Canada: Better than US in Ice Hockey AND BASEBALL
The 8-6 defeat Canada inflicted on the US in the inaugral World Baseball Classic surprised many. A group of minor leaguers defeated MLB stars. Quite a shock for the US.
The World Baseball Classic is the first international tournament whete MLB players are taking part. 16 countries are divided into groups of 4 each. Even the Nippon Professional Baseball league players are taking part.
The US needs a victory over South Africa now to still have control over its destiny. Else they would hope for Mexico to lose one of its games. Now would US really want to depend upon junior Mexico?
When the Soviet Union defeated the US in basketball (with Arvidas Sabonis playing the key role) albeit under tremendous controversy, there were shockwaves. Basketball has become a much more global game since then. The draft last year had Andrew Bogut, an Australian as number 1 pick for the first time. The World Baseball Classic will certainly help in the improvement of baseball in the countries which are participating. In time it can develop as the real world cup of baseball.
Tags: Baseball.
March 23rd, 2006 at 6:38 pm
I think over-confidenced played a part. They (Americans) perhaps didn’t take the game seriously as they think themselves as the sole inventor and champion of baseball.
If Americans think anything seriously (especially sports), they would become very good in it. Just think of football (soccer) - they were nowhere (they could not be even considered under-under-under dogs). Then, in the last men’s world cup, they reached the semi-final or quarter final (if my memory speaks correctly).
March 23rd, 2006 at 6:38 pm
Americans do have a strong sporting culture. I love the way their structure leagues, go about the sports they are serious about.
They wont ever be good in football I hope. Any nation which calls it soccer shouldnt. ;)
March 23rd, 2006 at 6:39 pm
Oi, their men team’s reach the semifinal in the last world cup. So, don’t say that they can’t be good in football (or rather soccer) ;) . And, I think the women’s team won their worldcup. Ha!ha! so don’t write them down so easily :)