Elite Eight

Quarterfinals today. Last meaningful games. All the winners qualify and the losers are done until 2016. Hungary had an easy game, that's 1. Hungary had a ton of fans and they were awesome. Wasn't a close game but they were loud and crazy the whole time. After the game, the Hungarian players swam over to take a bow and thank the fans. The fans cheered to a roar as the girls bowed and they soaked it up by holding it for a few extra seconds. So cool to see the appreciation (Rumor was that the fans were actually there for a 1st division hockey game in Slovenia which is right next door and came by for the polo after. Regardless, they were awesome).

Canada lost to Russia in a great game. Canada kind of got hosed by the Romanian ref. That's 2.

Spain beat Greece and that means the defending world champs are out. Spain is definitely up and coming. Really talented and one of my favorite teams to watch here. That's 3.

Italy beat the Netherlands and that was kind of a shame. Holland was better but we're in Italy. Holland is good and their players are really well coached. That means the defending gold medalists are also out of the Olympics. That's 4 and with the USA, Australia, China and England, we have our Olympic field. So tough to see the highs an lows today. Total joy for the winners and total agony in the defeat suffered by the losers. What a crazy day. I am stoked for the teams that qualified but really feel for the teams that came up short.

After the games we went back to Peperino with Adam, Giuseppe, Greg and Ryan (Australian coaches) and had a great dinner to end the trip. I'm off in the morning with a long trip ahead. Trieste->Munich->London->San Francisco->LAX. Wish me luck, see you soon.

Thumbs up Trieste. Here's to the next step.... London! Less than 100 days....

Photo 1: reflection of the pool building in the glass next door
Photo 2: Hungary being cheered on and congratulated by their huge fan base after the game.
Photo 3: the piazza at night
Photos 4&5: dinner. Loved it