Dear Sir,

"You play with joy when you get the right result. How can you play with joy if you lose? Imagine if we go to the World Cup and play three wonderful games, all out of this world – and we don't qualify. What's the point in that? If we have to play ugly to reach the objective, we will play ugly." – Big Phil Scolari, frormer Brazilian National coach.

The sun was bright this Monday morning. The wind was blowing out of the southwest and traffic was already making its way along the road.

It was the day after, yet life continued on like nothing ever happened. What did happen? Well, Sunday June 22, 2008 will be etched in my memory for a long time to come. This Sunday was the day Bermuda were going to reach the group round of the World Cup qualifiers. Our God given right of passage to the elite tournament they call World Cup. Yes, Bermuda's God given right!

The joy of meeting up with my friends on a muggy Sunday evening to watch "our" team secure a draw and advance was too much to keep me away. I waited in line a day before and hours in advance to get one of those elusive tickets just to catch a glimpse of my team, the Gombey Warriors. As I stood there, one by one FA officials strolled along Cedar Avenue waving to the crowd as they made their way to the building . . . photographers eagerly snapping away at the "star-like" status of executives who helped guide the team this far.

Then, like out of a Hollywood movie, we catch a glimpse of the star players looking every bit like their counter parts in the EPL, almost Drogba like, with designer eyewear and the standard, I am a star I-pods with accompanying earphones, providing rhythmic beats that drove their catlike strolls.

Yes, this provided us unlucky souls some entertainment to beat away the frustration that we all experienced having to wait for the elusive tickets. Little did we know that hundreds had already been doled out to those other superstars — our politicians and insiders.

Walla — I get my ticket and I'm ready for the BIG GAME . . . Sunday rolls around and I go through my normal weekend ritual, but this Sunday would be different. I was buzzing, as today I would be treated to a glorious feast of football and see Bermuda reach the heights of the '92 team. Cause today, I felt confident that we would get the result that we needed.

You can only imagine my disappointment when minutes into the game it was clear that we would have a huge mountain to climb. Our stars where now looking more like a Quarter-Moon. The Soca Warriors, although not the best outfit I have seen come out of Trinny were bossing the game.

In fact, they were the only ones on the field that played with a sense of purpose and direction. Our stars looked lethargic, confused and clearly second best. They needed their i-pods. I, like many others in the crowd, sensed that this could be an ugly affair and it was.

Nine players stuck behind the ball, chasing and diving and defending and defending and defending! My heart went out to them, it was that same sinking feeling I had when the US sent troops to Iraq without a real game plan. What happened to the tactics that I had been hearing so much about? It was clear that their mantra was defend like their life depended on it.

The goals were disappointing for varied reasons. The first arrived before I had chance to find a seat and the second was more disturbing. Who makes a sub when the opposition have a free kick in the last third of the field? That was the question being asked by all around me, including the pigeon that was ominously perched above me. Shocking!!!

Even more shocking was the hissy fit thrown by our coach when the final whistle was blown. His actions clearly incited an already angry crowd and they reacted by hurling debris in the general direction of the FIFA officials.

Was this what the president called for when he declared war on the Soca Warriors?

Rest assured that FIFA will not be amused and as we are preparing our appeal to have the match replayed, FIFA, and more importantly, Uncle Jack (Warner) are mulling over the appropriate punishment for our FA, their unflappable head coach and that pesky pigeon.

DARTH VADER

Dear Sir,

We recently learnt that the Bernard Park Softball Diamond will be renamed Michael Preece Softball Diamond in recognition of Michael's years of dedicated service. The renaming will take effect upon Michael's retirement.

The Bermuda International Race Weekend Committee would like to commend the Department of Youth, Sport & Recreation for honouring Michael in this way.

Michael is one of our "behind the scenes" invaluable workers. He has assisted the Bermuda International Race Weekend Committee for many years in preparation for the January running event.

He is usually the first "runner" out there setting up for the road races and the last "runner" to leave the course.

He is hardworking and cheerful despite the hour. We are thrilled at this recognition and pleased that he is being honoured. It is very well deserved.

Congratulations Michael and many thanks for all you have done for us over the years.

PAM SHAILER

Race Secretary

Bermuda International

Race Weekend Committee