Godiva statue in the centre of Coventry, England on Saturday.Jeff Blair/The Globe and Mail
Back in Coventry on a coolish afternoon for Canada versus South Africa in women's soccer tournament.
As expected, centre back Candace Chapman is out of the lineup after leaving City of Coventry Stadium on crutches in Canada's 2-1 loss to Japan. Robin Gayle will replace her. Karina LeBlanc is in goal instead of Erin McLeod, after McLeod's faux pas in the Japanese match.
Canada's mission today is to score as many goals as possible against South Africa, especially after Sweden and Japan played to a scoreless draw this morning. This is a tournament for mathematicians: the first place team in each of the three groups advances as do all the runners-up and the two best third-place teams. Canada might have been hoping for a Swedish win, because that would have allowed the Swedes to consider resting players for Tuesday's meeting in Newcastle.
Coventry is hosting the 'Godiva Awakes' Festival today – the city centre has a statue of her, and there was some type of marching band doing their thing Saturday morning while the Canadian scribes enjoyed a caffeine transfusion at Starbucks
No word on whether or not she'll be clothed when she comes out of her sleep.
Two examples of Brit hospitality: guy taking my ticket on train from Euston Station looks at fare. "You can do better than that," he says. Scribbles down some numbers on a piece of paper, tells me to go to ticket wicket and ask for re-fund. Re-book at half the cost. Figuring out the system of discounted fares on the British system is a trip in itself.
Arrive in press room and gracious volunteer asks us if we'd like hot tea or coffee. Brings me clear tea, then returns with cup of hot water. "In case it's too strong for you," she says.