How Phil Mickelson Tried To Beat Me, And Lost; And Further World Cup Excitement

My two year anniversary with Marina is June 20th, and I had a great plan in mind, a two night stay at the Dream Inn, right on the beach in Santa Cruz, a short walk to the pier and the Boardwalk, cocktails on the balcony at night while listening to the waves roll in.

It turns out, though, that Phil Mickelson had other ideas in mind. Or, rather, the entire golf paradigm had other plans in mind. Because the US Open golf tournament is being staged that weekend in Monterey, and because the Dream Inn expects a heavy overflow crowd, a three night minimum stay was required.

That's one more reason why I have no respect for golf as a sport. I have no problem with golf as a game, especially on the Wii, but until they remove their centerpiece event, the Masters, from a club that still bans women, then I have no respect for the PGA and golf in general as an organized sport.

I did, however, find a cottage for rent in Santa Cruz for that weekend, so golf has failed on a epic scale in trying to best me.

****

Soccer notes that could destabilize the safety of my predictions as a form book:

I know you all are reading my posts and taking those predictions straight to Vegas to wager heavily. Here are some possible reasons why you shouldn't have been so impulsive:

Michael Essien, Ghana. The Chelsea star is set to miss the entire World Cup with a leg injury. Losing their engine could greatly diminish Ghana's ability to succeed as wildly as I predicted.

Samuel Eto'o, Cameroon. Bizarrely, Roger Milla, Cameroon's hero from their madcap 1990 dash to the quarterfinals in Italy, has been harshly criticizing Eto'o, saying he has done pretty much nothing worth mentioning for Cameroon. This seems kind of crazy to say in regards to a two-time Champions League winner and three-time African Player Of The Year. Eto'o was none too pleased, talking about quitting the international scene, saying he doesn't need this sort of treatment. This is probably just talk, but any extra pressure, or if he is unhappy, will surely be to the detriment of Cameroon's attack.

US Notes

Landon Donovan is playing as well as I've ever seen him. The US game versus Turkey was kind of bipolar, the first half being a disorganized mess, especially on defense, and the second half an example of the potential the US has to run rampant with quick passing and athleticism. Donovan, however, was strong and threatening throughout, and it was his brilliant touches that created both goals. We will have to make sure that when other countries gear to stop Landon, others step up to punish them for doing so.

FINAL DAY OF THE GROUP STAGES

DAY 15, JUNE 25TH, 2010

GROUP G

NORTH KOREA VERSUS IVORY COAST

China is not willing to blame North Korea in the recent torpedo episode, even after North Korea took responsibility/credit for it and threatened war if they were punished for it. Bad karma for both countries, and with China already not in the World Cup, North Korea racks up enough for both teams in losing 2-0 to the Ivory Coast, bowing out of the Cup meekly.


BRAZIL VERSUS PORTUGAL

Cristiano Ronald is amazing to watch, but I kind of love watching him get frustrated and pouty. Brazil shows Portugal why they won't win the World Cup this year either, 3-1. Ronaldo gets at least one yellow card for dissent.


GROUP H

CHILE VERSUS SPAIN

I really can't wait to watch this game, as many experts are touting this game as potentially one of the most entertaining of the group stages, with both teams playing a fluid, attacking style.

Still, Spain will be too much for Chile, winning comfortably enough, 3-1.

SWITZERLAND VERSUS HONDURAS

In something of a ho-hum match, Honduras pulls a surprise in winning 1-0 by stealing a late goal.

STANDINGS

GROUP G


BRAZIL 3 WINS 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 9 POINTS

IVORY COAST 2 WINS 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 6 POINTS

PORTUGAL 1 WIN 2 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

NORTH KOREA 0 WINS 3 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS


GROUP H

SPAIN 3 WINS 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 9 POINTS


CHILE 2 WINS 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 6 POINTS

HONDURAS 1 WINS 2 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

SWITZERLAND 0 WINS 3 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS

A Letter To The San Francisco Giants, And Soccer Picks

Dear San Francisco Giants,

When you play the Washington Nationals tonight, please start hitting. Or at least scoring runs by any means possible, including getting hit by pitches.

