tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34434292111475804732024-03-29T04:02:35.320-07:00MISinformationThe sequel to the MISinformation newslettersMargohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-26401543769080807192023-08-21T05:24:00.003-07:002023-08-30T07:30:51.482-07:00WWC23: Spain versus England -- The Final<p>
Here is my World Cup Recap by the numbers:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Days: 32</li>
<li>Matches (in person): 16</li>
<li>Unique Cities visited: 5</li>
<li>Total km (excluding round trip to/from Vancouver): 21,377 (13283 miles)</li>
<li>Legs between Australia and New Zealand: 7</li>
<li>Domestic Australia flights: 5</li>
<li>Domestic New Zealand flights: 1</li>
<li>Number of different people with whom I attended games: 11</li>
<li>Number of soccer jerseys purchased: 3</li>
</ul>
<p>
But, it all ends in the final! Sydney, August 20, 2023.
You might think that with the home team eliminated and all those US fans
without a dog in this fight, there might be diminished excitement around
the final. But fortunately, you would be wrong.
Everyone turned out: thousands upon thousands of yellow-jersey-wearing
Mathilda's fans, thousands of English, fewer Spaniards, and lots of
Americans who expected to be watching the US when they bought tickets
so many months ago, but instead were cheering on a team who would earn its
first ever world cup star.
</p>
<p>
I started gathering my Women's World Cup Final crew at the stadium
around 4:00, so we could enjoy the gala atmosphere, grab food at one of the
zillions of booths, and basically hang out for a bit.
We had a subset of the Olsen crew that we had in Lyon four years ago:
Mike, Teresa, Jennie, and Benji,
my former student Vaastav (currently at MPI-SWS) and his friend Mila
(currently at University of Zurich).
I was sad to be missing former final attendees Becks Ruck, Nancy Geimer,
Chris Vance, and Beth Martens. Next time!
</p>
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<p>
We all parted ways to head for different parts of the stadium. We had
outstanding seats. Once again, we were way high up (on level 6), but
we were at the 25 yard line of one of the goals (England's for the
first half), and we were in two seats that had no seats in front of us
and no one behind us.
It was great! (Notice Maddie and I both decked out in Spain away jerseys.)
</p>
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<p>
I don't recall there being fancy pre-game shows in 2015 and 2019, but I
could just be forgetting -- there certainly was a big pre-game show this
time!
We opened with the traditional welcome to country, although perhaps it
was not so traditional; it was the first game I'd seen in Australia where
the welcome came from a woman of one of the aboriginal groups of Australia.
</p>
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<p>
This was followed by
Tones and I singing several songs accompanied by a light show
as well as dancers and most entertainingly a ring of soccer-playing women
showing off their ball handling skills!
</p>
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<p>
And then, the opening we've become used to with a new banner and a bit
more fanfare!
</p>
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<p>
And then the game began.
First possession went to England and they looked threatening; a few minutes
later Spain made their own foray into the final third, but neither team
was truly in control of the match yet.
However, about ten minutes into the game, we saw Spain do what Spain
does best, whip the ball all over the field at high velosity,
through the midfield, and into the attacking third.
It appeared that England couldn't quite figure out how to counter it.
They looked smooth and dangerous when in posession, but that fancy
Spanish footwork seemed to push the game the way of Spain.
Young Spanish superstar, Paralluelo (who came off the bench
and scored in two of the previous knockout stage matches) started and was
a pesky presence in the final third.
</p>
<p>
About 25 minutes in, we were entertained by a <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/protest-putin-pitch-invader-womens-world-cup-b2396199.html">runner on the field</a>.
The security folks did what they were supposed to do and (thanks to his
slipping about 25 yards onto the field) four of them jumped on him and
escorted him out.
So exciting.
</p>
<p>
Just like the semi-final, it became a game of possession (Spain) and
counterattack (England).
Both sides looked dangerous in the final third, but it's difficult to score
if you don't have the ball, and Spain controlled the ball.
In general, losing the ball is bad, but about 30 minutes into the match,
it was devastating for England.
Spain stripped the ball from England around midfield, and Abelleira sent
a pass across the field to Caldentey who found Carmona outside the box.
Carmona sent a perfectly placed bullet past the outstretched arms of
Mary Earps; Spain 1-0!
</p>
<p>
England steps it up a notch, but Spain presses hard.
Just before the half, Paralluelo gets a pass just outside the goal area
and sends a shot in, but that pesky player 12 -- the post -- denies
the goal!
It's halftime with Spain up 1-0.
</p>
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<p>
At the beginning of the half, England makes two subs, one of which brings
in Lauren James, who had sat out a two game suspension for
(literally) <a href = "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EmFkqxGKmw">walking on
a Nigerian player's back</a>.
I was curious what the reaction would be -- the crowd was conflicted.
Some were thrilled to see new, young blood on the attack, but others
were not happy with her past behavior.
There were most definitely boos when her name was announced as the
substitute and they were repeated pretty much every time she touched the
ball.
</p>
<p>
Play continued much as before, until about 10 minutes into the half,
when England starts to take control, dominating possession.
Spain counters by subbing in a new defender -- nothing like some fresh
legs to keep those attacking forwards under control.
And, just a few minutes later, it seems like it could be all over.
A VAR review shows a handball in the England box area.
But alas, rather than all but sealing the game, Mary Earps saves the
day and stops the shot!
England has found a new life, and the stadium is tense!
</p>
<p>
The final 20 minutes are brutal.
Both sides are fighting: Spain for the win; England to stay alive.
Players are getting knocked about and both teams end up with
players down for serious assessment.
Between those injuries and the VAR review, as the clock strikes
90, the ref gives a whopping THIRTEEN minutes of extra time!
Anything can happen in thirteen minutes.
</p>
<p>
But alas, it doesn't happen and 13 minutes later finds us right where we
were in minute 30: Spain 1, England 0.
We have a new world champion!
</p>
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Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-34609329830067391852023-08-20T23:28:00.000-07:002023-08-20T23:28:06.853-07:00WWC23: Australia versus Sweden (consolation)<p>
Once again, it was pure party in Brisbane!
From numberes of fans and their behavior, you would not have known that this
was the consolation (3rd place) match rather than the final.
The streets were ablaze in yellow and green (and pale blue -- the
Mathildas away jersey color, which it turns out, the were
wearing for the match).
We joined the merriment on Caxton street and had a linner (dunch) there
before the 6:00 game. (Well, before our 4:30 arrive to buy our last gifts
of WWC apparel to bring home and to soak in the stadium atmorephere.)
The picture below is the stadium about an hour before the kickoff.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQmUfDPSm-EXGztRS6YYxGng53cQr2I-NGjNA17RaZy2D4K99a7qmotcA5FLP53dTa2LWfdA2gxXIAtiLDpgU3Yum3Iv2aPf49m4T5S1jKQ_aylKWTsHUCWnYU7Y4PH13S_0MLAoXXyMgmFfdyzZQTrVqv_poiuMPw5XIcc9mMCCRLVcXBHiDkTAgYN8/s16382/2023-08-19%2016.50.27.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="3628" data-original-width="16382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQmUfDPSm-EXGztRS6YYxGng53cQr2I-NGjNA17RaZy2D4K99a7qmotcA5FLP53dTa2LWfdA2gxXIAtiLDpgU3Yum3Iv2aPf49m4T5S1jKQ_aylKWTsHUCWnYU7Y4PH13S_0MLAoXXyMgmFfdyzZQTrVqv_poiuMPw5XIcc9mMCCRLVcXBHiDkTAgYN8/s320/2023-08-19%2016.50.27.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>
Maddie and I did a loop of the stadium (found some more FIFA apparel
we had not found in the outside store), found the press booth, and
soaked in the ambiance.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1Yf-6XlOZ-_6dgOPr5x-3y6__VkLoI4Eu2ga64cX7rdQB3vATXwLCd_CKHy1zthenQpBpFvv4C82BmDsKn1PBP3dz8BcPqRDCzh4NwD0SlRQ5PhjaW43qk9FR_lxNOjaKUdMAE1Ja7wpBoJaoCj7ImJyb6b9hncMf2uvJbFhv2gJ2zNOyH9xZnQoPWc/s4032/2023-08-19%2017.07.15.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1Yf-6XlOZ-_6dgOPr5x-3y6__VkLoI4Eu2ga64cX7rdQB3vATXwLCd_CKHy1zthenQpBpFvv4C82BmDsKn1PBP3dz8BcPqRDCzh4NwD0SlRQ5PhjaW43qk9FR_lxNOjaKUdMAE1Ja7wpBoJaoCj7ImJyb6b9hncMf2uvJbFhv2gJ2zNOyH9xZnQoPWc/s320/2023-08-19%2017.07.15.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>
Then we found our way to our seats -- almost identical to the seats I had
for the Quarterfinal against France (2 rows back, so 14 from the field,
at the 24 yard box of Sweden).
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENe_IqSShLaVF6G8CIy-MiyhcykpdQxYQaiV0q9VL5f5VJ1Ye1HJP5XEhNQxo-vjrRSgnHCQqwK-N-VTWNy4pnGr3x9BhgzDh3fKUJpGBeVJR7QL2Z2qRDFELLuOYaICAuhLMZ-wlTFQJcZbPVtJ3gCl7xLbdK2raHxwSm8jhig5tXzQ4sXlm6Sod4xU/s3088/2023-08-19%2017.16.54.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="300" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENe_IqSShLaVF6G8CIy-MiyhcykpdQxYQaiV0q9VL5f5VJ1Ye1HJP5XEhNQxo-vjrRSgnHCQqwK-N-VTWNy4pnGr3x9BhgzDh3fKUJpGBeVJR7QL2Z2qRDFELLuOYaICAuhLMZ-wlTFQJcZbPVtJ3gCl7xLbdK2raHxwSm8jhig5tXzQ4sXlm6Sod4xU/s320/2023-08-19%2017.16.54.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>
The seats were just great, so we got a birds eye view of warmups and some
of the TV coverage happened right beside us.
</p>
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<p>
And here is the stadium about 15 minutes before the kickoff.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchrJA5mbL7HpvAS_P51833-Olci7yC03U7tKxil0yNzWgGTi81PYkgZcnEEEKoSYhp1YwuyVyo9tlb8UZJdjE9ZB1EN6vKMmJCD_stFnMisGqESRm65tO-ebUv1uY1eFzKSioT2jsgacBxfRoRp83N2NVC6RSgVRPxO_VKq5mjliBtHbhMHa8lzNEt-Y/s16382/2023-08-19%2017.47.29.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="3628" data-original-width="16382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchrJA5mbL7HpvAS_P51833-Olci7yC03U7tKxil0yNzWgGTi81PYkgZcnEEEKoSYhp1YwuyVyo9tlb8UZJdjE9ZB1EN6vKMmJCD_stFnMisGqESRm65tO-ebUv1uY1eFzKSioT2jsgacBxfRoRp83N2NVC6RSgVRPxO_VKq5mjliBtHbhMHa8lzNEt-Y/s320/2023-08-19%2017.47.29.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>
And then it was time for the match!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxkvQdgXYQLUo2dsJmGOjbb9y9TkzcZZgzJmo-ss-VFhuOvgawxiSiVJcTa89zvpeB9mb6uqO2T4isF11A4Sw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabdN9okgB4spL3LveuwT8eEC2JdeSfv4iIefqoHJHblhFYTXA-adYmJ_N6aMuJA-zmYl0rZ5jBWbZylplnYgWKTqkl0dG6VsYPdS1fmWkh7VhD3mMxIaR-zimkDgdMSzY8MOkC95P-vwrqCGbdLl8RprFJvwLC8-bDDkwo2kRwkq-OGA1rxQR164-1KI/s4032/2023-08-19%2017.55.13.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="300" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabdN9okgB4spL3LveuwT8eEC2JdeSfv4iIefqoHJHblhFYTXA-adYmJ_N6aMuJA-zmYl0rZ5jBWbZylplnYgWKTqkl0dG6VsYPdS1fmWkh7VhD3mMxIaR-zimkDgdMSzY8MOkC95P-vwrqCGbdLl8RprFJvwLC8-bDDkwo2kRwkq-OGA1rxQR164-1KI/s320/2023-08-19%2017.55.13.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>
The match opened in about as terrifying a manner as imaginable:
Sweden has the kick off and within the first minute of play
Blackstenius is in the Australian box from which she launches
a great shot that thankfully, Mackenzie Arnold gets a hand on.
Um, it would be best of Australian were a bit more alert!
</p>
<p>
Unfortunately, the first 15 minutes are reiminescent of the semi-final.
Australia can't quite seem to get in the swing of things; their passes
are a bit off, the fluidity they show when they are at their best is
missing, and Sweden is taking full advantage of this -- in minute
four, Blackstenius sends in a cross that Arnold has to catch.
It's feeling like it could be a long day.
</p>
<p>
And once again, Australia does settle down and starts to put together
its own threats.
But, the overall feel of the game is a lot like the semi: Sweden has possession,
but when Australia gets the ball, they make you believe that something good
is going to happen.
Sadly, it doesn't.
I feel it's important to remember that Australia is coming off only a 2-day
rest, while Sweden is coming off a 3-day rest.
To my eye, the Mathildas just looks (understandably) tired.
</p>
<p>
By the middle of the first half, we're starting to see a real
end to end game with both sides attacking regularly.
In the 27th minute, it looks like Australia is saved again -- this time
Blackstenius finds Asllani, who chips the ball in to
Rolfo who heads the ball into the crossbar.
Australia breathes a short-lived sigh of relief until we learn that there
is a VAR penalty review.
And then, devastation!
Sweden is awarded a penalty due to a foul on Blackstenius.
Arnold goes the right way and almost gets a hand on it,
biut alas it's Sweden 1-0!
</p>
<p>
It's now a bit more of a frantic game.
Autralia is pushing for the equalizer and Sweden is looking for a second
goal to give them a bit of breathing space.
This continues up to halftime, where a frustrated and saddened stadium sees
the teams head to the locker room with that unhappy 1-0 score.
</p>
<p>
The second half saw a lot more of the same.
The longer the game went on, the more frantically Australia started
relying on the "let's just launch the ball up to Kerr and hope that
she can do something magical again" strategy. I think this was a huge
tactical error.
In the games Australia won, they won without Kerr.
Instead they had a beautiful midfield game that involved lots of players
in lots of plays.
They lost site of this with Kerr's return, and it meant that they turned
into a bit of a one-trick-pony team.
It was exciting, and Kerr certainly makes you believe that every
opportunity might, in fact, lead to a goal.
But, it's much easier to defend against, and it meant that
Kerr got beaten up pretty regularly.
</p>
<p>
Then, in the 61st minute, it's more bad news for the home team.
It's that pesky Blackstenius again -- coming down the left
side, she finds Asllani making a run into the box,
and Asllani sends a rocket into the right corner of the net.
Sweden 2-0!
</p>
<p>
The rest is, quite honestly, just ugly.
Sweden continues to push forward and look really dangerous.
The Mathildas continue to hope that Kerr is going to work magic.
In the 77th minute, Kerr goes down with something clearly bothering
her newly recovered (or maybe not so recovered calves).
It's almost painful to watch.
Australia has given everything, but it's just not quite enough,
and the crowd just waits for the six minutes of extra time to end.
</p>
<p>
But unlike some fans (Boston, that's you), Aussies love their team
win or lose. The fans are thankful for all the Mathildas have done
for team and country.
I am thrilled the next day when I see the majority of customers in
Rebel (my source for all WWC soccer jerseys) still buying Mathildas
jerseys.
There are signs everywhere still praising the Mathildas and cheering
them on.
And even Monday, after the final, the airport sports signs cheering,
"Go Mathildas."
There is sadness, but it's still a loverest and a lot of gratitude for
the month of joy that the Mathildas and the rest of the WWC teams
brough.
</p>
Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-69698096987572334142023-08-17T14:50:00.002-07:002023-08-17T14:50:39.655-07:00WWC23: Australia versus England (semifinal)<p>
Semifinal number two pit the home team Mathildas against
England's Lionesses, rated number 3 in the world.
This match was in Sydney at the Olympic Stadium and as one
might imagine it was a party.
By 4:30, Olympic Park was one massive party with dozens of food tents,
live music, thousands of ticket holders and thousands more coming to
watch the games on the big screen.
Since we were doing just a 1-day stint for the game, I booked us a
hotel at Olympic Park -- the view from our window (right) was not that
different from the view from in front of the stadium (left).
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAd7pEV4Knd-UuSOFfiXZyeYOKYTnMfROWp8SxeWSqR_gO2n5wCbFlPzoAafIS2eWzNrg4thxMson9zzGWRoE9_rM3pOem62IZFKoETb0MwuYM7B3BNEwmyDHST3M40fDuh_H-n9R0uneIwl-bNreoSVaV82rVWBohKwxH7i3pdRlhXsUw61CAY8Vmu_Y/s4032/2023-08-16%2011.38.08.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="300" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAd7pEV4Knd-UuSOFfiXZyeYOKYTnMfROWp8SxeWSqR_gO2n5wCbFlPzoAafIS2eWzNrg4thxMson9zzGWRoE9_rM3pOem62IZFKoETb0MwuYM7B3BNEwmyDHST3M40fDuh_H-n9R0uneIwl-bNreoSVaV82rVWBohKwxH7i3pdRlhXsUw61CAY8Vmu_Y/s320/2023-08-16%2011.38.08.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0M_Eipm7HZvoou7pzapKR05JQd-iB0Z6Ae9QqQPM-0JhdVJrktBO_GHIvgonQmMNzkNsvKXmSTPfc71lTqk1ka5uIKjGdNatjNoAzUZWtx3o2d7St3PJt_kVAEDf-LxZgQwziep_tsZo5uinHSmAgLrYZ7e6aK6vLrJfNy3uPEDBujGni9qdZ9jLEl8/s4032/2023-08-16%2011.22.13.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="300" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0M_Eipm7HZvoou7pzapKR05JQd-iB0Z6Ae9QqQPM-0JhdVJrktBO_GHIvgonQmMNzkNsvKXmSTPfc71lTqk1ka5uIKjGdNatjNoAzUZWtx3o2d7St3PJt_kVAEDf-LxZgQwziep_tsZo5uinHSmAgLrYZ7e6aK6vLrJfNy3uPEDBujGni9qdZ9jLEl8/s320/2023-08-16%2011.22.13.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>
As sun set over the city and stadium, the view from our room was
spectacular!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gCukX44gwrYBsnEOqAUztvlrY9Dgrlo4aedNKQ1Z31GROSz64W9CV5eaAYqkMhPvI1xSOwx3v_lt278XBK9bVAZ0sUSRfHRhC576QFx_oPhSwNBC6LpsZZgTB7acSTRjFcbcPLaLG0F03m4UCb62ch-LS4Owtz3pdMmPYgFhKXD9uOZIF1LBngOc4cE/s4032/2023-08-16%2017.59.02.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="360" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gCukX44gwrYBsnEOqAUztvlrY9Dgrlo4aedNKQ1Z31GROSz64W9CV5eaAYqkMhPvI1xSOwx3v_lt278XBK9bVAZ0sUSRfHRhC576QFx_oPhSwNBC6LpsZZgTB7acSTRjFcbcPLaLG0F03m4UCb62ch-LS4Owtz3pdMmPYgFhKXD9uOZIF1LBngOc4cE/s320/2023-08-16%2017.59.02.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6huLwXI1yjQG6d2l2J1pAZiUdfCISah4W2RSDatAw_PRKuwGH70k3WBOxPRolSKZb-xNRrpxzm7ZIamWDVvBicKHStskU4tVJgy5Z07x-erMafBCHlMqTKyMaTQ9kNb6D46TI_SgBPMYkX67J_f71iGCDx0CE2DoO5z1RUKKTwNbj_0Q6oNCgfd5EYE4/s4032/2023-08-16%2017.59.25.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6huLwXI1yjQG6d2l2J1pAZiUdfCISah4W2RSDatAw_PRKuwGH70k3WBOxPRolSKZb-xNRrpxzm7ZIamWDVvBicKHStskU4tVJgy5Z07x-erMafBCHlMqTKyMaTQ9kNb6D46TI_SgBPMYkX67J_f71iGCDx0CE2DoO5z1RUKKTwNbj_0Q6oNCgfd5EYE4/s320/2023-08-16%2017.59.25.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>
The short walk to the stadium was a dazzling array of people, lights,
displays, music, fire, and joy.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8zGnNRXI8LMCoJD70YL0GBPlG5irbIc_KLBsBkcjI3bQeS0gef4ZoesyWgM6HeUdNEqFS5k_Dp2ExZ2taMl7wIHtmwJ5nJuW-QQxKsBQ-wDXR0QU-q_YjZGJ9LB-Zw8ERiE4tVI07RMX9OALQAjTnqSxMeHzfAJtSqLzHb4Zp1VKHmST2BjrXEBCOuo/s4032/2023-08-16%2018.34.53.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8zGnNRXI8LMCoJD70YL0GBPlG5irbIc_KLBsBkcjI3bQeS0gef4ZoesyWgM6HeUdNEqFS5k_Dp2ExZ2taMl7wIHtmwJ5nJuW-QQxKsBQ-wDXR0QU-q_YjZGJ9LB-Zw8ERiE4tVI07RMX9OALQAjTnqSxMeHzfAJtSqLzHb4Zp1VKHmST2BjrXEBCOuo/s320/2023-08-16%2018.34.53.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>
As in past games at this stadium, our seats were along the touch
line near one goal (Australia's for the first half), but very high
up. So, nothing on the field looked big, but we had an outstanding
view of the field.
