Checking in With Coach Wheddon: Prepping for Sweden
3/1/2013 9:11:00 PM | Women's Soccer
After the game yesterday and then scouting the Swedish team, the staff sat down last night to breakdown our game and start our preparation for the Sweden game tomorrow. Our game against Norway included some good things and also some areas to improve upon, as most games do. While we were happy to come away with a win, it is important to improve in our performance for the next game against a very organized Sweden team tomorrow. We expect a real test tomorrow against Sweden, which has the ability to create a lot of chances and really cause problems for our forwards with itscompact and organized defending.
Focusing on our team, we will have to be dynamic and move the ball very quickly in order to open the game up against Sweden. I am sure they will be well prepared as they have obviously scouted our team as well.
Since I am a glutton for punishment, I decided to run back from training this morning and work out in the fantastic gym they have here. I know it sounds impressive to say I ran back but it's only about a mile, lol. The only issue is that half of it is at a ridiculous incline that would leave anyone gasping for breath at the end of it. Add to that the 102 steps (yes I counted) to the top of the building three times a day for meals and it's a good little calorie burner. I did lift, after I caught my breath and then joined the team for lunch. I did wash my hands etc too, I promise.
The team took the bus to Cartagena for a little touristy type excursion this afternoon and a few of us older folk decided to skip the ride and catch up on a few things. After completing the preparation for the team meeting tonight, the team doctor and I took a walk back down that dreaded hill to the "Si Cafe". The English lady behind the counter recognized me from the day before and we had some jovial banter, as one does. The doc and I decided that we deserved some dessert and a coffee so I had to opt for a taste of England and had some Bakewell Tart. Doc went for the Chocolate Cake, which was promptly heated up and covered in whipped cream - nice one Doc!!! The Bakewell Tart was superb and was washed down nicely with a well made latte (see picture). We were joined momentarily by head coach Randy Waldrum, who also couldn't resist the array of sweets and enjoyed a piece (more like a wedge) of carrot cake. I've always wondered if that counts as a vegetable.
Admittedly, we did try to get a shuttle to take us back to the apartments but our efforts were in vain. After locating another shopping plaza we then embarked on the two-mile walk back UP that lovely hill to our place. Now, after showering again, I am sitting down to write this before shooting off to yet another meal and then to a meeting.
Game time is a little later tomorrow (3 p.m.) and we will get a chance to see England play again before us. We play England in three days time on the last day of the competitionWe must take care of business tomorrow first though.
That's all for now, time to strap on the food bag again.
Good luck to the SU ladies who play Buffalo tomorrow at 6 p.m. inside the Manley Arena - Go for it Ladies - You Rock!!
All the best,
Phil
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