Thanks,

Me.

****

Back to South Africa. Doesn't that sound like it should be a play by some hip playwright?

DAY 14, JUNE 24TH 2010 (HAPPY 24TH BIRTHDAY TO ROSELYN HALLETT!)

GROUP E

CAMEROON VERSUS HOLLAND

I would love to pick an upset here. Really I would, because that would be a great story. Cameroon has a history of pulling upsets, since way back in 1990 in Italy. But I don't think they have the depth to stop Holland.

Holland, but not by as much as you might think. 1-0.

DENMARK VERSUS JAPAN

Danishes versus sushi? That's a tough call. But Japan is a whaling nation, which limits my sympathy for them, even if I didn't think Denmark a better team. Denmark gets the solid 2-0 win.

GROUP F

SLOVAKIA VERSUS ITALY

I wouldn't mind seeing the Slovaks pull off an upset here, despite my Italian roots.

So to heck with it. Slovakia plays a tight match and steals a late winner against the run of play to shock everyone. Except for me, obviously, because I remember that there is always a shock or two in the group stage.

Slovakia 2-1.

PARAGUAY VERSUS NEW ZEALAND

Since the upset of the day just happened, have to follow my head and predict Paraguay to get a 2-1 victory. New Zealand just isn't strong enough against such a well-organized South American side.

STANDINGS, FINAL

GROUP E

HOLLAND 3 WINS 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 9 POINTS

DENMARK 2 WINS 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 6 POINTS

CAMEROON 1 WIN 2 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

JAPAN 0 WINS 3 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS



GROUP F


PARAGUAY 2 WINS 0 LOSSES 1 DRAW 7 POINTS

SLOVAKIA 2 WINS 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 6 POINTS

ITALY 1 WIN 1 LOSS 1 DRAW 4 POINT

NEW ZEALAND 0 WINS 3 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS

One By One, They Start To Fall

So, the injury report, the first pieces of evidence as to why I was foolish to start picking World Cup results so far out.

* Wayne Rooney may not be at full strength, having suffered and then exacerbating a groin injury, which sounds infinitely worse to a male than it could possibly be, and that's saying a lot, because it is pretty bad, medically. Without him, England's attack will definitely lose a bit of its cutting edge.

* Charlie Davies did not recover in time, not to the satisfaction of the medical staff at Sochaux--his French professional team--and Bob Bradley, which leaves the US with a dilemma at striker. Who do you pair with Jozy Altidore? I have to say I like the idea of pushing Clint Dempsey up front; he tends to get too clever in the midfield and gives the ball away in dangerous spots, but he has a knack for finishing. This would let Bradley bring Brian Ching, Edson Buddle, or Herculez Gomez off the bench for attacking reinforcements. I like a midfield of Landon Donovan, Ricardo Clark, Michael Bradley, and maybe Benny Feilhaber, although he may be better coming off the bench, and that may not provide a second strong wing option other than Landon.

* Michael Ballack. This might be the most significant in terms of a loss for his team, and I'm not just saying that because his agent is talking about taking legal action against Kevin-Prince Boateng, the player who injured him in Chelsea's FA Cup Final against Portsmouth. Maybe the agent got confused because of Ballack's eerie resemblance to Matt Damon, and figured that Boateng--who plays for Ghana, one of Germany's group rivals, instead of Germany, the country of his birth--was part of a conspiracy against his client such as what Jason Bourne might deal with. One more reason to root against Germany, because that's just ridiculous.

DAY 13, JUNE 23RD, 2010

GROUP C

ENGLAND VERSUS SLOVENIA

I could see Slovenia pulling an upset here. But I don't. England wins 2-1 to secure the group.