Maddie and were properly dressed for the occasion with an Australian
practice jersey for me and a home jersey for her -- and of course,
green and yellow face paint!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHq2RDfW3pRmkw4wmMvXuy9vm0Bd6p5oaD-V-dYB4tXkfKqzQRuk8PIQxrzP1WLitpThaW6VmJR-cO_oA4VJtJPPrG7qEW4rkfXclPoPkZpfnWK2EIqCE_SbF79EvJvJwEmAIBRwGW1EqNilIgtC5WoQm6O0a38bzmPpZAm6ekBwGoVCLSWz0sHDQcmho/s4032/2023-08-16%2019.14.04.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="300" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHq2RDfW3pRmkw4wmMvXuy9vm0Bd6p5oaD-V-dYB4tXkfKqzQRuk8PIQxrzP1WLitpThaW6VmJR-cO_oA4VJtJPPrG7qEW4rkfXclPoPkZpfnWK2EIqCE_SbF79EvJvJwEmAIBRwGW1EqNilIgtC5WoQm6O0a38bzmPpZAm6ekBwGoVCLSWz0sHDQcmho/s320/2023-08-16%2019.14.04.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujL4RcLJlCrTOzcsSrwd0G8_1V41AF1qlXb8Y9j56txwyKvwzaWQC9h4XhiS9V3Hi2dy9mfhwscX0kZH0pz6tZkbqFzgWBwWFD78D4zfLly11Hj2ASQyOMQW2LIUotrde97giBjUhVOgZa9WPfc8CB-bb0qBjDfeNGcrho2YXmQVUF6TY_AWkKAsYxnA/s3088/2023-08-16%2019.15.18.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="300" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujL4RcLJlCrTOzcsSrwd0G8_1V41AF1qlXb8Y9j56txwyKvwzaWQC9h4XhiS9V3Hi2dy9mfhwscX0kZH0pz6tZkbqFzgWBwWFD78D4zfLly11Hj2ASQyOMQW2LIUotrde97giBjUhVOgZa9WPfc8CB-bb0qBjDfeNGcrho2YXmQVUF6TY_AWkKAsYxnA/s320/2023-08-16%2019.15.18.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>
And then it was game time.
</p>
<p>
From the very beginning, it looked like this night was just not like the other nights -- for Australia. Although Sam Kerr started and fired up the offense in a way only she can do, passes were just not quite as perfectly placed and players weren't quite exactly where they should have been.
Kerr looked dangerous fairly frequently, but even her passes seemed a tad off.
England didn't look spectacular, but they were, controlling the ball better and putting
pressure on Australia's back line which was holding well.
And thus the half unfolded with England amassing significantly more possession, but both teams making attacking forays into the final third.
By half way through the first period, Englad was controlling the ball with over 70% possession!
</p>
<p>
And in the 36th minute, the unthinkable happens:
Starting with an English throw-in from the left side, the ball ends up with Russo who sends a pass into
Toone, who places the ball perfectly into
top corner of the far post, and Arnold simply cannot get to it.
England: 1-0!
</p>
<p>
That 1-0 score takes us into halftime.
The halftime stats are not pretty for Australia: with 68% possesssion England has made more than twice as many passes as Australia!
</p>
<p>
Unsurprisingly, Australia comes out after half time fighting for their keepalive goal.
They are looking a bit better and making better passes and finding open players.
For the first 15 minutes, their efforts are for naught ... and then Sam Kerr single handedly has the play of the game: she receives a pass right around midfield carries it to just outside the box and
sends it sailing just under the cross bar.
We have a tie game!
</p>
<p>
The change in the crowd is palpable. The fearful and nervous cheering gives way to unwavering belief and the crowd just knows now that Australia is going to do this!
Kerr threatens repeatedly, but can't convert.
Sweden regroups and starts threatening on the other end.
It's a frenetic up and down the field contest.
</p>
<p>
And then a mere seven minutes after Kerr's brilliance, something goes terribly wrong.
Arnold is out of the goal past the 6 yard box.
England's Millie Bright sends a ball her way.
Hemp dislodges it from the back line and the next thing we see is the ball in the back of the net.
It's England 2-1!
That one is going to be giving someone nightmares for weeks.
</p>
<p>
The next 10 minutes see an all out effort from Australia, but they still seem controlled and patient. But, by the 80th minute, it's become a frenzied, panicky free for all.
On top of that, Sweden starts doing all the annoying time-wasting maneuvers that drive me completely crazy. One player picks up the ball for a throw-in, then sets it down while a second meanders over to the side line to pick it up. While the goalie gets a new ball from the ball-kids, another teammate kicks a second ball onto the field (this actually earned her a yellow card, which was well deserved IMHO.
The goalie takes her sweet time doing anything.
One thing after another and it's becoming infuriating.
</p>
<p>
And then it's all but over except for the clock: In the 87th minute, England pretty much seals the deal: A speedy counter atack for the corner and Hemp finds Russo, drops the ball at her feet and Russo places it cleanly inside the far post.
Even with 6 minutes of stoppage time, a two-goal lead is too much and the final whistle shows: England 3, Australia 1.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw87Ezn9xzIVfPkJoucwfT42XD_9T47YHarYd2HrtE4X3nj0G6F8tvwajd9jDWh11gQu1Kzgl30fvVRyq6UJw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-51801779449816301992023-08-17T00:23:00.001-07:002023-08-17T00:23:36.827-07:00WWC23: Spain v Sweden (Semifinal)<p>
It's the first semifinal: Sweden versus Spain. From everything I'd seen, I
expected this to be Spain's game. We had mediocre seats behind the Swedish goal
off to the side.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OoMWv2NGmchvpXS12H5Qy9zFwQ1lrK-UJ9qza42aZgnrHykcl68CCC4VIxkUVQS-idefplmacCE35R55dPg9nqqIuUfyaQoCLkXwWt3PghjYndWUPOCcZj6b5zEuGAm9jddVrPcuyKeQNz6qNpLKs4jpvVUIY94jqR8vw_nkVms5YJXF08GX3IvQcZQ/s4032/2023-08-15%2019.31.04.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OoMWv2NGmchvpXS12H5Qy9zFwQ1lrK-UJ9qza42aZgnrHykcl68CCC4VIxkUVQS-idefplmacCE35R55dPg9nqqIuUfyaQoCLkXwWt3PghjYndWUPOCcZj6b5zEuGAm9jddVrPcuyKeQNz6qNpLKs4jpvVUIY94jqR8vw_nkVms5YJXF08GX3IvQcZQ/s320/2023-08-15%2019.31.04.jpg" width="360" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXF7LsM2LbUzHjKLISPUIDpFWn6YJG2MkBVc17IKDSV5AqJX5hs7FjDdvV-Hf2KWpto5xyW4RuIQC72xdrCdUmONXajC2B8ZcELm_EorDmMDko3deX_DizAzgl_IJAuk2jiDWtzbHC9qc3Uv3bwk3NL5759WzIHAsKt-Tec9BJW8zq5Qxo70RDFBxeJaQ/s4032/2023-08-15%2019.57.52.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXF7LsM2LbUzHjKLISPUIDpFWn6YJG2MkBVc17IKDSV5AqJX5hs7FjDdvV-Hf2KWpto5xyW4RuIQC72xdrCdUmONXajC2B8ZcELm_EorDmMDko3deX_DizAzgl_IJAuk2jiDWtzbHC9qc3Uv3bwk3NL5759WzIHAsKt-Tec9BJW8zq5Qxo70RDFBxeJaQ/s320/2023-08-15%2019.57.52.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>
There was a bit of rather light drizzle for about 5 minutes in each half, but
otherwise it was a fine evening, albeit a bit chilly. As this was the first of
two semi-finals, the initial welcome to country was a bigger event, and we
were treated to a performance by the Maori.
</p>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='300' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwUfdC3_tPw0urmjfHRJvApW8YVMKug1DWo9xlLSDWsZMrTBOviHe-f69RgiGemrn8junwwwtPqQPHzMNJhhg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>
</div>
<p>
And then it was game time.
As has been the case, the opening minutes were a bit sloppy, with each side
getting a feel for their opponents, but after about 10 minutes, both teams
settled into their play.
I would have to use the phrase "disciplined" to describe Sweden, while
"graceful" or "beautiful" would more accurately describe the Spanish.
Their ball skills are stunning and they sense each other's positions
keenly, allowing the ball to move about the field with amazing speed.
So, it became a game of Spanish possession and Sweden counterattacks.
Both were dangerous, but Spain built up their attack fluidly, while
Sweden was short-lived and direct.
</p>
<p>
The half continued at a frenzied pace, but the disciplined Swedish defense
kept Spain out of their goal; and the blistering Spanish ball movement,
kept Sweden away from the ball.
And so it went, straight into half time with a 0-0 score.
</p>
<p>
The second half went much the same way and as the game entered its final
ten minutes, the crowd settled in for overtime -- much as we'd done in the
Spain/Netherlands game.
But then, in the 81st minute, teenage super-sub,
Paralluelo worked her magic: a poor clear from near-flawless Swedish
goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, left the ball at her feet, and she drilled it into the
right corner of the net.
As someone with a flight the next morning at "stupid o'clock" I was both
thrilled and relieved.
Mark and I turned to each other and suggested that Spain NOT do what they
had done against he Dutch and allow an equalizer.
</p>
<p>
And then, in a place eerily reminescent of my stint in Wellington, in the
88th minute, Spain let Blomqvist into the attacking third unmarked, and she
did what she does best: fire it into the goal.
The Swedish fans went wild, and the rest of us accepted the reality of overtime.
</p>
<p>
But then, 30 minutes earlier than had happened in the quarterfinal, and in fact,
a mere 90 seconds after the Swedish goal, Spain's Carmona shoots for the third time from distance, but this time the ball hits the cross bar and drops into the goal!
And just like that Spain were into the semi-finals, and Sweden faced an
upcoming consolation match in disbelief.
The statistics for the match tell an interesting tale: Spain dominated with
57% possession (and 72% pass accuracy) and 13 shots on goal.
Of those 13 shots, only two were on target -- and we know where those ended up!
But Sweden were more disciplined: only six shots on goal, but half of those
were, in fact, on target.
</p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-73397135139164976312023-08-12T17:31:00.000-07:002023-08-12T17:31:20.194-07:00WWC23: Australia versus France<p> It was a bit of deja vu. Here I was back in Brisbane watching the French play a team in yellow. But it coul dnot have been more different as well, because the team in yellow, was not Brazil, but Australia. In a country that takes its sports seriously and (while still referring to these amazing atheletes as girls) recognizes women's sports, this game was a party, a statement of national pride, and a battle of epic proportion.</p><p>Now, the savvy of you may recall that I intended for this to be a Canada game. Canada were supposed to have won their group, beaten Denmark in the round of 16 and the come to Brisbane. Well, life doesn't always work out as you want, so here I was cheering for Australia in Australia amid thousands of rabid Mathilda's fans. It was awesome!</p><p>This is going to be a lot fewer words and lot more videos in an attempt to capture the spirit of the match, since there is both so much to write about the match and nothing to write about it.</p><p>I headed to the stadium early, having been disciplined at purchasing no swag before my our last long stay here, thus minimizing the number of airports through which I had to drag said swag. The yellow parade to the stadium had already begun by 1:00 PM (even though gates didn't open until 3), but I joined about 3:30. Accompanied by thousands of my nearest and dearest friends, it was a roving party!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='300' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx8LH955vXMrFKrvbPopyyuPdJufejZZNBDzGUEpbxheRMa_rnthEZYdO4NcacMkIsni-lflCSPHMs4FdCwVQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='300' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy2luB_jH5alBlUlcb1ZXHP5iIBRXPAuj85U6f41ov01ew7SJmMTS9_z0zDmyu7OpzIRhuFJo-e9dP7psl_zQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /><p>
Having secured swag, I found my way to what were definitely my best seats to date: on the Aussie 25 yard line, 12 rows from the front. It felt like I could have been participating in the warmups!
</p>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3eGVFsO8z81G8_aiopb9lLCHivk9qHif1_b5_k9EmS25aqjCU-_s_Br73FRlVCZPUh-um9NKl9YRaZY893QoT5pjwvg-46mLO6yGxMtFb1PIki9_0rdCCb8rZ00bhZj5s58JPo5P13ZKBcCp5BmXthSY0kSu1arOP9Uu2woeOl8yCQ6NG9QxlWOE_H8/s4032/2023-08-12%2016.17.46.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3eGVFsO8z81G8_aiopb9lLCHivk9qHif1_b5_k9EmS25aqjCU-_s_Br73FRlVCZPUh-um9NKl9YRaZY893QoT5pjwvg-46mLO6yGxMtFb1PIki9_0rdCCb8rZ00bhZj5s58JPo5P13ZKBcCp5BmXthSY0kSu1arOP9Uu2woeOl8yCQ6NG9QxlWOE_H8/s320/2023-08-12%2016.17.46.jpg" /></a>
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</div>
<p></p>
<p>And when I say that the fans were really into the game, I mean it. These folks were just a few rows behind me and were delighted to be featured in my video!</p>
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<br />
<p>
And yes, in addition to the party and overall jubilation, there was a soccer match.
To be honest, it didn't look good for the home team for the first ten to fifteen minutes. There was good play, but the French looked sharper and more likely to score.
The early stats had the french with a bit more possession, better pass accuracy, and more passes.
And then the Mathildas settled down!
Slowly, starting about a third of the way through the first half, the tides gently changed.
Now, the Aussies were holding the ball and moving it around; they were making dangerous runs into the attacking third.
And ever so slowly, you could see the change in the statistics.
The whole half was an outstanding contest by two well-matched teams, but you could see the game moving in Australia's direction.
And then, it was suddenly halftime with a score of 0-0.
</p>
<p>
The second half started much like the first had ended. Australia was just a bit more in control than France. I don't want to give the wrong impression -- both teams were playing exceptionally well. There were heart-stopping plays at both ends of the field. But Australia was just doing a bit better at it.
</p>
<p>
And then, what to our wondrous eyes should appear, but a Sam Kerr warming up on the sidelines. At the 56 minute mark, Kerr enters the game to an adoring fanbase.
She brings an extra spark to the Aussie side -- more complex play in the final third, a stunning ability to get to headers, even though she is one of the fun-sized as we like to call the vertically challenged in our household. (And watching her compete with Wendy Renard for headers would be hilarious if Kerr weren't so threatening at it.)
It's clear that the fans and players lover Kerr, not simply because she's an outstanding goal scorer, but because she is one of those players who makes the game just a bit better and a bit easier for everyone around her.
Unfortunately, this new found energy and beautiful play has absolutely no impact on the score.
The scant four minutes of extra time just isn't enough to avoid going into overtime.
</p>
<p>
The fans are thrilled with the epic battle they have witnesses.
</p>
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<br/>
<p>
And we are in extra time!
Sadly, a different Australia enters the field.
They are looking worse than they looked in those opening minutes.
France has picked up where Australia left off; they are pushing towards goal; they are threatening.
Having ended the game with about an equal number of corner kicks, France suddenly starts accumulating cornes in bulk, and each one causes the roughly 45,000 Mathildas to miss a heartbeat or two.
And then, about ten minutes in, the unthinkable: the ball is in the Australian net.
And then magically, there is no goal.
Turns out Renard gave a bit too hard of a pull on Caitlin Foord's jersey.
The fans are sequentially shocked, confused, and relieved all in a period of under five seconds.
</p>
<p>
And the game continues. The end of the first overtime period brings with it a familiar score: 0-0.
And the second overtime seems a death march of frantic play up and down the field leading to the inevitability of a shoot out.
</p>
<p>
Given the epic battle we have witnessed for 90 minutes, it is no surprise that the shootout becomse its own epic battle.
The longest in world cup history (that includes both the men's and women's tournaments).
With France shooting first, the amazing Australian keeper, Mackenzie Arnold, and her trust post gave the Aussies three separate chances to win it.
Arnold saved the first shot from France and the post saved the fourth, which put Australia's fifth kicker in a position to win it.
Interestingly, that fifth kicker was none other than the goalie.
Cruelty: her game-clinching goal stolen by the post!
</p>
<p>
And so we move to sudden death...six PKs, both score.
Seven PKs, both score.
Eight PKs, both score.
Nine PKs, Arnold stops the French kicker! But no! She has stepped off her line, so the kicker gets to try again.
And again, Arnold nabs it!
Here we are, on the verge again -- Aussie kicker steps up and ... the French keeper (called in specially to take PKs) stops it.
We are back at it -- Kicker number 10 ... French kicker hits the post.
For the fourth time, Australia has a chance to win it .. and finally, the game is over, Australia 7-6 in PKs!
</p>
<p>
There is a collective sign of relief in the stadium before the pandamonium breaks out!
I can only imagine what the semi-finals will be like!
</p>
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</a></div>
<p>
And this is what a city does when the home town team wins!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8H08ELm3qbEZDXjVb5uQBXUw5e3HcKYgpdoTm3H9RSy1lMib51p7YxAMlF2oxsQhs2pgR8vNvm5uCwh-mP0qF5OTf7T9mR-59c61SJ8R5A-Cj3VgH1HfGkDpNetznIH9KcWnvBhQ5rPh_wf_yCSv0yhYNIwzYfiKZC-FMpDXwq79xYx6jOA6sGcpa2qs/s4032/2023-08-12%2020.20.51.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8H08ELm3qbEZDXjVb5uQBXUw5e3HcKYgpdoTm3H9RSy1lMib51p7YxAMlF2oxsQhs2pgR8vNvm5uCwh-mP0qF5OTf7T9mR-59c61SJ8R5A-Cj3VgH1HfGkDpNetznIH9KcWnvBhQ5rPh_wf_yCSv0yhYNIwzYfiKZC-FMpDXwq79xYx6jOA6sGcpa2qs/s320/2023-08-12%2020.20.51.jpg"/></a></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-72101879075184130432023-08-12T16:11:00.000-07:002023-08-12T16:11:01.280-07:00WWC23: Netherlands v Spain (Quarterfinal) <p>
And it's back to Wellington for the first Quarterfinal match!
</p>
<p>
Careful planning when last in Wellington meant that I arrived the day
before the game and did a night tour at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zealandia">Zealandia</a>
with Mark Moir. And my New Zealand adventure is complete having now
seen a Kiwi in real life (the bird, not the residents of New Zealand).
They are every bit as cute and awkward as they are depicted and it was
genuinely exciting to tramp around at night and peak in bushes to see
the kiwi doing his thing (and yes, the one we saw was a he). We were
also treated to a nice clear view as he waddled across our path (so,
why does the Kiwi cross the path?).
</p>
<p>
The Dutch had a good first round, tying the US, beating Portugal 1-0, and
trouncing Vietnam soundly.
Spain had a bit of a rougher first round: they accumulated a bunch of
goals against Zambia and Costa Rica and then were soundly beaten
4-0 by Japan.
I was cheering for Spain, in large part due to their amazing footwork
and fast-paced play.
The Netherlands seem well-disciplined and skilled, but much
less artful and creative.
</p>
<p>
We were seated in one of the cold corners of the field. You may
recall from the <a href="http://mis-misinformation.blogspot.com/2023/07/wwc23-usa-v-netherlands.html">USA/Netherlands match</a> that the stadium
in Wellington can boast multiple climate zones during the same game.
Last time, we were in the sunny zone; this time we were most definitely
in the cold zone, but at least it was dry and not terribly windy.
</p>
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<br /><p><br /></p><p>It was a match for the ages.
The Dutch were bigger and more physical, and the ref let play progress
uninterrupted for the most part.
The crowd was largely Dutch (based on the orange hue throughout the
stadium and the bit of a cheering contest the local TV personalities
encouraged before the game).
But there was no booing and there was universal appreciation for
good soccer.
And there was a lot of good soccer!
</p>
<p>
It was an end to end match with Spain dominating in possession, but
the Dutch making the most of absolutely every opportunity presented
to them.
However, the Spanish defense was a thing of beauty, and they were
quite successful keeping the Dutch away from any shooting
opportunities.
In contrast, the Spaniards made sure that the Dutch goalkeeper did
not get chilly.
</p>
<p>
Spain took control of the game both maintaining possession and pushing
forward on breathtaking attacks.
The Dutch counterattacks looked threatening, but they were not able
to create a single on-target shot!
In the 38th minute, Redonda found Gonzalez who drilled the ball into the net.
Unfortunately, our friendly VAR detected that Gonzalez was offsides and the
it became the goal that wasn't.
The Dutch players and fans breathed a synchronized sigh of relief and the
Spaniards went back to work.
But, at halftime, the score remained 0-0.
</p>
<p>
Spain wastes no time and setting the tone for the second half: in the
opening fifteen seconds, Gonzalez sends a shot a hair's width outside
the goal.
Beerensteyn, the speedy Dutch forward continues to test the Spanish
defense.
She is blazingly fast and agile; she constantly gives the Spanish back
line a run for their money, and in minute 63, it appears that Paredes
commited a foul against her in the box.
This time, the trusty VAR reveals that, in fact, perhaps there was no
foul, and the Dutch are no longer on the cusp of a potential 1-0 lead.
</p>
<p>
And then, in a cruel twist of fate, in the 79th minute, the VAR shows
reveals a Van de Gragt did, in fact, have handball in the box.
Penalty!
Caldenty places the ball perfectly in the lower right corner and it's
Spain 1-0!
