Sunday 7th July

The whole village mood was very subdued this morning, everyone probably still in bed after late night celebrations at the opening ceremony. Having missed it we were fresh and up, buzzing for the game ahead of us v Japan. A win would virtually qualify us for the knockouts, a draw or a loss would make it go to the last game to determine where we finish.

All the preparation and routine was similar to when we played Brazil, everyone was chilling in their own little zones getting up for the game... It had come to that point again, it was game time and now was when we had to step up and prove that we will be a force in this tournament and beat the best teams in the competition.

A delayed start to the game due to Demi having to near enough yank her nose piercing out as the officials wouldn't allow taping we were underway... 2minutes gone, first chance on goals, BAM! Japan 1 up. Some quick play to shift the ball across the box and a tidy finish from a tight angle. Now we were facing an uphill battle. We didn't need any more spurring on for an equaliser than the fact we knew we had to win. Around 10minutes later Michelle floated a corner in and competing for the ball was a group of players from both teams, not sure who but somebody managed to bundle it into the net. All for it to be disallowed for an unknown reason. From that moment we began to settle into the game knowing we would get chances to score but unfortunately again our first half wasn't up to standard and was sloppy.

Second half we had to come out flying, we had nothing to lose. We was already losing and we needed a way back into the game, we created a number of set plays all game and looked threatening everytime the ball went into the box. It was surely only a matter of time before one went in. Michelle played a corner in, it was cleared but only to Kasia who sidefoot volleyed the ball onto the bar and over the line. Or was it? We was all adamant, and the referee was too, goal given. GB back on level terms, this was a turning point. Passes started to flow, more chances coming then completely out of the blue a cross come shot was drilled into the box, bouncing on the 6yard line (no man's land) which is tough to deal with and fortunately on this occasion for them it was enough to cause confusion and the ball finished up in the net. Japan were back infront 2-1.

From then on we didn't give up and again created affective set plays which troubled them but we just couldn't connect properly on the final ball. It's gutting because we know we could have got something from this game and Japan are beatable. We just need to stay positive and focus on what we done well rather than the little mistakes that can easily be erased. It's massive we go again tomorrow with a positive mindset to ensure we finish off the group stage with a win putting ourselves in a position to qualify in the best possible way.