UNITED STATES VERSUS ALGERIA

The United States might not win the whole thing, and we might not be among the very best in the world. Yet. But we have developed as a team enough to win this game to advance. 2-1.

GROUP D

GHANA VERSUS GERMANY

Look at that. You would think I planned that, wouldn't you? An added twist: Kevin Prince-Boateng could play against his brother Jerome who is in the German national team.

Remember that upset I didn't predict for Slovenia? Well, I'm picking it for Ghana. 2-1 in the final moments, Ghana scrambling in a dramatic winner.

AUSTRALIA VERSUS SERBIA

Australia is going to step up to make things interesting, forcing a 2-2 draw.

And now the final standings after the group games for groups C and D:

GROUP C

ENGLAND 3 WINS 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 9 POINTS

UNITED STATES 2 WINS 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 6 POINTS

SLOVENIA 1 WIN 2 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

ALGERIA 0 WINS 3 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS



GROUP D

GHANA 3 WINS 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 9 POINTS

GERMANY 1 WIN 1 LOSS 1 DRAW 4 POINTS

SERBIA 0 WINS 1 LOSS 2 DRAWS 2 POINTS

AUSTRALIA 0 WINS 2 LOSS 1 DRAW 1 POINTS

The World Waits(But Not For Ronaldinho)

It seems a bit presumptuous for the head of South Africa's World Cup organization, Danny Jordaan, to criticize the team selection for any other country, doesn't it? But here he is, complaining that Dunga should have selected Ronaldinho for Brazil's squad.

I can understand why Jordaan would want Ronaldinho there; he wants the World Cup to make as much money as possible, and Ronaldinho has a more recognizable and thus more marketable name than, say, Luis Fabiano.

But Dunga, on the other hand, probably doesn't give a damn about making Danny Jordaan happy. He probably wants to win, and he feels Ronaldinho does not give Brazil the best chance to win at this point.

Is it possible that coaches sometimes allow bias to influence their decisions on team selection? Probably, but I don't think that is the case here. It is generally acknowledged that Ronaldinho has not been the same player as he once was. Brazil has the depth to not miss him, regardless of how that might affect the revenue that benefits South Africa.

DAY 12, JUNE 22, 2010

GROUP A

MEXICO VERSUS URUGUAY

Mexico will be confident with two wins in their first two games. Uruguay will be fighting hard for points, so it should be a good match. I think Mexico will be better overall, but I don't see them winning all three matches.

1-1 draw.

FRANCE VERSUS SOUTH AFRICA

France's frustrations will find an outlet, as the hosts are overrun, 3-1.

GROUP B

NIGERIA VERSUS SOUTH KOREA

I don't see a whole lot to choose between these two teams. South Korea is gaining in experience, and may be a bit underrated. Nigeria has always been a bit of an anti-climax. In all, a 2-2 draw seems the right pick here.

GREECE VERSUS ARGENTINA

Argentina will take their foot off the gas here, so I predict only a 2-0 victory.


So, here are the final standings for groups A and B after all three group games.

GROUP A

MEXICO 2 WINS 0 LOSSES 1 DRAW 7 POINTS

FRANCE 1 WIN 1 LOSS 1 DRAW 4 POINTS

URUGUAY 0 WINS 0 LOSSES 3 DRAWS 3 POINTS

SOUTH AFRICA 0 WINS 2 LOSSES 1 DRAWS 1 POINT

GROUP B

ARGENTINA 3 WINS 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 9 POINTS

NIGERIA 1 WINS 1 LOSS 1 DRAWS 4 POINTS

SOUTH KOREA 1 WIN 1 LOSSES 1 DRAWS 4 POINTS


GREECE 0 WINS 3 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS

Nigeria goes through on goal differential against South Korea.

Final Whistle

Today marked the end of the Premiership season, the end of Newcastle United's exile from the top flight, and the end of Manchester United's three year reign. As we transition into World Cup season by way of the Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan on May 22nd, here are a couple of my final thoughts regarding this season.