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dylk7N85XJ3A0SeVMiVdbjRWfClQYV-qKT8YyxWsO8NfzYLRgkPw30iTESrTjtRXV2Oko74zoKmQeM12w4mAg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>
<p>
The clock ticks up to 90 and the game moves into 12 minutes of
extra time. Spain is still leading and the Dutch effort does seem
a biut frantic, but twelve minutes is an eternity in soccer!
And it did not take an eternity: two minutes into extra time,
Van de Gragt makes up for the earlier handball with a brilliant
goal that seemed to come out of the middle of nowhere!.
It's a 1-1 game!
</p>
<p>
Perhaps Spain had let up just a bit, and that's all it took to push
this game into overtime.
This lifesaver sends the Dutch into the first overtime period flying and
Spain looking a bit flat.
However, a couple of near-misses by the Dutch trigger the adrenaline
rush and Spain are back at it.
The first overtime period ends at 1-1 and you can feel the PK dread
spreading around the stadium.
</p>
<p>
In the opening minutes of the second overtime, Beerensteyn threatens, but
her shot goes just a tad wide.
Spain really has dominated this game, but they have not been able to put the
ball in the net from the run of play; does this mean we are destined for
a shootout?
Fortunately not!
Substitute Paralluelo single-handedly carries the ball about half a field
and sends a blazing shot into the far side of the net.
Spain 2-1!
And there are only nine (official) minutes left in the match.
</p>
<p>
And the rest is history: for eleven more minutes, it's an end to end frenzy
for the Dutch and an end-to-end relentless push and defend from Spain.
Final: Spain 2 - Netherlands 1!
What a game!!!
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeK6CA5fry625LcWkwCcO1S_6EGeGK8Pc80w6NFWl758-7-z1sZAJDYFwqQKFDU_pve2gQlR37ZEfUowEIDWw4-KoG4KGB5KpCgecrTwVKw2L7_JyHEQxZ2qT2C9GC3ALo_9cQjYx_pWkik2pwxYTg4XrPLPA_uqGtpKl1FJGzqlTvIMWiCt5VOtwPE8/s4032/2023-08-11%2015.48.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeK6CA5fry625LcWkwCcO1S_6EGeGK8Pc80w6NFWl758-7-z1sZAJDYFwqQKFDU_pve2gQlR37ZEfUowEIDWw4-KoG4KGB5KpCgecrTwVKw2L7_JyHEQxZ2qT2C9GC3ALo_9cQjYx_pWkik2pwxYTg4XrPLPA_uqGtpKl1FJGzqlTvIMWiCt5VOtwPE8/s320/2023-08-11%2015.48.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-59898580364303740842023-08-11T10:19:00.001-07:002023-08-11T10:19:17.679-07:00WWC23: Australia v Denmark<p>Two days, two games. We call this game, "The game that was supposed to have been Canada." But it was not Canada, it was Australia. Oh well, I can cheer for a team named after a female kangaroo!</p><p>I had been doing some catch up with past and present Wired Tigers (Michael Cahill and Mick Graham) and one of them had inside info on the Aussie team -- in theory, Kerr had not been spotted at all, so the theory was that she was really injured and out for the tournament. So, imagine my surprise seeing Kerr on the bench, suited up. I figured it was a psych out, but no -- she actually played the last ten minutes -- the crowd went completely wild! But, I get ahead of myself.</p><p>This game was at Olympic Stadium, the largest venue I've been to this trip so attendance was almost twice that of any other match (it was something like 73,000). The Olympic stadium is located a bit outside the city but boasts a large grounds and is really quite beautiful.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurfYsHcGEKo-IyHgsKds0uJbSDfhwv-hUrExZHGR3gmXAyKJ0goX5DZqgFlx6pIGjjF-AIfzcQ6T-YoAl7U0gsQM2nuG87qXT-jMYr7HvYok_HNfPl_NdPnwL2mlTAUYwBDoyyJ9Mm0JkF9vdnAYpL7oL8lh_DFl1VfgVl0ymE2UDCBs3MQ4L7lixaYs/s4032/2023-08-07%2019.42.36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurfYsHcGEKo-IyHgsKds0uJbSDfhwv-hUrExZHGR3gmXAyKJ0goX5DZqgFlx6pIGjjF-AIfzcQ6T-YoAl7U0gsQM2nuG87qXT-jMYr7HvYok_HNfPl_NdPnwL2mlTAUYwBDoyyJ9Mm0JkF9vdnAYpL7oL8lh_DFl1VfgVl0ymE2UDCBs3MQ4L7lixaYs/s320/2023-08-07%2019.42.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Unsurprisingly, the stadium was heavily pro-Australia, and I had decided to become Aussie fans, since it would be particularly exciting to see the home team win. We had great sets around the 18-yard line in the front row of the upper tier.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfFwXKwGK6Nn-epCuvXEvHuleW-pAy8cmJLxNUDcqFMLcz33pJLgD_x4IZaC9uGSQeZO93tEgNjwAQl0eWgT909M75wr-nMaMjosRErJR4Hfz1IOSQVW9XlfcLiD93gSPWE7Q-tScBz1xXvPjI1eo6upNe81xaQVcFXReOwAyOKtutQBqykBePpQwVo0/s4032/2023-08-07%2019.56.10.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfFwXKwGK6Nn-epCuvXEvHuleW-pAy8cmJLxNUDcqFMLcz33pJLgD_x4IZaC9uGSQeZO93tEgNjwAQl0eWgT909M75wr-nMaMjosRErJR4Hfz1IOSQVW9XlfcLiD93gSPWE7Q-tScBz1xXvPjI1eo6upNe81xaQVcFXReOwAyOKtutQBqykBePpQwVo0/s320/2023-08-07%2019.56.10.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNH-VGEzaHA_ELAxnLAywDIfWVPMUzWHEkYpFWL9Gc4x5d00TuAhMu9xiexu3zBPVNvDG8qKZ_zTiM5SR7mLlq47ILDdh-Zoa7zuLYPQEA5rqW6TWW_JFHMxCXXxbpuuWAd0eQXqVs-4FpcwTaEwYYfsgIU1vN6LQErZuq9nEROm0LdPVvUQx3nUux4w/s4032/2023-08-07%2020.23.56.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNH-VGEzaHA_ELAxnLAywDIfWVPMUzWHEkYpFWL9Gc4x5d00TuAhMu9xiexu3zBPVNvDG8qKZ_zTiM5SR7mLlq47ILDdh-Zoa7zuLYPQEA5rqW6TWW_JFHMxCXXxbpuuWAd0eQXqVs-4FpcwTaEwYYfsgIU1vN6LQErZuq9nEROm0LdPVvUQx3nUux4w/s320/2023-08-07%2020.23.56.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>
The game started with the two teams looking pretty equally matched.
An early dangerous play from Denmark leaves the Australia crowd speechless, but slowly.
It took about 10-15 minutes for Australia to settle in; during that time, things looked a bit shakey for the home team, and Denmark appeared the stronger team.
But slowly, everyone settled in and by roughly the 25-minute mark, the tides shifted.
It became clear that Australia was just a touch ahead of the Danish. They were a bit crisper in their passing, a bit quicker to the ball, and slowly they started dominating the game.
And sure enough, in the 27th minute, Caitlin Foord moves onto a perfectly placed through ball from Fowler and drills it into the net. Australia 1-0!
</p>
<p>
Denmark came back fighting!
They dominate possession, but the Australian back line holds strong and we go into halftime with the 1-goal lead by Australia.
</p><p>During this excitement, the England/Nigeria match finishes -- after a scoreless 120 minutes, the game went to PKs, which England won 4-2. But the bigger news was the mind-boggling move by Lauren James who literally walked on top of a Nigerian player who was laying on the ground. I didn't see that game since I was in transit, but like every other soccer fan on the planet I've watched the replay multiple times and for the life of me, I cannot imagine what she was thinking. The 2-game suspension seems entirely justified.</p><p>Anyway, back to Australia/Denmark. Neither team made any changes at the half. Much like the beginning of the match, it takes several minutes for both teams to settle into their rhythm. The Australian defense continues to play well and shutdown all Danish forays into the final third, but we aren't seeing a lot of threatening action from the Mathildas. And then finally, around minute 70, a 3-4 pass sequence finds Raso placing the ball into the net -- Australia 2-0!</p><p>With the game nicely in hand, around minute 80, in comes Sam Kerr to a loud and adoring crowd! Kerr is active and gets off a dangerous shot or two, but to my eye, this looks like a bit of a tentative move to see whether she'll be ready for quarter final action. And, indeed, as the clock winds down and the five extra minutes end, it's still Australia 2-0 -- into the quarter final!</p>
Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-81336863706980752152023-08-06T16:20:00.001-07:002023-08-06T16:20:27.352-07:00WWC23: Netherlands v South Africa<p> If you simply looked at the score, and said, "Ah -- doesn't look like a very exciting game." think again. This was one of the most exciting games we've seen so far (and it's game #9). Although South Africa lost, they turned 40,000 fans around and put on quite a display. I just can't wait to see them in the Olympics if they can still qualify or the next world cup. They are simply thrilling to watch.</p>
<p>But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Today's update really begins at 1:00 AM. We are in a lovely AirBNB in the middle of the city on the 55th floor or an 83 story building (amusingly right next to the Kimpton Margot; I do wish they'd learn to spell it correctly). At around 1:00, the fire alarm went off. As we wandered about shaking off the sleep and putting clothes on, the blaring noise changed from just noise to the message, "Get out! Emergency! Get out!" Now, I'm sure you all remember signs you've seen in every building that say, "In the event of a fire, do not use elevators." Yup, so there we were at 1:00 AM walking down 55+ flights of stairs (we got down to the ground floor and then seemed to have to down a few more flights and find our way through passages to actually exit the building). As we got out of the building, we saw the fire trucks and the firepeople were getting back into them saying, "It seemed to be contained to just that one unit." So, just about the time we got downstairs, the elevators turned on and we got in line to return to our unit. It seems that something had gone wrong on the 57th floor. In case you're wondering, 55 is a lot of flights of stairs. I'm rethinking this whole "sky people" existence.</p>
<p>Anyway, hours later we made our way to the stadium (along with 40,000 of our closest friends). Once again, we had seats high up on the side lines, about 25 yards out from the first half Dutch goal.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1X5QRUUFQl50jQ4hE6Apc3QvxF6Q6V3MHKYGC-4Goy5pxCUkXyN9almtBdSfsepTQApGMj8uu7ChZOZS7tXgtzII8uovDCrMseTX1RJWPLljx8-iEmnFsyMiNILNFTMw_mEMabtqnU5tXt2lkmOSGDvuZbniXCcLKlAxyxpslfEOiuZzREQXOTUKoolY/s4032/2023-08-06%2011.54.37.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1X5QRUUFQl50jQ4hE6Apc3QvxF6Q6V3MHKYGC-4Goy5pxCUkXyN9almtBdSfsepTQApGMj8uu7ChZOZS7tXgtzII8uovDCrMseTX1RJWPLljx8-iEmnFsyMiNILNFTMw_mEMabtqnU5tXt2lkmOSGDvuZbniXCcLKlAxyxpslfEOiuZzREQXOTUKoolY/s320/2023-08-06%2011.54.37.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQeUiASAqCT0TE8KBsPzJekqEIooZRoM9ILoK41d2fs97tNJ2YkdCAuRlt83vFpiMMWW-H2GQajqWMn1M-YxH6_Iu9qFJ4tFnCaUZQ2vSCHp8aUw5aQlbtWORkeK9_rFq2nNiVEhMfhMeaQSHeDuBNG90iQrPsGLr3vLuFhWJuj2Vus07LNWi874pAXg/s4032/2023-08-06%2011.21.18.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQeUiASAqCT0TE8KBsPzJekqEIooZRoM9ILoK41d2fs97tNJ2YkdCAuRlt83vFpiMMWW-H2GQajqWMn1M-YxH6_Iu9qFJ4tFnCaUZQ2vSCHp8aUw5aQlbtWORkeK9_rFq2nNiVEhMfhMeaQSHeDuBNG90iQrPsGLr3vLuFhWJuj2Vus07LNWi874pAXg/s320/2023-08-06%2011.21.18.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<p>
The crowd was heavily pro-Dutch and very orange.
In fact, an early attempt from South Africa drew a small chorus of boos, which, as per usual, made me sad.
The game opened with the Dutch driving to the South African goal for a bit and then South Africa responding with an intense drive and some dangerous play near the Dutch goal.
Then the Dutch settled down, held possession and sent in a hard shot that the South African goalie deflected, but took her to the ground, and once that happened, the ball found its way to Jill Roord's head and into the goal.
Nine minutes in and it was 1-0 The Netherlands!
</p>
<p>
The rest of the match showed a lot of Dutch possession and then thrilling counterattacks from South Africa.
Their speed, ball control, and agilty was simply breathtaking.
Unfortunately, like many other teams (i.e., the US and Canada), they were less successful converting those thrilling opportunities into goals.
South African striker, Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana danced around defenders, frequently fed from left back Karabo
Angel Dhlamini and left midfielder Hildah Tholakele Magaia. The three of them were simply a joy to behold.
By the 20 minute mark, this pro-Dutch crowd was standing, cheering, and screaming on many of the thrilling attacking forays. It was an incredibly joyful atmosphere.
Well, except that these dazzling players were outsized by the Dutch and two starters needed substitutions (both in the first half) after hard tackles.
</P>
<p>
Pretty much every minute brought some thread from South Africa and we all assumed it was just a matter of time before we had a tie game.
But alas, the teams go into halftime with the Dutch still up by one.
<p>
South Africa starts the second half looking even more determined.
But, in an eerie similarity to the first half, at about nine minutes into the half Beerensteyn beats her player on the left, finds Pelova near goal, launches the ball to her, and she passes it on to Martens who takes a spinning shot.
The South African goalie Swart initially blocks the shot, but it then bounces into the net.
But wait! There is a VAR check...Pelova is ruled offsides and there is no goal!
</p>
<p>
I expected that the near miss on that goal would propel a South African counter that would tie the score, but between the incredible goalkeeping of the Netherlands' van Domselaar and the disciplined Dutch defense, it didn't happen.
As in the first half, the Dutch control the game, but the South Africans (Bayana Banyana - what a great name) counterattack aggressively and look threatening repeatedly.
And then, in the 68th minute, Roord finds Beerenstyn who sends a long, hard ball towards goal.
It looks like Swart has it, but the ball somehow goes through her hands and it's Netherlands 2-0!
(If you can view Foxsports you can see the goal <a href="https://www.foxsports.com/watch/play-68f707bed00096c" target="_blank">here</a>.)
</p>
<p>
The rest of the game continued much as the past -- Dutch possession; thrilling South African counter attack.
But alas, the 2-0 score stood.
I simply cannot wait to see South Africa play again. I hope they can qualify for the Olympics. If not, I'll definitely be looking for them in the next Women's World Cup!
</p>
Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-31432707608806362192023-08-05T16:28:00.002-07:002023-08-05T16:28:48.751-07:00WWC23: USA v Portugal<p>
And then it was back to Auckland for the last of the USA's group stage:
Portugal. They are first time WWC participants, so this should be an
easy win, right? As the reuslts of the knockout stage attest, this would
be a very, very bad assumption.
</p>
<p>
I must have gotten our tickets via USsoccer, because we found ourselves
in a midst of more stars, stripes, red, white, and blue than we'd experienced
in our previous matches. But, once again -- great seats!.
</p>
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<br/>
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<p>
In fact, a
particular bonus is that right behind us, USWNT former greats were doing
interviews: Julie Foudy and Joy Fawcett. And then Shannon Boxx (along with
an adorable small Boxx) popped by. I'm guessing USsoccer had a box
nearby. I tried to snap a sneaky pic of Julie and Joy
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnl0dMIZTqgYgg3d7NItxb6lXjKjxtnXjkrg_3MUlz7vfrFc9oh2u_zStkhFweOeNWE8IV3hRy1QT_AP2M-gQqAtHfq1fJ2yVM9tSzf-0k5tC8m8EngHI4zzAyiTsNQgFui6p4shlvQz8zCFT96kjtYoLX4BxemjfPGff1V08kqG9XvMY_x9YG5mn_e8/s4032/2023-08-01%2018.37.12.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnl0dMIZTqgYgg3d7NItxb6lXjKjxtnXjkrg_3MUlz7vfrFc9oh2u_zStkhFweOeNWE8IV3hRy1QT_AP2M-gQqAtHfq1fJ2yVM9tSzf-0k5tC8m8EngHI4zzAyiTsNQgFui6p4shlvQz8zCFT96kjtYoLX4BxemjfPGff1V08kqG9XvMY_x9YG5mn_e8/s320/2023-08-01%2018.37.12.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJLl0larTj7Nbi6n3fdqlRjuKgzSYlLtC82AQj_sptSiwsoU1A2KTSc5lSYd6-9lqd5up2m_qJNMJ1zqYsiMjanT1A-6Vlygg5jeL8ZtoDZvwCZ_Q1wQ-eLW97kaD-90srl6kG3u_TyRfA9U0mnJWJxymscdCRgQ6dAbdi_kVFsRle0W_5vshAbmN77w/s3088/2023-08-01%2018.39.14.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="360" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJLl0larTj7Nbi6n3fdqlRjuKgzSYlLtC82AQj_sptSiwsoU1A2KTSc5lSYd6-9lqd5up2m_qJNMJ1zqYsiMjanT1A-6Vlygg5jeL8ZtoDZvwCZ_Q1wQ-eLW97kaD-90srl6kG3u_TyRfA9U0mnJWJxymscdCRgQ6dAbdi_kVFsRle0W_5vshAbmN77w/s320/2023-08-01%2018.39.14.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>
Then the game started.
The US opened looking quite a bit different from their game against the
Netherlands -- there was a constant, almost frantic, pressure towards
the front.
While I was excited to see a more attacking posture (and they did, indeed
look threatening at times), the team play was not what I've come to
expect from USWNT.
It felt like players had absolutely no idea where any of their teammates
were.
There were a few outstanding solo performances: Starting Lavalle made a huge
difference -- her speed, creativity, and ability to snatch balls away from
opponents set a much different tenor for the game than either of the
previous matches.
While Lynn Williams started in place of Trinity Rodman, she did not have
the same kind of impact, although my suspicion is that she could have done
more if there had been more team-play on the field.
</p>
<p>
Understanding what was plaguing the US, Portugal filled up the midfield,
which meant that the US had a difficult time playing through it and setting
up strong attacks.
It was incredibly effective.
For the second game in a row, the US was losing the possession battle; meanwhile
the Netherlands were running up the score against Vietnam, dashing all hope of
the US topping their group.
It's interesting to examine the passing statistics for the game:
Approaching halftime, Portugal pass accuracy was at 75% compared to the
US's of 64%.
More interesting to me: I had no criticism for Crystal Dunn's play, but
many did -- she and Girma had 75% and 76% passing accuracy, respectively;
no one else was above 75% and Horan was way down at 44%.
If you can't pass to your teammates, it's very difficult to move the ball.
</p>
<p>
Then, in minute 39, devastation! No, it wasn't a Portugal goal, but on
a terrible call (someone was able to show the replays on their phone since
you don't see replays in the stadium, at least not at Eden Park), Lavalle
picked up a second yellow card. This means that she will be out in the
round-of-16, assuming that the US advances (which appears a big assumption
at this point in the game).
So, at halftime, it's a 0-0 game; Portugal is looking the better team;
US big names are not doing big things; and things are just not looking
good for the red, white, and blue.
</p>
<p>
The second half continued much in the way of the first.
The US still looks dangerous on set pieces, but they failed to convert
several just-outside-the-box attempts.
Just after the 60th minute, Andonovski makes a single substitution:
Rapinoe comes in for Sophia Smith.
While Rapinoe and Horan exhibit better on-field chemistry that I'd seen
through the game so far, it's too little.
They can work the ball up the left side, but not much happens once the
cross goes in.
At this point, there is no hope for the US to catch the Dutch in goal
differential, so technically a tie is as good as a win.
Thus, there is no US panic, but there is no US excitement either.
Portugal, on the other hand, has everything to gain with a win -- that's
where we see some excitement and creativity; it rightly terrifies every
American fan in the stadium.
</p>
<p>
At minute 84, Horan and Willams come off while Rodman and Sonnett come in.
The game goes into its 7 minutes of extra time, and almost immediately
Portugal sneaks into the US third; Ana Capeta drills a shot that completely
beats Naeher, and the US is saved by ... the goal post.
That was definitely the US's twelfth player on the field.
The USA fails to convert opportunities in the box and Portugal
continues to attack.
I'm pretty sure every fan in the stadium was just waiting for the whistle.
And indeed, when it blew, the score sat at a most uncomfortable 0-0.
</p>
<p>It was not the beautiful game.</p>
Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-49347171075670706452023-08-04T17:52:00.001-07:002023-08-04T17:52:19.309-07:00WWC23: Canada versus Australia<p>
Another day another flight: Brisbane to Melbourne for the final game in
Group B: Canada versus Australia. Canada needed to win and needed to win big!
We hit the ground in Melbourne the day before the game and got a chance to
catch up a big on sleep and calm things down a bit. We landed mid-day and
didn't get a chance to get checked in and find lunch until almost 3, so we
did not see a whole lot of the city (we saved that for the next day). But
we did take advantage of our nice apartment-like hotel rooms to watch
matches in the evening.
But the real excitement was the evening of July 31, when the home town
darlings faced Canada!
