What with the U.S. and Serbia playing in the FIFA World Cup, you could say there's been a great deal of soccer-related enthusiasm around the Richardson household of late. Two pivotal games were played yesterday. In the 91st minute of the U.S./Algeria game, the U.S. managed to squeak out a goal (the only one scored in the game), paving the way for the Americans to advance to the top 16. Several hours later, Serbia, in a heartbreaker, lost to Australia, and consequently has been eliminated from the competition. I am not kidding when I say that it is like a national day of mourning here in Serbia. I was downtown a few hours ago, and it was strangely quiet on the streets; although folks were out, there wasn't a lot of talking or smiling or anything else. Just a bunch of sad-looking folk. Suffice it to say that the Serbs, understandably, are shattered by the loss yesterday.
Meanwhile, Wes and a few of his friends left yesterday for soccer camp with their Serbian soccer coach and team. The group of about 30 kids will spend the next week in southern Serbia, in the mountains, where they'll train, watch World Cup matches, eat heartily, I'm sure, and otherwise have lots of fun. Wes' soccer skills have greatly improved under the direction of his coach, Mihailo, who played professional soccer here in Serbia for a while. It will be interesting to see how he stacks up against other boys his age in the U.S. when we return.
Well, for those of you following the World Cup, enjoy the next few weeks. It promises to be a fun ride. Oh, and how bout that Isner/Mahut 10+ hour Wimbledon match? Craziness. Hoping that one of them can finally win the darned thing today.
Erin
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