TEAM DIARY !
September 28, by Andrew Griffiths
Canada 3, Poland 2
This puts us into the placing game for 9th/10th on Saturday.
We finally got our first win in what was probably our worst game of the tournament.
In the first half, we were sluggish and the Polish players were beating us to the ball.
We looked unmotivated, even disinterested at times. Not a performance to be proud of...
At half-time, our assistant coach, Toon Siepman, asked us, "Is this Canadian hockey?".
It was the right question to ask. Obviously it was not how we wanted to see ourselves as
Canadian hockey players, because we looked like an entirely different team at the start of
the second half - quicker, livelier, sharper. We were 2-1 up after 5 minutes and ended up
winning 3-2.
How strange the game can be. As I said, this was, on balance, our worst performance of
the tournament. But the ball bounced our way, went in when it mattered and we ended up
winning. It was an important win for us - we now look ahead to playing Spain for 9th place
and finishing the tournament with two wins. If we had lost yesterday we would have played
Malaysia in the 11th/12th game - not an inspiring thought! With our win, the atmosphere
amongst the players and Canadian fans was significantly happier.
Things around the athletes' village are changing. Many athletes have finished their
competitions - some have left the village already, some are enjoying the Sydney's beaches,
restaurants, museums and nightlife. After tomorrow afternoon we will be able to do the same!
There is a definite sense here that the Games are coming to a close. Players and staff are
signing posters and shirts to take home. A couple of German players came to our house to
trade clothing. People are making travel plans for the days after the Games.
I think everyone on our team is still feeling the disappointment of not finishing higher
up the rankings. I know I am. We have had a few days to think about it and the repercussions.
There is thought and talk about what players are going to do after the Games are over -
thought that needs some time to become clear.
But before we finish, there is an important game to play. And what will definitely
improve our experience is a win tomorrow!
Then we can have a beer!!!
| 
DIARY: Thursday September 28
For more information: fhc@fieldhockey.ca
F.H.C. Menu
Diary Index
CANADIAN CORNER !
