Anyway, today Greece has to defeat Russia if they want to advance out of the group stage. Their best scenario is to beat Russia and tie Spain for a 1-1-1 record and 4 points. That's how they advanced in 2004, when coincidentally they tied Spain but lost to Russia (after upsetting Portugal in their first match).
For those in town I will watch that game at Yanni's in Cleveland Park with Evan and Niko from my MeetUp group. Call my cell if you want to join us.
Interesting day of football yesterday, as Netherlands dismantled France and Romania tied World Cup holders Italy. I picked Romania as my dark horse and also predicted France would not advance.
NBA FINALS
Looks like I should stick to football since I was wrong - again - in my NBA predictions. Remember, I picked the Zards over the Cavs and Celtics. Instead of the Lakers in six it looks like the C's in 5.
What a terrible loss by the Lakers. Once again I fell asleep on the couch in the third quarter, and felt like Rip Van Winkle when I awoke to hear it was a two-point game heading into the fourth quarter.
You have to give Doc Rivers credit, an ex-Hawk who I liked as a player when my sports team fandom was exclusively NC and FL driven and Atlanta-centric. Not only did he keep his team focused in the first half, throughout the series and season he has used his bench wisely. How clutch has James Posey been? He's the kind of player you need to win a championship - a clutch performer who comes off the bench confident and willing to take on responsibility. He obviously reminds me of Robert Horry, who has built a crazily-successful career around such a skill set.
Carolina back in the College World Series
The Tar Heels are in Omaha for their third College World Series in a row, something hard to do. The Heels have a difficult opening game on Sunday against LSU, who has won 25 of their last 26 games. Nonetheless, brother and Baseball America editor John Manuel, who is in Nebraska for the weekend, picks our alma mater to finally win the national championship.
As some of you know, the Heels lost in the finals of the CWS the last two seasons to Oregon State, primarily because they could not field simple plays like bunts or run the bases. Let's hope they've ironed out those problems and win Carolina's first ever baseball National Championship.
Random Carolina and Hellenic Notes
- So I testified in Congress this week (though all you C-Span 3 viewers already know that) on the Future of Oil. and am proud to note that I mentioned being Greek American and quoted Homer Simpson in both my written and oral testimony. Next time I'll be sure to complete the trifecta by mentioning Dean Smith or Michael Jordan.
- Not only is it a big sports weekend, it's a weekend to celebrate the two most overlooked holidays on the calendar - Happy Flag Day to all the Father's out there!
6 comments:
Don't leave us hanging - what was the Homer quote?
'Stupidity got us into this mess, and stupidity will get us out of it." I used it to highlight that some members of Congress think the problem - more drilling - is the solution to high gas prices. Washington state's Jay Inslee in particular thought that was funny.
Thanks for reading and for posting Ellen.
You can bet Jay Inslee's going to be using that one up and down the Puget Sound when he's campaigning. I'll let you know if it sees the light of print (or pixel).
so much for Gekas being a hot tip. sorry about the performance today-you'll always have 2004.
You got that right Luke. At least Greece attacked some this game. But what a terrible loss due to a odd and bad play by Greece's veteran goalie. And I still don't understand that off side call late. That game should be at least 0-0.
Joe - Not to brag, but Jay Inslee guffawed at the Simpson quote.
Post a Comment