First of all, if you are reading this and you didn't get an email about football pickem, let me know, its because I dont have your email address...
Draws are always fun. There are limitless possiblities and almost completely unpredictable.
Two groups are much softer than the rest to me, and it really just has to do with the "two seeds" or teams from the second pot in those groups. Sporting Lisbon and Werder Bremen. I'd play either of those two before I played Fiorentina or Atletico (four seeds) any day of the week. The two relatively lucky of the bigger teams were Barca and Inter. Basel Exposition? Shaktar Donetsk? They sound primed for a 4-1 thumping. Sporting and Barca cruise.
Inter may need their luck if they play anything like they did last year in CL. But you can't ask for a much easier group. Bremen, Panathinakos, and some Cyprian team starring Ephrim and Co. At least Greece has a representative, more than the Czechs can say.
And how about the Ukranians and Romanians, each sending 2 teams, not to mention the Belorussian team. The soviet bloc is well represented.
There are some tricky groups but two stand out to me. That being Liverpool's and Lyon's. If Real Madrid are the class that they think they are, then they shouldn't have any problems with either Juventus or a depleted Zenit. But these two groups I speak of are dictated by the aforementioned four seeds. All four teams, Lyon, Bayern, Steaua, and Fiorentina are tough. But Liverpool, Marseille, PSV, and Atletico...yikes.
Just quickly I'll predict.
Chelsea&Roma
Inter&Bremen
Barca&Sporting
Liverpool&PSV
Man U&Celtic
Bayern&Lyon
Arsenal&Fenerbeche
Real Madrid&Juve all to advance
Everyone's favorite AL east matchup tonight, O's Rays. And conveniently enough the rays need just one more win to ensure they have their first winning season ever.
Nothing like playing the spoiler, right Ramon?
And lastly all you crystal castles fans out there, we all remember the Black Panther video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNiL-w4fwS4
but here's my fav song's fan retort, Air War
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDbPmqKoSko&watch_response
Friday, August 29, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
glass half empty
No posts in a while. I've been kind of busy with this whole apartment search. What a hassle. All the apts are the same anyway. No wonder they just used to divie them all out accordingly. (If that's how communism worked).
But anyway, with a mere four or so days left in the transfer market there may still be a flurry of late action. But none that would concern me more than the acquisition of another player by the Arsenal, which almost HAS to be a strong central midfield player. Someone to plug the gaping leak that Flamini has left. But Pavluychenko, Arshavin, Robinho, Berbatov, all big names, still possibly on the move.
But when Wenger said he was going to add one more player, I don't think anyone thought he was referring to Mikael Silvestre, (which isn't a bad signing at all). And its also a nice loan out of Senderos to Milan. But surely Wenger cannot be done? Can he? Its true Arsenal tends to bring out the best in the opposition, but Fulham!? (yes, Fulham) just plain dominated the gunners. Clearly the central midfield pairing of Denilson and Eboue isn't going to get it done. I'd like to see Eboue on a loan out somewhere...maybe to the Richmond Kickers.
But anyway, with a mere four or so days left in the transfer market there may still be a flurry of late action. But none that would concern me more than the acquisition of another player by the Arsenal, which almost HAS to be a strong central midfield player. Someone to plug the gaping leak that Flamini has left. But Pavluychenko, Arshavin, Robinho, Berbatov, all big names, still possibly on the move.
But when Wenger said he was going to add one more player, I don't think anyone thought he was referring to Mikael Silvestre, (which isn't a bad signing at all). And its also a nice loan out of Senderos to Milan. But surely Wenger cannot be done? Can he? Its true Arsenal tends to bring out the best in the opposition, but Fulham!? (yes, Fulham) just plain dominated the gunners. Clearly the central midfield pairing of Denilson and Eboue isn't going to get it done. I'd like to see Eboue on a loan out somewhere...maybe to the Richmond Kickers.
Friday, August 22, 2008
olympic wind down
after a night of heavy drinking I was hoping for something relatively soothing on my 2 olympic channels. It didn't look good with the first showing that damn equestrian, (and people say golf is hard to watch) but things picked up with France vs. Croatia in the handball semis. Sure, we've all seen handball before, but not like this...
Two countries going all out, beating the crap out of each other, bloody noses, closelines, and alley oops were just a few of the happenings in this match. France pulled off the relative upset with Croatia being the 04 medalists, but the French were the better team.
I think boxing just edges out its competitors, (judo, shooting, whitewater rafting) for most irrelevant and boring. I swear there's boxing everday all day. But one thing i haven't seen is a baseball game. Oh well, I guess I've seen plenty of those.
Go USA volleyball. This site is sweet too for the olympics. http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/
Two countries going all out, beating the crap out of each other, bloody noses, closelines, and alley oops were just a few of the happenings in this match. France pulled off the relative upset with Croatia being the 04 medalists, but the French were the better team.