* Chelsea loved this one. They clinched the title this year with an 8-0 drubbing over 10-man Wigan. That is about as emphatic a title-deciding victory as you can get. But they will have a lingering bitter aftertaste from once again failing in the Champions League. Rumors have them pursuing Fernando Torres of Liverpool in the off-season, but I don't think they really need him. Still, a strike force of Drogba, Anelka, Torres and Kalou would be intimidating.

* What a weird season for Burnley. Their first season in the top flight in many years ended with instant relegation, but they opened the season with big wins over Manchester United and Everton, and today they beat Tottenham 4-2, Tottenham having just clinched the final spot in next season's Champions League. Definitely gave their fans some value for money.

* A disappointing season for Liverpool ended with a whimper, a 0-0 draw with relegated Hull City. For so many seasons, Liverpool have seemed to be on the verge of overhauling Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, and they won the Champions League 5 years ago. But the last couple of years, they have slipped back a bit, and now they have big debts and reported a loss in their financial report on the season, and have fallen out of Champions League qualification, which aside from the loss of prestige carries with it a loss of revenue.

* Arsenal had some injury issues this year, but I think they need to spend over the summer, bring in some reinforcements to keep up with Chelsea and Manchester United to avoid risking the fate that befell Liverpool. Arsene Wenger had some temperamental moments at the end of the season that seemed to crack his image of the cool and dignified counterpart to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

With that, on to more World Cup picks!

DAY 10, JUNE 20TH, 2010

GROUP F

SLOVAKIA VERSUS PARAGUAY

Slovakia could well be underrated, considered something of an unknown team but with unquestionable talent. Paraguay, of course, has much more experience, but may be lacking in finishing options after the horrific shooting of the star striker Salvador Cabanas in Mexico City in January.

But assuming that my first game predictions were correct, Paraguay will be confident following a draw with Italy, and will pick up all three points in a 2-1 victory.

ITALY VERSUS NEW ZEALAND

After drawing with Paraguay in the opening match, Italy will be well aware of a firestorm of criticism in the Italian media, full of doomsayers calling for Lippi's head. Andrea Pirlo will play well, and Giuseppe Rossi will take another step into the limelight with two well-taken goals over sacrificial lamb New Zealand in a 2-0 Italian victory.

GROUP G

BRAZIL VERSUS IVORY COAST

This should be one of the most intriguing matches. Two strong teams in what many call the Group of Death. Ivory Coast will be looking to make some noise, and they have the talent to do so, with Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, and Kolo Toure leading the line. But Dunga has produced a Brazilian team that combines the expected flair with solid organization. I could/would love to see Ivory Coast pull off the upset, but I think that I have to pick Brazil to win a high-scoring match, 3-2.

THIS IS BONUS DAY, WITH ANOTHER DAY'S WORTH OF PICKS IN ORDER TO ALIGN WITH THE STANDINGS.

DAY 11, JUNE 21ST, 2010

GROUP G

PORTUGAL VERSUS NORTH KOREA

I would love to see the upset here, but let's be serious. You don't really need me to make a prediction on this one. But I'm going to inflict a prediction on you anyway.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been in imperious form in La Liga lately; I've seen Real Madrid a couple times in the last month, and he is capable of such sublime moments that you can understand, kind of, why Real Madrid paid 80 million pounds for him. I see no reason why he couldn't be similarly dominant in the World Cup, and while he can sometimes get in trouble with a me-first attitude, North Korea won't be able to punish him for any such solipsisms, and it will require stout defense and organization on their part to keep it close. Portugal 3-0.

GROUP H

CHILE VERSUS SWITZERLAND

The battle for second place in the group. I think Chile will be just too strong for Switzerland, who lack the attacking flair to break down the South Americans. 2-1 to Chile.

