Everwood - Sports #9: Summer Olympics are here!

**Wilpen** · 06-13-2008, 08:23 AM

Got the new thread up, took your suggestion, Betty.

I have lots to comment on and I will in a bit, but I wanted to get this new thread going first.

everwoodfan52 · 06-13-2008, 11:50 AM

Quote:

A couple of weeks later the Celtic fans came up with this song:

He blessed himself at Ibrow and the Huns went off their nuts
He's off his friggin rocket and he sings GOD BLESS THE POPE
Ohhhh Artur Boruc, the holy goalie, he hates the Huns

The Holy Goalie

I thought it was funny.

I know it's hard to believe......but that song sounded very much like one of the songs that the Argentina fans were singing last week. The only difference is that it was in Spanish!

Everwoodian Kopite · 06-13-2008, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by everwoodfan52 (View Post)

I know it's hard to believe......but that song sounded very much like one of the songs that the Argentina fans were singing last week. The only difference is that it was in Spanish!

It's actually not hard to believe at all, because I noticed this lovely melody tune when watching Argentina's matches back in the 2006 World Cup.

Liverpool also have a version of it:

They say our days are numbered, we're not famous anymore
But Scousers rule the country like we've always done before
Oooh campione, the one and only, we're Liverpool

I should also add that we were the first team in Britain to use it, and now it's all over the island.

**Wilpen** · 06-13-2008, 07:38 PM

NHL Awards

Interesting about Brodeur. That was a slight shock but I'm not complaining since Marty's one of my favorite players so if there had to be an "upset" I'm glad Marty was front and center. LOL.

Gordie Howe, outstanding guy.

Euro 2008

Quote:

I didn't see the match, so I can't comment on the decision. Stupid work. Maybe I should call in sick for the rest of the tourny?

One thing I can comment on is what that guy with all the C's, W's and Z's in his name said: Artur Boruc.

Celtic from Glasgow is a team I have a lot of time for, so I've seen a bit of him over the last couple of seasons. Oh man, what a goalkeeper. He's way to good for the Scottish league! I think the only reason he's staying is because of Celtic's deep connection with all things catholic, 'cos he seems like a pretty religious guy.

A bit of a digression here... A year or so ago, Celtic were playing their arch rivals Rangers away. Now Rangers is the complete opposite of Celtic. Their support is 99% protestant, and a big part of the reason for the hatred between Rangers and Celtic comes from the Northern Ireland conflict. You see, over the last century a lot of people, both catholic and protestant have immigrated to Glasgow from Norther Ireland, and the generations after have just kept the hatred going. It's horrible, really...

Anyway, just before the game is about to kick off, Artur Boruc turns around towards the Rangers faithful behind his goal, and blesses himself catholic style. An innocent thing to do you might think, but being the sectarian bunch they are, the Rangers fans went crazy with anger.

A couple of weeks later the Celtic fans came up with this song:

He blessed himself at Ibrow and the Huns went off their nuts
He's off his friggin rocket and he sings GOD BLESS THE POPE
Ohhhh Artur Boruc, the holy goalie, he hates the Huns

The Holy Goalie

I thought it was funny.

Heh. I love this story, that's so hilarious. LOL. Growing up Catholic myself I got an extra kick out of it.

As for the games today... Italy is not the same Italy I'm used to seeing. Wow. Another poor game but France is the team I am the most perplexed over. I cannot believe how they played, it was like they were in slow motion. And not only that, it seemed like they watched the Dutch in awe almost. Julie Foudy said it best when she said it seemed as if the entire French team was looking at the Dutch players going, "Wow that was a pretty play." LOL. It did, though, it seemed like they were on the outside looking in, not actually directly involved in the game. But amazingly, both Italy and France have outside shots of still getting in. They claim this bracket was one of, if not, the toughest overall. Certainly what a turn of events that has taken place.

I can't wait for the games this weekend!

LOVE this tourney!

NBA Finals

I watched game 4 and thought the Lakers had this game within the first 5 mn of the first quarter. What a MAJOR choking session that took place. A complete and total destruction in the 2nd half. Not to mention Boston playing amazing. But it was less about that and more about the Lakers literally self destructing. I was listening to some talk about this game and Kobe in particular with regards to being the best player in the NBA. I don't disagree with that, since he's proven to be all that... however, he still isn't anywhere close to the talent that was Michael Jordan and this game is a prime example of why. If Jordan played for the Lakers last night there's no way in hell he would have allowed the Celtics to pull off that stunning victory. Absolutely no freaken way. And I think that's what separates Kobe from Jordan. Kobe has talent galore, the whole nine yards, but as far as using that talent and literally leading your team to championships on your own? Not there. Jordan was phenomenal on his own and even more phenomenal making his teammates better and just flat out getting it done, winning championships. Kobe doesn't have that yet.

