The last day of competition beckoned and it was time for the players to step up to the plate (I know, I know… that’s a baseball term) Rise and shine, it was around 8 am and too early in my opinion. We all had breakfast and packed out things because we were about to check out of the apartments we were staying at. They were nice apartments with plasma screens, leather couches, queen size beds, officially 4 stars, so it was a shame to go so early.

On the Way to the Fields

With all our bags and luggage in the bus now, the seating became uncomfortable and crowded. We still pushed on until we got to the fields where we would play our last games. Some of the games that were happening were consistent of high class performances, so I would hang around to watch those.

Problems Before the Match

Our team was to play very soon, but the big problem was that a lot of our good players had injuries from the previous two days. I offered to step up and play but I was not registered, so there was no chance I could. Anyway, many injured players risked making their injuries worse by playing. The first match began and our team did well to match and go ahead the other team, however, something would happen in a few minutes that would change the way the game would pan out.

Problems During the Match

We received a penalty just under half-time, words were exchanged and our striker decided to push the other. Things escalated quickly where it came to the point where one of our other players came in and punched the opposition in the mouth. Now to be honest I was hanging out for an all out brawl our bench was mostly cleared, but I stayed put, like many others, because it wasn’t that bad just yet. The organisers raced onto the field threatening my friends that they would never return to Forster for this tournament if they came onto the field again. The fight broke up as a result.

Back to Business

With that mishap out of the way we could get going on our campaign and we did. We won that game 6-1 and drew the next game 2-2 which meant that we were going home. We needed to only win our games to proceed. We didn’t lose one match throughout that entire tournament, which was good.

Andy Who?

Team manager decided to go ahead and purchase a book that was being sold at the tournament. The book was about the Socceroos, the Australian Football team and all their biographies. The author Andy Harper was there to sign our copy of the book which was a thrill because he is a well known host on Foxtel (Paid Football Channel in Aus) We hung out and chatted with him and is a really down to earth kind of guy. But by now, it was time to leave Forster.

Trip Back to Sydney

It was hell, well not that bad, but the first two hours were pretty bad. Once we stopped off to get something to eat, I was no longer tired Once we got back on the bus, we decided that we would play a game to pass the time. We played Mafia, a really good game of paranoia. That ate up 2 hours pretty quickly. Once I got back I was quite relieved but missed hanging out with my teammates and would have to wait until next week to see them for training.

Conclusions About Forster

In the end, it was a great trip and holiday. Our team did us proud and we played a good game. I am definitely going back next time I receive an invitation, just like this year. Here’s to good times

It’s a pretty timeless argument for all football fanatics who play the world game on the Playstation. By the way I’m a Playstation fan first and foremost, but I have respect for the other companies like the veteran Nintendo and newcomer Microsoft. Back to the review, Pro Evo or FIFA? Lets break each one down and start with the latest game in the FIFA franchise.

Boasting a plethora of teams from countless leagues FIFA 07 is really good in terms of getting the licences to feature our most favourite teams and players. I quite enjoy the fact that I can play with a full team of players who I see week in week out on TV. Commentary has always been good with this franchise and it doesn’t disappoint, unlike last year where I would hear the same comments over and over again from Andy Gray.

The Mechanics of the Game

Moving on, the kicking and running has seemed to have improved over last year, but it still looks fake and dated. Nevertheless, it serves as a reminder that you are only playing a game. It can also be fun too this way, because it stretches reality a little bit, which can be fun to play around with.

My Verdict for FIFA 07

If you’re not interested in the authenticity of a football game and have a meticulous need to have every single player to be present within your team, then this game is for you. When I want to play a 2 player game against other mates or my brother this is the choice.

Moving Onto Pro Evolution Soccer

Unlike FIFA 07, PES comes up short in regards to the amount of teams that gamers can play with. In fact, the range of teams is rather sheepish and inadequate. Players names in fact, have been changed around to resemble the likeness of their real names without obstructing the licensing laws. However, don’t ride PES off just yet. Where it fails in the licensing department, it makes up for in the realism of gameplay.

How Does It Play?

Like a charm in my opinion. The realistic running of players and flight of the ball are the dominant features of the PES games. Commentary is on par with FIFA 07 and commentators give out useful information and comments about the game at hand.

My Verdict for Pro Evolution Soccer 6 and Overall

I played this game all weekend with my team mates and a great time was had by all. Being a realistic person and loving realism in a game, PES 6 does a better job for me. In my world, licensing takes a back seat when gameplay is involved, the joy of the game is what drives my decisions and it will no doubt be different for many of you.

So finally I got to see the R10 boots selling in stores and it looked better in real life than through pictures (please excuse my reflection). There are three boots there if you didn’t notice already, I know I didn’t notice it and I took the picture.

Did I Try Them On?

No I did not, because it was 7pm on the weekend and the store was closed as a result I’m sure in the US it’s totally different in terms of hours stores close and open. Anyway I had to walk away from those great looking shoes. I then turned to my friend who was standing near by and said, “You know, I think I might shell out $290 AU for these babies after all”. He thought I was crazy for talking such nonsense, but I don’t think I was.

So What Am I Going To Do?

I decided that I am going to invest into a pair of these shoes, but I might search elsewhere than retail and go online to see how the US is doing in terms of pricing. To my knowledge I should be able to pick up a pair of these boots for around $150 US and with shipping it might finish around $50 cheaper than purchasing retail. But I don’t think it’s worth it for the wait and worry. I’m still puzzled, do any of you have any suggestions?