Rhian Wilkinson's Official Website

RHIAN'S SOCCER JOURNALS:

MATCH NUL - TIED GAME WITH FRANCE 0:0 14th March 2008

We tied the French National team 0-0 tonight, and we were very pleased with this effort. Obviously, a win would have been better. However, we were content with the result as we felt that we played a pretty good game against a strong French side, ranked seventh in the world, and who were just coming off a big 6-0 victory against Morocco. A big congratulations to Randee Hermus on her 100th cap in this game, and she captained the side.

We have been on the road for a while now, and we suffered a heck of a travel day yesterday, so to come away with a tie against a fresh, strong French team was not a bad result at all. The game ended up being quite a tactical one from us, something which all our games tend to be, when our legs are so tired.

We kept our shape well throughout the match, and even though the French saw more ball possession time than we did, we always felt in control ... that is, except for one occasion, when they broke through the backline, and thank goodness Erin was well up to the job. She stoned the oncoming French forward.

The game was scheduled for the evening, at 6:30pm, and this was a good thing too, as we needed as much time as possible. The midfielders started the day off with a meeting at 09:15am, and breakfast was meant to be at 10:00am. However, thanks to the time change and disrupted sleep patterns again, we were not the first ones up. When the midfield players went down to the lobby for our meeting, we found most of the team there scrounging for food. I am not sure how impressed the hotel workers were at this, but the croissants we managed to waylay were AMAZING!

The meetings went well, and were short enough for us to quickly join the team for our second sitting at the table for breakfast. We then had a walk and stretch outside, then the team meeting before lunch and heading off to the game. We had a snack at 12:00 noon, so that we would be able to eat a small pre-game meal at 3:30pm.

We left for the game at 4:45pm, with armed escort and motorcycle outriders: Very cool. It is too bad though that while on the bus, we got to look into the expectant faces of youngsters in the back seats of cars as we flew by. Then of course, we could see their excitement turn to disappointment, when they realized that we were not really anyone very important!! So sad.

Our outrider escort of three motorcyclists seemed to have very little idea of what they should be doing, but they seemed to have a good time. This may be a little harsh, but from what we could see, they just seemed to be whizzing through traffic, cutting off cars and generally making nuisances of themselves. It was fun to watch.

We are pleased with the result, and pleased to have won the Cyprus Tournament. These days and matches have been a good build-up and preparation. However, for the present, I am tired, my legs hurt and I need massage. We start for home at 4:30am tomorrow and I am really looking forward to climbing into my bed at home, and getting some TLC from mum. Of course, on arrival, I found that all my luggage was still in Paris.

The starting line up: McLeod, Marton, Hermus, Franko, Chapman, Kyle, Matheson, Filigno, Wilkinson, Armstrong and Sinclair.