Man, it's good...

to get the first one under your belt! Like I mentioned previously, I was a bit nervous (as usual), going into this game because I really didn't know what to expect, but overall, the game went well. The players are very young, as well as being very inexperienced in international football. I have to say, I was very impressed with the skill level of the girls. They played very well, although not as accurate as I'm sure they hoped (2 own goals), but overall it was pretty good! The game itself was played in good spirit, and the intensity was high for the entire match. At half-time the scored as 2-1 in favour of Iran, but by the end of the match, Turkey had managed to score 3 more goals to win 4-2. After each and every goal, the girls ran over to the bench cheering so much...it really was amazing to be a part of. I am, for the most part, happy with my performance (as referees, we are never perfect), but I feel that I controlled the game well, and managed most of the situations correctly. One thing that I learned while refereeing this game is the difference with the young players and injuries. Everytime they are "injured", they want the doctor to come on, and it seems to take forever to get the game restarted. That is one thing that I will have to be aware of in the future. Also, the teams are not that experienced in FIFA protocal for when they can come onto the field and if they do, that the player must leave...and when they leave...they must wait for me to wave them back on! All these things make for a very crazy game, as you have to be aware all the time! Things are even more stressful when the FIFA president is sitting in the stands :) It really was so amazing to be part of the inargural match, of the first ever Youth Olympic Games

I have posted a few photos, but I don't have any yet from my match, as they were taken by other referees. As soon as I get a few, I will post them as well. For these games, we have 15 match balls...it takes us 15 mins to check them all and add air. Also, there is no time to rest when the ball goes out, as there is a ballboy with a new ball immediately ready to go! Check out my awful stance in the picture in our dressing room...what was I thinking with that! I am off to la pisina (pool) now for my recovery session. It's my spanish great ;)