Monday 15th July

A day that will go down in history. In one of two ways, either we remember today wishing we had done more and walked away with a silver medal. Or we will forever remember the day we dominates a world tournament and finish as number one. It all lied in our hands.

We face a Mexican team with senior international players, an eye for goal and a well drilled style of play. We knew it would be a tough challenge and literally every player had to be on their game, but above all else this was a chance to make history. No GB women's team has ever won gold at football in the university games, we could be the first.

As always we wanted preparation to be down to a tee and as routined as possible. The only part of the morning different to usual was that in our pre game meeting we decided to make a pledge. They were individual and had to be what you would give to the team in the game today, it showed us much we all wanted it and it was also proof that no-one was going to sit back and leave anything behind. If we lost, then fair play because we gave it our all. And if we won we would know we fought for it hard and no-one could beat our team spirit.

No-one anticipated just how big this game was and at the beginning of the trip none of us had the expectation of making the final, so to be in this position was unreal and we was going to enjoy it. Mexico with their goal threat scored first early on with a flood of players running forward. Then we had a corner, Michelle put it onto Kerys' head and it bounced on the 6yard box. What came over me then was pure instinct, swivel and hit the ball low. God knows where it would end up but today was the lucky day, bottom corner. I had scored in a final or a major competition. Priceless. Now to ensure we won and it didn't mean anything come the end of the game.

Mexico didn't give up they kept coming at us and again they worked a ball into the box and some quick feet opened up the goal, 2-1. Surely not! We had to win! Late into the half we began to play our game and pin point their key players, eliminate them from the game and attack in numbers. It showed, a big switch of the ball by Michelle found Izzy unmarked who drilled the ball towards goal which was deflected into the roof of the net. 2-2, get in.

Second half, we always come out flying after halftime and improve significantly. It must have been a feature of our tournament because today again it was the same. However no breakthrough, just more possession, more chances and starting to turn the screw. We felt more settled and we tightened up at the back alot. It wasn't until very late on in the game that we got the significant 3rd goal. A quick 3 pass switch from right to left found Fran Kirby who as always is finding the net and didn't let us down. 3-2 with 10minutes left.

Mexico pushed numbers forward and in doing so left space at the back, we capitalised on this with a 3v1 situation. Fran crossed from the left, it bypassed Dan Carter but Aileen casually sidefooted it into the net. 4-2... That was the moment I began to realise that I was within touching distance of a gold. We was so nearly there, 5minutes to hold on. But instead of holding on we kept going, Kasia looped a ball into Fran Kirbys path and easily our goal of the tournament, she half volleyed a left footed shot that found the inside of the net. I don't think any keeper would have saved it, was pure tekkers! 5-2, now we could admit we had won gold, the celebrations were madness and I was caught up with emotion that I couldn't stop smiling. Even as the game carried on I was still smiling knowing we had done the job.

One last goal was in us though, against all the odds in what was infact a very close game we completed the scoring with Fran on a hat trick having her shot saved by the keeper only for it to fall to Dan Carter to place the ball into an empty net. 6-2, wow, for any final that is a shockingly high scoring game and believe me it was never a 6-2 game. Mexico were a great side but in those last 10minutes everything went right, it showed how much quality we had going forward and how no-one could stop us at putting the ball in the net.

As the final whistle blew all I remember is squatting to the floor, arms aloft and bursting into tears. Tears of joy and relief. At the fact that a childhood dream had just been fulfilled, I had won a major tournament for my country and I couldn't have done it with a better bunch of players. All 19 of my team mates and the 7 staff members on this trip have been perfectly linked in making our team work, everything about the atmosphere, the closeness of the group, the balance of training was met to absolute perfection and that made us thrive when it come to games. We have done it, world champions at the university games, how many people can say that? And trust me it'll be many years before I stop mentioning it at every given opportunity.

I'm so proud of what we've achieved and anyone who knows me will say how passionate I am about winning and succeeding. That's probably why I burst into tears when we won instead of being filled with happiness, it was the kid inside me coming out and the thought of putting a gold medal on was overwhelming in that moment.

Today Monday the 15th of July will forever be remembered as the day I scored in a final and won a gold medal playing the sport I love. What more could you ask for? It's a dream I've had since I was so young so forgive me if you ever feel in milking this occasion but things like this don't happen regularly so I am going to enjoy my success and my teams success for many years to come.

Naomi Cole, Team GBR #3... GOLD MEDAL WINNER!!