I think boxing just edges out its competitors, (judo, shooting, whitewater rafting) for most irrelevant and boring. I swear there's boxing everday all day. But one thing i haven't seen is a baseball game. Oh well, I guess I've seen plenty of those.
Go USA volleyball. This site is sweet too for the olympics. http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/
Thursday, August 21, 2008
nice to see guatemala's keeping it classy
I'm assuming some of yall out there watched this match. I only can find a replay of the goal. While the guy is tempting Onyewu into pushing him and conning the ref into giving a foul, they forgot to mark old Charlie Blackmouth and he buries it. Classic US goal. But did you see the Guat try and kick him after he scored...nice. And I read in the match report what Howard had to say about Ruiz, nice squad they've got down there.
Quite a chokejob for our 4x100 teams. Shouldn't the exchange be the top priority? Especially when you are ahead by like 2 seconds? In a qualifying heat? Tyson Gay has had a pretty rough Olympics. That's ok, there's always 2012..ugh.
By the way, its amazing to me how all these world records are always broken at the olympics. It makes me wonder. Are they just not running their hardest the rest of the time? Is it the adrenaline? Or is the modern athlete just getting stronger and faster? Perhaps a combination of all 3...
spell check doesn't work in prague for some reason.
Quite a chokejob for our 4x100 teams. Shouldn't the exchange be the top priority? Especially when you are ahead by like 2 seconds? In a qualifying heat? Tyson Gay has had a pretty rough Olympics. That's ok, there's always 2012..ugh.
By the way, its amazing to me how all these world records are always broken at the olympics. It makes me wonder. Are they just not running their hardest the rest of the time? Is it the adrenaline? Or is the modern athlete just getting stronger and faster? Perhaps a combination of all 3...
spell check doesn't work in prague for some reason.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
only O's fan in prague?
So the Orioles will welcome their 50 millionth fan through the turnstiles of Camden Yards, and it will go down in history, (for the moment) as the stadium to reach this milestone the fastest. Incidently, this is likely to happen during one of the upcoming two series which conviently happen to be against the Red Sox and Yankees. Most legitimate O's fans hope that their worst fears aren't realized and a Yankee & or Red Sox fan claims the honor. This is unlikely to happen, as the PR people say that there will be some discretion involved as to who they give the prize package to for this reason exactly. So Ted, if you don't have anything better to do, hop on old 95, pull out the old Jimmy Key jersey and hope for the best.
I almost want them to give it to some NY guido jackass. It would only be fitting to describe what has transpired at the Yard for the past five sesaons or so with an O's fan playing second fiddle in their own city. The Yard is transformed into Fenway Jr when the Sox come to town, and I have to say, they've become far worse than Yankee fans. Its like they are still on that high after winning in 04, they need to calm down and realize that their club has money, a good GM, and that they are going to have some success. None the less, Red Sox fans omnipresence does affect the Orioles, and dare I say it, the outcome of the game. It might not seem like it, but I am absolutely positive that the O's are a little tenative when its New York or Boston. The crowd just causes your Freddy Bynums, Alex Cintrons, and Danys Baez (oh you forgot about him) to tighten up a bit. The entire affair is just awkward, I almost sense that most of the guys would rather be playing in the Bronx or Boston, where the crowd is supposed to be against you. It makes a difference, you can tell by the way that the guys play.
Melvin's series in Detroit was incredible. I'll take our 1-4 hitters over anyone's. Yeah, I said it, ANYONE'S. But Guthrie is my MVP. Cintron wins LVP, just edging out Jamie Walker. Well, maybe we should give them a little more time to settle it.
How fast is Usain Bolt? He's just jogging out there. And who has a better flag than Estonia? I'm sure there some good ones, but I just like those badass colors.
I'd heard about Panda Bear's "Person Pitch" but never listened until now. A little trippy but well worth while.
I almost want them to give it to some NY guido jackass. It would only be fitting to describe what has transpired at the Yard for the past five sesaons or so with an O's fan playing second fiddle in their own city. The Yard is transformed into Fenway Jr when the Sox come to town, and I have to say, they've become far worse than Yankee fans. Its like they are still on that high after winning in 04, they need to calm down and realize that their club has money, a good GM, and that they are going to have some success. None the less, Red Sox fans omnipresence does affect the Orioles, and dare I say it, the outcome of the game. It might not seem like it, but I am absolutely positive that the O's are a little tenative when its New York or Boston. The crowd just causes your Freddy Bynums, Alex Cintrons, and Danys Baez (oh you forgot about him) to tighten up a bit. The entire affair is just awkward, I almost sense that most of the guys would rather be playing in the Bronx or Boston, where the crowd is supposed to be against you. It makes a difference, you can tell by the way that the guys play.
Melvin's series in Detroit was incredible. I'll take our 1-4 hitters over anyone's. Yeah, I said it, ANYONE'S. But Guthrie is my MVP. Cintron wins LVP, just edging out Jamie Walker. Well, maybe we should give them a little more time to settle it.
