Rhian Wilkinson's Official Website

RHIAN'S SOCCER JOURNALS:

SUMMING UP THE FIFA WORLD CUP EXPERIENCE 22 September 2007

I am writing this summary journal at 4:00 am in Vancouver. After the loss against Australia, we were quickly whisked off the morning after the game. The jet lag, and a cold and sinus infection, have not helped my adjustment back to normal life.

However, the day-long airline trips and early mornings have given me a chance to reflect, and I have tried to sum up my feelings about the FIFA World Cup Tournament. But, then again, I am not quite sure how I should approach or write to write this one last World Cup report. How do you sum up four years of hard work, emotion and dedication to a team and a sport?

I won’t write much about the game: We lost. It sucks and hurts, but there we are. Soccer is a competitive game and in our Pool we came out on the losing end this time. In our final and crucial match, I thought that Australia dominated us in the first half, even though we were 1-0 up. However, I think we owned the second half except for the last two minutes!

For the casual supporter, or fan of soccer without an interest in the two teams, this was probably an exciting and entertaining game. For a team supporter, the game could be called a series of jolts that might cause a heart attack, and this may be true for both of the teams and fans. The second half was good soccer, with two well-matched teams, both playing at full throttle. However, every soccer game needs a winner, and on this match, a big congratulations to the Matildas who never quit even when it looked like the game was ours. This game just goes to show how quickly things can change, especially if your have a never-say-die attitude.

For me, personally, this was one of the toughest tournaments I have ever been involved in. I came into the World Cup carrying a nagging injury, as did many others on the team, and as a result I was not on my best form. I did not start the first two matches - good decisions from the coaching staff, and I was forced to swallow my pride and to watch my teammates play well without me. I was on the bench, and subbed for the first two Pool matches. I did start the third match as I recovered my form, but I must make a shout for our "bench players" out there. I have heard the question asked about what is the hardest position to play in soccer, and it is without a doubt riding the pines.

The bench players have worked every bit as hard as those out on the field, perhaps harder, and then they have to watch the matches. It is a good test of character, especially as often the difference between a player on the bench and a player on the field is marginal at best. A good team must have good players on the bench. These are the players who have to come into game and make an impact. They were not selected to start, but they are expected to make a difference when they substitute in. These are often the players who are responsible for good team morale, and they have a job which involves putting their own disappointment to one side, in order to put the good of the team first.

I would like to publicly thank all my teammates, those who started, those on the bench, those who came to China, and those who did not, for the amazing ride. Thank you to all our committed coaches and staff. Even though things didn’t fall our way this time round, being part of such a fantastic group of people has made the experience one I never want to forget, sour taste of defeat and all.

Finally, I must send a huge thank you to all the fans out there who have supported us every step of the way. To say that the last year has been a trying one for each of player individually, and as a team, would be a giant understatement. Through it all though, we have had the backing of fans and supporters, many who have even taken the time to write to me and other players.

The support of fans and supporters may be ever more needed as the Women's program continues to grow. More and more stories seem to emerge, reminding us that in the eyes of some, the National Women's program is regarded as a second class citizen in our athletic endeavors. This is never easy to hear, especially given the efforts of the Canada Women's team and the half a million women and girls now playing soccer in this country, but the blow is definitely softened when we have people like Greg Kerfoot on our side. His unequivocal support reminds us what we are working so hard to achieve, and reminds us that we are being recognized in some quarters.

I apologize for writing at such great length in this final report of the Women's World Cup campaign, but I have needed to analyze things in my own mind and commit them to paper. My lungs are now breathing huge sighs of relief at leaving the smog of China, even if the rest of my still smarts from our early exit. The next month will be one of rest and, in many cases, recuperation. This will be a month with very little soccer. However, it will be the only month like this in the year. In a month's time we must refocus and direct our thoughts towards our next goal.

Thanks again for reading the reports and for supporting us so well.