Continuing on with soccer-related (football for all you non-Americans) news, the Euro 2008 tournament is once again upon us. Ahh, its been 4 years since the Greeks last shocked the world, can an unknown team do it again?
Perhaps with the Turks upsetting the Cech Republic and then Croatia, in dramatic, double Overtime fashion. Sure, they have Germany in the Semi-finals next week, but don't count them out. Germany has a history of blowing it in the semi-finals, and their Goalie, Lehman, is as moody a German as they come, single handily costing himself the starting job at Arsenal this season, complaining about not being used properly. Wait, I thought Goalies were supposed to stand in the net, and make saves, unless I'm mistaken.
The Dutch were eliminated yesterday, because they came out flat against a supremely underrated Russian side. They thought they would rely on lobs into Van Nistlerooy, which usually works, but the Russians picked up on one thing: the Dutch have no defense. From whistle to whistle, they kept attacking, keeping Holland's attack isolated. When they scored the go-ahead goal in the second overtime, the Dutch clearly gave up, and simply stood there as Russia scored a third goal not one minute later.
Today is Italy v. Spain. Everyone has the Spaniards as heavy favorites, but don't be surprised if the defending World Cup champions come out and thoroughly beat the Spanish, who always choke in the semi-final round (more so than Germany). Of course, only France looked worse than Italy during the early stages of the tournament. Le Blu failed to win a single game, despite high hopes, according to the French media. That's OK, at least they were there, as England failed to qualify for the first time since...let's not go there.
Moving on to Club news. Ronaldo insists he wants to go to Real Madrid. This would be fine, since star Man U players Beckham and Van Nistlerooy both went there after their prime days at Old Trattford, except for one thing - Ronaldo signed a five year contract last year. Just because he comes out and scores 42 goals this season, he believes he can overlook that simple fact, and force a transfer. It doesn't help that he arrogantly states that he doesn't care about upsetting people, after Sir Alex comes out saying he's insulted.
This of course prompted Man U to not only report Real Madrid to Fifa, but also to declare that Ronaldo is not for sale, and that he will sit out his four years in the Reserves rather than be sold before his contract is up. Will this happen? Unlikely, which is why Ronaldo is pressing the issue. However Ronohldino sat out 1 year at Barca after complaining he wanted to leave (he was Finlay granted the green light this month to go). Expect not to see Ronaldo playing next year. Man U had previously said they would sell him for GBP 75 million, but Real Madrid has publicly said they will only give GBP 45 million, despite their claims they aren't pursuing the contracted out player.
Do I agree with Ronaldo? Well, he has been at Man U for five years, but has only had two great years. He did sign a 5 year contract, which is the one major issue. Sure, players, most recently Ronolhdino, have effected their release from long-term contracts by not playing, but that doesn't make it right. Ronaldo has consistently complained about the English style of play, which includes far more tackles and injuries than anywhere else, and he is the most fouled player in the EPL. In his eyes, after a season for the ages, and after luckily not being injured yet, now is the time to move. It is unlikely he can repeat such a season more than twice, and he will be injured eventually. No team will allow him to move down the field without tackling him. Its now or never. It's a tough call, but I don't think he's going anywhere soon.
Meanwhile, the Yankees continue to have injury problems. Someone should teach pitchers, especially pitchers like Wang, who never ran bases in their life, before inter-league games. Then maybe they won't step ON the base and tear their ankle tendons. Perhaps the annoying Baby Boss Hank should point some of the blame at his coaching staff before blaming the league.
Only the Red Sox are unluckier. Schilling is done for the year, and possibly his career, and now Timilin joins Ortiz on the DL. Dice K returned from the DL though, only to be shelled in his comeback. The only reason the Yankees haven't shut down for the season, is that the Red Sox keep losing key players.
As for the Mets, one word: Isaiah. Way to go Omar, you fired someone "eye to eye," as you said. At 3:00 in the morning, on the West Coast.
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