Everwood - Sports #9: Summer Olympics are here! - Page 2

Wilpen · 06-14-2008, 05:52 PM

OMG. Sickening.

Ok I take the history thing back in thinking about it... maybe part of it does have to do with the tensions regarding the border situation and some Mexicans enraged over not gaining citizenship in the US. There's probably more to it but I think this has to play a part since seeing this kind of proves that it goes past any friendly rivalry. There is "something there" instigating that insanity. Man.

Everwoodian Kopite · 06-14-2008, 07:32 PM

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Originally Posted by Wilpen (View Post)

I'll specifically check out those 4 players for Spain during their next game.

Alonso, Arbeloa and Reina might start against Greece since Spain's already won their group. Torres scored tonight, and he's a vital part of the Spain's best XI, so he'll probably be rested. It won't be an exiting game because Spain are through and Greece are out, but it's two months 'til the next competaitive Liverpool game, so I'll take all the Libpool action sent my way

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Oh and I would never support Mexico in a million years. Heh. Canada, absolutely I would and do. Even before Angela I loved Canada. So much so, whenever I watch anything that is country versus country of course my #1 is USA but my #2 is Canada. It's always been this way for me. Like in the Olympics, I'm pulling for Canadians just as much as Americans.

Norway and Sweden's relationship might be even closer than USA and Canada's. We've got almost the same political climate, with a strong social democrat left, and an almost as big centre/right coalition. (Just to mention it, the Scandinavian right is about the same as the Democrats in the USA, and the left is way more liberal/radical than the USA Democrats.) The biggest difference between Norway and Sweden is probably that they're a member of the European Union and we're not (And that's just because we found lots of oil outside our coastline). We even speak almost the same lingo. Most Norwegians understand 95% of the Swedish language.

Still, I don't like them. At least not their athletes. It might be very irrational, but I just hope they fail. If things got serious, of course I would do whatever I could to help them through their struggles, but when it comes to sports and other competitions I hope they make fools out of themselves.

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I have a friend here at FF who's Finnish and she's not at all too fond of Sweden. LOL. Obviously the long history between Finland/Sweden fuels this, most definitely. I know she's definitely tuning in only to see Sweden fail.

That's because the stupid Swedes had Finland "colonized" for a good few years. They even had us in their sweaty grasp for a few hundred years. The poor Finns still have to learn Swedish in school(at least in the south).

But as I said, most of this is almost ancient history, so my dislike of Swedes is mostly symboical. But they're still stupid Swedes who speak funny.

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EURO 2008

Eh the game between Russia/Greece was a snooze. Probably the most boring game so far. But the 2004 champs in Greece are out now. Amazing.

But man, as I'm watching so much soccer/football at the moment not only am I reminded of how much I loved playing this game but just how much I love watching this sport. There's nothing more beautiful to watch, the one touch passing, the beauitiful corners, head ins, etc. It's such a gorgeous game to watch and play. I miss playing it terribly. Watching is extra awesome though.

This is the first game in the tournament that I've chosen not to watch (I went out on the ale instead

). With Greece being Greece, and Arshavin suspended for Russia it wasn't ever going to be a celebration of football. Still, I'm pleased with the result. If the Russians beat Sweden on Wednesday Russia are in the quarters. And more importantly, Sweden are out

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Originally Posted by everwoodfan52 (View Post)

That was really beautiful! Very Passionate!

It really was. To see all the legends wrapped toghether in their greatest moments with that music in the background is just moving. I especially love the part in the beginning with the singer in front of the banners with Cruyff, Beckenbauer and Zindane on.

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Speaking of passion.....I just spoke to my friend who lives and teaches in the Netherlands.
She told me of the excitement in the streets last night.....people celebrating, horns blowing, drinking, dancing in the streets.....orange clothing, orange everywhere.....painted Dutch flags on their faces, paintings of everything on their faces!

She was so excited to be there and to experience that.

Oh, how I'd love to be a part of that celebration. I'm not especially partial to the Dutch, I just love being around people celebrating.

ETA again:

I just have to show you this new Nike ad. It's great;

Fernando Torres Nike

It's based around the Liverpool supporters' Fernando Torres song which goes like this:

His armband proved he was a red, Torres Torres
You'll Never Walk Alone it said, Torres Torres
We bought the lad from sunny Spain
He gets the ball he scores again
Fernando Torres, Liverpool's number nine

In the ad Liverpool is turned into Little Spain because England doesn't participate in this summer's tournament (just to mention it, most Liverpool supporters don't care about England's national side because of all the **** that surrounds it, being stupid fans, players from clubs we hate, and so on)

Anyway, I love the ad! "Adios lah" and "Gracias mate" cracks me up every time

**'Tos** · 06-14-2008, 07:36 PM

Does anyone watch golf? I don't watch always, but if I'm free (like coming home after the dreaded Saturday final exam, ugh, who schedules these things?) I'll give it a go. Tiger was AMAZING today. The guy's, like, on one and a half of a leg and he's still rockin'. He had three exceptional shots today, I mean he had a ton more great ones, but three extra-special shots. Two super long putts for eagle, one at the very last hole to put him in the lead, and then one flukey chip shot that just happened to go in and he was so surprised that even he started laughing.

