Well, every adventure has its ups and downs. The last 24 hours has definitely been down.
Our game against Great Britain was at 6 pm so we had most of the day to ourselves. I took the opportunity to get a shoulder massage at the hotel, which was great (discount for Maccabi atheletes). Then I headed for the internet cafe and worked there for a few hours.
Gamtime came quickly and we left for the field. We already knew the starting lineups in advance, so I knew that I was starting at right midfield. Another game between Mexico and S. Africa was winding down when we arrived (Mex: 6 - S. Afr.: 0). The guys seemed ready and prepared.
Once the game started the initial nerves wore away quickly. I was having a great time, making tackles and passing and making runs. Then, at about the 12 minute mark I landed wrong on my ankle and it turned over. This is the same injury I had back in March, although not as severe. Regardless, I was done for the day b/c I couldnt support myself with the ankle. Gutted, I came off. Coach asked me if I could come back in if I taped the ankle, so I got it taped...but it still was not good enough, so I threw on a yellow substitute pinney and supported the squad the best I could from the bench.
The game was good, although I thought we gave them a bit to much respect. In my opinion, the GB team wasnt that impressive. They controlled a bit more possession out the backfield, but we were much too strong for them in defense. The game seemed detined for a draw when GB got a goal in the 90th minute, seconds before the game ended. A heartbreaking loss plus I got injured!
On the ride back to the hotel, I started to feel nauseus, which worried me b/c there is a bug that's been going around the team. Well, that ended up being my destiny as well. That night I was horribly sick in every way imaginable and didnt sleep a wink. We had a practice the next morning (which I couldnt play in anyhow b/c of the ankle injury), but I spoke to Coach and he let me sleep in. I tried to sleep in all morning and overcome the nausia, which got a bit better. I also kept bags of ice nearby to ice my ankle. Not a fun night or morning.
This afternoon, we left for Tel Aviv to take part in the Opening Ceremonies. The athletes are required to line up about 3 hours before the march, which is a bit crazy. So, most of the athletes snuck out to the mall right next to the stadium to chill out. That is where I am writing this from, drinking an ice coffee and trying to rehab my ankle. Tomorrow we play S. Africa, but I am 50/50 because of the ankle. Just tring to maintain...hopefully cheerier stuff tomorrow.
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