The World Cup runneth over

It’s more of a trophy, but the world calls it the World Cup of Football, aka soccer. For Americans, it is more of a fad than an obsession, as we flock to watch parties, wear the jerseys and act like we know what is going on. Many could not name five players on the U.S. team, let alone locate the other teams’ countries on a map, and yet it is all about the World Cup. 

The U.S. team has already exceeded the expectations of many after one game. They not only scored in this tournament, but they scored twice. That is a statement in its own right, which tells you what this sport is all about. To make matters better, Team USA even won a game over Ghana in their first game. Should we stop now, pack up and come back home?

I know the rest of the world thinks this is the major event in world sports, but speaking as the ugly American here, it just does not stack up to what we have in the U.S. Spare me the banter that this is the best sport going and all of a sudden you are hip if you are about the World Cup. Find some team countries on the map and give up some roster names, other than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

How can you be in on a sport where there is little scoring, lots of injury-faking and a game clock where you can arbitrarily add on time when needed? Soccer is big around the world because it does not cost a lot to play – plain and simple. Soccer works because it’s good for kids – they actually have to run and get some exercise. Ever seen a fat soccer player in the World Cup? 

While I am a casual fan of the sport and interested in the World Cup, their governing body reminds me of the NCAA in how flawed and ethically challenged they can be. There are billions at stake here, and that is when you have shenanigans take place. 

The latest is how the country of Qatar landed a World Cup tournament. When they play the tournament there in a few years, the average temperature will be a tad over 100 degrees. Great idea to go out for a run, I would say. A few million under the table can help the cause, for sure. 

I will still find a way to enjoy the World Cup without faking as if it’s the greatest sports event of the year. Try post-season sports of the big four leagues in this country, and you will get more honest game, for sure – and the Stanley Cup is still the hardest trophy to win in team sports anywhere on this planet. 

If you want to get onboard, the U.S. will be in action against Portugal on Sunday at 4 p.m. It should be more than interesting, as Portugal got clobbered by Germany earlier this week. Perhaps another winnable game for the United States?

Pro play in the smack talk era

Now that the last dribble has been taken for the  NBA and the ice has melted for the National Hockey League, the leagues and their fans have to be happy about how their games were represented in the post-season. 

In the era of smack talk and “hey, look at me,” it was comforting to see pro athletes be pro athletes. Even when the media tried to make Tim Duncan‘s desire to advance last year’s loss, no one took the bait.  The focus was winning, and that is what we are here for. 

Both Miami and San Antonio played and acted like champions on and off the court. Each gave the other their respect and proceeded to beat the other with the professional intent leading up to when the final horn sounded. Legitimate congratulatory messages were conveyed as the season ended, and then it was on to who was coming back next year.

For the Spurs, it will be hard to say this is it, as they do the fundamentals of the game unlike any team we have seen in some time. While they are smart, are they smart enough to know when is enough? There is no feeling like winning your last game, and that is where Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili stand. To win again will be greatest challenge these players will ever face.

As for Miami, they have so many issues to deal with that to predict their future would be ludicrous at this time, as they have no idea who will be coming back and for what price these players will play. Memo to the Heat: Let Carmelo Anthony find work elsewhere. He cannot help you do anything other than get your coach fired.

In the NHL, when you speak fundamentals, you should always think of the Los Angeles Kings. Seldom has a team relied on their system and fundamentals more than the Kings did during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They are in a position to do it again next year, which is not good news for the St. Louis Blues. The Kings have it all, from goaltending, to skill, youth and toughness. If they can stay away from key injuries, they could find themselves back-to-back champions. 

These two leagues are in good shape when it comes to the future. Their marketing programs have given them deserved exposure. They cross all boundaries ethnically and socially. The TV numbers do not lie when it comes to the NBA, as they are strong world-wide. The NHL is getting there, as they had better numbers this weekend than U.S. Open Golf. 

Speaking of low TV numbers and golf, anyone miss Tiger Woods yet?

R.I.P., Tony Gwynn

It was a delight when the San Diego Padres would come to St. Louis and Tony Gwynn would be with them. Gwynn was one of the greatest hitters to play in our generation, but his real greatness existed off the field. Almost always approachable, Gwynn was always good to talk to, whether it was about hitting or basketball. A hit master for sure, Gwynn kept it simple: see the ball, and hit it hard.  He was a man with few detractors. Pitchers thought it was almost an honor to be on that long list of pitchers he cashed in.

His death this week was a result of cancer caused, he claimed, by using chewing tobacco. Sad but true, and yet players still use it. While it is banned in the minor leagues, it is amazing how many guys in the big leagues still find a way to put a pinch between their cheek and gum, as the slogan used to say.

Tony Gwynn was a great person who happened to be a very good baseball player. What he brought to the ballpark every day is hard to duplicate. He will be missed for what he was able to give the fans  of the game and for what he was able to give back to the game.