It was really funny.

The guy is just a joy to watch that he makes even watching golf kind of fun.

I like playing it, well terribly, more than watching, but his expressions, his Tiger pump-fist thing and all that..awesome.

Wilpen · 06-15-2008, 07:08 AM

Tos, I watch every major in golf and I'm a huge Tiger fan. Tiger and Phil Michelson (who had a horrible day 3 and is out of it) are my two favorite players to watch. But Tiger, the guy's amazing. Pure champion. And I know, he's playing with knee problems and is still doing incredible. He can drive the ball so far, I believe I see a ball in the air outside that still hasn't landed yet from one of his drives in the PGA championship that took place here in Minny a couple years ago. LOL. He's so fun to watch and I'll be pulling for him to win this major today.

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Originally Posted by Everwoodian Kopite (View Post)

Alonso, Arbeloa and Reina might start against Greece since Spain's already won their group. Torres scored tonight, and he's a vital part of the Spain's best XI, so he'll probably be rested. It won't be an exiting game because Spain are through and Greece are out, but it's two months 'til the next competaitive Liverpool game, so I'll take all the Libpool action sent my way

LOL. Oh yeah that's right about them resting up players in game 3 since they're already in which makes sense. I'll still tune and I look forward to watching them in the next round.

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Norway and Sweden's relationship might be even closer than USA and Canada's. We've got almost the same political climate, with a strong social democrat left, and an almost as big centre/right coalition. (Just to mention it, the Scandinavian right is about the same as the Democrats in the USA, and the left is way more liberal/radical than the USA Democrats.) The biggest difference between Norway and Sweden is probably that they're a member of the European Union and we're not (And that's just because we found lots of oil outside our coastline). We even speak almost the same lingo. Most Norwegians understand 95% of the Swedish language.

Very interesting, indeed. What is the European Union again? I kind of know, but not completely. England, also, doesn't participate in it as well? Or did I just make this up?

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Still, I don't like them. At least not their athletes. It might be very irrational, but I just hope they fail. If things got serious, of course I would do whatever I could to help them through their struggles, but when it comes to sports and other competitions I hope they make fools out of themselves.

LOL. That makes sense though, for sure.

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That's because the stupid Swedes had Finland "colonized" for a good few years. They even had us in their sweaty grasp for a few hundred years. The poor Finns still have to learn Swedish in school(at least in the south).

But as I said, most of this is almost ancient history, so my dislike of Swedes is mostly symboical. But they're still stupid Swedes who speak funny.

Haha. How do they speak funny? What's the difference in accent compared to Norwegians and Swedes? And yeah, my friend from Finland has talked about how they have to learn Swedish in school and she has even said their country loves Norway, it's Sweden they have issues with because the history is way too painful. She said both Sweden and Russia they are not fans of. She did say the current generation has a more positive outlook on things since they didn't experience it but get her Grandfather talking about it and he rants away. LOL.

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This is the first game in the tournament that I've chosen not to watch (I went out on the ale instead

). With Greece being Greece, and Arshavin suspended for Russia it wasn't ever going to be a celebration of football. Still, I'm pleased with the result. If the Russians beat Sweden on Wednesday Russia are in the quarters. And more importantly, Sweden are out

LOL. Russia looked pretty good though I don't know if Russia looked good or Greece just looked bad. Maybe both. Looking foward to the Russia/Sweden game on Wednesday!

Oh and great ad! LOL!

**everwoodfan52** · 06-15-2008, 07:14 AM

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Does anyone watch golf?

I've tried....but I just can't. It's much too slow for me. I do, however, know so many people who watch it and just love it!
I guess if it was really exciting, and neck and neck and Tiger was involved.....I probably would watch, for a short while. He is really great. I realize that a lot of skill is involved in playing golf......but.....how much real athleticism is involved?

Recently, someone asked who is the richer athlete- Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods. The answer is that tiger makes twice as much as Michael.

I really can't see that. I believe that playing basketball is so much more difficult and requires so much more fitness and skill. (I know that I'm opening myself to a strong rebuttal from the golfing fans!)