</p>
<p>
We were treated to a marvelous dinner by a fellow Harvard alum (class of '81)
who lives in Melbourne and is a Canadian citizen. I had been concerned about
her allegiance, but all fears were laid to rest at our pregame dinner.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Sa7JOpKfmAKBn_Ns1fYVLfxpcy6R42mUmnYHfDzZWSuXTFunh44cRA36pWgsf6-KHKFRAI2kEEqLAh79-S2bMWDTfiKpG8pwI_3Su4XN1SqwPd4SQPJu5yacRuyjFh7-M3ObSZ17PNU0sueQStxb47bz51DQMmGbV2E4GsDp5Cl2HXDHmQUIGZDVm9o/s4080/PXL_20230731_090011076.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Sa7JOpKfmAKBn_Ns1fYVLfxpcy6R42mUmnYHfDzZWSuXTFunh44cRA36pWgsf6-KHKFRAI2kEEqLAh79-S2bMWDTfiKpG8pwI_3Su4XN1SqwPd4SQPJu5yacRuyjFh7-M3ObSZ17PNU0sueQStxb47bz51DQMmGbV2E4GsDp5Cl2HXDHmQUIGZDVm9o/s320/PXL_20230731_090011076.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>
I had bought a Canada jacket for the occasion and, while I felt very much at
home at dinner, upon arriving at the game, I felt like a small dot of
red in a sea of yellow. For the most part, the crowd was friendly, energetic,
enthusiastic and polite.
</p>
<p>
We had excellent seats for the match: high up and about 20 yards off
of midfield!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgoIpvFxFBdRdZaHNwL4RRcLpvzsWW0A1F4E_f6oBR_Bw8Nh99J9o6tVP1OZtQzAuME60Fjh15E1N-5xxyeTPOYuqRxzkyDsqDHlCn6w3AJw5My_tazQFOITmEkeEj0d5C_GupgXDT1hlPr7j1LW37SnmI_dTtEOaCPEqN1Wkk262fFxAfPq9RfmFBpk/s4032/2023-07-31%2019.42.47.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="300" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgoIpvFxFBdRdZaHNwL4RRcLpvzsWW0A1F4E_f6oBR_Bw8Nh99J9o6tVP1OZtQzAuME60Fjh15E1N-5xxyeTPOYuqRxzkyDsqDHlCn6w3AJw5My_tazQFOITmEkeEj0d5C_GupgXDT1hlPr7j1LW37SnmI_dTtEOaCPEqN1Wkk262fFxAfPq9RfmFBpk/s320/2023-07-31%2019.42.47.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IOa4J-ob9ch87OyAVlGb0kmHW4DTb6l4krz6n7iF8MiipXkiBbDTdmagMqKa3L-dMy4xdx-CUtnSx21dYJfyIof-qZano32iHFEcajNo5y6Hu-NI1XkY9CF-Y04HnMhGjRCG3o7zuX3l8MY0GzIbB_pISl_5yJt2PKia2jMpT9-exEsOCInqXMMGDWQ/s4032/2023-07-31%2019.54.42.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: right; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="300" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IOa4J-ob9ch87OyAVlGb0kmHW4DTb6l4krz6n7iF8MiipXkiBbDTdmagMqKa3L-dMy4xdx-CUtnSx21dYJfyIof-qZano32iHFEcajNo5y6Hu-NI1XkY9CF-Y04HnMhGjRCG3o7zuX3l8MY0GzIbB_pISl_5yJt2PKia2jMpT9-exEsOCInqXMMGDWQ/s320/2023-07-31%2019.54.42.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>
The match opened with both teams charged up. Canada looked good with
possession, clean passing, and a few forays towards the attacking third.
Unfortunately, it took only 9 minutes for Australia to put together
a goal-scoring attack.
A failed Mathilda's corner kick, recovery fo the ball,
ah overlapping run on the left, a cross, a deflection, and a one-touch from
Hayley Raso (and a VAR offside check) and it was 1-0 Australia.
</p>
<p>
Canada responded with a very reasonable strategy: if they don't have the ball,
they can't score. So, Canada took control of the game by playing a clinical
possession game, racking upwards of 70% possession time.
Unfortunately, there was a key mistake in this strategy -- they forgot to
incorporate the "and then strategically score" part of it.
Canada simply could not put together an effective attack.
Worse still, they continued to reveal chinks in their notorious defensive
armor, and Australia artfully exploited every one of them.
</p>
<p>
In the 34th minute, Australia's Mary Fowler took advantage of a Sheridan
fumbling save, and drills the ball into the net.
Much to the Canadians' relief (the 11 on the field, the 22 plus coaching
staff on the side line, and the handful of us in the stands), the Fowler
was ruled offsides, much to the dismay of the 27,000 fans in yellow.
Canadian joy was shortlived, however -- six minutes later, Hayley Raso
was at it again -- this time, another uncontrolled save from Sheridan
(off a corner) lands at Raso's feet, and with absolutely no question of
an offsides, once again, she sends it flying into the net. Australia: 2-0!
</p>
<p>
"But wait!" you say; there is a second half to be played.
And indeed there was, but it wasn't pretty.
</p>
<p>
In the 56th minute, world leading goal scorer, Canadian leader, and 6-time
women's world cup layer, Christine Sinclair leaves the field.
If her teammates cannot pull a rabbit out of the proverbial hate, she will
return home (to the greater Vancouver area, I might add) without having
scored in her sixth world cup.
It doesn't matter for her; she has secured her legacy.
But can her teammates pull this one out?
</p>
<p>
Even with a four-player substitution to mix things up, it appears that the
answer is no.
Canada still cannot put together consistent attacks, and when they do, the
Mathilda's back line is formidable.
And lest there be any question, in the 58th minute, Mary Fowler makes up
for that offside and blasts the ball just inside the far post.
Australia: 3-0!
</p>
<p>
As if the 3-0 deficit was not bad enough, in the third minute of stoppage
time, Fleming's misstep in the box (she stepped on Gorry's foot) turns
into a PK.
Unlike the spate of missed PKs in the opening rounds, Captain Steph Catley
places a perfect shot in the net.
Australia: 4-0.
</p>
<p>
It looks like I shall be following Australia through the knockout stage!
</p>
<p>
And here is what downtown looks like in Melbourne after your home team
wins its group.
The next morning, we also discovered a tunnel lit brightly in yellow and
green on our way to the airport.
If only other countries celebrated their women superstars this much!?
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIO4c6smGNXz2xDrlQwwJ2-AZv86XITpbKJK43eOe_0ZNEvfcDavVmN3MQmopqSwrnarGIRI_sXdQ8qEIefJv3M7b6nycSTFeNA7S4bFl7k76HpvindxCq9FN1O_pGvZwrbc8QHEBfH1tHeDgQ7zLUYwGYvAlibzO7HybYzAAZyYu8mSg8cTUQJVT10w/s4080/PXL_20230731_125049056.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIO4c6smGNXz2xDrlQwwJ2-AZv86XITpbKJK43eOe_0ZNEvfcDavVmN3MQmopqSwrnarGIRI_sXdQ8qEIefJv3M7b6nycSTFeNA7S4bFl7k76HpvindxCq9FN1O_pGvZwrbc8QHEBfH1tHeDgQ7zLUYwGYvAlibzO7HybYzAAZyYu8mSg8cTUQJVT10w/s320/PXL_20230731_125049056.jpg"/></a></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-82470165141017813962023-08-03T05:49:00.001-07:002023-08-03T05:49:03.652-07:00WWC23: France versus Brazil<p>
Another day, another plane. This time we were headed from Sydney to
Brisbane.
Our hotel was right downtown near the river and only about a 15 minute walk
from the stadium, the largest one so far -- the Brazil/France match drew
57,000, mostly Brazilian, spectators.
</p>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeC67LUYbE3LMpJ9AwFG_m7zcmJ4KapUAAoLUdrPjDvVXIDMoUYYatsd_wP2VBSu3pZS_C3HCARHQG1mQrtVO0dVWPkWUJLIFAnRghfheGw51RI8pfXv1MF-aLeQxLQLVqaku4Gv1Zj2JbZGmUGqAuocB4GrjwgeVCheOiBjGbi4xs9yqBvdleYhFG7Y/s4032/2023-07-29%2019.10.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeC67LUYbE3LMpJ9AwFG_m7zcmJ4KapUAAoLUdrPjDvVXIDMoUYYatsd_wP2VBSu3pZS_C3HCARHQG1mQrtVO0dVWPkWUJLIFAnRghfheGw51RI8pfXv1MF-aLeQxLQLVqaku4Gv1Zj2JbZGmUGqAuocB4GrjwgeVCheOiBjGbi4xs9yqBvdleYhFG7Y/s320/2023-07-29%2019.10.57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This time we were three rows from the top of the stadium up in a corner.
The field looked a bit tiny, but we certainly had a good view of the
entire field of play!
<p></p>
<p>
I was disappointed to hear the stadium booing enmasse when France took the
field. In general, I find the women's tournament fans to be passionate,
enthusiastic, but cordial and friendly. That was not how the stadium
felt -- the fans booed every call that wasn't made against France,
regardless of the reality on the field, and they booed every goal.
</p>
<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4ohxyo91xu2E6Znlw5uvA_ORmj0RJYLBv37iWc9G9Ok1A_g0qosgaMuTpDPJ3-NOdmzbIksasLzZVelcbPfUSkvHUj4aXxLLXhfpRn8d9C19ilrZbE6UgYswbu6kjPMe3hwwGXuBoKMTFsbCwOp4ULcZs-kiJmhF8GYOnUdvgFbclKK34aD_9lx4JXs/s4032/2023-07-29%2019.54.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4ohxyo91xu2E6Znlw5uvA_ORmj0RJYLBv37iWc9G9Ok1A_g0qosgaMuTpDPJ3-NOdmzbIksasLzZVelcbPfUSkvHUj4aXxLLXhfpRn8d9C19ilrZbE6UgYswbu6kjPMe3hwwGXuBoKMTFsbCwOp4ULcZs-kiJmhF8GYOnUdvgFbclKK34aD_9lx4JXs/s320/2023-07-29%2019.54.55.jpg" width="320" /><span style="text-align: right;">.</span></a></div>
<p>
Both teams got off to an energetic start; it was clear it was going to
be a pretty exciting game.
At the 3-minute mark, France got a 2 on 1 break, but finished weakly into the
box.
Les Bleues took control and kept the ball in the Brazil end of the field.
The French put together a few nice attacks, but Brazilian goalie Leticia
was grabbing everything.
Around the 16-minute mark, Brazil took the ball down into French territory
and drew a foul about 25 yards out.
The play goes correctly, but the shot is just wide, leaving us with a tense
0-0 score.
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>
<p>
But just a minute later, a pass in from Toletti finds Diani who spots
Le Sommer in the middle. I lovely pass and a header and it's 1-0 France.
</p>
<p>
History seems to invert itself - about 16 minutes later, Brazil makes a fast
break, but Toletti takes down Adriana outside the box.
Debhina takes the free kick, but it goes wide.
But this time there is no follow-up Brazilian score.
Instead, France continues to take control and look exceptionally dangerous.
And then Brazil busts through, looking equally dangerous (just not quite as
frequently).
The half ends with France up 1-0.
</p>
<p>
The second half starts with no substitutions and a fiesty French team
coming out of the locker room.
But, Brazil too starts to assemble some more threatening play and in the
58th minute, they turn this back into a tie game: Debhina receive a pass from
Kerolin and sneaks it past France's keeper, peyruad Magnan.
It's a 1-1 game!
</p>
<p>
Around the 60 minute mark, both teams start making strategic substitutions
and the game continues at a frenetic pace, with both teams fighting for
every ball and every opportunity to produce something in the box.
Every time a Brazilian player so much as sneezes, the fans become a raging
booing mess - it's not a pretty crowd.
And then, in the 83rd minute, Brazil makes a huge mistake: they leave
Wendy Rinard uncovered in the box on a corner kick; Renard does what
she does best: she sticks the header right in the goal past keeper Leticia.
It's a 2-1 game for France.
</p>
<p>
Brazil is frantic; Marta, Monica, and Ana Vitorio enter in the 85th minute.
But, not even Marta can change the game.
The ball races up and down the field and the official announces seven minutes
of stoppage time.
And, in one of the oddest things I've ever seen in a world cup, the French
coach starts losing it about 3 minutes into extra time. He starts screaming
at the ref and pointing at his watch even though it's 100% clear to me (who
starts a stop watch at the 90 minute mark) that there are several minutes
left. He loses it so completely that the ref yellow cards him (and in my
mind, he's lucky it's a yellow and he's allowed to stay on the field).
</p>
<p>
Final score: France 1 - Brazil 1!
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxkwqkIAv0fJzVsfXR1exAQwYdHMGBzLMODaGBO5YYRdFJmU71Cvl6K8WUM_k9OHEFNUDUAbEHa14dttDrJCQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>
Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-316721641221273442023-08-02T03:52:00.001-07:002023-08-02T03:52:07.688-07:00WWC23: England v Denmark<p>
We woke up in Wellington and made our way to the Wellington airport at
stupid o-clock for a flight to Sydney. Why Sydney? Because we were going
to Australia for the Canada/Australia game on July 31st, so why not pop
over a few days early and catch some other first round action? So, off to
Sydney we were for some site-seeing and a group stage match between England
and Denmark.
</p>
<p>
We were a tad surprised to discover that the Royal Exhibition Hotel
(thank you Hotels.com) was located above a pub and casino. Oh well,
the rooms were big, and we would be able to walk to the game.
</p>
<p>
We dropped off our bags and then headed out in search of food. We
found a local cafe serving tasty brunch and then headed to the
Waterfront, by way of the ANZAC memorial, some interesting birds,
the botanical gardens, and of course, the Opera House.
</p>
<table class="center">
<tbody><tr>
<td>
<img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FpOBn14Bi2E1KfXE6FasUOfVT0-mz9a6v3rmmSo0fbIIz2CDNIC9LvOsxBVIbyNnTVHe1EIaYckWra_VnjQ9cvZfrkg628imqx-X6CZXZCPjZn7r7ZRilwrS7XyunEdDbJva6dZKjN1QaUveyKueSgcaR9a6R0jjBmw937W6SFWheSWaOba8ktjypJo/w158-h211/2023-07-28%2011.48.48.jpg" width="125" />
</td>
<td>
<img data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TxWKzRr_vQ2X44smbrqp2kGKejKmP85TEAJoBmwaHPqOWU4hW6ZQP7yZprbE5c1TfQroJLeeKY5wT0anCbOsR033Jq8H9xQ9jYq9LV62tD_PJOiPmitRGBZa4MO6wtX7UiywuhjBPvKTzrj4Vm8VbpEyF7LBxKY0DMwhX-Nwg0z9Mpvpnt2qwSNRCs4/w256-h192/2023-07-28%2013.25.46.jpg" width="225" />
</td>
<td>
<img data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKAl5AsqiQSnwzEushWvz0IWjtFaD2H5kyVXZNd362ZKVcazX-Rs-D_qNx6LYB4WYWoYvLYMAge8GCeY9E6kFCHSZFdIS9uuSA08cbEatcIJBxW0-reFwifU-Hc0bOq7qW1bVeLxaPUV1x0NEBubjH9wJod0I8GaUgz8ioWs9A4fBC_W2Z-YRt4Z5GeQ/s320/2023-07-28%2013.25.56.jpg" width="225" />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>That ate up
the better part of the day, so we hopped on a bus back to our
hotel/pub/casino.
And then we headed out to find dinner enroute to the game.
</p>
<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZZQ8VGCFIYeZJMimoy_j89rX8kw50wk3v-8207aYtkHY4HHDqc3olql9h6xZcdaKTR_q2Q96q8-u9Fl-zkZM6vW12TZQDnatYMO66zJy3_DrnmXcx-sclr1otIga2qR_JwFFyfYcQfg51BvW53rulDqD25vQdMPYPvOhN-dWH_pqwyGu9f_c-YYc-yY/s4032/2023-07-28%2018.10.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZZQ8VGCFIYeZJMimoy_j89rX8kw50wk3v-8207aYtkHY4HHDqc3olql9h6xZcdaKTR_q2Q96q8-u9Fl-zkZM6vW12TZQDnatYMO66zJy3_DrnmXcx-sclr1otIga2qR_JwFFyfYcQfg51BvW53rulDqD25vQdMPYPvOhN-dWH_pqwyGu9f_c-YYc-yY/s320/2023-07-28%2018.10.10.jpg" width="320" /></a>
We had great seats around the 35 yard mark facing the benches.
Instead of the Maori greeting we received in New Zealand, we were greeted
by a digirido and a verbally by an elder
</p>
England took control of the game quite early, with Denmark relying on
speedy counterattacks (which continued to look threatening).
However, it was England's posession and control of the game that produced
a goal in the 6th minute from Lauren James.
Denmark stepped up a bit and nearly equalized in the 27th minute, but
English goalkeeper <fillmein> saved the day.
The rest of the half continued in much the same fashion with England
possessing, controlling, and attacking and Denmark threatening on the
counter attack.
At halftime, the uneasy 1-0 lead remained.
</fillmein><p></p>
<p>
The second half continued much as the first, but with the intensity
ratcheted up just a notch.
In the 71st minute, Alessia Russo nearly sealed the match for
England with a second goal, but <fillmein>.
It was really never a comfortable game; Denmark's counterattacks seemed
to become increasingly threatening the closer the game came to the final
whistle, but ultimately, England prevailed.<refer standings="" to=""></refer></fillmein></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjgZ_vgknohTeW41MSKGBcMb2ghQAymW7BBjX9q4NedM3deSkeCteEzIrj5qE6Cr-dnyWlQAUp0HCrbgC0ayKTSJlhMUrvtZQ355uGzlF59mJxeC--EMHZgCqOZEh7PpdHasPMKQwoeO53HAJT_cA5x0-xwUr8I1U788pWhpREgAvaJRinWyqX4VeSoA/s4032/2023-07-28%2018.24.37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjgZ_vgknohTeW41MSKGBcMb2ghQAymW7BBjX9q4NedM3deSkeCteEzIrj5qE6Cr-dnyWlQAUp0HCrbgC0ayKTSJlhMUrvtZQ355uGzlF59mJxeC--EMHZgCqOZEh7PpdHasPMKQwoeO53HAJT_cA5x0-xwUr8I1U788pWhpREgAvaJRinWyqX4VeSoA/s320/2023-07-28%2018.24.37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><fillmein><br /></fillmein><p></p>
Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-62528190444919320152023-07-30T23:15:00.000-07:002023-07-30T23:15:13.058-07:00WWC23: USA v Netherlands<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LGj7-YkLyRbLu59rDySAhgxNAFYSthfjQmv75qMWPm7iPAMKPqHemO7sQ5gv-aDZaZY791iOgO0jwO8-frPQnlk1cU0mvd2-CUpSDKlLcEN9iGm5jltSwuOJih2Tf8NSXo8bJlMwmQSJ3X62EunzY8WuCYnUhjdzxnIQjDiEAlEE-6aiBQA-Zcvx6zE/s3088/2023-07-27%2012.17.56.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LGj7-YkLyRbLu59rDySAhgxNAFYSthfjQmv75qMWPm7iPAMKPqHemO7sQ5gv-aDZaZY791iOgO0jwO8-frPQnlk1cU0mvd2-CUpSDKlLcEN9iGm5jltSwuOJih2Tf8NSXo8bJlMwmQSJ3X62EunzY8WuCYnUhjdzxnIQjDiEAlEE-6aiBQA-Zcvx6zE/s320/2023-07-27%2012.17.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It was a spectacular day in Wellington! We did not join the official fan parade to the stadium, but did walk the roughly 30 minnutes, along with hundreds of our best friends, who were also crawling through the city to Wellington Regional Stadium.
<p></p>
<p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Jjsey-RjTjdLofLUYY-SYlbobp-RWVKZhO5VmfL5QNXuhIriHeCLjoK1NINYs5Txl-rCMuFNxsJm6W5FAXySvT3-6PCHICrm9rX2Ox74Tm5TLFp1BVYBc0iMqAgreBVsmH08RQeJKlk_1wc4pXACiSj8bKDPLtneNENHeN_zSZlmMVnG2U31mvHWTMc/s4032/2023-07-27%2012.14.27.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Jjsey-RjTjdLofLUYY-SYlbobp-RWVKZhO5VmfL5QNXuhIriHeCLjoK1NINYs5Txl-rCMuFNxsJm6W5FAXySvT3-6PCHICrm9rX2Ox74Tm5TLFp1BVYBc0iMqAgreBVsmH08RQeJKlk_1wc4pXACiSj8bKDPLtneNENHeN_zSZlmMVnG2U31mvHWTMc/s320/2023-07-27%2012.14.27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Our seats were on the 6-yard line near the Dutch goal for the first half of the game. We were hoping it would be a really busy goal. We were also sitting in the sun, and for the first time at a game, were able to watch most of the game wearing only a single layer of clothing. It was downright warm. We also saw that about 3-4 sections closer to midfield, they were having a sun shower. And we later learned that the folks on the shady side of the stadium were also on the windy and cold side of the stadium. We felt pretty lucky!
<p></p>
<p>
Well, until the game began. The US started with the same lineup with which they started against Vietnam, and while that lineup did score some goals, they had looked distinctly uninspired. They did not look a whole lot better against the skillful Dutch. In fact, it was a bit terrifying. The Dutch looked better organized and more creative. And sure enough, seventeen minutes in, a beatiful ball from Jill Rood went through the legs of Lindsey Horan and into the net.
</p>
<p>
The good news is that we got to see wha the US and Andonovski do when they are behind. The bad news is that I'm not super happy with the answer. The rest of the first half saw the US unable to play cohesively, making them outmatched by the Netherlands, who dominated in possession.