How fast is Usain Bolt? He's just jogging out there. And who has a better flag than Estonia? I'm sure there some good ones, but I just like those badass colors.
I'd heard about Panda Bear's "Person Pitch" but never listened until now. A little trippy but well worth while.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Arsenal West Brom Wrap
First of all, I found this site for highlights, hopefully its like this all season.
http://blog.soccerslave.com/
It wasn't the most convincing performance, but Arsenal got their season off on the right foot (of Samir Nasri) with a 1-0 win at home to West Brom. I'll just take a moment to list the Arsenal Players in the order of their performance.
Nasri- Sometimes the goalscorer is just random or fortunate, but not this one. Nasri was the best player on the field and man of the match in my opinion. People want to compare him to Hleb, but I don't see it. He's more like somewhere in between Fabregas and Rosicky. A midfield with those three is a scary thought, only who is going to get them the ball?
Clichy- He continues to amaze with those barnstorming runs he makes from his own penalty area all the way to the opposing team's. There's not another left back in the world like him.
Djourou- Great performance from Johan, that will surely boost his confidence even more, being his second good game in a row. Him and Phillipe will be fighting it out now for 3rd choice center back.
Sagna- You can tell a lot about a team from its full backs. Sagna continues to provide good service and do a decent job in getting back when Arsenal are caught out upfield.
Almunia- He had one save to make and he made it.
Denilson- Pretty much non-influential, but for the second straight game he's provided the telling pass for the assist of the all important goal. He has good instincts in the area, something that could come in handy this year.
Gallas- This "new" Gallas still looks as volataile as ever, but you can't criticize as long as he performs. He seems to enjoy yelling at anyone who will listen whenever he gets the chance.
Eboue- I guess that was a decent game for him, although he made every Arsenal fan chuckle on four occasions when he "shot." Maybe he's better in the middle, but he still shoudln't be playing when we're at full strength.
Bendtner- Undeniable skill, but man is he selfish. I think he's much more effective off the bench, and he doesn't really fit the Arsenal mould, but he is always an aerial threat, something Arsenal lack. Way too flashy when the ball is on the ground too, he has a long way to go.
Adebayor- I said I wouldn't make any pre-season predictions but I did make one to myself. Emmanuel Adebayor will be flagged for offside more than any other player in the Prem this season, and not the good kind of offside.
Walcott- Much like Adebayor, he is far too obvious with the ball at times. I have a bit more faith in him now, but its clear he still suffers from rushes of blood to the head and he still is too wreckless.
Van Persie had a small injury, I guess that is why he did not start, the same is true for Toure. Both of them need to stay on the pitch for Arsenal to be themselves, that is no secret. Without Van Persie, Arsenal somehow have no one that can score off a free kick.
The addition of Nasri is a huge bonus. But it will take a lot to convince me that it makes up for the loss of Flamini. Arsenal are soft and vulnerable in the middle of the field, as Twente exposed. But that isn't that huge of a concern for me, at least at the moment. Who knows what Song or Diaby will be able to bring once they get back. But Arsenal should still be able to pass their way around smaller sides like West Brom, its only once we run into the big boys that we'll have problems. Stay tuned.
http://blog.soccerslave.com/
It wasn't the most convincing performance, but Arsenal got their season off on the right foot (of Samir Nasri) with a 1-0 win at home to West Brom. I'll just take a moment to list the Arsenal Players in the order of their performance.
Nasri- Sometimes the goalscorer is just random or fortunate, but not this one. Nasri was the best player on the field and man of the match in my opinion. People want to compare him to Hleb, but I don't see it. He's more like somewhere in between Fabregas and Rosicky. A midfield with those three is a scary thought, only who is going to get them the ball?
Clichy- He continues to amaze with those barnstorming runs he makes from his own penalty area all the way to the opposing team's. There's not another left back in the world like him.
Djourou- Great performance from Johan, that will surely boost his confidence even more, being his second good game in a row. Him and Phillipe will be fighting it out now for 3rd choice center back.
Sagna- You can tell a lot about a team from its full backs. Sagna continues to provide good service and do a decent job in getting back when Arsenal are caught out upfield.
Almunia- He had one save to make and he made it.
Denilson- Pretty much non-influential, but for the second straight game he's provided the telling pass for the assist of the all important goal. He has good instincts in the area, something that could come in handy this year.
Gallas- This "new" Gallas still looks as volataile as ever, but you can't criticize as long as he performs. He seems to enjoy yelling at anyone who will listen whenever he gets the chance.
Eboue- I guess that was a decent game for him, although he made every Arsenal fan chuckle on four occasions when he "shot." Maybe he's better in the middle, but he still shoudln't be playing when we're at full strength.