Soccer

TV schedule today: 2:30 PM ET ESPN2 Switzerland vs Portugal
2:30 PM ET ESPN Classic Turkey vs Czech Republic

Which one are you going to watch, Michelle?
The Swiss/Portugal match seems like it would be more promising.

Today, also: US vs. Barbados- 5:00 p.m. ESPN2
It's not the Euros, but it's our first World Cup qualifying match.
We're expected to win.....but in soccer you never know.....Argentina was supposed to blow us out of the water and they didn't.

ETA: Talk about fitting in! lol. I just read this:

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Beckham heard equal measures of boos and cheers in his first appearance in Northern California with the Galaxy, who beat San Jose 2-0 in the Quakes' season opener in Carson, Calif., on April 3. Beckham, who had his first MLS goal and an assist in that game, will be spending more time in the area after recently purchasing a winery in the nearby Napa Valley as a birthday present for his wife, Victoria.

"We're big wine fans, and we love red wine," Beckham said. "The kids can pick the grapes, so it's a great family thing.

Matty, I loved the Ad.....really cool.. Hey, Fernando is kinda cute!

*(I believe that there was another song written about him a few years back.....oh yeah....it was by ABBA. lol)

Wilpen · 06-15-2008, 11:12 AM

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Originally Posted by everwoodfan52 (View Post)

I realize that a lot of skill is involved in playing golf......but.....how much real athleticism is involved?

Heh. Not much. I mean you can be out of shape and be a golf pro. John Daly comes to mind. Though the poor guy has battled alcoholism and he still competes quite well.

So yeah, golf is about skill, not athleticism per se IMO. Though I guess Tiger has a strict weight/work out program he goes through and I bet some of his strength and durability has to do with the fact that he's also fit.

Golf is all about a mental game, though. And to me, there's not a more mentally challenging sport than golf. You have to be mentally strong because there's so many skilled players out there but the ones who succeed if you notice, are the ones with the strong minds who do not break down during play. Tiger Woods, again, number 1 example.

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Recently, someone asked who is the richer athlete- Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods. The answer is that tiger makes twice as much as Michael.

I really can't see that. I believe that playing basketball is so much more difficult and requires so much more fitness and skill. (I know that I'm opening myself to a strong rebuttal from the golfing fans!)

LOL! I agree totally about the stronger fitness in basketball.

I think the reason why Tiger has more money is because he's playing now in a time where there's more money to make. And it's all about endorsements. Sure Tiger wins a million and change whenever he wins a tourney but that's peanuts compared to what he makes in endorsements, commercials, golf camps, etc. The guy's everywhere.

Another reason Tiger makes more is because golf is more of an international sport than basketball. Well I mean they travel to other countries to play majors so Tiger's also getting endorsements throughout the entire world whereas Jordan was on a more localized level even if everyone who knows anything about basketball understands Michael Jordan's the greatest player to ever play the game.

Soccer

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TV schedule today: 2:30 PM ET ESPN2 Switzerland vs Portugal
2:30 PM ET ESPN Classic Turkey vs Czech Republic

Which one are you going to watch, Michelle?

Both.

Watching Turkey/Czech Rep live, taping Swiss/Portugal.

I have some interest in the Czech Republic game since I embrace my European roots. I'm 50% Polish, 50% Slovak, but in that Slovak the percentage might be a tad lower and you can add in a bit of Czech blood as well since I believe on my maternal Grandfathers side there is a tiny bit of Czech.

So yes, I'll be cheering for the Czechs in that game.

Can't wait to see Swiss/Portugal as well!

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Today, also: US vs. Barbados- 5:00 p.m. ESPN2
It's not the Euros, but it's our first World Cup qualifying match.
We're expected to win.....but in soccer you never know.....Argentina was supposed to blow us out of the water and they didn't.

Exactly. Oh yes, I'll be tuning in for this. Though I don't exactly know what "the first World Cup qualifying match means"? How does this qualifying stuff work?

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ETA: Talk about fitting in! lol. I just read this:

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Beckham heard equal measures of boos and cheers in his first appearance in Northern California with the Galaxy, who beat San Jose 2-0 in the Quakes' season opener in Carson, Calif., on April 3. Beckham, who had his first MLS goal and an assist in that game, will be spending more time in the area after recently purchasing a winery in the nearby Napa Valley as a birthday present for his wife, Victoria.

"We're big wine fans, and we love red wine," Beckham said. "The kids can pick the grapes, so it's a great family thing.

Certainly, that's all about fitting in.

Napa Valley is a gorgeous area, too.

