And Other Various Sports Tidbits Oh, if we didn’t have jobs…. Then we could be in Germany (official motto: we heart Bratwurst) not cheering on the USA (they’re dead to us until they get their act together in 2010.) The United States may no longer be in contention, but that doesn’t mean we’re not paying attention. In Fenella’s case, how the US did never really mattered because she’s so happy England made it to the last 8!
The Quarterfinals look to be exciting, and filled with historically talented teams that are known for their consistent winning…or their consistent choking. England beat Ecuador when Beckham bent a free kick for a 1-0 victory. England haven’t been playing well in the tournament, but somehow still managed to win. They now face Portugal, who have been chronic underachievers despite their hype as one of the most talented teams in the world. With Deco and Costinha suspended for the game, England might have a chance…even better if Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t 100%.
France is looking like France circa 1998 with a 3-1 win over chokemaster Spain. Poor Spain – yet again they looked strong in qualifying rounds, but can’t seem to win when it counts. In an exciting game, they were beaten by an inspired team led by 3-time World Player of the Year Zinedine Zidane. Allez Les Blues! Zidane, Vieira, Henry (va-va-va-voom) and company will soon play Brazil, who crushed Ghana’s Cinderella dreams 3-0. Props to Ghana for putting up a fight and getting to the round of 16 in their very first World Cup. Meanwhile, an always dazzling Brazil – with Ronaldo’s scoring touch, Ronaldinho’s ball skills and the always fantabulous Bobby C – look to seek revenge in this 1998 World Cup final re-match.
The one goal allowed by Switzerland this tournament is the one that knocked them out, as Ukraine dances on, winning a 0-0 match during penalty kicks. Maybe Kiev really IS dynamo! The Ukraine is up to the challenge against Italy, but let’s face it, Ukraine should really be playing the Socceroos from Down Under. THOSE STUPID DIRTY CHEATING BASTARD ITALIANS!!!! We still heart pasta by the way. And Italians. Just not their soccer team. Or…fascist people.
Finally, in one of the most mouth-watering match-ups of the tournament, powerhouse home team Germany take on powerhouse Argentina (BOOO, Andrea says.) Both teams are playing awesome football, with Maxi Rodriguez scoring perhaps the goal of the tournament over Mexico. Let’s just hope that the Hand of God doesn’t appear again.
The NBA Draft: AKA The Meat Market Well, now that Gary Peyton, Alonzo Mourning, and Pat Riley got their long, long, loooong awaited rings…they can retire and leave the rest of the NBA in peace. The amazing Dwayne Wade should just get the trophy all to himself. And as for Shaq…well, he’s Shaq, he gets whatever he wants. Now it’s high time for NBA stars of the future to take over…and we can start with the Draft.
Toronto took Italian Andrea Barganani…and then the rest of the teams blessed with high picks couldn’t make up their minds on their pick. Five of the top eight ended up being traded somewhere else. C’mon, guys, didn’t you, like, think it over before you announced it?
Adam Morrison, Sheldon Williams (aka Pekkle) and Rudy Gay were top 10 picks for Charlotte, Atlanta and Houston, respectively (they lucked out). JJ Redick joins fellow unlucky-Duke-player-in-the-NBA Grant Hill on the Magic. Was it a case of a Leinart, losing his stock…or the fact that he’s a big lush who can’t drive that scared teams away?
Our Washington Wizards hope to work some magic this season by adding size to their lineup, as they chose 6’ 11” Olexsiy Pecherov, a Power Forward from the Ukraine in the first round. They kept a similar theme in the second round by selecting 6’ 10” Vladimir Veremeenko from Russia.
This weekend, have fun, stay safe, and Happy Independence Day, America!