And yeah, that game last night was jam packed filled with celebs. Will Smith's awesome and I loved how he talked about being a Philly native experiencing as a young boy the Celtics giving his Philly team beatings and how much he loathed that. LOL.

I think the Celtics/Lakers is such a classy match up in that either you are a fan of one team or you have a story like Will Smith where by association, you have a preference of who you want to win.

Also, David Beckham looks so "Americanized" to me. LOL. It's cool. You can tell he's quite enjoying himself.

everwoodfan52 · 06-14-2008, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Kobe has talent galore, the whole nine yards, but as far as using that talent and literally leading your team to championships on your own? Not there. Jordan was phenomenal on his own and even more phenomenal making his teammates better and just flat out getting it done, winning championships. Kobe doesn't have that yet.

I definitely saw that. When there were only a few minutes left in the game and the Lakers were trying desperately to even the score.....Kobe couldn't get the ball into the net to save his life...and neither could his teammates!

I don't follow basketball. but from what I could see.....the Celtics are jam packed with talented players.

Quote:

Also, David Beckham looks so "Americanized" to me. LOL. It's cool. You can tell he's quite enjoying himself.

Yeah, he's fitting right in!

**Wilpen** · 06-14-2008, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by everwoodfan52 (View Post)

I definitely saw that. When there were only a few minutes left in the game and the Lakers were trying desperately to even the score.....Kobe couldn't get the ball into the net to save his life...and neither could his teammates!

Absolutely right. The best players are never on all the time but when you're in such an important situation such as game 4 of the finals, the best players find a way to get it done. Their own shot and drives to the hoop might be off but that's when they find a way to get their teammates to get the job done. That's how all the great players function. Kobe couldn't personally do it and he never found a way to get his teammates to bail him out either. I was shocked he didn't go back to the basics and just take it to the hoop, hoping for a foul. Instead he was taking brick shots and passing the ball off in awkward situations for his teammates to chuck the ball towards the net as well. He simply couldn't find a way to close out this game. Still a great player but he's definitely not Michael Jordan yet. Though I doubt anyone can be. I think LeBron James and Kobe are the two that have the potential to be almost or as good as Jordan in the future.

Quote:

I don't follow basketball. but from what I could see.....the Celtics are jam packed with talented players.

They are. See for years this team revolved around Paul Pierce and he never had the talent around him to make any noise. Finally it happened the minute the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen came on over as well. Those three guys are solid players (superstars) and together they are working magic. They have extremely good players after "the big 3" as well. The one position if you would say they do have a weakness at would be point guard but it doesn't matter. With the set up they have going on that's immaterial.

Quote:

Yeah, he's fitting right in!

He certainly is.

I was so amused seeing him all decked out in Lakers apparel looking so happy, relaxed and just so American. Not saying in England he looked uptight. Heh. It's just you can definitely tell LA and American culture is certainly agreeing with David Beckham.

EverPotter · 06-14-2008, 09:38 AM

I love your basketball thoughts, Michelle. I learn something new with every amazing post you make about the sport.

So true about Beckham. He looks like he's loving this country, indeed.

**Wilpen** · 06-14-2008, 09:48 AM

LOL. Thanks Erin.

EURO 2008

Watched the first half of Spain/Sweden. At first this looked to be complete Spanish dominance but the Swedes are not laying over and giving them this game. Not in the least. Sweden ties this thing so it's 1-1 at half. But man the Swedish player right at the end of the 1st half fouled a Spanish player right inside the box, he wasn't going for the ball whatsoever, and it was a no call. It was very obvious that should have been a penalty kick but the refs let it go. Hopefully somewhere in the 2nd half they make up for that call because that was pretty obvious IMO.

Can't wait for the 2nd half!

Everwoodian Kopite · 06-14-2008, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilpen (View Post)

LOL. Thanks Erin.

EURO 2008

Watched the first half of Spain/Sweden. At first this looked to be complete Spanish dominance but the Swedes are not laying over and giving them this game. Not in the least. Sweden ties this thing so it's 1-1 at half. But man the Swedish player right at the end of the 1st half fouled a Spanish player right inside the box, he wasn't going for the ball whatsoever, and it was a no call. It was very obvious that should have been a penalty kick but the refs let it go. Hopefully somewhere in the 2nd half they make up for that call because that was pretty obvious IMO.