SPAIN VERSUS HONDURAS

Honduras will be willing, but Spain's sheer dominance will tell the story. 3-1 to the Europeans.

STANDINGS

GROUP G


BRAZIL 2 WINS 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 6 POINTS

PORTUGAL 1 WIN 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

IVORY COAST 1 WIN 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

NORTH KOREA 0 WINS 2 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS


GROUP H

SPAIN 2 WINS 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 6 POINTS

CHILE 2 WINS 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 6 POINTS

HONDURAS 0 WINS 2 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS

SWITZERLAND 0 WINS 2 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS

South Africa Drops The Ball

How's this bit of news for reassuring those in the media who are concerned about South Africa's infrastructure in terms of hosting a successful and safe World Cup?

The head of South Africa's police is actively wishing for the US to be eliminated in the first round so he doesn't have to deal with the security challenges of protecting President Obama, should the President attend the tournament.

First of all, boo. This offends me as a fan of USA soccer. I had some sympathy for South Africa's team before now, harboring a wish they would do well in front of their home crowd. Now that I know their police commissioner is rooting against us, well, let's just say I have a petty wish for them not to score a single goal.

My second reaction was to think, Um, isn't that your job? It looks bad for him to publicly want his job to be made easier in this way. As Spider-Man's Uncle Ben--or at least the actor playing him in the movie--once said, "With great power, comes great responsibility." South Africa has this tremendous economic opportunity to host the World Cup which brings tourist dollars and international attention to their country; the concomitant responsibility is to maintain order and safety, and, yes, that includes for the head of state of a visiting country. This is General Bheki Cele. A general. This isn't some deputy sheriff in a small town in Nebraska, but the police commissioner of an entire country.

To be fair for a moment--but only for a moment--hosting the President of the United States would certainly present challenges, as rarely will you find so potentially polarizing a figure--not Obama himself, per se, though he certainly can be polarizing, but the more symbolic figure of the President Of The United States. And yes, South Africa certainly has socioeconomic problems and problems with crime as it is. And yes, the general himself probably wasn't the one who decided to submit the bid to host the World Cup, so he didn't really ASK for this job. And yes, he did tell reporters, "Don't print that."

But that last point was either a joke or a bit of naivete, because obviously that statement would be printed. And it doesn't matter if he didn't ask for this job; actually, he kind of did by accepting the position as police commissioner in the first place.

So as I think about it a little more, I'm willing to cut him a little slack, because, yes, pragmatically, this is a difficult assignment. But on the other hand, I'm not comfortable with the man who would be in charge of security preparations complaining that security is really hard. It doesn't exactly foster a flood of confidence that the World Cup will go off without a hitch.

The World Cup, in an ideal world, would be a sporting venue where politics and violence and fears of terrorism could be forgotten. It's a chance for countries to play sports, to compete without resorting to bullets. Unfortunately, this is not an ideal world. Still, don't talk about how great it would be if the US didn't make it past the group stage; only talk about what you will do to make sure things remain peaceful.

And also, I'm now pissed off again that he doesn't want us to make it out of the group stage.

But does he have a point? What do you think? Should President Obama attend the World Cup, however briefly, if the US makes it into the knockout rounds? Is attending a sporting event worth the extra complications?

On to the predictions and the standings, looking at more standings from the first round of games first, as I fell a bit behind on that front:

GROUP E

HOLLAND 1 WIN 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

CAMEROON 1 WIN 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

DENMARK 0 WINS 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS

JAPAN 0 WINS 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS



GROUP F

SLOVAKIA 1 WIN 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

ITALY 0 WINS 0 LOSSES 1 DRAW 1 POINT

PARAGUAY 0 WINS 0 LOSSES 1 DRAW 1 POINT

NEW ZEALAND 0 WINS 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS


DAY 9, JUNE 19TH, 2010

GROUP D

GHANA VERSUS AUSTRALIA

The second game for both of these teams may see Ghana slip a little bit after beating Serbia, and Australia bouncing back from a tough loss to Germany in the first match. Nevertheless, I think Ghana has the talent to pick up the points, if they remained disciplined. I will predict Ghana in a 1-0 victory, but I would not be surprised to see a draw or an Australian win. This is a tough one to pick, certainly the toughest to date. If I was correct in picking Germany to draw with Serbia, then both of these teams will be particularly motivated.

