Halfway Home

We’re two soccer games down and have made the final turn at the US Open.  So far, so good for anyone who has been following along with me.  First, we had the Elimination match in Group A of the Euros.  I had the Czechs winning 2-1 and that prediction looked great until about 3 minutes left in the game when the Turkish captain, Nihat, decided to take over the scoresheet.  He capitalized on a terrible error by goalie Petr Cech and then finished off a beautiful through ball in stoppage time, stunning the Czechs 3-2.

Then it was USA’s turn in their first qualification match for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.  I said they’d score 4 or more goals and they put in 8.  There was never any doubt after Clint Dempsey scored 53 seconds into the match.  The two teams will play again next Sunday and the USA will have to keep Barbados from scoring 8 goals in order to move on.  I think we’ll be alright.

Now Tiger is on the 13th hole at Torrey Pines with a one shot lead over Rocco Mediate.  Tiger and Lee Westwood just put back to back shots into oblivion.  This is Mediate’s chance to take the lead and become the oldest US Open Champion in history.  My money is still on Tiger.  Bum leg or not, he’s just incredible.  Woods just decided to take a drop while Westwood had decided to go search for his ball.  This finish is going to be something.

Quite a day ahead of us

Sunday around my house are reserved for watching sports…much like every other day, I just feel like things get started earlier so it takes up all day. Today, there are so many sporting events, I’m not sure I’ll be able to watch everything I want to.

Right now, Turkey and the Czech Republic are 14 minutes deep in an elimination contest in the European Championship. If they tie, it goes into a shootout, which is always fun…unless you’re emotionally involved somehow.  I’m taking the Czechs 2-1 in this one.

Then at 3:30, Tiger Woods tries to keep his lead after his Kirk Gibson-like performance on yesterday’s back nine. I’m just convinced that he’s no longer human.

At 4, USA takes on Barbados in the first of a home and home series in the first round World Cup Qualifying. If you don’t like soccer because they don’t score enough, tune into this game. USA should put in at least 4 and could get more if they play like they can.

Then at 7:30, the Celtics try to close out the Lakers in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. I probably won’t watch any of this since the Braves are on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, but maybe Weller will be home for that.

So call your Dad, grab the remote and enjoy the day. If you’re watching from Missouri like me, it’s raining anyway so stay inside.