Wake Forest Athletics
Lauren Crandall's Junior World Cup Diary
9/16/2005 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Sept. 16, 2005
Santiago, Chile - Trip to the Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile: weird.
Jamie, Michelle and I decided that in the airport waiting for our flight, as well as on the plane to Chile. One of the strangest moments: we were in between two places, a place that our hearts wanted to stay with the people that make it that way and a place that promised nothing but challenges and obstacles. There was clearly a bit of uneasiness in our nine hour flight to Santiago. But as we were greeted in Chile by the beautifully snow capped Andes mountains, all feelings of uneasiness disappeared and our trip became reality.
We had a bit of trouble adjusting to the environment... most of us had on short sleeved shirts and some wearing capris - but apparently it is not spring here as we were told - it is dead winter. Leaving the airport was honestly the scene from Cool Runnings when the bobsled team steps out into the cold - classic. So the stupid Americans had a bit of trouble packing, but all is looking well now. We killed some time before getting into our rooms by checking out the little city of Santiago which is definitely cute.
That night, after traveling nine hours and sleeping maybe four total, we had to scrimmage No. 3 Germany. Now for all of you that do not know much about US hockey compared to the world...well lets just say that we have a lot to prove. We tied Germany 1-1, so I would say we are on our way to doing it -- putting US hockey back on the map!
The next day was slow - a one hour practice in the afternoon and then a little bit of Chilean flavor at night with the unofficial opening ceremonies. That was the first time all the teams came together - 16 nations. It was Absolutely surreal - the ambassadors for all of the countries were there; each team had their own stylish look in their previously prepared outfits - way cute. I'm going to have to say that The Netherlands were the most fashionable. Inquire within if you'd like to know what they were wearing.
Wednesday was our first challenge: No. 8 England. After a 6:30 a.m. walk and stretch and a bit of laying around, we were up to kick the tournament off. We pulled out the first upset of the tournament by beating England, 4-2 (go to www.usfieldhockey.com or the hockey page on our website to find out more about the game). That game set the tone and put us in a great position in our pool - quick breakdown: 4 pools of 4 teams, top 3 of each qualify into crossovers and then placings from there.
So basically we knew we wouldn't be playing for 13-16th place (banking on beating last ranked team Zimbabwe). More laying around that day mixed in with many, many team meetings and preparation for No. 1 The Netherlands.
Today, Wednesday, I'm writing on a big high - we just got back from tying The Netherlands, 2-2. It's difficult to describe just what an achievement this was for the US. Lets just say that our Golden Girls (six 70 year old American women who have been traveling watching USA play since the 1930s) cried at the end of the game. Just all around great feelings here! So now we're back to laying around all day with a day off tomorrow.
Take care in Winston and send us some love down here in Chile!