Bendtner- Undeniable skill, but man is he selfish. I think he's much more effective off the bench, and he doesn't really fit the Arsenal mould, but he is always an aerial threat, something Arsenal lack. Way too flashy when the ball is on the ground too, he has a long way to go.
Adebayor- I said I wouldn't make any pre-season predictions but I did make one to myself. Emmanuel Adebayor will be flagged for offside more than any other player in the Prem this season, and not the good kind of offside.
Walcott- Much like Adebayor, he is far too obvious with the ball at times. I have a bit more faith in him now, but its clear he still suffers from rushes of blood to the head and he still is too wreckless.
Van Persie had a small injury, I guess that is why he did not start, the same is true for Toure. Both of them need to stay on the pitch for Arsenal to be themselves, that is no secret. Without Van Persie, Arsenal somehow have no one that can score off a free kick.
The addition of Nasri is a huge bonus. But it will take a lot to convince me that it makes up for the loss of Flamini. Arsenal are soft and vulnerable in the middle of the field, as Twente exposed. But that isn't that huge of a concern for me, at least at the moment. Who knows what Song or Diaby will be able to bring once they get back. But Arsenal should still be able to pass their way around smaller sides like West Brom, its only once we run into the big boys that we'll have problems. Stay tuned.
Friday, August 15, 2008
nobody likes a whiner
Is it just me or is there a lot of whining going on at these Olympics? I won't even get into the whole gymnast thing. But I would think that it shouldn't be any easier for twelve year olds to beat sixteen year olds in much of anything. So they are less developed...fine. All I know is that I would be pissed if a twelve year old beat me when I was sixteen in a spelling bee, but I guess that happens too.
But the real whiner today is James Blake. First of all I really like Blake, much more than Roddick, (for whatever that's worth). And it was a hell of a match he lost today to the Chilean dark horse that's become a prominent figure on the ATP in Fernando Gonzales. Blake had three match points as he got up 0-40 in a Gonzo serving game, and couldn't convert. He then heroically saved three match points, down 40-0, but couldn't pull out the duece game, and served out the third set to win 11-9 I think.
Anyway, the first point in the game, at 8-7, right after Blake failed to convert on those match points ther was a somewhat dubois incident. Blake hit a passing shot that clearly knicked off Gonzo, but it was missed. Blake then said after the game how Gonzo should have called it on himself. Really? Do you really expect a Chilean tennis player to do such a thing? I think 80% of the tour does the same thing and pleads ignorance til the day they die.
Too bad though, because it was otherwise a great match. I can only assume Nadal Djokovic was just as good, but I missed that one. They were too busy showing the replay of the Czech women destroy new zeland in basketball. I really wanted to get in there and help out the Kiwis, they were hapless. But besides women's basketball, I don't think theres any other sport that I could compete with these girls in. The lightest weight lifter...? maybe?
But the real whiner today is James Blake. First of all I really like Blake, much more than Roddick, (for whatever that's worth). And it was a hell of a match he lost today to the Chilean dark horse that's become a prominent figure on the ATP in Fernando Gonzales. Blake had three match points as he got up 0-40 in a Gonzo serving game, and couldn't convert. He then heroically saved three match points, down 40-0, but couldn't pull out the duece game, and served out the third set to win 11-9 I think.
Anyway, the first point in the game, at 8-7, right after Blake failed to convert on those match points ther was a somewhat dubois incident. Blake hit a passing shot that clearly knicked off Gonzo, but it was missed. Blake then said after the game how Gonzo should have called it on himself. Really? Do you really expect a Chilean tennis player to do such a thing? I think 80% of the tour does the same thing and pleads ignorance til the day they die.
Too bad though, because it was otherwise a great match. I can only assume Nadal Djokovic was just as good, but I missed that one. They were too busy showing the replay of the Czech women destroy new zeland in basketball. I really wanted to get in there and help out the Kiwis, they were hapless. But besides women's basketball, I don't think theres any other sport that I could compete with these girls in. The lightest weight lifter...? maybe?
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Dear Monsieur Wenger
Please stop playing Emmanuel Eboue in competitve fixtures. And while you are on the subject just go ahead and give him his outright release. There were days, (two years ago), when he was actually a dangerous right back. I remember him being instrumental in that Champions League run to the final. Always getting forward and slicing up the right side, and getting that hard low cross in.
As I type this, Adebayor just scored to make it 2-0 Arsenal. I can't remember Arsenal playing this bad and not being punished. They've basically been dominated, except this Dutch team is afraid of the net. What a soft performance though. I hope not to see Arsenal play any worse this year, (but I'm sure I will). There are some positives though. Djourou played relatively well which is good for his confidence. And shit, we won (I assume we will) 2-0. Which practically assures us progression, unlike some other Greek teams which will remain nameless.
I haven't seen the USA Nigeria highlights yet, but 2-1 seems about right. You knew we probably weren't going to recover from that Dutch last gasp equalizer. Too bad, but I'm sure its a good experience for our team playing with, (and I mean with, not just being there) world class teams of their caliber. By caliber I mean of course the size of the gun and the character of the girls, its a homonym.
