Saturday at the beach.

Timo, Maukka and I found our way in the morning to the Copinha Hostel where the team is staying. We got the grand tour, and met Raphael at the front desk. It was time for the players to register, get their credentials and the Nike gear, so off to the beach. I guess the weatherman was correct as it rained sporadically throughout the day, including on our way to the beach and then really heavy on the way back. The team got to see many of the other teams as everyone was checking in at the venue. Lots of singing, dancing, kicking soccer balls and just good conversation going on most of the day. Didn't see Team Finland dancing but the Mexican women's team sure did plenty. Each member of the team received from Nike a pair of shoes, a shirt, socks and a bag. Jani, as goalkeeper, also got goalie gloves. It had been a long time since breakfast so Maukka and a couple of the players went in search of pizza. Only took two hours and a few Brazilian reais. Next order of business was the draw of the teams for the groups. Finland is in Group F and will play Poland, England, Argentina, Hong Kong and Palestine in the first round. Ville has made friends with one of the Palestine players, but he told him tonight "we are friends now, but on the field, no more friends".  Timo, Maukka and I walked the beach for a couple of hours waiting for the coaches meeting, and then we went to find the team as they were having dinner at the Mellow Yellow Hostel.  Tomorrow the festivities begin and Finland will play their first game.

Outside the Copinha Hostel

Hans and Mikke training outside the hostel.

Patrick welcomes Timo to the Hostel.

The teams gather at the venue and everyone starts taking pictures.

Teams get together in celebration of the HWC.

The Saturday official team photo. Now they have their credentials .

Celebrate Team Finland.....SUOMI

Checking out the new shoes.

Patrick will have to tell the story about this picture.

Another round of cheering for SUOMI

Ordering pizza at Dominos

Timo and Katie at the end of the Copacabana beach.

The view of the Copacabana Beach from the north end.

On the hills behind the beach is one of the many favelas in Rio. Quite a contrast.

Just finishing dinner at the Mellow Yellow Hostel and Timo giving them the game schedule.