Aussie Aussie Aussie !!!

Life in Korea has taken a back seat to all the World Cup festivities these days. I work in a hotel that has the following nationalities -

Korean 1792 staff, Geman 1 staff, French 1 staff, British 2 staff, Australians 4 staff.

So as it happened everyone in the hotels has a team represented in the world cup! Of course plenty of excitement around the hotel, lots of joking, and even more World Cup discussion than work discussion!

Okay, so lets rewind with a few updates on Aussies -

1 - Jeff Ogilvy won the US Open Golf over the past weekend! Great stuff
2 - Australia kick Englands ass again in the Rugby.
3 - Leyton Hewitt won Queens Tennis Tournament
4 - Australia 2 drew with Croatia 2! Giving the aussies a place in history to make the sweet sixteen! Aussie Aussie Aussie oi oi oi !!!!

The following is an article written by a French reporter, Pierre Littbarski in Germany. I took it from smh online, and I thin kit is a great article written by a non-aussie -

AUSTRALIA have made significant leaps forward at the World Cup, with many of the world's best judges believing the adaptable, high-energy style of football they play is emerging as a leading trend in the game.

While some have tried to portray the Australians as an over-physical side, the reality is they have played some very good football and have impressed everyone in Germany.

The performances against Japan and especially Brazil have been very impressive. They are tactically and technically very good and have been playing without fear.

Against Brazil they went onto the field thinking they could win. A lot of teams don't do that. Sure, Brazil won the match - but with a bit of luck, Australia could have drawn or even won the game.

They are not intimidated by anyone, have an attitude that is typically Australian and play with a smile on their face - but a sting in their boots. It is an ideal mix. But Australia's game is not just based on attitude. They have also played some very good football. It has surprised many people who thought the old Australian style of chasing and defending would still be alive.

Instead, they have been very positive in their play and win, lose or draw against Croatia, they have made many friends and new admirers in high places.


Great photo of Harry Kewell, courtesy of the Sydney Morning Herald as the other one on this post, and the last post.

Aussie victory in World Cup

Australia 3 Japan 1

Let me start by saying! You bloody rippa!
Ok, so the bad thing was I did not get to see the game. Can you believe I was actually working at midnight in Manila! Oh well. When I got back to the hotel, I caught the highlights and went to sleep very satisfied.

Here is comments and photos of the game -

Let us summarize the last 10 minutes of the game! Unbelievable -

84mins GOAL! Japan scrambled the free-kick away for a long throw-in but Kawaguchi flaps at it and Cahill is there to pounce and score Australia's first ever World Cup goal.

86mins Right down at the other end Japan look dangerous as Cahill definitely commits a foul in the box but he gets away with it as the ref awards a corner rather than the penalty it should have been.

88mins Fukunishi has the chance to end it as the defence opens up for him but he cracks his shot wide.

89mins GOAL! Unbelievable hit from Cahill. What a five minutes he has had. This time, he picks the ball up on the edge of the D and smacks his shot in off the post. It's safe to say he is better in the opposition's half.

90mins +1 Moniwa is pulled off to allow Masashi Oguro, the Japan forward, on.

90mins +2 GOAL! Aloisi makes sure of the three points. Cahill was involved again, feeding him 20 yards out and the big man just ran and ran before slotting into the bottom corner.

FULL-TIME. That's it, Australia somehow snatched victory in the final moments of the game. Tim Cahill completely turned the game on its head after coming on from the bench. He scored two, set up another one and could have conceded a penalty. It's Australia's first ever World Cup win. Japan do not deserve to lose by such a scoreline but they paid for not taking their chances.

Aussie victory in Rugby

Wallabies 34 England 3

I know I am late in announcing this, but have been so busy since returning from Philippines. So it was extremely positive to have the aussies have such a great performance against England, especially after having so many new changes to the line up. But then again Coach Connolly is the man, and he knows we have to put new blood in the team. And there is 5 more changes for the 2nd test tonight!

Thank you SMH & Getty Image for this shot of our new big man on the aussie team Rodney Blake! Damm big boy!

In the Philippines

We have finally made it to Philippines, and we are really relaxing. I am going to make this short, as will cover the trip in detail when we return to Seoul.
What I can say is we are now in Cebu, and really soaking up the sand and sun. We had a great dinner at a friend's house last night! The most amazing house!
Anyway will chat soon! Salamat!