Greece Will Not Repeat

Greece played better and got a lot more shots, but unfortunately lost to Russia 0-1 on Saturday.  The loss means that Ellas will not advance out of their group and thus not repeat as European champions.  

Unlike in the loss to Sweden on Tuesday, the Greek squad probably out played Russia.  But the defending European champions gave up a terrible goal on a terrible and confusing play by veteran keeper Nicopolidis (whose nickname is George Clooney in Greece) to trail at half 0-1.

Greece came out in the second half much more aggressive and active but could not score. Late in the game Charisteas and my man Fani Gekas appeared to score, but Gekas was called off sides on a very dubious call.   Greece should have won one-nil, or should have at least gotten a point after a tie game.  But they didn't, so now they play Spain in a meaningless game on Tuesday.  Hopefully Greece will at least score - Evan's goal for the team - and hopefully win so they can salvage some self respect and go back home with at least some points.

I didn't expect Greece to repeat - no one in European football ever has - but advancing out of their group was a realistic goal.  Still, qualifying for back to back European championships - to say nothing of winning the championship in 2004 - is a major accomplishment for a small, 11 million person country like Greece.  The Hellenic football squad has only qualified for 4 international tournaments ever - the 1994 World Cup and the 1980, 2004, and 2008 Euros - so back to back tournaments is pretty big.

Now it's on to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.  Greece is in a pretty good, meaning winnable, group so hopefully will qualify.  My friend Niko, who just moved to the US from Crete a few months ago, reminded me over the weekend that the Greek squad is loaded with some good young talent.  That's the good news; the sad news is that Euro 2008 may be the end for some talented Greek veterans like Nicopolidis, Basinas, etc., players who did so much for Greek football and for Hellenism when they were crowned European champions in 2004.

With Greece out of the running, I am now on the Dutch bandwagon.  I picked Germany, now think Portugal will probably win it, and have Romania as my dark horse, but look for me in an orange shirt rooting for Netherlands from now on.

 

Speaking of Euro, does anyone look more European - or have more of a modern Continental aura - than Pau Gasol?  Every time I look at that guy I hear techno music and smell sweat and cigarettes.

More Random NBA Musings

Interesting to see how many Celtics stand up, shout and clap their hands, actively try to affect Lakers when they shoot in front of the Boston bench.  At best it's bad sportsmanship, and worst it's crass.

The Lakers are so soft.  Gasol, Odom and Radmanovic have been pushed around all series.  But at least Gasol has made some plays tonight, even some tough ones.

Carolina Off to Good Start in CWS

Carolina scored early and often to defeat a very good LSU nine today 8-4 to win their opening game in the College World Series.  Starter Alex White looked especially sharp.

The Tar Heels play Fresno State, who bombed Rice in the first round, on Tuesday.  Carolina is the overall number 2 seed.  Number one seed Miami lost on Saturday, as did overall 4 seed Florida State.   The two in-state and ACC rivals play in an elimination game on Monday.

So on Tuesday two Carolina and Hellenic blue squads will play.

Nats Update

The Nats swept the Mariners over the weekend in Seattle (including Sunday's win in front of Joe Pillow), their first sweep of the season.  The series was notable for some decent hitting, led by my man Ronnie Belliard and their only legit hitter this season, Jesus Flores.  Elijah Dukes and Cory Kasto also had key hits in the other Washington this weekend.  We hope to go to a Nats game next weekend when Washington hosts the Josh Hamilton and the Texas Rangers.