The gold wouldn't have ment as much if it wasn't won against such a great team. A friend of mine owns the CBC DVD of the game and it starts of with the following monologue. And I take it heart.
“Opponent”
You are my adversary, but you are not my enemy.
For your resistance gives me strength.
Your will gives me courage.
Your spirit ennobles me.
And though I aim to defeat you, should I succeed, I will not humiliate you.
Instead, I will honour you.
For without you, I am a lesser man.
"I don't think we will though, most of our "stars" are getting on up there in years."
We might be in the same situation, "Le Grand Mario" is going to Captain again.