistake for the good of the game. And then there are also the wonderful relationships and new friends I have made. It has been a month of personal and professional growth. It has validated the work and sacrifices that have been made. I hope that those closest to me, my husband Stephen, son Eric, and my mom Helene, realize how much I appreciate their support, encouragement and sacrifices they have made to help me reach my dream. Then there are those who have picked me up after a 'not-so-good' game, and celebrated the 'good' ones. Steve Mortimer, who took me to work with him on my first OSL men's game and the PUMA league, and Gord Arrowsmith, who is constantly and tirelessly sharing his knowledge of the game and pushing for me to take on new challenges, you have both been monumental in my development as an official. You are not only 'excellent' referees in your own right, but unselfishly give your time and energy to help others become better as well. That is a gift one cannot overlook. And lastly, my good friend Sonia Denoncourt…I am honoured to have had the opportunity to have worked with the best women's referee in the World. We will have many adventures and fond memories of this tournament to share in the years to come. I know that we have done our very best to represent Canadian referees at the highest level possible. Who knows? Maybe we'll both stick around long enough to partner up for one last hurrah…the 2004 Olympics in Athens!!!
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