Now isn’t that sweeet!!
Archive for June, 2006
Football Commercials #18: Sweetness
Friday, June 16th, 2006Spain Comes to the Party
Thursday, June 15th, 2006
Spain vs Ukraine 4-0
Shevchenko played. Still, perennial under performers Spain proved too good for Ukraine. Ukraine did have possession but lacked in imagination and creating chances – inventive football. Spain on the other hand, made the best out of opportunities they got. Ukraine is still easily placed with S.Arabia and Tunisia drawing their game. They will need to score some goals though!
A very exciting match with a thriller of a finish. Both teams were closely matched up – which again reiterates the growing resonance – the gap between teams keeps getting smaller. The match saw adrenaline enthused performances from both sides – charecterised by the two late goals. Saudi Arabians would be disappointed with the result, not only because Tunisia managed to equalise. Can one of these teams up the level against the bigger teams in the group, Spain and Ukraine? We will see.
Decalink #14
Thursday, June 15th, 2006
• Nirav goes bungee jumping! Read about it here.
• The basketball jones is podcasting after each game of the NBA finals. Hear the thoughts after game 3 and ahead of game 4.
• Eurosport: Bulgarians back Sofia bid.
• BBC: Golf is the word.
• Cricketing View: Windies draw versus India.
• Watch every goal this world cup here. [Thanks Nirav]
• Mickelson walking into Tiger’s world.
• Dumbest thing ICC have ever done.
• CNNSI: Castaignede regains fly-half spot.
A Disappointing Day
Wednesday, June 14th, 2006
Till Abolo was sent off in the 53rd minute, Togo competed well versus South Korea. They had even scored one courtesy Mohammed Kader in the first half. It looked like Togo might sneak a famous victory. Then, there was the red card. Moments later, South Korea equalled via Chun-Soo Lee. From there, South Korea dominated. Togo looked tired and slow in the second half regardless of the 10 men factor. The South Koreans weren’t impressive in the match though. There were many shots way off target and the team could very well struggle against Switzerland.
Switzerland vs France 0-0
The goal jinx for France continues. They had several chances but failed to score. Even Switzerland had chances and they could have easily won with a little luck. For France, the big question is – are they missing Cisse? I failed to understand why Giully should not be in the French squad having seen him closely over the last two years. France shouldn’t have problems qualifying for round 2 but you never know!
Visitors #4: NHL Season Review
Wednesday, June 14th, 2006
In Visitors, I invite one person each week to share perspectives on a sport, a sporting event, sporting aspects or any thing in between. This week, Warren Kelly a huge ice hockey and NHL fan, joins us to give his thoughts on the NHL season behind us. If you would like to contribute for a future edition of Visitors, do not hesitate to e-mail me.
The Season That Almost Wasn’t
By Warren Kelly
A year ago, nobody was really quite sure if there was going to be an NHL season this year at all. Debate and argument from both sides of a bitter labor dispute threatened the sport – the only professional sport I’ve really enjoyed watching in about five years.
But when the puck dropped on the 2005-2006 NHL season, it dropped on a sport that had changed dramatically. There were rules changes that were designed to increase scoring. Sudden Death rules were eliminated – ties would once more be decided by shootout. A lot of people wondered how the fans would react. I wasn’t sure I would like the changes. I am a goalie fan, so I wasn’t thrilled with the new rules limiting goalies – I really didn’t care about high scoring games. I enjoy watching skilled net minders taking care of business, and I was skeptical.
The NHL did suffer for the elimination of the ‘04-05 season – ESPN dropped them like the proverbial hot potato. Even when the league picked up a cable contract, it was with the Outdoor Life Network (who?), which most hockey fans (myself included) had no access to. Thousands of fans throughout the US found themselves limited to watching the local teams, which was great for fans in Detroit, not so much for fans in Ohio, or Georgia, or anyone who followed a team other than the local favorite. I’m a Washington Capitols fan from years back, and being stuck watching only the Columbus Blue Jackets each week hurt. But at least it was hockey, and it was fun to watch.
Dont forget the Czech
Tuesday, June 13th, 2006
A few people asked me why I had not reviewed day 3 to my surprise. So, despite time contraints, I will try to review as many days of the World Cup as I can from now on even though the posts might be a bit delayed.
