Crazy no. 1
"Every four years, for thirty-one days, the world comes together to stand apart."
- Morgan Freeman voiceover in a VISA TVC
If you are not familiar with Mr. Freeman's statement above, or if you do not have a clue what he is referring to, then let me to ask you this: How's life as a caveman?
The 2010 World Cup kicked off last June 11th at South Africa, the first African nation to host a World Cup. At first I was watching with no pressure, scouting for a team to root for. But on the early morning (2:30am) of June the 14th, my jaw dropped as I watched an amazing young German team, with unknown players (except for a few), beat the crap out of the Australian Socceroos, 4-nil. I was even rooting for the Socceroos at first (I always root for the underdogs) but man, by the end of the 1st half we had a clear winner. The excitement and surprise that this young team was able to bring to a "boring" game called football made me really miss the sport for the first time in years (I used to play as keeper in our high school's football team, but it was just for a short time). Honestly, I never really missed football, not until I watched the Germans massacre the Socceroos. That's when I became a Die National Mannschaft fan. I was hooked.
The Germans went on to dominate the 2010 World Cup, and were quickly gaining fans as they beat favorites England (4-1) and Argentina (4-0). Although they lost one game to Serbia (and I honestly think that was a fluke), they sent many star players home. Australia's Cahill, England's Rooney, Lampard, Gerrard, with their coach Capello, plus Argentina's Messi, Tevez, Higuain, with their coach Maradona all have a lot of reflecting to do until Brazil 2014.
After beating World Cup favorites England and Argentina, Germany faced Spain in the semi-finals. It was a highly anticipated match, because as the days went by, these two teams were being considered the best teams in the tournament. Spain won that match 1-nil. Seemed that the German counter attack was not mature enough to dominate Spain's ball possession play. I have to say, the Spaniards had a great strategy, and this match was more of a mind game than anything else. It was obvious that the Germans were holding something back, maybe it was fear or maybe the "counter attack" strategy was just not good enough to win against the Spaniards, who knows? One thing was obvious though, they got played. It was a different German team, not the one who dominated their previous matches.
Oh, the pain. I had become attached to Die National Mannschaft. After celebrating their brilliant play in their previous matches, I was heartbroken. When Carles Puyol of Spain, scored that bullet header goal, it literally felt like a bullet. Right through the heart!
The Spaniards were sent to the finals against Netherlands, and the Germans went on to play for the 3rd place match against Uruguay, their final game. It was clear what the German and Uruguayan teams had to do - play to their heart's extent; third is still third. Both teams picked up the pieces of their broken hearts, and played what I think was the best game in the tournament. The score itself tells you, Ger 3 - 2 Uru. It was a rollercoaster of emotions as the Germans took the lead in the 1st half, the Uruguayans fought back and took the lead at the beginning of the 2nd half, and the Germans finished the game with two more goals towards the final whistle (one goal at the 83rd minute!). Even the last minute of the game almost gave me a heart attack, as a free kick was awarded to Diego Forlan (The man who single-handedly brought Uruguay to the semi-finals, and this year's Golden Ball awardee), giving Uruguay the chance to extend the game into extra time with a possible equalizer. But alas, and luck for the Germans drove the Jabulani ball to hit the top goal post, and the game was over. Germany took 3rd place, which was not bad. Not bad a at all.
I've been analyzing why I was so attracted to the German team. No, it wasn't because I had a crush on one of the players (my crush is the COACH! Joachim Lowe... sigh!). Honestly, the Germans could not hold a candle against the Spaniards in the crush-worthy department (Casillas, Ramos, Villa, Xavi, Torres, damn those sexy Spaniards). The simplest reason why I like them so much is because they exceeded expectations, with their young, unknown players, who turned out to be very talented and always gave us an exciting game to watch (my favorites are Oezil, Mueller, Schweinsteiger and Klose: although he's not that young anymore). I kind of drew a connection between this team and myself, being young literally, and in the industry, always trying to impress my superiors (who are considerably older than I am), sometimes being put down by older and more seasoned industry players, blah blah blah. It's corny, but it's true.
They say this was the Spaniards' world cup, and I have to say, well played. Along with the sudden shot to fame of the German psychic octopus, Paul, this would have to be the most dramatic world cup I have ever followed. So, congratulations and Viva Espana! As for Gernany, they will be back stronger and better than ever... and I will still be cheering for them for sure.
Crazy no. 2
July 1st was my 28th birthday. I had a joint birthday party with my friends Martha (June 29th) and Jam (July 2nd). It was our birthday weekend, and it was the Germany vs. Argentina game. So we had a World Cup themed Birthday Party.
Crazy, crazy, crazy.
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Crazy no. 3
This month I have four projects. Two photoshoots (one done last weekend, one to be held this weekend), and two TVC shoots (both done). Work has been work, but fulfilling, and I have got some fine additions (if I do say so myself) to my portfolio. That's crazy enough for me.
Crazy no. 4
Parting note: I know I said I'm going to blog about season enders for this and the next few blog posts, but I will get to that later on. I just felt this was a more interesting entry to post. 'Til next time, my lovelies! Peace!
