The beautiful game. The cruelest game.

Well, we saw the cruel side of football on Tuesday morning. Defeat snatched from the jaws of possible victory. Lucas Neill is still a hero, as are all of the Socceroos. I am filled with pride at the achievements of our little Aussie battlers at the World Cup. But sometimes luck (and refereeing decisions) doesn't always stay with the underdog. Yes, the Italians should not have had a man sent-off, and we should have capitalised on the advantage. But we were up against the masters of defensive counter-attacking football. Australia's lack of a prolific striker is very telling and the burden of that should not be shouldered by Mark Viduka alone. Though there is hope that with the rise of this game in Australia, that somewhere out there is a young footballer or two who now knows that we can make the big show. That they will follow through with their dream with the knowledge that determination and hard-work can bring rewards in the poorest/smallest/most-underrated football code on this country. Now all we have to do is build on this great moment in the game for Australia. So, to those that run the game in this country, please think long and hard about where you are going to take the game from here and who you are going to get to replace the great Guus. Dang, sport can be cruel.

I'm off to Melbourne on Sunday night, until Friday night. This is to help the new National Customer Care Centre (NCCC) with the transition from the closure of the Queensland sales desk. Should be verrry interesting.... I feel very sorry for the poor schmos who will be having to deal with all the Qld jerk-offs (agents). I will be heading back there a fortnight later to help them again. I have the feeling that there is some rising panic at the NCCC. Well, you make your bed...

I am very weary. Feeling very burnt-out. Hopefully next week won't be too stressful. I'll just have to treat it like a big adventure! Yee-ha!

Australians all, let us rejoice.

J.