Sunday 14th July

Its been so pleasing to post virtually every start to a daily blog with us feeling happy, its much better than waking up and regretting stuff. Fortunately everything so far we've taken control of and made it work in our favour ending in winning results... Just one more game to go and we must keep this mentality going if we want to walk away with a gold around our necks.

The recovery days have been as important as match days and all the staff have been so crucial in ensuring we do what works for us. Whether it be booking a pool session, to getting a leg massage or foam rolling sessions. All of it is catered for and it had enabled us to be as ontop of our game as possible come game day, so today was one of those rest days. Altogether since or camp, we have played 8 games in the space of 3weeks, that is alot of football so it's been a tough ask to get through all those games 100% fit. But all the girls have dug their heels in and got on with it, come game day everyone has a new freshness about them.

To complete our rest day we went to watch the men's GB football team, they faced hosts Russia infront of a sellout crowd of 10,000 fans. The odds were stacked against them, with their opponents valuing around the 12 million euro mark, whereas our men must be valued at no more than 50k. Within that pricey team was Russian youth internationals and champions league players. But us being Britain we love being an underdog, and thrive on the occasion just like the lads did last night. Unfortunately going down to 10men in the first half they held out for 0-0 at halftime. Second half, went 1-0 down, then the tide turned. 1-1 with 10minutes left. There was 50 GB fans at the game (ourselves included) and the noise we managed to generate was unreal. The Russians couldn't believe they had to try and out sing us! But try as they might our chanting was more inspiring than theirs. Russia then had a player sent off aswell, 10v10. Fulltime. Straight to penalties... GB win 5-3 on penalties, elation! Another GB football team into the final.

The spirit and determination of the boys last night was unbelievable, everything was against them but their togetherness and desire to get something pulled them through. We can take so much inspiration from watching that yesterday, and if times get tough v Mexico in the final we know how to grind through it.

So the time has come, one more sleep and we will staring our final in the face. What more motivation do you need than it being a chance to claim the number one spot at a major tournament. We all won't let up now and its going to take a massive amount of workrate and desire to win but we have it in us. Let's be ready for this and do all we can to win!

Naomi Cole, Team GBR #3.

Saturday 13th July

We are now into the business end of our tournament and infact our journey. We have only a matter of days left here and now is the time to ensure we can come home with amazing memories we can keep forever. We knew we faced a resilient Brazil side who were sure to put up a fight... If we'd have known how literal that was to be we wouldn't have been so shocked by the game yesterday.

Stepping off the coach in high spirits, our music playing and just trying to relax before our real focus kicked in, it was hard to ignore what a big game this was with alot of cameras and film crews following our every move from the moment we got to the ground. We didnt want to let anybody down, we didn't want to let eachother down, this HAD to be our night and ensuring we go home with a medal.

Brazil turned up in typical 'Samba' style, drums, tambourines, dancing, they wanted to be louder than us. Which to be fair they were loud and had more support there last night, was that going to make a difference to us? Of course not. We were there to do the job and make sure we were on the better half of the outcome. Simple, no noise or interfering they did was going to stop us.

I remember standing in the line up before the game, it was overwhelming to see everyone there and in a strange way this vibe and pride was bursting from us. I think collectively we've grown as a squad, as in our togetherness has become a massive part of us being a team and in that moment I felt that when I looked towards the bench and saw my team. It was a proud moment and I know everyone will think the same thing.

I'm going to keep the game analysis short (hopefully) but for the first 30minutes we were finding our feet in the game, the ball kept coming back into our half and we wasn't getting much restbite. Although Brazil had more of the ball they didn't threaten, we held firm and eventually settled in and put our stamp on the match. It was clear that the officials weren't going to help us tonight, many fouls went unnoticed and the Brazilians at every opportunity would be hollering in the referees ear to card someone. If thats how they felt they would win this game then that's poor, we wanted to win by playing football, not by relying on decisions or turning the game into a wrestling match.

Second half we tweaked a couple of things, I got moved off the GK from corners as I was being victimised for nothing and if I'd have looked at the goalkeeper the ref would have probably given a foul and a free-kick and a card? That's how literal she meant "anything else 3 and you'll get a card"... Anyway, we seemed to keep the ball more in their half and as always the belief started growing, half chances here and there but nothing clear cut. It only takes one to score though and in the 67th minute Izzy won a header off a Brazilian goal kick, it fell in the path of Courtney who pivoted and rolled the ball in the direction of Dan Carter beyond the backline. We was in!... With just the keeper to beat she dummied and got around her, only one outcome here with an open goal. Yep, 1-0 GB. Elation, everyone celebrated that goal like we had won the tournament, thats how much it meant to us to get that first goal. We ended up in a mass huddle by the bench screaming and cheering, we knew we was almost there.