As I type this, Adebayor just scored to make it 2-0 Arsenal. I can't remember Arsenal playing this bad and not being punished. They've basically been dominated, except this Dutch team is afraid of the net. What a soft performance though. I hope not to see Arsenal play any worse this year, (but I'm sure I will). There are some positives though. Djourou played relatively well which is good for his confidence. And shit, we won (I assume we will) 2-0. Which practically assures us progression, unlike some other Greek teams which will remain nameless.
I haven't seen the USA Nigeria highlights yet, but 2-1 seems about right. You knew we probably weren't going to recover from that Dutch last gasp equalizer. Too bad, but I'm sure its a good experience for our team playing with, (and I mean with, not just being there) world class teams of their caliber. By caliber I mean of course the size of the gun and the character of the girls, its a homonym.
Phelps
Wasn't Phelps a building at TMS? Who could that possibly be named after anyway? I'd love to know. Anyway, they just showed the replay of the 4x200 free. Our anchorman had time to look over his shoulder in the pool, I mean, come on. Doug Hardy could have swam that last leg and brought home the gold.
I don't know if anyone saw, but Slavia Prague played Fiorentina last night for they're Champs League qualifier, obviously a pretty big deal in these parts. Gilardino won a free kick after like 90 seconds and Mutu tucked one into the top corner from like 25m. Fiorentina was alright, I guess, but Gilardino is looking more like the next Pippo Inzaghi. Its a wonder how these guys can kind of hide in Italy. Look at Schevchenko, dominant in Serie A, and we all know what happened at Chelsea. That's not to say that everyone in el calcio would be terrible elsewhere. Fiorentina has an awesome young striker Oswaldo or Osbaldo, he's gonna be a star. But I just wonder whether Pippo could have hid out at say Atletico Madrid for all those years just being a poacher. Check out Gilardino's dive, amongst some classic others in this video here... priceless. The music and title are perfect.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ioyt2zzm530
I don't know if anyone saw, but Slavia Prague played Fiorentina last night for they're Champs League qualifier, obviously a pretty big deal in these parts. Gilardino won a free kick after like 90 seconds and Mutu tucked one into the top corner from like 25m. Fiorentina was alright, I guess, but Gilardino is looking more like the next Pippo Inzaghi. Its a wonder how these guys can kind of hide in Italy. Look at Schevchenko, dominant in Serie A, and we all know what happened at Chelsea. That's not to say that everyone in el calcio would be terrible elsewhere. Fiorentina has an awesome young striker Oswaldo or Osbaldo, he's gonna be a star. But I just wonder whether Pippo could have hid out at say Atletico Madrid for all those years just being a poacher. Check out Gilardino's dive, amongst some classic others in this video here... priceless. The music and title are perfect.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ioyt2zzm530
Monday, August 11, 2008
In Honor of a Living Legend
Let's all just take a minute out of our days to praise George Hawes and his infinite baseball wisdom. There isn't another guy that I would want in my dugout going into the late innings. This praise is rooted on the grounds of his correct prediction that the rays "would be good this year, above 500." So hats off Ted, this posts' for you, let me know when they get to 82 wins.
Have they made fun of Brett Favre on The Soup yet? I feel like he is approaching Spears territory, every time he takes a piss you hear about it, and I don't even have espn.
Will you acclaim me as a football guru if I say that, "the Jets won't be that good this year." Probably under 500. In the words of Mr. Monk, "you've got thousands of psychics making millions of predictions each year, they're bound to get one thing right."
And finally what do you guys think is more important in our competition with the Chinese. Most total medals, or most golds. I think its gotta be most golds.
And finally, I thought that Wilhelm-Ross was tough growing up as a kid, imagine this. http://www.tsn.ca/olympics/story/?id=245865
Have they made fun of Brett Favre on The Soup yet? I feel like he is approaching Spears territory, every time he takes a piss you hear about it, and I don't even have espn.
Will you acclaim me as a football guru if I say that, "the Jets won't be that good this year." Probably under 500. In the words of Mr. Monk, "you've got thousands of psychics making millions of predictions each year, they're bound to get one thing right."
And finally what do you guys think is more important in our competition with the Chinese. Most total medals, or most golds. I think its gotta be most golds.