From the looks of it, the Beckhams are putting down strong roots in Cali. You don't buy things like that if you're interested in leaving anytime soon so it seems they are loving southern California/the US and appear to be planning on staying here well after he finishes playing. That's cool.

**everwoodfan52** · 06-15-2008, 11:33 AM

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Though I don't exactly know what "the first World Cup qualifying match means"? How does this qualifying stuff work?

Michelle, This is an article that I found that sort of explains the process. I believe it lasts 2 years- until the World cup- and the top three teams in the section plus a fourth team get to participate in the World Cup.(2010)

All the other Nations of the world have to qualify from their Regions, also, and that's how we have some countries participating in the world cup and others..not.

Matty could probably explain it more better me! Let's just hope that this time Sweden does not qualify and Norway does!

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US Soccer Team Opens World Cup Qualifying Campaign
By Chris Cox
Washington
13 June 2008

The U.S. Soccer team begins its 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign with a home match on Sunday against Barbados in the Los Angeles suburb of Carson, California. Chris Cox has a preview.

The USA soccer team, 08 June 2008
The USA soccer team, 08 June 2008
Since the United States is ranked among the top 12 teams in the North, Central America and Caribbean (CONCACAF) region, it earned an automatic spot in the second round of regional qualifying.

The U.S. men go into this game after a challenging three-game friendly warm-up series. After shutout losses at England (2-0) and Spain (1-0), the Americans had their best outing last Sunday, playing world number one-ranked Argentina to a scoreless draw in suburban New York.

Though the U.S. team failed to score in any of those matches, head coach Bob Bradley does not seemed too worried.

"When you play those kinds of teams, you don't expect you're going to create a lot of chances," he said. "Yet we had some good ones and didn't take advantage. Certainly we, if you look at the last year and a half, have still, you know, overall we've done a pretty good job in terms of scoring goals."

The United States enters Sunday's game against Barbados as the favorite, but Bradley knows that anything can happen and his team will have to play well to win.

"They're always athletic, they have some talented individuals," he said. "They've added some players for World Cup qualifying. I think that you see a team, Caribbean style, some individual flare, and some overall athleticism."

The return leg match will be one week later, June 22, in Barbados, with the aggregate winner moving on to the next round.

There, the 12 teams that advanced will be placed into three groups of four and play a round-robin style of tournament. The group winners and runners-up move on to the final stage, where those six teams form one round-robin group. The top three teams qualify for the World Cup, while the fourth-place team will play a home-and-away playoff series against the fifth-place South American team for another berth.

U.S. coach Bob Bradley says he knows his team must get off to a good start against Barbados.

"Clearly in a home game it is our responsibility to attack," he said. "The ability to handle the ball well, mix up our attack, are all important things sometimes in creating chances against a team that may indeed choose to keep a lot of numbers [defense players] back."

One regional second round, first-leg match has already been played, and Honduras won at home over Puerto Rico, 4-0.

Other match-ups in the second round include highly-ranked Mexico against Belize; Guatemala versus St. Lucia; Trinidad and Tobago against Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda against Cuba; Jamaica versus the Bahamas; St. Vincent and the Grenadines against Canada; Grenada against Costa Rica; Suriname versus Guyana; Panama versus El Salvador; Haiti verse Netherlands Antilles.

Wilpen · 06-15-2008, 12:34 PM

Thanks for the article, Betty.

I understand the general process now. And man I'm even more impressed that the US tied #1 Argentina. I knew Argentina was up there but I had no idea they were ranked #1 in the world. That says something at least. Wow. Awesome.

Currently watching the Czech/Turkey game. What a nice cross and finish with a header for the Czechs. That was a beautiful goal, not an easy header to punch in. He certainly made it look easier than it was, indeed. Such a pretty goal.

The Czechs seem to be dominating most of the play, they look like the better team out there as it stands. I wonder how many players exist on this Czech team that were on the 2004 team that got to the semis? I should look that up. I want the Czechs to win this in 90 because if not, they go into a shoot out and the winner advances. I love shoot outs but anything can happen in shoot outs. I want them to not have to go there. My luck they'll have to so we'll see. LOL.

ETA: Stopped taping Swiss/Portugal when I realized the Swiss have nothing to play for but pride and Portugal's resting their players.

**everwoodfan52** · 06-15-2008, 01:41 PM

I am watching the Turkey vs Czech Republic match. Maybe the first half was dull, but the second half is anything but!

Turkey just went ahead 3-2. A few minutes ago they were behind 1-2. Unbelievable!