Despite there being so much time left there was a sense of solidity in the team, it would take one hell of a comeback for us to give up our lead. Brazil threw more players forward and more elbows and late tackles. It was getting frustrating for them but we remained calm and let them work themselves into a defeat.

The final whistle couldn't have come with a better feeling. We had done it, through to the final. I remember just running towards my defensive partner Jem and jumping on her, knowing we'd worked so hard and could pour out or delight. Everyone was on the pitch giving out high fives and hugs, it was the best feeling of the trip so far. We was going to lap it up and enjoy the moment, with a medal now guaranteed we would be coming home with something to show for our work.

The work from everyone in our team (staff included) has been phenomenal. To get players fit from injury, to analysing games, to recovering right. All of it comes together and it gets results on the pitch, everyone plays their part in our team and its amazing to be experiencing the same emotions with this group. It's been awesome so far, and we don't want it to be cut short now. We have a FINAL to look forward to, we play Mexico on Monday and wow what an occasion to enjoy and fight for a gold medal. What a way that would be to complete our trip! Everyone knows it's one step away now and we can achieve that, one last collective push will get us over the line and finishing this tournament as number 1.

Naomi Cole, Team GBR #3.

Friday 12th July

Cloud nine wasn't high enough to describe how buzzed we felt after yesterday's game. Who'd have expected us to win 8-0 v Ireland, it's madness. However we need to bring ourselves back down to earth as its such a quick turnaround before the next game.

Playing against a team you've beaten once already can be dangerous, you can become complacent and they will want to prove a point. At this stage of a competition everyone has done well to get deserves to be here, it's important to remember that and not take anyone lightly.

As is normally the case between games we have quite alot of downtime and a chance to relax our legs to allow us to be fresh for a game within 48hours of the last one. Morning foam rolling and stretching was met with pleasure despite the fact we had to wear skins all day in 30 degree heat. Massive error!! Not a good look either.

Later in the day a few of us took the afternoon to cheer on GB who were playing in the mixed doubles v a Slovakian pairing. An intense first set was won after an hour and the second set finished in the same fashion after a lengthy tiebreaker. But congrats to GB who progress to the quarter finals!

An important team meeting took place tonight, not going to spill the beans but it was crucial we did it. Everyone is on the same wavelength which is key for these last two games ahead of us now. A late kick off tomorrow means plenty of time to prepare in the day, how we spend that time is important so we're ready for the game but not overly stressed about it coz our minds been on the focus all day so burnt out when it matters. Its little things like that and our meeting which will put us in the best place for tomorrow. Can't wait to wake up tomorrow and have a semi final on the horizon, bring it on Brazil!!!

Naomi Cole, Team GBR #3.

Thursday 11th July

Getting into our one day on one day off routine today was our day ON. It was gameday, and what a big one at that. A chance to book our place in the semi finals of a major tournament. Standing in our way was Ireland, our apartment neighbours who will no doubt wanna put one over on us.

Today we played at a different stadium to usual but fortunately it is our training venue so we already have had a feel of the pitch. It's smaller than the previous one but nicer 4g surface, so catch 22 really... Before the game people have their own routines don't they? Well it seemed ours today we all kind of bonded together and has a collective buzz going round. Maybe because we had plenty of time before kick off I don't know but whatever we did it clearly worked and I hope we emulate that in the next game please because it was ledge!

To the game, in the last 2 games the first 2minutes has been significant so today we wanted to be on the better end of a quick start. And boy did we do that! Courtney beating the offside trap and lobbing over the keeper. 1-0. Great start. Ireland were clearly hurt by this and began to create, they hit the bar and got through a couple of times. Warning signs that they weren't going to sit down and get beat, we had to up our game again and press on for a 2nd. This came by virtue of a penalty, link up play between Courtney and Aileen down the right in which a cross was handled in the box. Michelle stepped up to cooly convert, 2-0. A foothold was now in the game to us, starting our flowing football and waves of attacks at the Irish goal. Another consultant goalscorer was to pop up with the next goal, Fran Kirby as always cutting in from the left and curling a shot into the far corner. 3-0 at halftime.

Do we settle for 3-0 and sit back second half or do we continue to press for goals? Ireland had nothing to lose now so the next goal would be crucial. About 5minutes into the second half Dan Carter, desperate to open her WUGS account finally did. Drilling a shot home under the keeper, her celebration showed her relief at scoring! Literally 2minutes later it was to become 5-0. Diagonal ball specialist Jemma Rose (pinging'ell today girl!) drove a ball from the halfway line into the box for Courtney to notch her second and our 5th with a accurately placed header over the keeper... The goals were beginning to flow now and Courtney wrapped up her hat trick after good pressing high up the pitch to stun the Irish players. 6-0! They didn't know what had hit them. With still over 30minutes to go aswell.

