The round trip from Sao Paulo to Recife is about 2700 miles - probably best done by plane rather than walking or taking a cab. The USMNT Family Group went on that journey - first leg on Wednesday and return leg on Thursday. But a funny thing happened on the way to the most important game for the US this year - and possibly one of the most important in our history ... rain fell for a full day --- like major rain --- and the Family Group was stranded at their hotel and could not make it to the game because their busses could not get to the hotel. This is a resilient group and of course they figured out the best way to handle the weather. Then - after the game once the rain let up a little and the streets were only flooded by a foot or two - they got to the airport to get back to Sao Paulo.
The obvious reward (the advancement from the Group to the Knock-Out Stage) is a wonderful trade-off for what otherwise was not a perfect two days.
The other reward was that today (Friday) the families were taken to the Sao Paulo Football Club Training grounds to watch a training session. Then treated to a Brazilian BBQ with the team members. Even though the players showered after training - there were plenty of players out with family members juggling, passing, and playing small goal games.
The Belgium game in Salvador is another 2000 mile round trip journey - but the Family Group is battle tested and ready ... the team --- well I BELIEVE - these young men are as prepared and fit and ready as any team can be. Who knows what will happen ... but only a fool would bet against this team.
Thanks to my brother Mike for being my correspondent embedded with the group after I returned to the real world ... and happy birthday to him as well.
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