Gina Bucci’s Blog Entries

[Originally published 09/08/09 for tlntv.com]

Ok, you can read a official game recap anywhere. I’m going to talk about my experience on this wonderful day instead. I’m also not technically a Real Madrid fan but I can safely say Real Madrid does have several players I am a huge fan of like Kaka, Arjen Robben, Raul and Iker Casillas. I also really enjoy Sergio Ramos, Guti, Diarra, Royston Drenthe and Wesley Sneijder – yes, the L’Orange are my second favourite team to root for on an international level. (*van der Vaart & van Nistelrooy, who I also adore didn’t feature in the TFC game)

Ronaldo & Raul linking up - Part 1

Before we continue – For the record I admire Christiano Ronaldo’s considerable skills and hard body work ethic but there is something missing for me… he doesn’t give me that giddy enthusiastic feeling I get watching the other guys I mentioned. I think it’s because with him, I don’t get a sense of magic happening. He comes more across as a well-oiled machine of football grooming. It could be the lack of actual televised interviews he does (and no, TMZ doesn’t count) but I have never gotten a sense of his personality. This is why I still hold onto a certain cynicism about him – just so ya know.

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[Originally published 09/08/09 for tlntv.com]

On August 6th Real Madrid held an open practice for the fans in Toronto at a mere 15 bucks per ticket!

Although it was pretty much just a stretching affair with a brief scrimmage between the team, I think it was a wonderful idea. This was an excellent chance for kids & aspiring soccer players to get a chance to see the best of the best practice their craft. The next night’s crowd would certainly be more corporate (and it was). * HEY LEAFS, TAKE NOTICE!

I'm gonna pee - this is so cool!

First off, I hit the Real press conference headlined by Real’s new coach Manuel Pellegrini (yes a new one again) with Guti & Iker Casillas (both vice-captains on Real). I didn’t have a chance to ask any actual questions as the room was packed with reporters. I just wanted to ask Iker if he was worried he’d get really lonely in net this year. Given Real’s super stacked team, it’s unlikely he’ll see much action way in the back … Alas, only a handful of questions were asked, some interesting ones too but they were all met with the usual answers athletes are trained to give: “we are focused to win”, “we’re in it as a team” blah blah blah…

For once I’d like to hear “I’m scared sh**less to play in this town, I heard the fans here are nuts!” or “I hope the ref isn’t smoking something this time because he usually sucks”…*sigh*…I miss John McEnroe.

So, onto the pitch I went…

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