Winning and the "Red Devil"

Our opening match here in Nis was against Spain. Over the past few years since I have been the head coach they have had our number and have beaten us when it really mattered. Last year they beat us in Rome at the World Championships in the semi-finals. This time we played very well - especially on defense and came out on top with a convincing 7 - 3 win. Our 5 man defense was great - we only gave up one goal on Spain’s 10 extra man opportunities. That is a great team stat and one that could win us the tournament here if we can keep it up. It was a good team win and a good way to start off the tournament.

Yesterday we played China. The biggest challenge of the day was not actually playing China but digesting the lunch that we had eaten. It was your typical mystery meat - although a bit more mysterious than usual. It was red in color, round, greasy and tasted a bit like sausage??? but it definitely had a mixture of flavors. We named it the “red devil” sausage (see attached picture) for what it did to your stomach. I am pretty sure that it might have been a play by the Chinese to get us all sick. I had a few bites and my stomach was unsettled. Many of the guys ate the entire meal and 30 minutes later were running to the toilet with diarrhea. A few were even vomiting. Not good for a pre-game meal. Anyway, after a slow start we beat China 10 - 5. No more of the red devil.

This sets up a big game tonight against Montenegro. A win gives up first in our bracket and a cross over game on Friday against South Africa. A loss would mean a cross over game on Friday against Croatia. So this is a big one. I believe that our guys are ready. We are playing good defensively and Merrill is playing very strong in the goal.

Serbia played Croatia last night with a rowdy pro Serbia crowd. The Croatians were booed out of the stadium and ended up losing by one. A good intense game that sets the tone for tonight’s game. It should be fun.

Two games down and fifteen to go...

See you at the pool.

Coach