And finally, I thought that Wilhelm-Ross was tough growing up as a kid, imagine this. http://www.tsn.ca/olympics/story/?id=245865
Sunday, August 10, 2008
muje nedele (stop shooting kobe)
My sunday started early as I had to skate across town to catch my first Czech soccer match which featured Viktoria Zizkov and FK Teplice. I guess I need to see Sparta or Slavia play before I jump to any conclusions, but let's just say that the MLS has nothing to worry about. Zizkov scored as I was waiting at the gate with about 100 other people because the man working the tickets was about 97 years old and he had to rip them all off one by one. Then the first half was uneventful until about the 30th minute where I witnessed a goal for the own-goal hall of fame. Teplice's left back was under pressure but around midfield and he was forced to retreat towards his own goal, he kicked what looked like a pretty harmless ball back towards his keeper who found the only way possible to misjudge it, (although it did take a huge/trampoline like bounce) and the ball ended up in the net. I was sitting next to a couple Teplice fans who just shook their heads. Their expression didn't change much all day, because they were just awful. I don't know if they managed a shot on goal until like the 75th minute. Zizkov won 3-0.
After a little jazz in Old Town, I was back home just in time to see the Dutch snake that late equalizer and put our hopes of advancing to the knockout round in serious jeopardy. What a stupid foul that was by whoever, but we probably would take the position we were in if you asked us before the tournament.
And then I saw some of the US vs China. I thought it was pretty comfortable in the end, after we settled down, but there is a lot of room for improvement. For once, I think we are taking way too many jumpshots. Nobody but Michael Redd should be allowed to shoot a contested 3. Kobe more than anyone looked out of sync. LeBron however was outstanding. They kind of switched roles. Usually I'm yelling at LBJ for taking too many jumpers, but he attacked the glass. Wade was great too.
Sure China might not be the best barometer, but let's be honest. Is anyone going to be able to handle us in the paint. We should clear it out for LeBron or Wade every time. Dish to Howard, let teams foul him. They'll be fouled out by halftime. The only way I think we can lose is if some team has a mean zone and we fall in love w/ the three, or we just shoot terribly.
After a little jazz in Old Town, I was back home just in time to see the Dutch snake that late equalizer and put our hopes of advancing to the knockout round in serious jeopardy. What a stupid foul that was by whoever, but we probably would take the position we were in if you asked us before the tournament.
And then I saw some of the US vs China. I thought it was pretty comfortable in the end, after we settled down, but there is a lot of room for improvement. For once, I think we are taking way too many jumpshots. Nobody but Michael Redd should be allowed to shoot a contested 3. Kobe more than anyone looked out of sync. LeBron however was outstanding. They kind of switched roles. Usually I'm yelling at LBJ for taking too many jumpers, but he attacked the glass. Wade was great too.
Sure China might not be the best barometer, but let's be honest. Is anyone going to be able to handle us in the paint. We should clear it out for LeBron or Wade every time. Dish to Howard, let teams foul him. They'll be fouled out by halftime. The only way I think we can lose is if some team has a mean zone and we fall in love w/ the three, or we just shoot terribly.
Friday, August 8, 2008
arsenal ajax
I was lucky enough to get my sopcast going to watch arsenal ajax last night in ajax's prestigious preseason tourney. Ajax is a good team with an unsurprising mix of talented young players on the rise, and a few tested veterans on the tail end of their careers. This seems to be the MO of dutch football for the past few years, or at least what I've noticed.
Wenger didn't hold anything back in this one, this was the real deal. He didn't have Nasri and Diaby, and of course Rosicky won't be back til September (it's been long enough hasn't it?). So he was forced to choose the awful, woeful, shameful, Emmanuel Eboue to play on the right. I don't know if there's enough adjectives that do him justice. He was predictably poor, but by his own low standards, he wasn't that god awful, and he even had a nice cross that led to a goal for once.
The first 30 minutes were fairly even, but Ajax struck twice in a matter of minutes on 2 clinical finishes, (one courtesy of a trademark Eboue giveaway). But because this was a friendly, there wasn't but so much pressure on Arsenal to come back, and that's just what they did, all the way, to 3-2. Adebayor had a hand in all three goals, scoring 2 and setting Bendtner up for the third. If there's any team in the world that is more capable of erasing a two goal deficit than Arsenal, I'd like to see them. Sure their style leaves them open at the back, and it costs them on occasion, but this game was an example of the dividends that such a fluid, attacking style can pay.
Looking ahead to the season, the question still remains of who will play alongside Fabregas in the middle. I would have to imagine it would be a healthy Abu Diaby at this point, with Walcott looking poised to be a regular down the flanks this season with Hleb's departure. What an opportunity for Abu, the red sea that was Arsenal's central midfield when he arrived three years ago has parted, with Flamini, Gilberto both gone, he can move back into his natural position. But maybe Alex Song will push him for that role, if he can prove to be a good defensive mid in covering Fabregas. When Rosicky comes back, assuming everyone stays healthy, there will be quite healthy competition for playing time, something Arsenal rarely seems to have come mid-season.
Every Arsenal fan, every football fan for that matter knows Arsenal's weakness: durability. Sure I like all these kids, Nasri, Denilson, Walcott, and these Wilshire, Ramsay guys seem to be for real too, they wouldn't be in the shirt if they weren't. But Arsenal's demise the last two years has frustrated everyone with the club tremendously because it seems to be through injuries, and personnel issues. That being said, I have to say that I am shocked that Wenger didn't buy at least another experienced defender, I mean does he really want to watch poor old Senderos and Hoyte try and keep up with Tevez and Ronaldo all over again?! I hate to say it, I just don't see this year being any different.
