CEO Heather Reid before the big game

Hi Eamonn

still can't log in but no worries - I think your assessment is right - just can't log in when in China.

Tuesday - spent a nice but hot day yesterday on a tour with about 15 from the Matildas family group. Big budha and big pandas plus some shopping.

There was a possibility and hence a bit of panic amongst us about FIFA's plan to postpone the game tonight because of cyclone in Shanghai area.

The game there, Norway v Ghana is scheduled at the same time as ours (to limit possibility of match fixing) and that game will be affected if cyclone hits. Fortunately the decision is to leave our game as scheduled and move the Norway v Ghana, plus Brazil v New Zealand games to Hangzhou tomorrow (20th).

Wednesday - The Australian contingent (and the players) are very confident of us making the quarters and many are now making plans to stay longer in China. Their destination is uncertain due to the change in scheduling and not knowing who we're likely to meet.

Two other groups are now decided with Germany (winner of A) to face DPR Korean (runner up of B) and USA (winner of B) to face England (r-up of B). As we're still taking it one game at a time, I wont speculate now on the likely opposition for Australia if we get to the semi final stage.

First, the game against Canada and we're in for a dousy. Macca of KangaCup fame has said he'd like to sign up for the 'Vanna Manna from heaven fan club' and I reckon he'd be on a winner with that one. With the likes of Lisa, Walsh, Munoz, McCallum, Garriock, Salisbury, Alagich,Barbieri - and now Peters and Shipard back into the line-up Australia will be at its strongest for tonight's game.

I'm preparing a story on the increasing need for a national league (A W-League) to start in 2008 and will send that soon. In the meantime, sit tight and get ready for the biggest game on the Matildas calendar to date - these teams have met 13 times with six wins apiece and one draw. Tonight surely must be in Australia's favour?

cheers, Heather