I just want to say I have never been so thankful for ESPN and ESPN2. You see, it's the World Cup, and although I am by no means an expert, I have been loving keeping track of as much as I can this summer. I remember being in Italy during the 2002 World Cup. Sadly, theAzzurri didn't do all that great, but it was just an awesome experience to be in the country during the World Cup. Needless to say, the entire nation shuts down. Ridiculously huge screens are set up in the piazzas and there are riots if they win and riots if they lose. I absolutely love it.
The game yesterday between Australia and Italy was big, and Italy pulled out the victory with Totti's pentalty kick. Let the Aussies be mad...Italy won and is moving on to face the Ukraine, and I believe, to move on again in their pursuit of ultimate victory. Here are my predictions for the final eight teams:
Germany and Argentina will be a good game, and I think Germany is going to pull out the victory in their homeland. As I mentioned, Italy will win over the Ukraine, hopefully grabbing and early lead. When Germany plays Italy, I of course think Italy will win, as long as tempers are controlled and all the players are playing as they should. That game is on July 4, and what I wouldn't do to be in Germany for this Independence Day.
On the other side of the bracket, I think England will take Portugal, but I'm saying it goes into overtime. Beckham will continue to be an athletic/pop icon and we'll all wonder how his sports center in California is going to turn out. As for Brazil and France, well, I'm saying Brazil. They are the returning champs and nicely defeated Ghana's valient efforts. I wanted Spain to win over France, but the Frenchmen proved tougher than expected. Brazil and England will meet and the I am going to predict England over Brazil, although I could easily be wrong with that prediction.
If all goes as planned (and I can pretty much guarantee it won't), Italy and England will meet for the final match in Berlin on July 9. The entire world will be watching as Italy claims the title. There will be madness in that country I love and I will weep with joy and open a riserve bottle of Chianti. I will then take my Italian flag off of the wall and hang it from the balcony, proclaiming my love and my devotion.
Dang, maybe I should work for ESPN. This is good stuff.
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About Me
- Stephen
- My name is Stephen, and I am currently pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology. My background is varied: I moved around as a child, went to Taylor University and Trinity International University for my schooling previous schooling, and have a deep passion for adolescents, families, wilderness therapy, and international travel. I'd like to do something that involves my passions for learning, counseling, traveling, and faith. I love to read, so you may find some book reviews here, as well as thoughts on Christianity and spirituality or a story from my life with my wife, Joy, and our dog, Colby Jack. Thanks for stopping by! (Please note that posts to this blog are the sole views and opinions of the authors, and in no way reflect the views of any institution to which the authors are currently or have previously been affiliated.)
3 comments:
Oh my! I never knew you to get this excited about any sports tournament! You used to either automatically pick the opposing team that Dad and the boys were rooting for or simply root for the underdog! But...your passion for everything from mangos to Italians is contagious! Love ya, Jess
Wow. This is pretty good stuff. I am impressed by your analysis.
P.S. I just fell down and rolled around on the ground for a good minute or two in honor of the Italians. Dear Lord, please let them lose.
Stevo,
It is truly exciting about the Word Cup--what an event! Last week, while we were still house-sitting and nannying two girls, we were flipping the channels on their tv late at night and the beginning of the live game of US verses Ghana was on--wow! That was a great experience watching that game even though the US lost.
Man, all four of those quarterfinal games will be great! I think I'll agree with you that Italy will slip past Ukraine, but I don't think they'll slip past the Germans in the semis. Regarding the France-Brazil game, you are right in that Brazil one it all in 2002. but, I believe France won it all in 1998, against Brazil (this was when I was at National Quizzing for my last year).
My prediction: England, France, Germany, and Italy in Final Four (all Western Europe powers!) France and Germany meet in the Finals (that could get ugly, like one of the World Wars!) and Germany pulls out the W on their home turf (like France did in 1998).
We'll see what happens!
Nate
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