</p>
<p>
At halftime, Rose Lavelle came in for DeMelo (in fact, she was the ONLY sub of the entire game, which did not strike me as great coaching, but what do I know?), changing the entire tenor of the US play. And, in a moment of poetic justice, a few minutes after the ref has a chat with Horan and Netherlands' Daniëlle van de Donk to avoid further rough play and in the 17th minute of the second half, Lavelle sent a beautiful cross that Horan headed in. USA/Netherlands: 1-1!
</p>
<p>
In fact, there was a bit of a role reversal -- suddenly it was the USA dominating possession, looking threatening on corner kicks and making some creative play. Sadly, Andonovski made no other subs, and Lavelle was unable to carry the team to a second goal. The game ended at 1-1, setting up an intense dual for the final games of the group. The USA and Netherlands each have four ponits, Portugal has 3 (having beaten Vietnam), and Vietname has 0. The US needs a BIG win over Portugal to take the group -- if both the USA and Dutch win, it comes down to
goal differential. Stay tuned!</p><p>We had some great views of the opening to the game, so I'll toss in a few fun videos and photos here. In New Zealand, at the beginning of each game, the Maori (the indigineous peoples of New Zealand) welcome everyone with a combination of song and conch shell sound. It's been quite moving.</p>
<table>
<tbody><tr>
<td>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='280' height='232' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyGeGapdOyTEXqsqbgFZGsoU1wmDlYuAgL4OmSEkeXeqJlx3XBWKYxgvcu2UazwCQX0txTDxHkAYLP-zQx6LA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>
</td>
<td> </td>
<td>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='281' height='234' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxob0AD6W5SaxMdZSVmNRrGX691cTu9Tw4cLt_l7fROm1F7aohrbeWdMJsGOBxpQzjK20Rvrk-4y-TuP71N9A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-23564268912896749512023-07-24T19:48:00.001-07:002023-07-24T19:48:11.548-07:00WWC2023: Italy versus Argentina<p>Imagine the following: Kerstin and Margo have just come down from the Sky Tower. It's around mid-day. Someone says, "What do you want to do tonight?" The other says, "I wonder who's playing tonight and if there are tickets?" Well, the answers were 1) Italy v Argentina and 2) Yes! Not only were there tickets, there were "Cat 3" tickets for a whopping $20 NZ dollars (~14 USD or 18 CAD). So we found ourselves high up enough to have a great view of the field situated just past the Italian goal keeper's shoulder (in the first half). These felt better than many of the Cat 2 tickets (which are a whopping $30 NZD).</p><p>We had no idea what we were in for, but it was a clear (albeit cool) evening, we wanted to check out the train for transportation to/from the stadium, and well, what else do you do in Auckland on a Monday night? The Argentinian fans were out in full force.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz1ZItdJAZMikOnYoT918wS_lc8cDqP3QYjIffDWsqICWL401N-cWFd-Uwgpl25s-4nU7Wi_j5JMBgmHk2WXA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><p>This turned out to be a spectacular match. Italy seemed the dominant team, but Argentina had a very speedy and skillful left wing (or maybe it was left mid???), <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/284171/Estefan%C3%ADa-Banini" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0066cc; cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Estefania Banini</a>, who made for some dramatically exciting play right in front of us. In the opening minute, Argentina's Mariana Larroquette, appeared to be ready to secure a 1-0 lead, but her rocket went just a tad wide.</p><p>Perhaps that was the wakeup call needed for Italy to take control. Both teams move the ball beautifully, but Italy definitely had the edge and a significant majority of possession. And then at the 15 minute mark, Italy puts one in the net, only to have it called offsides (the VAR makes these calls now unquestionable). Nearly thirty minutes later, history repeats itself: Italy takes the ball down the side, finds net, and ... OFFSIDES! One of these times, the goal is going to have to not be offsides, right? But at the end of the half, it was 0-0.</p><p>That match continued gaining momentum and excitement throughout the 2nd half. By the 80 minute mark, it seemed that the teams were destined to fight to a 0-0 draw. But an 83rd minute sub brought veteran striker Cristina Girelli onto the field. And four minutes later, on counterattack, Girelli blasts the ball into the left side of the goal, with not an offsides call anywhere in site. Italy 1-0!</p><p>The remaining 10 minute (7 minutes of stoppage time -- VAR adds a lot of stoppage time to games these days) were a frenzied back and forth up and down the field. There were many heart stopping near misses, but neither team found net and so we ended with a breathtaking 1-0 win for Italy. This was definitely one of the most exciting matches of the tournament (and we have watched nearly every game so far, either online or in person).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPBO0X1YYgA0b_KpF8a_qGiBFOi-1ZgoEc0EF_g3S3hnACp7Id47qgdy8VzycZWjfpZy0voDpekI-GDMoPfq6WefffZ84PZvN27UImys9g1UUThoeU6o8JkgdOHbucnldwdBUHSfThHf-kx0HKoo_BtpTLrY-ia86CEl5GkvYyZPP2xD3JwVoDGne0zI/s3088/2023-07-24%2017.25.00.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPBO0X1YYgA0b_KpF8a_qGiBFOi-1ZgoEc0EF_g3S3hnACp7Id47qgdy8VzycZWjfpZy0voDpekI-GDMoPfq6WefffZ84PZvN27UImys9g1UUThoeU6o8JkgdOHbucnldwdBUHSfThHf-kx0HKoo_BtpTLrY-ia86CEl5GkvYyZPP2xD3JwVoDGne0zI/w284-h214/2023-07-24%2017.25.00.jpg" width="284" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5eXsnOeUN9ozixjHvxCJhGrJd8RrU2VVJ0v6qZ2nzRJN6drLSC-MYiCXXF-OqmXlVI4XoFzNUN91W_GfD0WGHjYG6OuUkmI3R8M5ZpwDnhUPEPAlwbTQ0EDkS18Aq6eqAeV61PqF02X5cUwJfUSwpexbvtwjEdo3PSoRT-ZcEriec1QcGIS8bHhSRTk/s4032/2023-07-24%2017.53.26.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5eXsnOeUN9ozixjHvxCJhGrJd8RrU2VVJ0v6qZ2nzRJN6drLSC-MYiCXXF-OqmXlVI4XoFzNUN91W_GfD0WGHjYG6OuUkmI3R8M5ZpwDnhUPEPAlwbTQ0EDkS18Aq6eqAeV61PqF02X5cUwJfUSwpexbvtwjEdo3PSoRT-ZcEriec1QcGIS8bHhSRTk/w285-h216/2023-07-24%2017.53.26.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-2850320615492446962023-07-24T12:55:00.004-07:002023-07-24T19:49:56.564-07:00WWC2023: USA versus Vietnam<p>It was a beautiful day in Auckland, and all the Team USA fans headed to the top of Mt. Eden, before heading to Eden Park to see the US open up their 2023 World Cup bid. Although I didn't take this picture until a few days later (from the top of the Sky City tower in Auckland), here is Mt. Eden (the green mound at the top of the picture).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR1Mpem1VuOxu111wxJuJvLwF_FT-L45Z8G_w0Ygpl0Z6W5DD_0iNBjUr1twuwIDCAEJNKrn7MkGiMiBJuQxvW5E62yn-y4G4MugqPQzqNWWRsKjhbJau2usJZ-RjnckblMab7gvE-NCgqhj-1EvHhRcTWdlb8r_ZZyVpCA5Wz3us0EEl87QbdWyCQDUE" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR1Mpem1VuOxu111wxJuJvLwF_FT-L45Z8G_w0Ygpl0Z6W5DD_0iNBjUr1twuwIDCAEJNKrn7MkGiMiBJuQxvW5E62yn-y4G4MugqPQzqNWWRsKjhbJau2usJZ-RjnckblMab7gvE-NCgqhj-1EvHhRcTWdlb8r_ZZyVpCA5Wz3us0EEl87QbdWyCQDUE=w240-h320" title="Mt. Eden from the Sky City Tower" width="240" /></a></div>It is the highest Volcano in Auckland proper. While it's not a huge hike, it does feel like work to get to the top. The grassy bowl is oh-so-tempting, and many years ago, you used to be able to run down in it, but they don't allow that any more. In addition to attracting ALL the US soccer fans, the hike was a favorite among the local dog population who were scampering all of the rest of the park.<p></p><p>The top of the park gives a lovely view of Auckland and its environs. So, before getting to the game, let's play the Auckland quiz!</p><p>1. Spot the Volcano parks</p><p>2. Can you find the stadium?<br />
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</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjWz0Ie5n-2IjF3rjf0ecYe0oHmmEAvy7G8nxtfDBnPQjDBR-6px9xqm4RtaWbTBfphs0spsImvIN43RvP7iJ0n3xTig0vdgAcpd22IB29s9gCQGSwLihN9_KTd1IbRom15Xbk98J3VE0lGRL7f2MBXzn0lvx4lHorkR0WZsszyz5Zj2PyyHG8oLYXFM/s4032/2023-07-22%2010.33.13.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjWz0Ie5n-2IjF3rjf0ecYe0oHmmEAvy7G8nxtfDBnPQjDBR-6px9xqm4RtaWbTBfphs0spsImvIN43RvP7iJ0n3xTig0vdgAcpd22IB29s9gCQGSwLihN9_KTd1IbRom15Xbk98J3VE0lGRL7f2MBXzn0lvx4lHorkR0WZsszyz5Zj2PyyHG8oLYXFM/w279-h210/2023-07-22%2010.33.13.jpg" title="Other volcanos from top of Mt. Eden" width="279" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhEsowNscYA6lFTyJy8BbLVTsFTJacIVPFR19QjVF1elVz23BHgYFcKprGY80tMXkqkj1B_1MujhdPk2DVFWv6uWv-y2f0VgVlKUzLEuai9vW0s_zQoxDKeCy-NPIW2CEswQkAK1JWTCRK6xTFKO2xAovYvOe_Bvf7hqAXU4LhZMR6AgoRRtTct_fEys/s4032/2023-07-22%2010.22.18.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhEsowNscYA6lFTyJy8BbLVTsFTJacIVPFR19QjVF1elVz23BHgYFcKprGY80tMXkqkj1B_1MujhdPk2DVFWv6uWv-y2f0VgVlKUzLEuai9vW0s_zQoxDKeCy-NPIW2CEswQkAK1JWTCRK6xTFKO2xAovYvOe_Bvf7hqAXU4LhZMR6AgoRRtTct_fEys/w279-h210/2023-07-22%2010.22.18.jpg" title="Eden Park Stadium" width="279" /></a><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">OK -- now, the game! We were seated in the corner immediately between the US first-half goal and the US bench. The stadium was packed (although not quite as packed as for the New Zealand opener, which was nice). In the opening minute, Vietnam made it quite clear that they were ready to play an aggressive, physical game -- Trinity Rodman went down and stayed down a tad longer than anyone would have liked, but eventually popped up and looked no worse for the wear.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I am pretty sure that everyone in the stands was expecting that the US was going to 'welcome' Vietnam to their first world cup as they did the team from Thailand in 2019 (13-0). However, Vietname was not going ot have any of that. They had an organized and disciplined team that quiet effectively shut down the US. When they did get the ball, they were quick (as in really quick) on the attack, but the duo of Girma and Ertz were having none of that.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The US pushed and created a couple of exciting opportunities, but the first 15 minutes were clearly frustrating the US. And then about 15 minutes in, Sophia Smith collected a nice pass in the box and deftly sent the ball past the keeper into the box. 1-0 US!</p><p style="text-align: left;">The fans were hoping that this was the beginning of the floodgates, but Vietnam had other ideas. They continued to thwart the US attack throughout the rest of the first half. The US were playing a somewhat 'workman' like game, and they really needed some creativity to breakdown the Vietnamese defense. In the 43rd minute, Rodman went down again and after VAR consultation, the ref awarded a penalty. Morgan stepped up and you could feel the crowd breathe a sigh of relief, just knowing that she was going to make it 2-0. But, like nearly all the other PKs in this first round action, the keeper stopped it!</p><p style="text-align: left;">And so the game continued into extra minutes. With time running out, Smith sends a shot into the keeper; it's not a rocket, but it someone rolls past a few players, including the keeper. The jubilation was, however, short lived, as Morgan was called offsides. But then, the VAR review happens, the ref looks at the play and the offsides is overruled -- USA 2-0! And it's now halftime.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The US comes out strong and starts peppering the Vietnamese goal, but the Vietnamese keeper will have none of that -- she is brilliant. Absolutely nothing is getting past her. Finally, at about the 60th minute, Rapinoe and Lavelle come in to replace Morgan and DeMelo (WWC debutante and effective wing midfielder). Things definitely start to look better for the US. Lavelle works her magic in the middle and the game looks a lot more interesting and the US a lot more threatening. Sure enough, about fifteen mibuntes later, it's Smith again, but this time it's with an assist to Horan to calmly sends it to the back of the net. USA 3-0!</p><p style="text-align: left;">The rest of the match sees the US with more shots and more brilliant saves from keeper Tran Thi Kim. I think we'll be hearing a lot more about her throughout this tournament.</p><p style="text-align: left;">My assessment: The play reminds me of the beginning of the 2015 WWC, where the US won games, but did not look particularly inspired doing so (compared to say, Germany, who looked fantastic against the over-matched Moroccans). Julie Ertz is a great replacement for Saurbrun in the back, but we really miss her as the holding mid. We need Lavelle healthy to create some life in our midfield. The Netherlands seemed in a similar bind in their opener against Portugal. So, both teams need a shakeup before their match in two days time! Until then, signing off from Auckland (and headed to Wellington).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihbMfg3IyLupNDXZzKbLwsMyqxKZzEU9lsU7SjZUsdXlmWzEJBuqJVcueXXP3eZV5uSVvi4ADchXjhmh5ydXH21WFhO6_9Jzgx8UnZyDL-TlV2rQf0-_5ehw9Lc-cSL2k5Lt8JicKePPZxgPylOLpZRU3hs8uCpngtQWdZhNAhfNP4QAtVfUPMsrBtKk/s3088/2023-07-20%2018.14.34.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihbMfg3IyLupNDXZzKbLwsMyqxKZzEU9lsU7SjZUsdXlmWzEJBuqJVcueXXP3eZV5uSVvi4ADchXjhmh5ydXH21WFhO6_9Jzgx8UnZyDL-TlV2rQf0-_5ehw9Lc-cSL2k5Lt8JicKePPZxgPylOLpZRU3hs8uCpngtQWdZhNAhfNP4QAtVfUPMsrBtKk/w274-h205/2023-07-20%2018.14.34.jpg" width="274" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZVa0evNGXLiIM5GixLHmaxtAUv4VrN9exlIlNkmD_84jUQtz9Qy7xhwDZ62vLZwO50D2XVyzH17NjU6I-mnki3Zx-UuvxDBjw1ITmxCj4zCBEciOKjjt5E9aHAHpaYUIdD2Bo9VtJI4mEH3iWD2VX2XhRBGmIapobjrbPdtD8ecyyB8ctknJvO4-6Dk/s4032/2023-07-20%2021.00.04.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZVa0evNGXLiIM5GixLHmaxtAUv4VrN9exlIlNkmD_84jUQtz9Qy7xhwDZ62vLZwO50D2XVyzH17NjU6I-mnki3Zx-UuvxDBjw1ITmxCj4zCBEciOKjjt5E9aHAHpaYUIdD2Bo9VtJI4mEH3iWD2VX2XhRBGmIapobjrbPdtD8ecyyB8ctknJvO4-6Dk/w277-h208/2023-07-20%2021.00.04.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-85202969041726840402023-07-20T03:53:00.003-07:002023-07-20T04:04:43.903-07:00Live from Auckland, New Zealand: It's Women's World Cup 2023!<p> It's 10:21 PM in Auckland on July 20, and the opening match of the Women's World Cup is in the books. (For some of the games, dates are going to get confusing given that most of you are on the other side of the world, so we just won't worry too much about dates.)</p><p>The opening match was absolutely everything one could want in an opening match: an upset, a win for the host nation, a 1-0 game, many a heart-stopping near-goal in the closing minutes, a team's first WWC win, and 99 minutes of outstanding soccer!</p><p>The match was scheduled for 7:00 PM, with the opening ceremony starting at 6:30. We were staying at an AirBNB in the heart of Auckland downtown, so we hopped on a bus and got to the stadium in plenty of tie for the opening. We were just a few rows away from Mike and Teresa Olson, fellow WWC afficionados. I am accompanied during the group stage by Berkeley Bruiser Kerstin Pfann and WWC-2019 veteran Chloe Lemmel-Hay. Unfortunately, changes in travel plans resulted in our having 1 seat separated from the other two. Kerstin and I were together in the second row directly across from the edge of the Norway bench. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9zHFP9C4gbKxi0_OaSXbsFIDuz7NPE-oQqDePzgBsgO_t2ujdu1PMTd4t2b7TF8D0uiGyvX9H3F_Ubee1waSIWszhnNUUd-1NPC5rywuY2W8JYgsF1r8i8xKIYlIM0lwJ3_QcuYriIaVifMxglK_RLdxPrs9KqeqH65onlEp1rLR9LYwfzXbzcGCQjEI" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9zHFP9C4gbKxi0_OaSXbsFIDuz7NPE-oQqDePzgBsgO_t2ujdu1PMTd4t2b7TF8D0uiGyvX9H3F_Ubee1waSIWszhnNUUd-1NPC5rywuY2W8JYgsF1r8i8xKIYlIM0lwJ3_QcuYriIaVifMxglK_RLdxPrs9KqeqH65onlEp1rLR9LYwfzXbzcGCQjEI=w313-h235" width="313" /></a></div>The opening was high energy, fun, incorporating song and dance from the Maori (the indigenous people of New Zealand), representatives of all the competing teams, fire works, and young New Zealand and Australia performers Benee and Mallrat.<p></p><p>The opening match featured 26th ranked host New Zealand against 12th ranked Norway. The crowd was unsurprisingly full of New Zealand supporters, but we all knew who the favorites were. However, it took only a few minutes to see that this was not going to be a match that Norway dominated. The first half showed a physical Norway being dominated by incredibly well-orchestrated team play. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrIYaTp9iQ8WVXCZ2ymBVJIt0QwsRMNzxBodhRw6s8lVU99XCGwF538IRSRMFpaxiPwTiThvNy7P7Lxg96uPGvznthmHYuBHxJIt36zvXKVWL8NA9VSgQyVkIHphXh8q1IydNzmjSykW9kYbFPH-4Xfbn0bKEw1l7Fm62ypoVY5X6yKMuscF6jci77e6M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3628" data-original-width="10016" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrIYaTp9iQ8WVXCZ2ymBVJIt0QwsRMNzxBodhRw6s8lVU99XCGwF538IRSRMFpaxiPwTiThvNy7P7Lxg96uPGvznthmHYuBHxJIt36zvXKVWL8NA9VSgQyVkIHphXh8q1IydNzmjSykW9kYbFPH-4Xfbn0bKEw1l7Fm62ypoVY5X6yKMuscF6jci77e6M=w590-h213" width="590" /></a></div><p></p><p>The first half saw several aggressive plays from Norway sent NZ players tumbling. While the fans were convinced there were fouls being committed, the ref had none of that, and I have to confess that I was pretty sure NZ had been robbed on the plays that happened far away. But when the incidents happened right in front of me, I found myself agreeing with the ref, so I'm going to say it was a well-reffed game.</p><p>The two teams fought to a 0-0 half time tie.</p><p>And then ... just 3 minutes into the second half, New Zealand put together a well orchestrated (and I'm going to guess, well practiced) sequence: starting with a goal kick that a defender took (rarely see that in world cup soccer), two quick passes up the field, a cross and beautiful show from Hannah Wilkinson, put the Ferns up 1-0. For the next 20 minutes or so, it really was New Zealand's show. Norway was having difficult receiving their own passes, their goal kicks were as likely to be collected by the Ferns as their own players, and the Ferns continued to look threatening.</p><p>To be fair, there were a couple of heart stopping near-misses from Norway as well. As time wore down, Norway started asserting themselves and began repeatedly threatening the New Zealand back line. A couple of brilliant moves stole the ball away from them just a few yards in front of the goal. And then, after the 80th minute, play stopped. The VAR called for a penalty check. Time stood still (or so it seemed, that incessant clock kept ticking). And then ... handball in the box! The replay showed that it was most definitely a hand ball, but having to decide whether it was in the box or not was nontrivial.</p><p>NZ stepped up for the PK and ... it hit the crossbar. This near miss was just what Norway needed. They started pressing and attacking and attacking and attacking. I couldn't really count, but I'd say that at least a third of their shots happend in the nine minutes of stoppage time. They hit the crossbar; they forced a pair of goalie saves. But alas, they could not buy a goal, and when the final whistle blew, New Zealand had won their first world cup match ever!</p><p>Every four years, the level of play in the tournament improve, and if tonight's match was any indication, it's going to be fantastic tournament!</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsWz4voNsXoduBI-hPeJYjqEjurWLlBma3obym4dfRav01w3RnGWd9VsvcxY4lnniAiyK7GsRNf52zGJ-ELDrN-bVMu35GZlOaFXc2Z3_SNRKCSrbelvCXj25SDRmrH0Tu-ImruC4ebYkRtWo8Sou8OyXcHBfWhTqJWvxh80Egjza8eeOpD3DFneDbdOc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsWz4voNsXoduBI-hPeJYjqEjurWLlBma3obym4dfRav01w3RnGWd9VsvcxY4lnniAiyK7GsRNf52zGJ-ELDrN-bVMu35GZlOaFXc2Z3_SNRKCSrbelvCXj25SDRmrH0Tu-ImruC4ebYkRtWo8Sou8OyXcHBfWhTqJWvxh80Egjza8eeOpD3DFneDbdOc" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-67973869279452077812023-07-10T06:41:00.005-07:002023-10-16T10:44:13.926-07:00How to Present your Research: Part 6: Common Presentation Pitfalls to Avoid<p>In our communication skills group last week, the student presented (for the first time in this group) work-in-progress talks or a 3-5 minute research summary. I try to give everyone detailed feedback, but there are common things that came up, so I figured I'd try to write them down here. This post could really be called "Tips for Presenters."</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Timing</h3><div style="text-align: left;">The assignment was to prepare and deliver 3-5 minute presentation for a generation audience (i.e., not your project team, but a group of smart computer scientists). I then asked each person how long they thought their talk would go before they gave it and then how long they thought it actually went. I timed all the talks.</div><p style="text-align: left;">Unsurprising, practically every presentation went longer than expected. Similarly, everyone knew they'd gone longer than they expected, but they were not super accurate at realizing how long they went. And this is 100% normal on both cases. Our ability to judge how long it is going to take to present material is not particularly good. The problem is that while a 3 minute talk might run over by a minute and that doesn't seem bad, proportionally, that means your 20 minute talk just became a 26 or 27 minute talk and that's actually a real problem!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Why do we underestimate? (There is likely science on this, but I'm going to draw on my experience here; it would be interesting to compare my experience and assessment with the literature, but I don't have time to do that now, so we'll leave it for a future post.)</p><p style="text-align: left;">I think there are three main reasons: 1) We think more quickly than we speak, so unless we practice the talk out loud, our timing is off, 2) If we practice without an audience, we have no feedback about whether what we're saying is getting through -- when you have an audience, you are getting feedback and that almost always results in your slowing down, 3) We have an inherent fear of running out of things to say, so we over plan.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Just like we read more quickly than we speak, we also think more quickly. So, if you practice your talk by going through it in your head, your practice will not match your delivery. The solution to this is simple: practice out loud. I hear you, "Oh that's so cringy." Yes, it really is. Do it anyway.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Similarly, do a real practice talk in front of real people. You clearly are not going to do this for every status report, but when you are presenting for real, do a practice talk. This will be the best way to see how long your talk is going and to check whether you and your material are in sync and conveying the key things you want to convey. And then ask for and gracefully accept constructive feedback. You then get to be judicious in how you incorporate that feedback, but while it's being given, I encourage you to follow the <a href="https://www.writingclasses.com/toolbox/articles/how-to-deal-with-criticism?page=3" target="_blank">Gotham Booth</a> approach and simply listen, take notes, and ask clarifying questions, e.g., "Was it the graph you found confusing or how I described it?"<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Now, how do you conquer that internal dialog that goes something like this, "You know, there is nothing particularly deep here. You're going to be done in two minutes and everyone will think that what you did is simply no big deal." How did I know that's what you were thinking? Because we all go through that dialog to differing degrees. My advice is to keep the presentation itself streamlined -- explain things clearly and in ways that connect. When you are tempted to off on a digression about some fascinating detail, make a set of backup slides. I don't know how long powerpoint has had "sections," but now that they do, sections are a great way to organize various sets of backup slides. You have them in case someone asks the question (and won't you look so awesomely prescient when you pull them up!), but you can avoid embedding the digressions and extra detail in the talk. And, the sheer existence of the backup slides should help qualm that annoying little demon who tries to convince you that you have nothing to say.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Matching Delivery Rate to Absorption Rate</h3><div>For longer than I care to admit, I could not exactly figure out why I was uncomfortable with one of my former students who always wrote out their talks completely in their speaker notes. I too sometimes write out what I'm going to say, but I absolutely never actually read what I write while giving the talk, so why did it bother me so much when this student wrote out what they wanted to say? It took me a couple of practice talks to figure it out.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you read your talk (and aren't excruciatingly careful), <i><b>you are able to deliver your talk at a rate that is faster than the rate at which your audience can absorb it</b></i>. This sounds obvious in retrospect, but only in retrospect. When you are simply reading the words you want to say, you aren't pausing and stopping to allow your audience to keep up with you. When you do not have a written script (and haven't memorized your talk, which is equally problematic), then you tend to pause at the right places, and since you have to think a bit about what you are going to say next, you give your audience time to internalize what you've just said.</div><div><br /></div><div>Therefore, I advise writing notes/bullets to yourself in your speaker slides (I find numbered points particularly helpful and try to avoid having more than about 3 points I want to make on any slide; a point can require multiple sentences). Think of these are reminders of the topics to cover, but not the exact words, so that you have to engage in a thinking process (not a reading process) when you speak.<br /><br />If you really really really don't want to have to select words on the fly (and I completely understand many reasons why you might not), then you should 1) repeat the words, "Slow Down" in your brain at the beginning of absolutely every slide and 2) insert <pause> in the right places in your talk, where you need to stop and give listeners a chance to catch up. I also insert <click> when I want to sequence through animation on a slide.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pacing your words to keep your listeners engaged is perhaps that most challenging part of giving a talk, and it requires a lot of practice!</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Buzzword Bingo (this is really about clarity)</h3><div>There are few things as frustrating as being in a talk and having the speaker toss out terms and acronyms that you don't understand. (My department is terrible at this and when I first joined, I spent every faculty meeting raising my hand and asking what every acronym meant.)<br /><br />So, nearly all acronyms should be explaind on first use (you can assume everyone knows what a CPU is; you cannot assume that everyone knows what a BANANA -- yes that's an acronym, but not in CS: Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything). In general, avoid inventing acroynms just to make your life easier (I have had students in the past who would introduce 10-20 acronyms in the introduction just to avoid having to type words out later in the paper; this is not a winning strategy for getting papers accepted). I like to think of writing and reading as a give and take process. Every time, you ask your reader to learn something to read the rest of your paper (i.e., what BANANA means), you are taking. Before you take, you'd better give them something pretty darned special to have them be willing to give you the effor to learn your acronym. After being forced to learn about three new acronyms, I am pretty grumpy reading the rest of the paper.<br /><br />If you find yourself explaining some term and never using it again; don't use it; just explain what you're doing that one place you're tempted to introduce it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Assume you are talking to a non-expert and define/explain every term that a non-expert is unlikely to know. Ask yourself, "Did I know what this term meant before working on this project?" If the answer is no, then chance are you need to explain it during your talk. And, the more time you spend explaining terms, the less time you have to discuss things that are truly interesting.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Take Aways</h3><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Practice your talk out loud.