With Croatia and Brazil the other two teams in the group, the team which lost this match could say the world cup good bye. So when Japan scored that goal, which most Aussie supporters won’t even call a goal (as it wasn’t), Australians were enraged. It has taken many years for the Socceroos to qualify and it would have been a shame if they went out this way. So, I felt delighted when Australia pulled back the game with three quick goals in eight minutes. The game saw short passes and plenty of opportunities for both teams. It was quite hot but I wasn’t impressed be either team to be honest. The Australian date with destiny in the match versus Croatia is set though.
When asked who will win the world cup, most people would say Brazil including me. Some would opt for Argentina, Holland, France or even Italy. How many people will give Czech Republic a chance? Despite the FIFA rankings being a joke (proven by the thrashing USA got), you have to stand up at take notice of the Czech Republic. They have a solid mid field and excellent attacking options. Apart from Nedved, they now have the young star – Rosicky!
Sports Quiz #2: The Football Edition
Tuesday, June 13th, 2006The Quiz – The Sports Quiz features once every two weeks. Results will be announced in 10 days, next Friday.Please e-mail me the answers at pratyushkhaitan@gmail.com Comments are disabled in the quiz posts to avoid some one leaving the answers here.
The Prizes – The top 3 finishers living in India (or having an Indian address) will get prizes sponsored by Black Panther. The prizes are as follows:
First : Trackpant + Gym Bag + Pair of Socks = Rs. 800/-
Second : Tshirt + Pair of Socks = Rs. 500/-
Third : Pair of Socks + Wristband + Sipper bottle = Rs. 300/-
Don’t get discouraged to send in the answers if you aren’t based in India or do not know most answers as the real joy is in the quizzing itself!
This edition sees a football special with some real toughies. Let’s see if any one gets even 5 answers right!
1) How long was Alan Shearer’s longest stint in international football without a goal (in terms of matches)?
2) Connect Scunthorpe United and the English cricket team.
3) What is common to Jimmy Baxter, George Best and David Ginola?
4) 
What is common to the player seen above in the picture and Jose Antonio Reyes?
Unbeatable Nadal
Monday, June 12th, 2006
While Mexico won a crucial game 3-1 versus Iran which should take them to round 2 on Day 3 of the WC, I will take a moment to focus on Nadal and his French triumph. Nadal has dominated like few have in tennis history this clay court season. Indeed, it can be seen as he has notched up the consecutive victories on clay record while remaining unbeaten through the season. Despite Nadal being the favourite to win the match versus Federer, a lot of people, including me backed Federer to win the the tournament. Perhaps there was a feeling that Federer would have the last laugh. After all, Federer does know a trick or two about tennis!
It looked like Federer could for a few moments as Federer took the first set 6-1. That would be all though, as Nadal claimed the French Open for the second consecutive time. No one will grudge Nadal as it would be a pity from the Nadal viewpoint if after such a fabulous season, he would have failed to win what really mattered. For Federer, it is his bad luck that he lives in the era of Nadal. Similarly, he is lucky he doesn’t live in the era of Sampras. Also, earlier eras have season superb clay court players as well – Muster and Kuerten most notably from the recent past. A champion has to stride over adversity and opponents and Federer knows that.
What will be interesting now – can Nadal up his game on other surfaces? The test will come as the grass court season starts. The tennis focus shifts to Wimbledon now. Don’t know how many of you will care though in the world cup madness!
Decalink #13
Monday, June 12th, 2006
The world cup is not the only sport happening. I won’t blame you if you have failed to notice though!
• Complete Sports: Mavs 2-0 up.
• Cricket: Hunch Captaincy and Problem of Class.
• Great Bong: Project World Cup.
• JABS: On WC Day 3.
• F1 Jam: In a league of their own.
• Chess: Topalov, Anand to meet in final.
• BBC: WC quotes of the week.
• Track and Field: Powell equals 100 M WR.
• Sweaty Men: More links!
Is there any thing you would like featured in the Thursday Decalink? Mail me then.
Football Commercials #17: So What is Kahn Doing Nowadays?
Sunday, June 11th, 2006With Jens Lehmann goal keeping for Germany, Kahn is getting fat sitting on the bench. You can see why.
