After beating Germany with a 5-0 run in
the second half of the game, we started our journey to the finals
against Spain. Spain has always been a tough team for us. They are
fast and physical and besides us they are one of the only teams that
drive.
The game started with us going up 2-0
on counter-attacks. But it did not take long for Spain to respond.
Soon after they tied the score and eventually took the lead. The game
was more of a swimming match than anything. The referees weren’t
calling many fouls and neither team was playing for the centers.
In the last minute of the game, with
Spain leading 7-6, we called a Timeout. We ran a play and got the
ball to the center, but as was expected there was no foul called and
the game ended. Our hopes of winning a gold medal were crushed.
Reflecting on our loss we all realize
the opportunity we had but more importantly we know what still lies
ahead. No US team has ever won a medal at World Championships. If we
do end up getting a medal, this will be a first, which is on par with
paving our way to becoming the greatest American team of all time.
Tomorrow we will play Croatia for the
bronze. Croatia has always been a powerhouse and they have two of the
best centers in the world. After our loss last night we realize that
playing as bad as we did we are still on a competitive level with
anyone in the world. If we can play well we are the best team in the
world.
Tonight we will recover and watch a lot
of video. Tomorrow we will wake up, eat with Phelps and the swimmers
as usual, and then prepare to beat the Croatians. Our team matches up
well against Croatia and since Ratko Rudic was our coach we know all
the tricks they might try and pull. Stay tuned for more.