</li><li>Give a practice talk (and invite a range of people who can give you feedback from different perspectives).</li><li>Keep the maintalk streamlined and have backup slides (material).</li><li>Match your delivery tempo to the absorption rate of your audience. This requires careful and thoughful pauses in your speech.</li><li>Keep acronyms to a minimum.</li><li>Define all terms specific to your area that are unlikely to be understood by those not in your field.</li></ol></div><div><br /></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-63622763080429804972023-07-03T13:08:00.001-07:002023-10-16T10:44:26.839-07:00How to Present Your Research: Part 5: The 3-5 minute (work-in-progress) talk<p>Recall that in <a href="https://mis-misinformation.blogspot.com/2023/05/how-to-present-your-systems-research.html">Part 1 of this series</a>, we laid out a collection of different types of talks and then identified what has to appear in each of those talks. We've been working our way through these and today's topic is the laid out in the third column as the "Work in Progress" (WIP) talk. It may also be a talk that goes along with a poster.</p><p>The parts that need to appear in a WIP are: The fairy tale (of course), motivation, your work, evaluation, conclusion. Mostly, I like to think of this as a simple expansion of the fairy tale: to a first approximation you are basically going to have approximately one slide for each part of the fairy tale. In all likelihood, you'll have more than four slides, but you probably won't have 10. So think about it as: 1 "once upon a time", 1-2 introduction of the villain, 1-3 introduction of the hero, and 1-2 for the happily ever after which might include results and/or next steps and will certainly include a reminder of why this work is important.</p><p>Lest you think that these talks are simple, throw-away talks that don't really require a lot of effort, I want to highlight two instances of such a short talk with enormous consequences: 1) pre-COVID, the papers that were not quite good enough for Oral Presentations (of which there were maybe 15) were selected as Spotlights (around 50 of these, out of the approximately1500 papers accepted) and were given a 5-minute talk slot. 2) The <a href="https://www.bell-labs.com/collaboration-opportunities/prize/">Bell Labs Prize</a> Phase 2 competition requires that teams summarize their work in a slide deck not to exceed 10 slides. Needless to say, a lot of time/effort goes into these short talks.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Cover Slide</h3><p>I can see and hear you now: You are rolling your eyes and thinking (or even saying out loud), "You have got to be kidding me -- she wants to tell us what to put on our cover slide? And the answer is, "No." I believe that you know what to put on your cover slide (the project Title, your and your collaborators' names) and ideally some logo or graphic or picture. However, I <i>am</i> going to talk about what to say when you begin your talk.</p><p>What not to say: Please, please, please, do not simply read your slide to the audience. I have sat through so many talks where the session chair says, "Next we'll hear from <i>person</i>, who is going to talk about <i>title</i>." And then person gets up and says, "I'm <i>person</i> and I'm going to talk about <i>title</i>." And, of course, the entire time, I've been staring at a slide that says, "<i>Title</i>" and has an author list with <i>person</i>'s name in bold.</p><p>I hope by now you realize that if all you do is read your title and name, you are duplicating information and missing a huge chance to get the audience interested in your work.</p><p>If, and only if, A) you have not been introduced, B) the audience does not know who you are, and C) you have co-authors, may you introduce yourself.</p><p>Then, rather than read the title to the audience, explain why they should care what you are about to tell them for the next five minutes. This might be the 'once upon a time' of your fairy tale; this might be an explanation of your work that avoids buzz words that might appear in your title; this might be a question, i.e., "Have you ever wondered ..." Whatever it is, give the audience something that they will not get from simply reading your slide.</p><p>I'm going to pick four random titles from HotOS (the last event I attended) and offer some cover slide material.</p><p><a href="https://sigops.org/s/conferences/hotos/2023/papers/fiedler.pdf">Putting out the hardware dumpster fire</a> -- Some of you probably already heard this, but I'd say something like, "Today's hardware is really complex, and for the most part, when we talk about operating system security, we completely ignore this complexity. As a result, I'm going to claim that we aren't really solving the problem that we think we're solving, and I'm going to offer some suggestions for actually solving the hard problem!"</p><p>First, Mothy needs to introduction in our field and second, these few sentences are much more descriptive than the title, which I still believe is entirely wonderful.</p><p><a href="https://sigops.org/s/conferences/hotos/2023/papers/fiedler.pdf">Degrading Data to Save the Planet</a> -- We will never have less data than we do today! Every day, we produce far more data than we destroy. More importantly, producing the devices on which we store this data (i.e., flash) produces significant carbon emissions. Let me tell you about our new sustainable storage design.</p><p>Doesn't that tell you a bit more about what's to come than the (also great) title did?</p><p><a href="https://sigops.org/s/conferences/hotos/2023/papers/lefeuvre.pdf">Towards (Really) Safe and Fast Confidential IO</a> -- Customers do not trust their cloud providers! Confidential computing is an approach to using cloud resources in a way that does not reveal confidential data to the cloud provider. Unfortunately, today's work in confidential computing mostly ignores information that is revealed through IO APIs. Let's talk about how we can improve on this situation.</p><p>Once again, I think this tells you more about what's coming than the (perfectly fine and accurate) title.</p><p><a href="https://sigops.org/s/conferences/hotos/2023/papers/shahinfar.pdf">Automatic kernel offload using BPF</a> -- I explicitly picked this one, because the title tells you exactly what this paper is about. Even so, I think you can say something here that tells your audience more.</p><p>The extended Berkeley packet filter (eBPF) has become the de facto approach for running kernel extensions. But how do you decide what should be offloaded? Offloading the wrong thing can produce terrible performance. Let me tell you about a tool we developed to automatically figure out what you should offload to eBPF.</p><p>See -- I bet you did not realize that that's what this paper was about.</p><p>So, having now written an almost entire blog post on your cover slide, let's move on.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Once Upon a Time</h3><p>Others, less well-versed in fairy-tales, will tell you that this is the motivation. They are partially correct -- the motivation is actually the combinination of the once upon a time and the villain. In a short presentation, the once upon a time may also be short -- you just to have place the work you're going to talk about in the right setting. Is this a paper about data centers? containers? isolation? performance? security? privacy? formal verification?</p><p>If you are presenting a short talk, chances are that you are one of many talks in a session and there might be little or no relation between the talk before you and yours. That makes it all the more important to help your audience get in the right mind set for your paper.</p><p>Consider the Degrading Data paper above. If the paper before you was on disaggregated memory, the audience is primed for talking about in-memory data; if they paper before you was a storage system paper, they are primed for a storage system talk. You want them primed for <i>your</i> talk.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Villain</h3><p>Now that you have your audience primed, you really need to motivate them that your work is important. What is the problem you're solving? Do not assume they agree that the problem you are solving is A) important, B) interesting, C) feasible. You need to convince them that they actually care about your problem.</p><p>Sometimes the villain takes the form of a story (i.e., "Imagine that you are ..."). Sometimes it could be a performance problem, "Have you ever done X and then had to sit there and wait until Y?" It could be something the user has never wanted to do, "If you are a networking researcher, packet traces are worth their size in gold!" (So, even if the listener is not a networking researcher, they ought to be able to appreciate that someone who is would find packet traces valuable.)</p><p>The more concrete you can make the problem the better. Compare, "Keeping data safe is important," to "Customers lost twelve trillion dollars when this very specific bad thing happened." That ought to make people sit up and take notice. Even if they are not data geeks or security/privacy experts, the thought of losing twelve trillion dollars is likely to seem important.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Hero</h3><p>This is where things get hard. I think that with focus and a bit of thinking, you can really nail the context and the problem, but how do you summarize everything you've done in only 2-3 slides? You don't! Focus on the big picture and maybe (just maybe) one technical detail.</p><p>What do we mean by the big picture? This is not necessarily a detailed block diagram of the 100,000 linse of code that you've written to build some system. Instead, what are the three key ideas that you've had to solve this problem? How do they fit together?</p><p>I've spent a fair bit of time developing short 'research vignettes' that let me describe research in myriad different areas to a general audience. Each of these is really just a short talk. Here are some examples:</p><p>For part of a PLDI keynote, I summarized a student's MSc work (tens of thousands of line of code) in four slides: context, picture that shows what the student produced while my voice over explained why we were trying to do it, picture showing the key decomposition approach that let him solve it, and a slide with one key technical approach used to in solving the problem.</p><p>At a recent talk at Duke, I summarized another student's MSc work in 6 slides that used the same primary picture on each slide and then added different pictures on the side to illustrate how he solved the key parts of the problem.</p><p>It takes awhile to get good at capturing the essence of the work and explaining things at just the right level of detail. I find it helpful to have a specific audience member in mind. This person is most definitely not someone on your project. They are likely not even working in exactly the same area you are. But they are a computer scientist and they are smart. Think about how you might convince them that they should care about what you're doing and then once you've made them care, figure out how to present your work in a way that helps them "get it" even if they cannot appreciate all the nuance and subtlety.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Happily Ever After</h3><p>As mentioned above, the happily ever after must include a reason why it was worthwhile to conduct the work. How have you made the world a better place, even if only a tiny bit? In addition, it can also include, next steps, things you learned, suggestions for future projects, etc. If you can leave the audience wanting to work on your problem, they you have succeeded!</p><p><br /></p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-49243047754178091852023-06-25T10:48:00.002-07:002023-10-16T10:44:35.795-07:00How to Present your Research: Part 4: Presenting Results<p style="text-align: left;">We've talked a lot about story-telling so far, and I bet you're all wondering, "OK story telling is fine, but I have some actual research results I want to show! Let's get to that." And indeed, we will. But, guess what -- each result is a mini story.</p><p style="text-align: left;">A result story has three basic parts: 1) Why am I showing these results? 2) How did I obtain these results? 3) Here are the results. Let's dive into each one.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Why am I showing this to you?</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Each experiment you perform or result you show should be either answering a research question or showing evidence to support/refute an hypothesis. I think these two are really the same thing, so for the rest of this post, we'll call them research questions (RQ for short). Note that it has become a lot more common in recent publications (even in systems and ML) to explicitly state your research questions. I encourage you all to do this before you write any experiment code -- it's great research and mental discipline.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Before you dive into the details of the experiment, explain what RQ you are answering. This could be no more than a sentence, "We want to know if the overhead of OurGreatIdea is acceptable, so we conducted N experiments to determine if we were able to do SomethingAmazing without introducing more than X% overhead." Wait -- notice how I snuck that goal in the end? I think that 99% of the research out there asks the question, "How much overhead does something introduce?" And then, regardless of what that overhead is, we declare victory! That's not exactly science. I urge you to think (before you run any experiment), "How much overhead is acceptable?" Once you do that, then you can decide if your overhead is great, good, acceptable, almost there, or terrible.</p><p style="text-align: left;">But, I digress. Sometimes, you simply have to state the RQ. Sometimes, you might want to go into a bit more detail. Some of the greatest insight comes from ablation studies; these answer the question, "Which of the N things I did account for the great results we get?" Let's say that you built a system that introduced three optimizations. People will wonder both A) How much does each thing matter? B) Do the results compound? In the case of such an ablation study, you might want a slide to review the various things that you did and then explain that you're going to introduce each one by itself or remove each one and leave the others in. Depending on your system, one of those is likely to make more sense. If you can do both, go for it!</p><p style="text-align: left;">A cousin of the ablation study answers the question, "How much time do we spend in each part of our BigComplexSystem?" Usually, you can just explain that with a single sentence; sometimes you'll want an architectural picture to explain it.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Regardless of the complexity of the experiment, please explicitly tell them what question the result you are about to present is going to answer.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">How did I do this?</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Explain the experiment! It sounds easy enough, but you'd be amazed how many times I am shown a graph with 0 explanation of: A) the data used, B) the workload run, C) any details about whether I am seeing averages of many runs, a single run, the best of many runs, etc. So, describe your experiment.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In a paper, you will want to give precise details about the machine on which you're running. In a presentation, I think it's fine to categorize the platform, e.g., "We ran this on my laptop." or "We ran this on a huge server." or "We ran this on a typical server with a Big Honkin' GPU." You can go into more specifics, but I think just putting the detail on the slide is more helpful than saying the particular model of processor you are using (no one can wrap their heads around that verbally; OK maybe someone can, but I do not think most people can). Typically people want to know how much main memory you had and if you are running a modern machine. If you are doing storage work, then of course, they want to know something about the storage system too. If you are doing ML, they may care what GPU you are using. Think carefully about what your audience wants to know and the best way to present it (on the slide, but say nothing; on the slide and highligh key features; on the slide and read it).</p><p style="text-align: left;">Describe the workload! Tell the audience whether this is a standard benchmark in your field or one you made up (and if you made it up, you are going to have to justify why). Is this a microbenchmark or a macrobenchmark? Is there input data? Where did that data come from? What exactly are you going to show? The average of N runs? One run? One cherry-picked run? A number you made up? Sometimes, you might even say, "Here is what we expect a good system to do on this benchmark." Then you can compare that strawman to your actual results. Alternately you might way, "To the best of our knowledge, the best system for this is X and here is how it does on this benchmark." Again, then you can compare your result.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Your goal is that when you finish describing your experiment, the audience is excited to see your results.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">My Results</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Tell me what I'm looking at! Again, this seems obvious, but I have sat through too many talks where a speaker excitedly tells me how great these results are before I have any clue what I'm looking at. So, breathe ...</p><p style="text-align: left;">Most results (in systems) are either tables or graphs/charts (I'll use the term graph here to describe a visual depiction of data). In either case, describe what the audience is looking at. For example:<br /><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Graphs</h3><p style="text-align: left;">This graph has throughput on the Y axis and the number of cores on the X axis (if you are using log scale, say that explicitly here, even if it's in the axis labels which it should be). So, big bars (higher numbers) are better. [Please, always add this last part!] Sometimes I just show the structure of the graph with no data as I explain this. That allows the audience to understand what they are going to see before they get distracted with the actual data. The error bars show standard deviations, the middle 50th percentile, whatever -- tell me!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Tables</h3><p style="text-align: left;">Most of the same rules apply here. Each row represents something and the columns correspond to something else. Tables of numbers are relatively difficult to comprehend, so I encourage highlighting the things you want the audience to take away from the tables -- embolden the best in each row/column; color code good/bad/mediocr results. Basically, help the audience take away the message you want them to take away from your results.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Takeaways</h3><p style="text-align: left;">Draw the listener's attention to the things you want them to get from the figure. Do not assume that your results are so obvious that they will get exactly what you want them to! Inevitably, they will draw a wrong conclusion or one different from the one you wanted them to. Walk them through the results. I like to compare and contrast with what we might expect. Some examples:</p><p style="text-align: left;">We expected that we would scale well until we were running one thread on each socket, but we found that we actually scaled well until we were running one thread on each core. As we'll see in the next graph, our cache footprint was small enough that the data fit nicely in the per-core caches. [This is a great technique to explain WHY you get the results you do -- show a macrobenchmark result and then follow it up with a microbenchmark result that explains the results you got in the macrobenchmark.]</p><p style="text-align: left;">We had hoped that participants using our tool would complete the task more quickly. While they did produce better solutions (point to the part of the picture that shows that), we noticed that they actually took longer. [When you have a surprising or unexpected result, this usually indicates something interesting, even if it didn't match your intuition. In this case, perhaps it's something like, "Our qualitative survey results suggest that people found our tool so much more enjoyable to use that they were willing to spend more time using it to produce high quality solutions; in contrast, old tool was so painful to use that participants stopped as soon as they produced anything close to correct."]</p><p style="text-align: left;">In my speaker notes, I almost always have a numbered list of 3 +/- 1 key points that I want the audience to take away from any result I present. I <b>do not</b> write the details of those points in the notes, because I want the timing of my explanation to match the ability of the audience to comprehend what I'm saying. If one writes out the exact explanation, it is almost always the case that that explanation is presented too quickly for the audience to comprehend. If the speaker has to think about it, then their delivery almost always better matches the audience's receptive timing. I think this point is crucial! When we are nervous, we almost always start to speak more quickly and often become quieter towards the end of our sentences. You want to do everything possible to avoid this, especially when presenting results.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Key Takeaways:</h3><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Don't forget any of the three parts: question I'm answering, how I am answering it, what I found.</li><li>Explain the format of the results you are presenting.</li><li>Use microbenchmarks to explain the results of macrobenchmarks.</li><li>Highlight surprising results.</li></ol><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-31051100317464103132023-05-28T10:28:00.000-07:002023-10-16T10:44:46.042-07:00How to Present your Research: Part 3: Status Updates<p>Normally, we think of presentations in terms of formal talks. However, I am willing to bet that we all spend far more time giving information status updates (which are, in fact, presentations) than we do giving formal talks, yet I do not believe I've ever seen <b>any</b> guidance on how to do that effectively. How strange!</p><p>Well, here goes ...</p><p>Surprise: I'm going to argue that every status update is, wait for it, a fairy tale! (This is going to be a recurring theme.) Before diving into the details of that fairy tale, let's talk about different categories of status updates.</p><p><b>The 1:1 meeting with your advisor/supervisor/team lead</b>. At some point, you'll find yourself in a 1:1 with someone we'll call "your boss" and you'll want to update them on what you've been doing. The key thing to help organize your thoughts and presentation for this meeting is to ask yourself, "In how much depth does this person understand what I'm doing?" In some cases, the boss will know exactly what you are doing and could be doing the task themself. In other cases, the boss has a big picture idea of the project, but is not knee deep in the details. Obviously, you're going to have to present your work differently depending on the situation you are in.</p><p><b>The project meeting.</b> This is typically a small meeting with the people directly working on the same project you are working on. In this case, you can assume that the others in the meeting know the project-level fairy tale, so you are going to focus on the smaller fairy tale describing what you are doing.</p><p><b>The large group meeting</b>. This meeting includes people working on projects different from the one on which you are working. Even if you see these folks every week, you probably cannot assume that they remember from week to week exactly what you are doing, so you need to plan accordingly.</p><p>Regardless of which of these meetings you are having, you are still going to present your status in the same structure: 1) some context setting, 2) a discussion of the challenge you were addressing this week, 3) where you are in addressing that challenge, and 4) what comes next. (Sound familiar?) It doesn't matter if you're winging this entirely verbally, giving a formal presentation with slides, or communicating via interpretive dance, you pretty much must have all four parts.</p><p>So let's focus on some of the finer points in how to think about this.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The 1:1 Meeting</h3><p>You can pretty much assume that your boss knows the overall project you're working on. If they aren't knee deep in your work, I suggest starting by <b>reminding</b> them of your overall task, e.g., "I'm working on our server performance," and then helping them recall where you were at the end of your last meeting, e.g., "<b>Recall</b> that when last we met (or at the last project update), I had been working on <something> and had gotten to <some particular point>." If they are knee-deep in your project, you can probably skip that. But even if they don't need that context, because, for example, you just met yesterday, I still recommend starting out with what you were working on during the time since the last meeting. For example, "My <b>focus</b> the past day/week/month has been on improving the throughput of our server." If this has been a long-term undertaking, then perhaps there has been progress reported at previous meetings, "And so far, we have 1) added multi-threading, and 2) partitioned the data structures to avoid too much synchronization overhead."</p><p>At this point, you've brought your boss up to date on the context in which this period's work happened. This is really important. All too often, it's easy to forget that while every teeny tiny detail is crystal clear in your mind, that is not the case for your boss. If you met two days ago, they may very well be on the same page as you, but a short reminder won't hurt. If it's been longer, your boss is interacting with way too many people, they have been gone, they have been distracted, or (as is the case with me) they simply have a sieve-like brain, getting them focused on your details will let you make the most of a a meeting.</p><p>Now you can shift into "the problem." What specific thing were you trying to accomplish? It may have been an easy week: you had a straight forward implementation challenge; it may have been a difficult week: you were tackling a completely wide open, open-ended task. In either case, the problem/solution part of your meeting is where you can engage others in helping you, so think in advance of any areas in which you might want assistance. In explaining what you were working on during this period, be as specific as possible. You might use data you gathered to describe the problem in more detail. For example, "It was unclear where the next bottleneck was, so I spent some time profiling the server." This is beginning to blur the line between problem and solution, but I think that's actually just fine in this context.</p><p>So, the problem is really what you started out the day/week/month intending to do and the solution part consists of all the things you did to address that problem. Again, be specific, show data. If you spent the time reading papers, organize your reading into a structure, so you can say something more meaningful than, "I read a bunch of papers." Instead, start with why you were reading papers (problem), "I did not feel that I had sufficient background in different ways to improve server performance, so I looked for papers describing similar tuning efforts. I looked in the following conferences for papers, and I found N papers that seemed appropriate." That is what your problem phase looks like -- in your solution phase, report what you learned. "After reading them, I realize that performance tuning breaks down into three basic classes .... the first two don't apply here, so I skimmed those papers for techniques, but focused primarily on the third class, which was closest to our work. I identified the following three things that might be good next steps."</p><p>I picked this example, because I find that many times, students do need to spend time reading, but there is not necessarily a clear goal or perspective from which the reading happens. The more you can focus your reading on trying to fill a specific gap, learn something specific, or build background in a particular area, the more value you will get out of that reading. However, you can apply that same process to your weekly work.