Author: Dave Miers

Tonight at Growth group we prayed for group D at the world cup (we also prayed for Equador and some missho’s from church). This included. Portugal, Mexico, Iran and Angola. It’s great to watch the world cup and then reflect on something bigger than the football status of a nation: their spirituality. Pray for Portugal & Mexico in the grips of Catholicism that they’d understand that we can come to God based on the merits of Jesus and not our own. Pray for the struggling Christians in Muslim Iran that they’d persevere through their struggles. And thank God for the growth of Christianity in Angola even in the midst of dreadful war and suffering.

Aus v Jap
What a great game with Australia vs Japan. Australia deserved the victory with much of the posession and the most enterprising play. I did a lap of my parent’s lounge room after each of Australia’s goals as if I’d scored the goal! I think I even beat Aloisi in pulling my shirt over my head!! After all of Japan’s criticism of Australia and their dirty tactics, Japan were pretty dodgy. Cahill’s first goal was ‘right place right time’ (which happens often for Cahill. His second goal was a cracker… and Aloisi’s goal was an uber-finish to the match.

The Balls
Every world cup (at least since ’94) the commentators keep saying how the new ball design will be a nightmare for keepers… I’ve heard it 3o4 4 times already… but I think they’re overstating their point.

USA v CZE
I’ve just watched this game. It’s been really good. Quite fast and some great goals from the Czechs. They just won 3-0. The Czechs will be strong contenders… you heard it here first!

Aus players
I’ve played in the same teams as the following Socceroos: Mile Sterjovski, Brett Emerton & Luke Wilkshire. I’ve played against the following Socceross: Jason Cullina. Played at the same tournament but not against each other: Vince Grella. Has seen me play: Mark Schwarzer. Have met: Zeljko Kalac.

Haircuts
The 2002 World Cup was known for all the crazy haircuts. That doesn’t seem to be the case this year… althought Japan are still pulling out the fancy styles!

Sold out
Yesterday (Sunday arvo) I took photos of the t-shirts in a number of shots and then went and showed them to Row who was having lunch with a friend. I didn’t have time to go and buy on Sunday so went to go and buy one on Monday. But… they were sold out of the t-shirt I was going to get!! Stax of t-shirts and supporters gear sold out in a short period of time. So I ended up getting a cheap looking Australia jersey from Lowes for only $9.95.

Websites
I remember that during the 98 world cup there was 1 really good world cup site… but for FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 there are many. Here’s some: smh, fifa, sbs.

***The title to this post means ‘Play Beautiful’ it’s part of the NIKEFOOTBALL advertising campaign. Check out YouTube, iTunes or the nike website to watch some of the videos.

Today Rowena and I celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary. And we still haven’t had a fight! We will be sharing a romantic dinner with Renae & Dan and Tim (Dan’s brother) shortly.

***By the way… we have fought a ‘couple’ of times***

Last week On the Poddy had 631 downloads!!! Not all of them were through iTunes… but we peaked at number 6 on the iTunes charts. We are currently sitting just outside the top25.

Our new podcast CCECYOUTH TALKCAST, is currently sitting at number 14.

Make sure you go and check them out and subscribe in iTunes to help us stay in the top25.

Because soccer was called off on Saturday I had time to get my hair cut. Every time when it comes to haircuts I have second thoughts before I get the locks chopped off… “maybe it would be cool/fun/different to grow it right out!??”. However, every time I do actually get it cut… I can’t believe I didn’t get it cut earlier! Short is best. (The lady called it a Buzz cut… I quite like that name!)

Soccer was called off on Saturday… very disappointing. However, for those who have been closely watching the career of Jon Brinton, this week he hasn’t let us down. This man is amazing. Not only is he a whizz on the soccer field but he is a pretty mean basketballer. Jon was the star player in more2life‘s triumphant victory over the Weavers (who were in 1st place) on Thursday night basketball. The following shots were taken during his warm up. Jon was too fast for a camera phone to keep up with him during the game.

Jon – if you’re reading – give us a wave!!
Any other EV Footy players or m2l bballers likewise leave ur comments.

Check this swimsuit website out. It’s about time wholesome girls had some real options in what to wear beachside other than tracksuit pants!

But seriously… What do you think?? Is this a bit prudish? Or ought we encourage our Christian sisters to wear these dreadful looking costumes? What about a hajib?