Middle of day four here in Lübek; the weather has cooled down a bit but it is still very nice. We just finished eating lunch. I'm pretty sure everybody is heading for a pre-game nap and meditation. Everyone, even old man Ortega, is excited and ready to play. We worked on positional movements and attacks this morning. Practice was at 9, which meant our wake-up call was at 6:30, an hour earlier than usual. I don't like sharing facilities with another team; Luxembourg got prime gym time. We will have to deal. Meals have become awkward. Apparently neither team feels like speaking with each other. Perhaps that will change after tonight.
 
Preston Pham sends his regards and seems smitten with the young lady working at the hotel. She does have a nice smile. I believe he has talked her into attending tonight’s game. Whatever it takes to get him to perform. Honestly, we are all pumped; nerves have become running for many players as this is almost everybody's first international match playing for the U.S.  I know I myself have been thinking about the opportunity for quite some time and, now that the day is here, feel ready to go.
 
We leave at 5:15 this evening, the game is at 8 at Timmerdorfer Strand. I think the Irish will be in attendance. I know we will have at least one fan in Mr. O'Reilly. I'm outta here; gotta ice up the ankle and take care of some business to get ready for the Rumble in the Strand this evening.