</p><p>Once you've presented what you've actually been working on you should find yourself in one of two positions. You might know exactly what needs to happen next and you lay that out as your final "Next Up" (happily ever after). Or, you could use some help. Then you invite discussion and brainstorming around your problem. Continuing our example, "The profiling didn't seem to indicate any one area where all our time is going, so I'm not really sure what to try next. I was hoping we might brainstorm ideas."</p><p>So now you have turned your "status update" with your "boss" into an engaged discussion. I intentionally started with this one, as it's likely to be the most detailed (and perhaps the most stress-inducing for some); all the others are simply subsets of the 1:1 update, so let's move on to them.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Project Group Meeting</h3><p>Your assumption here is that everyone knows the project you are working on, but may not know all the intricate details of the specific thing that you are doing. So, your context starts pretty much at sentence number two of the 1:1 context setting part: "<b>Recall</b> that when last we met (or at the last project update), I had been working on <something> and had gotten to <some particular point>." Assuming that these meetings are happening relatively frequently, that's probably all the context you need. You can move right into problem/solution.</p><p>The problem/solution part of your status can be pretty much identical to what you might do in the 1:1 meeting. And it could lead to the, "Here is what I have to do next," or you might say, "I could use some help brainstorming next steps. Perhaps after all the status updates, I could get a few minutes from the team to do this?" If your project meetings are jam-packed, then ask who might be willing to meet at a different time to do this. I fear that students often feel that they must solve every single problem all by themselves, and that's not how research (or development) works. It's a team sport. It is absolutely OK to ask for help; it just means that when others ask for help, you should try to step up and help. (It's OK to say, "You know I don't have much experience in this area, but I'm happy to do my best to help!") </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Large Group Meeting</h3><p>For this one, think of Systopia Standup. Before going into the specifics, I want to take a moment and explain <b>why</b> we have a large-group standup. When I joined UBC, after the students got to know me a bit better, the single most frequent complaint I heard was, "We have no intellectual cohesion. No one knows what anyone else is working on." TLDR: Our large-group standup was invented as a solution to this problem. But let's ask the question that underlies that complaint: Why is it important to know what others are working on? For some, the answer may be obvious, but for others it might not be, so I want to be explicit about this.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Why have large group status updates where hardly anyone really understands what I'm doing?</h4><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>The people in the lab form the beginning of your professional social network. You may have absolutely nothing in common with them outside of the lab, but simply by virtue of being members of the same lab, you have a common experience. These people will show up over and over again throughout your professional career, and you never know when you might suddenly find yourself wanting their expertise, assistance, or advice. You don't have to become best friends, but you should take advantage of this opportunity to forge professional relationships with your lab mates. (You never know, 25 years later, you might find that you are their colleague, e.g., Will Evans and I were at UC Berkeley at the same time, and although we were not in the same research group [as I'm sure should be apparent], we knew each other well enough that when I intereviewed here, I felt that I had a colleague here that I knew].</li><li>Great research rarely happens in silos. Elegant solutions to real problems frequently require expertise in many areas or at least different perspectives from within the same area. If you have some understanding of what your peers are working on, you can figure out who to reach out to when you encounter an obstacle. Help need not only come from your own project participants or only from students with your advisor. Here are some examples of ways in which my students have gained explicit benefit from knowing what's happening around the lab: Ali and I were stumped on a proof for a paper on weighted GOSDT. One of us mentioned it in standup and the next thing you know, Mathias and Ali had come up with a lovely probabilistic bound on the problem we were trying to solve. Zainab is getting direct end-user feedback on her system. It's not a formal user study; it's not even a pilot. It's obvious to us that Paul is the right person to ask about this. (And I know that Nichole has also had similar experiences.)</li><li>Our field is HUGE. You can't possibly know everything happening in it or even all the techniques people in different areas use. Large group status updates give you a glimpse of what's happening other areas. These are an incredible learning opportunity.</li><li>Some day you are going to either A) be on the job market or B) be talking to someone who is looking to hire someone. The best thing that labmates can do for one another is promote each other. If you are in category A, would you not love it if your peers introduced you to their former managers who might be looking for someone just like you? Think how impressed your colleague in situation B will be when you say, "Oh, one of my labmates would be perfect for this." If you don't know what others in your lab are doing (and they don't know what you are doing), none of this can happen.</li><li>And speaking of that job market. I am 100% convinced that one of the reasons I was as successful as I was on the new prof job market (oh so long ago) is that I could actually talk to people in fields other than my own. I knew enough about what folks in my lab were doing and some of the big ideas others in the department were working on that I could ask questions of everyone, from theoretician to computer architect. You want to be that candidate, and you can't be that candidate by staying firmly in a silo and ignoring all that is happening around you.</li></ol><div><b>End Digression</b></div><div><br /></div><div>OK, so let's say you now understand why large group status updates are useful. How do you do a good one? Tell a very short fairytale (a nice short story is way better than and endless list of tiny things you accomplished).</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Context</b>: Recall that I work on the Awesome Server Project.</div><div><b>Problem</b>: This week I was trying to figure out how to improve throughput on the server. We are handling X requests/per second and the state of the art systems seem to be able to handle 2X requests/second. We don't necessarily have to match that performance, since we do This Awesome Thing. But a 100% performance penalty will never be considered worthwhile, so we need to get performance to within at least 10% of state of the art.</div><div><b>Solution</b>: This week I tried removing every other line of code. Good news: Performance was great. Bad news: The server no longer works.</div><div><b>Up Next</b>: I think I'm going to be a bit more strategic in what I remove; I'm going to do some dead code elimination to see if I can improve the iCache hit rate, since I took some measurements and I'm getting truly awful results for that.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's just another fairy-tale, but one focused on your activities for the week, not your overall project, not your dissertation, just the thing that has been keeping you up at night this week.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Wrapping Up</h3><div><br /></div><div>Here is a tiny table to remind you how to think about the four parts of the fairytale in different settings.</div><p></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody><tr><th></th><th>The 1:1</th><th>Project Update</th><th>Group Update</th></tr>
<tr><th>Context</th><td>Remind, Recall, Focus</td><td>Recall</td><td>Recall (Big Picture)</td></tr>
<tr>
<th>Problem</th><td>Specific (maybe with data)</td><td>Specific</td><td>Importance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Solution</th><td>Specific (include data)</td><td>Specific (include data)</td><td>Overview</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Next Up</th><td>Brainstorm or Plan</td><td>Specific Plan</td><td>High-level Plan</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-89094028841601612012023-05-21T13:46:00.001-07:002023-10-16T10:45:06.270-07:00How to Present your Research: Part 2: Visual Materials<h2 style="text-align: left;">How to Present your Research: Part 2: Visual Materials</h2><p>(I wrote a <a href="https://mis-misinformation.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-note-on-powerpoint-and-teaching.html" target="_blank">related post</a> a long time ago about use of visual materials in teaching. It is related to what's discussed here, but is focused specifically on presentations in the classroom. At the same time, I would argue that whenever you are presenting your work, you are, in fact, teaching.)</p><p>About a millisecond after you are asked to give a talk, I'd be willing to bet your attention turns to slide preparation. While I too, almost always, use slides when I give a talk, I do want to point out that there are fields where this it not common. There are fields where talks are people (literally) reading their written work out loud and fields where people give talks without any kind of visual aids. If you're reading this, I am guessing that you might find this anywhere from surprising to shocking.</p><p>Once you have gotten over the shock, however, perhaps we should ask ourselves why we use visual aids. I'm completely serious -- why do we feel the need to have slides to accompany our words? There are a few reasons:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>To help illustrate complex concepts.</li><li>To remind yourself what you want to talk about.</li><li>Because it's expected.</li><li>To leave behind an artifact that summarizes your work.</li></ol><div>I hope you won't be shocked if I opine that 1 and 2 are good reasons, and that 3&4 are not good reasons. (The artifact you leave behind is, in fact, your paper! Or, today, perhaps you've been asked to produce a short, e.g., 2-minute, video overview. This is a much better advertisement for your work than a slide deck.)</div><div><br /></div><div>If you believe that you produce slides purely for #1, let me ask the following: if you are merely trying to illustrate complex concepts, why do you have slides for every part of your talk (including the introduction and thank you)? Surely those are not complex concepts? In other areas, you might see talks that are only occasionally punctuated by images or visuals, which really do illustrate a concept -- they show a picture of a novel experimental apparatus or some results or some particularly complicated concept. However, there are not necessarily slides to accompany every single part of the talk. In our field, that is not the norm.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I ask again, what is the purpose of the slides?</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe that most of the time, whether we admit it or not, slides are mostly to help us remember what we want to say or talk about as well as to remember how we decided to talk about it. Once you embrace this concept, you buy yourself a great deal of freedom in what you place on your slides. Your slides no longer need to parrot your talk. Instead, they can enhance and embellish your talk. Almost ten years ago, I decided to switch from a fairly conventional slide style where words were primary and images secondary to a style with as few words as possible. Two things happened: First, it started taking me MUCH longer to prepare slides for a talk, because it took forever for me to find exactly the right image to convey what I was trying to convey. Second, I began writing much more extensive speaker notes, frequently, because I like strategic animations, and I want to make sure I use them at precisely the right point in the voiceover. (Sadly, I almost never look at my notes while giving a talk; I ad lib almost completely. Thus, I need to go over my slides enough that I know where I'm supposed to click and hope I get it right. This usually works well the first time I give a talk, because everything is fresh in my brain; when I pull out a deck a year later and "tweak" it and then give the talk, I don't do nearly as well.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Enough rambling about me, what advice do I have about preparing visual materials to accompany a talk?</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Do keep in mind that the purpose of the visual materials is to <i>accompany</i> the talk, not <i>replace</i> it.</div><div><br /></div><div><flame></div><div><i>One of my greatest frustrations as a teacher is when students believe that the slides are a replacement for lecture. I do not intend them to be. I tell students this. Yet, time and time again, students who cannot be bothered to attend class complain that the slides sometimes are incomplete. That is explicitly by design so that in class we can discuss and probe things!</i></div><div></flame></div><div><br /></div><div>2. If the slides merely repeat what you are going to say, why should people attend your talk?</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Think hard about how can you use a visual aid to:</div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">A) Burn an image in your audience's brain that will immediately conjure up you and your work (i.e., make your work memorable).</div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">B) Make something abstract concrete</div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">C) Simplify a complex concept</div><p></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">D) Connect multiple concepts </p></blockquote><p></p><div><span>4. Use slide real estate to communicate with the audience; use notes to communicate with yourself (although it's good of the slides themselves trigger you to remember most of what you want to talk about).</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>5. Remember that you want the audience, for the most part, listening to you, not frantically trying to read paragraphs of prose on slides. </span><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-3998821940174916452023-05-10T10:43:00.001-07:002023-10-16T10:44:55.859-07:00How to present your (Systems) Research: Oral Presentations (Part 1)<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br />It has been a long time since I wrote anything for my blog. I have a bunch of half written things, but let me see if I can actually write a complete post! Well, not a complete post - how about the "first in a series" post? I'm running a workshop this summer and it's more importanbt that I get little pieces of this out than I finish it all at once, so welcome to:</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Part 1: Introduction and The Fairy Tale</span></h2><span style="font-family: arial;">It took me a long time as a professor to realize that I spent a great deal of my time working with students teaching them to communicate. Most of our students enter graduate school with excellent technical skills, and most have learned how to teach themselves additional technical skills. However, they have not necessarily been taught A) how to find a good research question worth pursuing or B) how to communicate what they have done effectively. Today's post is about the latter.<br /><br />I've already written about writing (<a href="http://mis-misinformation.blogspot.com/2012/03/margos-tips-on-writing-thesis.html">i.e., how to write a dissertation</a>), so let's talk about how to present orally. There are two different dimensions that we can use to describe presentations: by type and by content. We'll do both. Let's start with the different types of presentation that largely differ in length, which leads to a corresponding difference in the level of detail that can be presented.<br /></span><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The <b>Elevator Pitch</b>: this is what you can tell someone in an elevator ride when they ask, "So, what are you working on?" It is also the 1-slide presentation you might give as part of an introduction. In Margo-speak, this is the <b>fairy tale</b> (an idea that will be familiar to anyone who has taken Harvard CS261 or UBC CPSC 508 or to anyone with whom I've written a paper); I'll get to that in just a bit.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The<b> Status Update</b>: This is typically presented to someone who knows what you are doing and your goal is to add to their understanding of the project by sharing not simply what you did recently, but what you've learned, how that has advanced the project, and how that leads to next steps. In other words, how did the things you've done in the current time period move the project forward, and what obstacles have you encountered.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The <b>Work-In-Progress Talk (WIP)</b>: These are perhaps the most difficult. They are approximately 5-minute talks designed to summarize what you are working on now. Many conferences have explicit work-in-progress sessions. However, for years, the majority of NeurIPs presentations were 5-minute Spotlight talks, which were supposed to tell the whole story of a research project. For the most part, you best you can do here is convince someone to read your paper; it's difficult to relay too much technical content in five minutes when you first have to lay out the problem space.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The <b>Conference Presentation</b>: This is usually about a 20-minute talk (at least in my field). You get to describe the problem, present your solution, and demonstrate how well your solution works.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The <b>Full Talk</b>: This is typically a 45-60 minute talk (although even if you are told 60, I recommend 45 leaving plenty of time for questions). In many ways, this is the easiest talk to give, because you have the luxury of time, and you can tell the whole story.</span></li></ol><span style="font-family: arial;">Let's now disect a talk into its constituent elements (not all of which can be crammed into every talk).<br /></span><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The <b>story</b>: I will refer to this as the fairy tale, and I'll talk about that below.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">An <b>outline</b>: Depending on the length of the talk, you often need to provide some structure, so the listener knows what's coming and how you are going to tell your story.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Motivation</b>: What is the problem you are solving and why is it important? You might think it's important, but that doesn't mean your audience will care about it. Your job is to convince the audience that they really care. If you fail to convince them of that, it's going to be quite difficult to keep them engaged, even with the best work.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Your <b>work</b>: So, what exactly did you do?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The <b>evaluation</b>: How well did your solution work? Ideally you show both the strengths and weaknesses of your approach (although the latter is far too frequently swept under the rug)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Related <b>work</b>: How does your work fit into the landscape of existing work?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Conclusions</b>: A good conclusion not only repeats what you've said already, but draws some larger takeaways and implications of your work.</span></li></ol><span style="font-family: arial;">If you have read my <a href="http://mis-misinformation.blogspot.com/2012/03/margos-tips-on-writing-thesis.html">blog post on writing a dissertation</a>, these parts should all appear familiar.<br /><br />Now we can examine which elements go into which talks.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> <br />
</span><table border="1">
<tbody><tr><th></th><th><span style="font-family: arial;">Elevator Pitch</span></th><th><span style="font-family: arial;">Status Update</span></th><th><span style="font-family: arial;">WIP</span></th><th><span style="font-family: arial;">Conference</span></th><th><span style="font-family: arial;">Full Talk</span></th></tr><tr>
</tr><tr><th><span style="font-family: arial;">Fairy Tale</span></th><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td></tr>
<tr><th><span style="font-family: arial;">Outline</span></th><td><span style="font-family: arial;">❌</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">❌</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">❌</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td></tr>
<tr><th><span style="font-family: arial;">Motivation</span></th><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td></tr>
<tr><th><span style="font-family: arial;">Your Work</span></th><td>❌</td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td></tr>
<tr><th><span style="font-family: arial;">Evaluation</span></th><td><span style="font-family: arial;">❌</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">❌</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td></tr>
<tr><th><span style="font-family: arial;">Related Work</span></th><td><span style="font-family: arial;">❌</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">❌</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">❌</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td></tr>
<tr><th><span style="font-family: arial;">Conclusions</span></th><td><span style="font-family: arial;">❌</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td><td><span style="font-family: arial;">✅</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The astute reader will notice that the fairy tale appears in all talks, so let's start there. Humans love narratives. They like stories. They do not like being spoken at -- they want to be engaged and drawn into a compelling narrative. Therefore, if you want to truly engage your audience, you need to tell them a story. I claim that the fairy tale is the ultimate story and is particularly well matched to presenting research.</span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Fairy Tale</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">A fairy tale follows a predictable pattern. It begins with, "Once upon a time." This is context setting. For research, what is the relevant state of the world (technology) from which your work begins? For example, "Computation is moving into the cloud," for work on cloud computing or data center operation. "Eighty-five percent of the world's population own cell phones," for work on mobility or phone apps. "DRAM accounts for 30% of the cost of most data centers today," for work on far memory. "Data centers alone account for 2% of all electricity consumption in the world, and this number is predicted to grow to 8% by 2030." for work on energy efficiency. Notice that this also serves as a teeny bit of motivation - it tells the listener both how to place your work in context but also why your work matters. Contrast that opening with, "We present a better algorithm for doing X."<br /><br />Soon after the context setting, a fairy tale introduces us to the villain to be vanquished. This corresponds to the problem we are trying to solve. Try to be precise -- poor performance is a weak villain; making people wait or wasting energy or using resources inefficiently so things are expensive are more compelling than, "We make something X% faster."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">And for every good villain, we need a hero -- that's your solution! How does your solution address the problem you just introduced? In your initial fairy tale, you need not go into great detail here, just enough to give the listener a flavor of what you've done.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Finally, fairy tales end with a, "happily ever after." What good will come from your work? How does your work make the world better? How does it change that context in which your work took place? Why should the listener care about the work you've done.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">So, the minimum story of your work is simply four sentences: the "once upon a time," the villain, the hero, and the "happily ever after." It's really that simple -- you can write an abstract for pretty much any paper in 4-8 sentences if you can identify these four key points. Try it!<br /><br />For a well written paper, you can read the abstract and extract exactly these four elements. For a badly written paper, you will have to wade through at least the entire introduction (and maybe more) before you can extract these four ideas.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>So, the key take away for this post is: master the elevator pitch by having a crisp, clear, and easy to understand statement of the four parts of the fairy tale.</b></span></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-9077396678018019272020-08-09T10:49:00.001-07:002020-08-09T11:26:48.392-07:00Running a Lab using DiscordGraduate school is a challenging and sometimes isolating experience in the best of times; during COVID, I worry that it's particularly so. As a professor responsible for both my own students and the greater systems student community, I worried a lot about the impact that COVID was going to have on our students. <div><br /></div><div>From March to May, like half of the rest of the world, we adopted Zoom for group and project meetings, with each group having its own meeting. Unfortunately, since these were all on my account, that didn't help too much, because if I'm in a meeting with Project A, the Project B folks can't use the Zoom room for their project. This was definitely suboptimal.</div><div><br /></div><div>We also used Slack, but I have something like ten different slack channels and I found that keeping up with it (and just remembering to look at it) was a challenge. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the end of April I was co-chairing a conference (Eurosys) and after consulting the coolest people I know (my kids), I decided to try using Discord to simulate a hallway track. We introduced it late and not a ton of folks used it, but the few who did convinced me that there was enormous potential, so shortly after, I switched the lab to Discord (since the other faculty member was on sabbatical, I felt like I could make the decision somewhat unilaterally).</div><div><br /></div><div>We've been using it now for about three months, and I'm pretty happy with it. I did a survey after a month or two and also got (anonymous) student feedback. So I'll try to both report on why I like it and try to summarize the student's response.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>How we set up the server:</b> </div><div>Since this was an experiment, I kept things relatively locked down. Faculty have admin powers and everyone else can participate fully, but not really administer the server. (It wasn't that I didn't trust people, I just wanted to run a bit of a more controlled experiment.) </div><div><br /></div><div>We created a schedule channel where we could keep track of weekly meetings.</div><div><br /></div><div>We then created pairs of text and voice channels for each project group.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we started to arrange group social events we created a text-base social-event channel and a voice-based Watercooler, which gets used for grad students to hold Office Hours for the undergrads (an initiative completely undertaken by the students).</div><div><br /></div><div>Some conversation on the general channel resulted in our creating a channel on technology, law, and government regulation.</div><div><br /></div><div>We created channels on which to have follow up discussion from our weekly reading and writing groups.