Were we finished, were we heck! On the hour mark Fran doubled her tally with again another low shot into the goal. 7-0.... We continued to enjoy long spells of possession of the ball and introduced 4 subs into the game. Ireland had a 5minute spell where they desperately wanted a goal but a super stop from Ash Baker ensured it wasn't to be for them. With not long left we won a free-kick by the right touchline in line with the box. A cleverly routined short free-kick from Michelle to Courtney who then picked out Dan with a low pass to volley home and make it 8-0. Unbelievable stuff. Full-time and we booked our place in the semi final.

Potentially we could have got more but to have scored that many is such a positive thing for us. Now we need to not get ahead of ourselves and think we're on cloud nine. It's one game, and one game closer to the final. We meet our first game opponents Brazil in the semi which believe me will not be an easy task. They are on a high after finishing the group strongly and beating Chinese Taipei today who topped their group. But positives is we know we can beat them if we turn up and I believe we have it in us to not let this chance slip.

With Japan being knocked out of the competition tonight v South Africa it has blown the tournament wide open. It's now between us, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa to be crowned champions. Semi finals is next up and we cannot wait to play it, it's been such an incredible journey so far and we dont want to let it up at the next hurdle. It's ours for the taking and after today we can be so positive looking forward.

Naomi Cole, Team GBR #3.

Wednesday 10th July

It may seem odd but today we gladly accepted having a day of doing nothing for 5hours. Some people chose to sleep, others to watch a film or go for a slow walk. It all depends on how you recover best and that's so important for this last week. We have now made the knockout part of the tournament and with a game every other day we need to conserve energy as much as possible.

In a way aswell it was nice to switch off from football and enjoy our experience of being here and also gave us a chance to catch up with family at home properly. With only a week left until we go home and it's been almost a month away its been a test for us dealing with that aswell as the football.

A new series of games was introduced today, Ash Baker teaching us Monopoly Deal (a card version of Monopoly). Also Billie Murphy and myself created corridor cricket, much to my disappointment I'm shocking at it and definitely let her down when it came down to doubles play. Sorry Chuck!! To round off the evening we had a Team GB squad picture with all the sports here which accumulated to around 200 of us in a mass photo. I will try and get a copy of this if the flash was good enough to capture anything in the dark. Random idea to do it at 9 at night? Maybe it will be rescheduled.

Besides from that we haven't had much on and a pretty low key day comes to a close, tomorrow we go back to game mode and Ireland in the quarter finals. It makes me so excited to think that winning that will mean a semi final! I love tournament football and now seeing athletes walking around in their medals, wow do we want some of that! They're HUGE and to say you're number 1 is never a bad thing.

Naomi Cole, Team GBR #3.

Monday 8th July

Think we swapped around days today, we was treated to a chilled out Sunday but on a Monday. No training was scheduled so we had the option to relax in the apartment or go and watch another sport. As expected we chose to go out and see something new. Half the group decided to go to artistic gymnastics, the other went to football (just for a change).

We had time to clear our minds about the game yesterday and to be honest we can be quite happy with spells in the game and it's crucial we are positive going into the game tomorrow v Estonia. With all of us in the group playing at 8pm tomorrow we won't know the final standings in the group until after fulltime, so a win is all we can aim for to give us a chance.

I didn't go to gymnastics as I wanted to go watch GB compete which they weren't in gymnastics so that's why I chose football. But from the looks of the pictures and general feelings of people who went it was a spectacle of skill and pure strength. As for the football, the GB men's side played Malaysia, GB won 2-0 with their opponenets finishing the game with 10 men. Looking comfortable throughout and dominating play a win wasn't in doubt. Which now makes it 6points out of 6 for the men. Congrats!

Evening entertainment again had to be created by the group so Cranium came out the box but the best game by a mile was Heads Up. It's an app on the phone which is similar to charades but more quickfire and records the person acting for you. It's honestly so funny and we would recommend it to people if they were ever bored.

Everyone's beginning to turn in for the night, having an evening game tomorrow will be a change for us and maybe frustrate us having to wait so long to play. But be sure that were not going to take Estonia lightly, they're not gonna want to get beat 3 games running so will put up a fight. All we need to do is focus and ensure we put plenty of goals past them and come away from the game with 3 points. Simple plan of action.

Naomi Cole, Team GBR #3.