If Van Persie and Rosicky can stay on the field with Fabregas and Adebayor, the goals will come, and we'll beat anyone in the world on our day, but over 38 games, the squad is just too vulnerable. Whether its Gallas' temperament, Adebayor casually drifting offside, or Eboue wasting a golden chance for the thousandth time, literally, Arsenal will have to play every game like its their last to stay with man united. I can almost see Wenger sitting there with his hand on his chin, with that same old irritated face I've grown so accustomed to, but as long as he continues to sit on his cash, I think we're in for another season of frustration. Hope I'm wrong.
Wenger didn't hold anything back in this one, this was the real deal. He didn't have Nasri and Diaby, and of course Rosicky won't be back til September (it's been long enough hasn't it?). So he was forced to choose the awful, woeful, shameful, Emmanuel Eboue to play on the right. I don't know if there's enough adjectives that do him justice. He was predictably poor, but by his own low standards, he wasn't that god awful, and he even had a nice cross that led to a goal for once.
The first 30 minutes were fairly even, but Ajax struck twice in a matter of minutes on 2 clinical finishes, (one courtesy of a trademark Eboue giveaway). But because this was a friendly, there wasn't but so much pressure on Arsenal to come back, and that's just what they did, all the way, to 3-2. Adebayor had a hand in all three goals, scoring 2 and setting Bendtner up for the third. If there's any team in the world that is more capable of erasing a two goal deficit than Arsenal, I'd like to see them. Sure their style leaves them open at the back, and it costs them on occasion, but this game was an example of the dividends that such a fluid, attacking style can pay.
Looking ahead to the season, the question still remains of who will play alongside Fabregas in the middle. I would have to imagine it would be a healthy Abu Diaby at this point, with Walcott looking poised to be a regular down the flanks this season with Hleb's departure. What an opportunity for Abu, the red sea that was Arsenal's central midfield when he arrived three years ago has parted, with Flamini, Gilberto both gone, he can move back into his natural position. But maybe Alex Song will push him for that role, if he can prove to be a good defensive mid in covering Fabregas. When Rosicky comes back, assuming everyone stays healthy, there will be quite healthy competition for playing time, something Arsenal rarely seems to have come mid-season.
Every Arsenal fan, every football fan for that matter knows Arsenal's weakness: durability. Sure I like all these kids, Nasri, Denilson, Walcott, and these Wilshire, Ramsay guys seem to be for real too, they wouldn't be in the shirt if they weren't. But Arsenal's demise the last two years has frustrated everyone with the club tremendously because it seems to be through injuries, and personnel issues. That being said, I have to say that I am shocked that Wenger didn't buy at least another experienced defender, I mean does he really want to watch poor old Senderos and Hoyte try and keep up with Tevez and Ronaldo all over again?! I hate to say it, I just don't see this year being any different.
If Van Persie and Rosicky can stay on the field with Fabregas and Adebayor, the goals will come, and we'll beat anyone in the world on our day, but over 38 games, the squad is just too vulnerable. Whether its Gallas' temperament, Adebayor casually drifting offside, or Eboue wasting a golden chance for the thousandth time, literally, Arsenal will have to play every game like its their last to stay with man united. I can almost see Wenger sitting there with his hand on his chin, with that same old irritated face I've grown so accustomed to, but as long as he continues to sit on his cash, I think we're in for another season of frustration. Hope I'm wrong.
games of the whatever olympiad
I remember watching those opening cermonies as a kid with great interest. But its all just a big spectacle, I guess the only interesting thing is seeing these countries you never knew existed before.
To take it off soccer for a second, there has to be a lot of interest in the basketball competition, especially for Americans. I haven't really looked at the groups, but I'm assuming its a standard format, just like Eurocup was. Even if we slip up and lose a game, I'm assuming we make it to the quarters without any problems. Sure we will be the favorites to win, but you know Argentina, Greece, Spain, or whoever will have something to say. The Czech coverage of the Olympics is pretty thorough, its basically going to be on two channels 24/7, showing all those games you wish you could see, but never get a chance to.
I just wonder whether or not that crazy rule where you can hit the ball of the rim might end up hurting us. If Dwight Howard can remember that he's allowed to take every thing off of the rim, just think about how many shots aren't going in. Yeah, its a lot to ask, and our guys probably won't be able to relearn their entire basketball muscle memories and mentality, but suppose they just remember on occasion. Lebron, or even Melo could be snatching everything off of the rim that doesnt go straight down. If we're in a tight game, and I'm sure we will be, just make a note to yourself every time you see a chance for a player to do it, I'll be watching too.