But mostly, we tried to keep the number of channels down to a dull roar. (I'm guessing that when new faculty start and return from sabbatical, we might introduce some hierarchy around the projects, just to keep the list of channels more compact.)</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>My reactions</b></div><div><br /></div><div>1. It's an integrated "place" where I can engage in both asynchronous text-based conversations and synchronous meetings/conversations. I think it would be nice if a voice channels could have text components, so we didn't have to pair two separate channels (i.e., I'd prefer something that looked more like Skype with its message channels). But the integration was important for me -- I could keep one "thing" open and watch that thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. There is visibility into what the different projects are doing -- if I see that my Project A folks are meeting a lot, that could either be a great thing or it could be a sign that something is up -- it lets me ask.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. There is also social visibility -- if you see people hanging out at the Watercooler, you can join in, just as you might do in real life (and if people want to have a private conversation, you can do that via direct messaging).</div><div><br /></div><div>4. I really don't like the fact that in order to construct a group direct message conversation, I have to be friends with the people; it's not sufficient that we're just on the same server. This is a pain and is probably my #1 feature request.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. I go back and forth about whether I like the fact that direct conversations are globally scoped -- that is, if I have a conversation with Arju, that conversation is not part of any particular server (organization), it's just a conversation with them. In contrast, on Slack, I can have a conversation with Arju as a TA for my course or as a member of my lab and those are entirely separate. Initially I preferred the Slack model, but I may be coming round.</div><div><br /></div><div>6. A few folks seem to have more difficulty with video calls on Discord than they do on Zoom. I don't quite understand why -- I find that all seven thousand of the different communication platforms I use sometimes get confused about who owns my microphone and speakers and which one I'm using, but it doesn't seem to be Discord specific.</div><div><br /></div><div>7. Changing between Discord channels is WAY better than moving among Zoom breakout rooms (I'm pondering use of Discord in class).</div><div><br /></div><div>8. High order bit: to me, our lab server genuinely feels like a place and community to me. It feels like it does a moderately good job of creating an atmosphere for our lab. The combination of Discord and our overall lab culture has allowed 'visiting students' to feel welcome and part of the community and to develop a sense of our culture. This may be possible with other platforms as well, but it seems that Discord has worked particularly well for that.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>General student feedback</b>
</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Slightly over 70% of the students reported that Discord was either fabulous or good (split evenly).</div><div><br /></div><div>17% were neutral</div><div><br /></div><div>13% were negative (split evenly between "don't particularly like it" and "really don't like it").</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-40313064155968275122020-06-16T20:41:00.000-07:002020-06-16T20:41:51.931-07:00Creating a positive lab cultureAlthough I attended my very first NeurIPS this year, I missed the keynote by the incredible Celeste Kidd. Fortunately for me, she shared her <a href="https://www.docdroid.net/u5r0j3S/kidd-neurips.pdf" target="_blank">closing remarks</a>, which I encourage everyone to read. She says important things far more eloquently than I and raises issues that frequently go unspoken.<br />
<br />
Inspired by her words, I want to talk about the proactive, constructive part of the story that we as professors, advisors, and/or managers can do to create a healthy culture in our labs and offices. Much of what I share here I have learned from my amazing colleague, <a href="https://www.radhikanagpal.org/" target="_blank">Radhika Nagpal</a>. She too has deep insight and material on creating a positive lab culture.<br />
<br />
Let's start with the obvious. Lab culture is important; it's what we live and breathe every day. When I moved to UBC, I decided to explicitly write down what I hoped to achieve in terms of lab culture. My <a href="https://www.seltzer.com/margo/research" target="_blank">website</a> says,<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" >
<b>Lab Culture </b>People do their best work when they are both challenged and happy. Research provides plenty of intellectual challenge; our lab culture is designed to encourage happiness.
<p>
<b>We are open and collaborative </b>We value diversity in all dimensions, welcoming students and collaborators of all genders, orientations, races, and religions. We collaborate within the lab and with colleagues outside the lab. Today, we have projects with colleagues from theory and engineering, statistics and business, Harvard and Duke, the UK and New Zealand, colleges and high schools.
<p>
<b>We are positive </b>Feedback is critical to the research enterprise. However, feedback can take many forms – we welcome constructive criticism. We criticize ideas, not people. We criticize with respect. We are open to others’ perspectives. We do not always agree, but when we disagree, we do so collegially and respectfully.
<p>
<b>We are supportive </b><i>Each of us shares in the mission to enable every member of our lab to achieve their greatest potential, realizing that each person’s definition of success is highly personal. We support each other in realizing our individual images of success. </i>(<a href="https://www.radhikanagpal.org/" style="color: #2a7ae2; text-decoration-line: none;">Radhika Nagpal’s</a> <a href="https://cornell.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=01d4c974-d005-434a-8544-a8cf0179150f" style="color: #2a7ae2; text-decoration-line: none;">awesome talk</a> articulates this eloquently.) We do not tolerate personal attacks and discrimination of any kind.
</blockquote>
The part in italics comes directly from Radhika.<br />
<br />
Here I'd like to talk about concrete steps I've taken to try to create that culture.<br />
<br />
Day 1 -- My first face to face meeting with a student<br />
<br />
For the past five years or so (it took me a long while to figure this out), I open my first conversation with students with the following.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Welcome! We are so glad you are here. You were admitted, because we believe that you have what it takes to be fabulously successful in our program. That said, graduate school can be hard and there will be times when things aren't going well. It may be your research; it may be something personal; you may be unwell. No matter what it is, do not hide. You are welcome to come in here any time and say, "I didn't get anything done this week." Just do not hide. Come to class; come to lab; come to our meetings. Together, we will get through this.</blockquote>
I like to think that this is the first step in establishing culture. It says that the students are not alone and that my job is to help them get through this big, scary ordeal they are starting. It is my starting point at building a trusting relationship.<br />
<br />
Lab 1 -- our first lab meeting of the year<br />
<br />
We began the year by welcoming back all our continuing students, welcoming our new students, and welcoming our visiting students. We then played the game where each person wrote down, on a sticky note, something about themselves that they thought others would not know and that would make them unique. I then read each one and the group tried to match the statements to people. This turned out to be a lot of fun. We were terrible at guessing! You have to make up rules about people telling the truth (i.e., if I say, “This must be you Juanita!” and it is, you have to fess up). We tabled the harder ones and came back to them. I think I would probably use some physical sorting during this to keep people moving and to separate those “still in play.”<br />
<br />
Next we spent the thirty or forty-five minutes talking about what an inclusive environment looks like and what behaviors make an environment not feel inclusive.<br />
<br />
I shared memories of my first days and weeks at UBC and how students and faculty alike went out of their way to make me feel welcome and included. I also shared stories of a conference I'd attended recently where I was invited to one of their VIP events and felt incredibly unwelcome and most definitely not included. Other students shared their experiences.<br />
<br />
We have a diverse international group and better gender balance than many computer science and especially systems groups, so we heard many perspectives. People were thoughtful and respectful.<br />
<p>
Lab 2 -- one week later<br />
<p>
I had given people homework to take any two <a href="https://implicit.harvard.edu/" target="_blank">Implicit Association Tests</a>. I also shared my favorite quote on the topic, "Being biased doesn't make you a bad person; it makes you human. Being unaware of your biases and/or being unwilling to work at mitigating them is what makes you a bad person."<br />
<p>
I admitted that I always test biased against women in science. I asked how many people found their results uncomfortable. Then I talked about the specific things I do to try to compensate for my biases, e.g., blind grading, the conversations I have with myself before meeting a new student.
<p>
Then we played a two-minute video from <a href="https://dramatictrainingsolutions.com/unconscious-bias-3-great-exercises-to-use-in-your-training/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<p>
Next we played <a href="https://marshallelearning.com/blog/exercises-use-unconscious-bias-training/" target="_blank">The Tag Game</a>. This did not work as well as I had hoped. I labeled the tags with numbers of stickers of different sizes, shapes, and colors and then asked people to form groups. They were all kind of lazy and just formed groups as a function of where they were standing instead of looking at the name tags at all (but maybe this was a sign that my group didn't need this game?).<br />
<p>
The basic idea is that people focus on finding people with similar shapes and/or colors on their nametag and when you see the patterns, you can start talking about how you were drawn to finding others like yourself and what this means in other contexts. So, even though the game didn't work, we had the conversation anyway!
<p>
Then I talked about different kinds of bias and let the conversation just go from there — fabulous interaction! Some of the biases that came up:
<ul>
<li>Gender bias
</li>
<li>Beauty Bias
</li>
<li>Affinity Bias
</li>
<li>Conformity bias
</li>
<li>Halo bias
</li>
<li>Horn bias
</li>
</ul>
Lab 3 -- one week later
<p>
I came in with a stack of sticky notes on which I'd written one-sentence scenarios, all of which were based on genuine interactions that I'd had with students. These scenarios ranged from health problems to family problems to stress reactions -- some were pretty intense. And I warned people that some of the topics might make them uncomfortable.
<p>
The students paired up and each student took a sticky note. Each student got a chance to both be a student dealing with the issue on the sticky and a student to whom someone was coming for advice. Here were the directions:
<blockquote>
<p>
Each person is going to grab a sticky and then with a partner, you'll take
turns being a student who is experiencing some difficulty or a friend that
is being asked for "help". You'll get about 5 minutes in that role and then
you'll switch; we'll do this with about 3 different partners.
<p>
Every one of these scenarios is based on a real conversation I've had with students
(or former students).
<p>
As the listener: Your first task is to figure out what the person wants:
<ul>
<li>to vent
</li>
<li>advice
</li>
<li>help
</li>
<li>something else
</li>
</ul>
Many of these are problems you cannot "fix" -- this is sometimes frustrating and
uncomfortable as an engineer. Figure out what your partner wants/needs and what
you can do (sometimes it's just getting them to talk with someone else).
As the person in difficulty, think about:
<ul>
<li>How do you ask for help?
</li>
<li>How scary is it to ask for help?
</li>
<li>What do you want (see above)
</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
After each person had had a few different partners, we had a group discussion. It went really well. Students acknowledged just how hard it was. A colleague said that they'd found themselves using words that they weren't used to using in conversations with students -- FEELING words. Some people were confronted with situations to which they couldn't relate, e.g., I'm male and my partner was dealing with a pregnancy. Even so, we talked about how to be a supportive colleague even when you can't empathize.
<p>
I expect that we'll do a similar sort of orientation/culture-building exercises this year, but we will talk more explicitly about racism. We'll talk a lot about mental health -- COVID-19 has changed our lives in myriad ways, and I worry more than ever about students feeling isolated. I moved my lab to Discord about a month ago, and it seems to have been a good move. I spend a lot of time on Discord, Skype, Zoom and make sure that every one of my students (almost) has some structured time to talk with me every day -- it might be short; it might be in the context of our reading group, but for the students who want it, they can have daily human interaction. At the same time, many of these meetings are optional, so the introverts don't need to feel overwhelmed.
Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443429211147580473.post-4251986678387077942019-07-14T12:50:00.001-07:002019-07-14T12:50:48.826-07:00The Long Kiss GoodbyeIt was the beginning of the end -- my daughter's high school graduation, my last Harvard commencement as a faculty member, and it was my 35<sup>th</sup> reunion. Unsurprisingly, it was a jumble of emotion.<br />
<br />
I was repeatedly asked "how it felt" to march in my last commencement ... but wait -- I get to come back for reunions and march as an alum, so perhaps not my last, but yeah, it was a special one. I was struck by two things in particular: the 25<sup>th</sup> reunion class were my students!? How could that possibly be? I found it significantly more shocking that I had 25<sup>th</sup> reunion students than that I was celebrating my 35<sup>th</sup> reunion. And then there was the national anthem. As I stood listening, I realized that quite possibly, the next national anthem I hear at a Commencement will be O Canada. Sobering. (I spent the afternoon learning the words, in English; the French words will come later.) [My daughter's high school graduation preceded Harvard's and I don't think they played the national anthem, anyway.]<br />
<br />
A jumble.<br />
<br />
The Harvard Crimson and I have <a href="https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1994/3/10/cs-161-consumes-students-free-time/" target="_blank">not always been BFFs,</a> but of late, we've had a good relationship. Last year, the commencement issue <a href="https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2017/5/24/harry-lewis-harvard-commencement/" target="_blank">included a profile of my colleague, former Dean of Harvard College, Harry Lewis.</a> It seemed fitting -- Harry is the heart and soul of computer science at Harvard; he was the Dean of the College; of course they would do a profile piece about him after he'd announced his upcoming retirement (they also did a <a href="https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2018/5/20/harry-marlyn-marriage/" target="_blank">wonderful piece</a> about him and his wife, Marlyn McGrath Lewis, this year). But it came as a bit of a shock when managing editor, Hannah Natanson, asked if they could do <a href="https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2018/5/23/margo-seltzer-profile/" target="_blank">a profile of me for the Commencement issue.</a> I'm sure there is no bias when I say it's the best thing that I've seen the Crimson do. I had a blast working with the reporters, who managed to unearth an impressive array of characters from my past (not all of whom appeared in the final copy, but to whom I am still extraordinarily grateful). I was happy to see that my habit of speaking up was spun in a positive light and that it was referenced by most who wrote; it is, perhaps, the most important thing I've done at Harvard. But most of all, I am deeply humbled by the piece they produced and the kind words that my friends and colleagues offered. (And while I normally hate watching and listening to myself in video, <a href="https://youtu.be/ElgKYocdQqY" target="_blank">the video piece</a>, which I missed the first several times, was lovely.)<br />
<br />
A jumble.<br />
<br />
Our memorial service -- 8:30 AM on Friday morning. We all showed up. In a class of roughly 1600, we've lost 57 classmates. Some were my friends: bandie Larry Millet, fellow Computer Scientists David Brownell, my twin (we share a birthday) and inspirational mathematician, Matthew Bovell. But unsurprisingly, my thoughts turned to <a href="https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2018/5/24/in-memoriam-2018/" target="_blank">Alex</a>, and I found myself silenced and in tears during the final verse of Swing Low Sweet Chariot. Alex should have been graduating. I heard from both his parents in the days leading up to graduation. My heart continues to break for them every time I think of him.<br />
<br />
We lost another member of the class of 2018, Luke Tang, during the fall of 2015. While I did not know Luke, I remember that a group of his friends were taking CS61 from me that semester. I still remember where they used to sit in the room and how I wanted to, somehow, be able to ease their pain in the days and weeks after we lost Luke. Until I started writing this blog, I didn't realize <a href="http://lookingforlukefilm.com/#home" target="_blank">the light that came out of this darkness</a>. I've not yet seen the documentary, but I want to. And I want to know why every faculty member hasn't seen this; why it's not discussed; why we continue to keep these stories in the dark.<br />
<br />
A jumble.<br />
<br />
The SEAS Commencement Reception -- a chance to meet the families of some of my wonderful students. Lots of proud families and many wonderful pictures with my students, my colleagues, their families.<br />
<br />
Reunion receptions. Classmates I haven't seen since Freshman year; classmates I've never met; classmates I see regularly. It's all a blur.<br />
<br />
A commencement address to the students completing their Master's degrees in Information Technology fields. At the encouragement of the students in my <a href="https://analytics.hbs.edu/" target="_blank">online business analytics program (HBAP) with HBS</a>, I talk about courage, perseverance, and gender equality. I later <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptfMyBIW1Lg&t=47s" target="_blank">give that talk to the HBAP cohort</a> at their immersion.<br />
<br />
Reunion panels and talks -- the raw, honesty brings us together in a way that four years at Harvard never did. It took thirty-five years of life to create class cohesion so palpable that nearly all of us used the same words afterwards to describe what an amazing reunion it had been.<br />
<br />
A jumble.<br />
<br />
Then commencement and reunion are over, and it's officially summer. Israel, Michael Rabin. Weekly lunches with my group. Birthday cakes. Many, many coffee, breakfast, and lunch dates with friends and colleagues. The Harvard club of Rochester, an awkward coming home of sorts, but a fabulous group of people. Marlyn and Harry, the two who have been with me since before I was admitted to Harvard and until now, celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Teagan takes me to see Dirty Dancing. Soccer. A going away party with the chucks. DE Shaw Research; MongoDB World. More lunches with my students. More soccer. Usenix annual tech. DC. DARPA deliverables. Late nights and long weekends leading up to DARPA deliverables. More lunches with students. The Eagles. An outing to Kimball Farms with the Oracle crew. Dinners with friends. Soccer. USWNT in Hartford. The quintessential NYC experience: waiting in line for six hours in a torrential downpour for Hamilton tickets; success! ISAT in Wood's Hole. My students begin departing -- to home, to Africa, to NYC. Students slowly return to campus. My last week; Teagan's first. Heat. Humidity. More heat. Boxes. Drinks with colleagues. More boxes. Pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. Pictures from a life time ago.Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14375776249793758895noreply@blogger.com0