AMBASSADOR OF THE SPORT

The FIFA Women's World Cup organizers scheduled a briefing for the Diplomatic Corps of the COUNTRIES THAT QUALIFIED and it was a thrill and an honor to attend on behalf of A COUNTRY THAT QUALIFIED although I wasn't a Head of Mission like the other attendees nor a veteran of past Cups and all group stage opponents were side-eyeing each other so I had to play it cool throughout the open forum  

I just introduced myself as Trent Crimm The Independent

And what's this? All the cool merch meant for the Head of Mission is handed on to moi? Score!

look, the ball has a tracking chip inside so VAR can confirm I am clearly onside and it was the Secretary General herself who passed it to me WE SHALL NOT QUESTION FIFA REFEREEING DECISIONS

LET'S CHECK IN AGAIN ON THE FOREIGN OFFICE TRAVEL ADVISORY SECTION'S PUBLIC DIPLOMACY, SHALL WE?

At first, when they went with straight textual advice, I thought they would need some diplomatic show of support, judging by the ever-reasonable comments section...   

 these were the kinder ones

The solution, of course, was to win the audience over with respect and humility.  And memes. 

And Star Wars. Public service Star Wars always works.

This is the way.

FIL FOOD...FIGHT!

We support and promote all Philippine food and beverage everywhere of course, but I get a special sportnerdy thrill whenever I come across Filipino products that are made/labelled/branded/marketed from inside another country -- it's like a visiting football team's travelling supporters coming and taking over a home team's stadium. WHOSE HOUSE OUR HOUSE BECAUSE WE BROUGHT BETTER MERIENDA! 

And I get even more pumped if I can somehow find these products -- online, in store or in our office pantry -- purposefully lined up like a FIFA starting 11 intro.  So Sydney GET UP (and go to your grocery or online delivery app) for YOUR (locally based):

Winning Wines!

Locker room Lattes!

Ice Screeeeaaaaam!

Go nuts, go cuts GO Coconuts! (fun fact: the english term for Macapuno is Coconut Sport.  Hell yeah)

And The Sauce.  Hit me with the Hot Sauce!

every team needs an enforcer