And by the way, the first National CD, Alligator, is better than the second, Boxer.
I think I'm gonna go to my first Czech first division match this Sunday, we'll see how it goes. And happy trails "sidewinder" Chad Bradford, who knew we were paying you that much. But I hate to see one of my dad's favorite Orioles go.
To take it off soccer for a second, there has to be a lot of interest in the basketball competition, especially for Americans. I haven't really looked at the groups, but I'm assuming its a standard format, just like Eurocup was. Even if we slip up and lose a game, I'm assuming we make it to the quarters without any problems. Sure we will be the favorites to win, but you know Argentina, Greece, Spain, or whoever will have something to say. The Czech coverage of the Olympics is pretty thorough, its basically going to be on two channels 24/7, showing all those games you wish you could see, but never get a chance to.
I just wonder whether or not that crazy rule where you can hit the ball of the rim might end up hurting us. If Dwight Howard can remember that he's allowed to take every thing off of the rim, just think about how many shots aren't going in. Yeah, its a lot to ask, and our guys probably won't be able to relearn their entire basketball muscle memories and mentality, but suppose they just remember on occasion. Lebron, or even Melo could be snatching everything off of the rim that doesnt go straight down. If we're in a tight game, and I'm sure we will be, just make a note to yourself every time you see a chance for a player to do it, I'll be watching too.
And by the way, the first National CD, Alligator, is better than the second, Boxer.
I think I'm gonna go to my first Czech first division match this Sunday, we'll see how it goes. And happy trails "sidewinder" Chad Bradford, who knew we were paying you that much. But I hate to see one of my dad's favorite Orioles go.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The thing about Brett Favre...
http://premierfantasy.soccernet.com/
the name of the league is usual suspects, and the password is soccer.
Great News for all you Jet fans out there, finally the QB to solve all your problems. When does football start anyway? Its hard to tell b/c NFL Live is on every night year round.
the name of the league is usual suspects, and the password is soccer.
Great News for all you Jet fans out there, finally the QB to solve all your problems. When does football start anyway? Its hard to tell b/c NFL Live is on every night year round.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Fantasy Camp + Girls Soccer
Hi everybody, as you may have guessed I'm safely in Prague by now, and teaching and whatnot. That Menomena Animal Collective was just a note to myself for some concerts that are coming here for all you die hards.
I'm gonna make the usual fantasy league for the premeirship on soccernet, but make your team quick. Kickoff is the 16th.
I happened to stumble upon the review of all the women's action from the preliminary rounds of the Olympics today. Fresh off my humbling at the hands of the University of Richmond Women's Soccer team, (I played in a pick-up game with them, and a few men's players right before I left) I was intruiged enough to watch it through. The one thing about Czech TV,(well, there's a couple of things) but for one, there are no commercials. Its really comprehensive and unbiased. I mean, there are some commercials, but they lump them all together in five minute chunks over like three hours, so there's practically none. Hence, you can really get into a program.
Anyway, there were some incredible matches. Brazil is sick, with Ronaldinho in the stands, he might have his female counterpart with whichever girl is wearing that 10 shirt out there, but she couldn't do enough to get past ze Germans as they played to a 0-0 tie. Japan looks good too, and they might be the only other team in the class of those two, save maybe China.
Our women were gross. Norway scored two quick goals, kind of flukey on the first one, but a classy second one, and we were shell shocked. About the response you'd expect from a bunch of girls. And yeah, they are just girls, and if there's one who's a lot faster than the others, then thats all it takes, just like Corey Prior. But when you get on the field with them, they are not as bad as they seem.
Ill post the password for the league once i get it to work.
I'm gonna make the usual fantasy league for the premeirship on soccernet, but make your team quick. Kickoff is the 16th.
I happened to stumble upon the review of all the women's action from the preliminary rounds of the Olympics today. Fresh off my humbling at the hands of the University of Richmond Women's Soccer team, (I played in a pick-up game with them, and a few men's players right before I left) I was intruiged enough to watch it through. The one thing about Czech TV,(well, there's a couple of things) but for one, there are no commercials. Its really comprehensive and unbiased. I mean, there are some commercials, but they lump them all together in five minute chunks over like three hours, so there's practically none. Hence, you can really get into a program.
Anyway, there were some incredible matches. Brazil is sick, with Ronaldinho in the stands, he might have his female counterpart with whichever girl is wearing that 10 shirt out there, but she couldn't do enough to get past ze Germans as they played to a 0-0 tie. Japan looks good too, and they might be the only other team in the class of those two, save maybe China.
Our women were gross. Norway scored two quick goals, kind of flukey on the first one, but a classy second one, and we were shell shocked. About the response you'd expect from a bunch of girls. And yeah, they are just girls, and if there's one who's a lot faster than the others, then thats all it takes, just like Corey Prior. But when you get on the field with them, they are not as bad as they seem.
Ill post the password for the league once i get it to work.
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