ETA: I can't say that I'm upset. I still resent the Czechs for slaughtering us in the last world cup. lol

Wilpen · 06-15-2008, 01:47 PM

I've never seen such a breakdown than the one by the Czechs! It's totally indescribable. They went up 2-0 and then it seemed they relaxed to the point of almost walking off the field! Total domination by Turkey after that. Unreal how this game changed. When Turkey scored to tie it I thought to myself that either they were getting #3 very quickly before the shoot out or they were definitely winning it in the shoot out because the Czechs literally rolled over. Incredible.

**'Tos** · 06-15-2008, 02:10 PM

Crazy comeback from Turkey. Very exciting.

I really really did not expect that happening!

What the hell was the Turkey goalie thinking, though? Shoving that guy down after the play with no ball even near him? WTF? That was just plain stupid. You're in a lead, but they've still got extra time, and the goalie essentially kicks himself off the field? And then they won't have him for the next game? I thought that was absolutely bizarre. Stupid, stupid.

Still, GREAT victory. One of my best friends is a Turk, so I'm sure he'll be happy.

Watching the golf a bit too, Tiger with an awful start. Double-bogey and a bogey. Oy. I think he did something similar yesterday too, but it's not easy coming back from things like that all the time, but I guess if anyone can do it, it's him.

Wilpen · 06-15-2008, 02:11 PM

Nothing like getting a fast start for USA. 1-0 USA with only 1 mn into it.

ETA: 2-0 USA and BRADLEY scoredddddddd it!

Man Landon's presence is felt, isn't it? That guy's amazing. He was a big part of that last goal.

ETA 2: 3-0 USA LOL.

Landon, again, was all over goal #3.

ETA 3: Wonderful performance by USA.

Final score: 8 - 0

Strong, strong performance.

EverPotter · 06-15-2008, 05:56 PM

USA!

Anyone just see the US Open Golf? Oh man two Americans going at it in a playoff tomorrow, that was great stuff! I'm setting my VCR, baby!

Wilpen · 06-15-2008, 06:04 PM

Yes, indeed, I just watched the last 9 holes with my dad on Fathers day, awe, JK.

What a SHOT by Tiger. He had it in the sand, ruff, then pulls out an amazing birdie taking this thing into a playoff tomorrow against fellow American, Rocco. I love Rocco.

What personality this guy has. He has that typical energetic, happy, emotional American personality. I was torn because it would have been cool seeing Rocco win it but then Tiger is just Tiger and you just knew he was sinking that birdie at 18. And he did. What a champion. Speaking of Jordan being the best player to ever play basketball? Ah yeah, Tiger is clearly the best player to ever play golf. Even if Jack and Arnold (Arnold Palmer grew up and has a house right next door to my Great Grandparents/Grandmothers childhood home in LaTrobe, PA) are legends in their own right, Tiger's the best golfer ever. No doubt. The guy's incredible.

And the US Open is the only major where if it's tied at the end of 72 holes, they play Monday, a full 18 holes and it's not sudden death either. They play a full 18. I'll be taping as well.

Rocco or Tiger, do either have to win? I love them both. Hee.

**'Tos** · 06-15-2008, 06:10 PM

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Originally Posted by Wilpen (View Post)

Yes, indeed, I just watched the last 9 wholes with my dad on Fathers day, awe, JK.

What a SHOT by Tiger. He had it in the sand, in the ruff, and pulls out an amazing birdie to take this thing into a playoff tomorrow against fellow American, Rocco. I love Rocco.

What personality this guy has, he has that typical energetic, happy, emotional American personality. I was torn because it would have been cool seeing Rocco win it but then Tiger is just Tiger and is so fun to watch. You just knew he was sinking that birdie at 18. And he did. What a champion. Speaking of Jordan being the best player to ever play basketball? Ah yeah, Tiger is clearly the best player to ever play golf. Even if Jack and Arnold (Arnold Palmer grew up and has a house right next door from my Great Grandparents and Grandmothers childhood home in LaTrobe PA) are legends in their own right, Tiger's the best golfer ever. No doubt. The guy's incredible.

And the US Open is the only major where if it's tied at the end of 72 holes, they play Monday, a full 18 holes and it's not sudden death either. They play a full 18. I'll be taping as well.

Rocco or Tiger, do either have to win? I love them both. Hee.

Exciting stuff, eh?

Love it!

Rocco is a really fun guy, always making jokes and doing funny stuff. I'm rooting for Tiger, though. Both stories, though, are amazing. Tiger with his knee, Rocco being the oldest ever (he doesn't really look it, although against Tiger, anyone is going to look old, hee).

Man, Tiger's celebration after he got that putt, that was wicked.

I think he almost pulled something doing that.

He's so fun to watch. He's very calm most of the time, but when he does something incredible. he goes insane. I love it.