Can't wait for the 2nd half!

Pretty dull second half so far. Except for that giant triple chance Spain just missed!

Spain is "my team" this summer, mainly because they've got 4 Liverpool players in their 23 man squad(Only Torres is on the pitch now though), so I hope they win this game. Not just because of the Liverpool connection, but also because I don't like Sweden. Yes, I admit it: I'm jelaous of our neighbours. Norway haven't qualifyed for a big tournament since Euro 2000, while the Swedes have been in every World Cup and European Championship since. Stupid Swedes, with their stupid, ugly, yellow kit. A Swedish newspaper even referred to Norwegians as primitive mountain monkeys before a game against us a few years ago. (Well, that last part was pretty funny

)

Anyway: iHALA ESPAÑA!

**Wilpen** · 06-14-2008, 11:05 AM

2nd half... what a sweet goal by Spain to win this thing, 2-1. Such a sweet little touch past the keeper. Awesome.

Spain looks strong to me. I think they could win it all if they keep playing like this.

Who are the 4 Liverpool players for Spain?

everwoodfan52 · 06-14-2008, 11:07 AM

This Sweden/Spain match is the only Euro match that I have actually been able to watch.(Since I'm not working today.)

Yes, that was definitely a penalty at the end of the first half.
Julie Foudy said that it looked like the Swedish player actually got whiplash from that knock in the head!

Many people find Julie Foudy's commentary annoying....I think she's funny.

Matty, your Spain pulled it out in the end. I was going to ask you if you felt loyalty to Sweden because it is a fellow Scandinavian Nation....but you answered my question!

Everwoodian Kopite · 06-14-2008, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilpen (View Post)

2nd half... what a sweet goal by Spain to win this thing, 2-1. Such a sweet little touch past the keeper. Awesome.

Spain looks strong to me. I think they could win it all if they keep playing like this.

Who are the 4 Liverpool players for Spain?

Spain might have a chance this year. They definately have the right players, but the question is if they will break down as usual when the knock-out stages begin.

The Liverpool players are Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and reserve goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

Quote:

Originally Posted by everwoodfan52 (View Post)

Matty, your Spain pulled it out in the end. I was going to ask you if you felt loyalty to Sweden because it is a fellow Scandinavian Nation....but you answered my question!

Yeah, right back at you stupid Swedes. Ha!

Loads of Norwegians support Sweden this summer, but I just can't. To me they are our rivals. I just don't like it when they do better than us. If that makes me petty, so be it

ETA: (I don't know what it means, but it has something to do with adding new things to a post. I think..?)

I watched Spain - Sweden over the internet on a British channel called ITV. I just wanted to show you their boss intro:
ITV Euro 2008 Intro

Gave me a few chills that one

everwoodfan52 · 06-14-2008, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Gave me a few chills that one

That was really beautiful! Very Passionate!

Speaking of passion.....I just spoke to my cousin 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.

ETA: (Yes, that means Edited To Add. I asked a few weeks ago.
I just found out what this: ^^^^^^^ meant!

Quote:

Yeah, right back at you stupid Swedes. Ha!

Loads of Norwegians support Sweden this summer, but I just can't. To me they are our rivals. I just don't like it when they do better than us. If that makes me petty, so be it

I don't blame you in the least. That's not petty. Even though Sweden is a neighbor.....they took your country's spot in the Championship. That is definitely grounds for resentment.

Mexico is our neighbor and if they qualified for the World Cup and we didn't.....I most definitely would not root for them!
Canada, on the other, I'd probably root for. They're so nice. lol

**Wilpen** · 06-14-2008, 03:27 PM

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

Yeah, I enjoy Julie Foudy's commentary. That whiplash comment had me rolling. LOL.

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.

Not that the US and Mexico has a long history of bad relations or anything. We just aren't very intimate. Not like how the US and Canada are. There's a sibling relationship between these two countries. Probably because we've always gotten along even when there is disagreements (usually politically in nature) it's always a respectful disagreement that goes on. The two countries have always been close and our cultures are very similar. So yeah, I think the intimacy between the two countries is certainly why I many Americans would say they pull for Canada in world wide competitions as well.

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.

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.

everwoodfan52 · 06-14-2008, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Not that the US and Mexico has a long history of bad relations or anything.

When it comes to soccer.....there's real bad blood between the 2 countries.........
And their fans have been known to throw many things at our players during matches- including bags of urine!

Watch.

YouTube - USA vs. Mexico