GROUP E

HOLLAND VERSUS JAPAN

Japan may have had some problems this year with some of their exports not stopping properly, but they will have no such complaint today with the national soccer team, as Holland will put the brakes on the Japanese without too much difficulty, winning 3-0. Anything less than a comfortable victory and the Dutch should consider changing their soccer shoes for silver skates, because they will suddenly appear to be on thin ice.

DENMARK VERSUS CAMEROON

Denmark is too organized a team, and Cameroon lacks the attacking depth behind Samuel Eto'o. Denmark secures a 1-0 victory.

More Picks, Less Thought

It's been a good evening. The Giants claimed another road victory in Florida, as Barry Zito improved to 5-0 on the season. The Rockies and Padres are playing each other, taking victories off each other in the divisional race. And no, it's not too early to talk about a divisional race.

The downside to the evening is it is time to make another day's worth of World Cup predictions, but I am weighted down with pizza, beer, wine, and three hours of TV: Chuck, Castle and V. Which means that my picks tonight are going to be less thoughtful, perhaps, and I'll skip posting standings, because that really is a pain to try to type up a group table, let me tell you.

So here we go.

DAY 8, JUNE 18TH, 2010

GROUP C

SLOVENIA VERSUS UNITED STATES

Clearly, Slovenia must be better than one would think. I mean, Slovenia? Who would expect them to be any good? I mean, really. Slovenia is like a poor man's Slovakia. Some days, I think they must be the same country.

In any case, the United States is also a stronger soccer team than a lot of people think. We do enough for a 2-1 win.

ENGLAND VERSUS ALGERIA

I would be all for predicting an Algerian upset, because I love to see a former colony upset a former colonial power. However, Algeria was not England's colony.

Not, that is, until today, when Wayne Rooney colonizes Algeria's goal twice, and England wins 3-1.

GROUP D

GERMANY VERSUS SERBIA

I could see this being an upset possibility. I could see Serbia sneaking under the radar to clinch at least a draw, if not a win, against Germany.

In fact, I'm drunk enough to say it: Germany is a little sloppy, and Serbia comes away with a 2-2 draw.

Consulting The Crystal (Foot)Ball

Picking up where I left off yesterday:

DAY 6, JUNE 16, 2010

GROUP A:

SOUTH AFRICA VERSUS URUGUAY

South Africa will be looking for points in this game, because France looms in their third group game. South Africa has the home field advantage, but do they have the talent?

I think they have just enough talent to be aided by the crowd to get at least a draw. Uruguay has been known to lose their composure, according to World Soccer. I say Steven Pienaar helps create a goal for South Africa to counter an early goal by Diego Forlan, and South Africa hangs on for a 1-1 draw.

DAY 7, JUNE 17, 2010

GROUP A

FRANCE VERSUS MEXICO

Perhaps the showpiece game of the group, this one poses an emotional dilemma for me. Which team do I root against more? France, with the Hand Of Henry, or Mexico, the rival, the Hordes of the Azteca?

Frankly, that's a toss-up. So I'll just have to go with my instincts on this one. The time is right for Mexico to do quite well at the World Cup, and France is aging and slipping from the peak of the Zidane years.

Mexico wins more easily than you would expect, 2-0.


GROUP B

ARGENTINA VERSUS SOUTH KOREA

South Korea will work hard, with a game spirit, but a game spirit is not enough to win . . . er . . . a game. They will lack the defensive depth and the finishing precision to cope with the sheer talent of Argentina.

Argentina will have to guard against complacency, but as long as they come to play, they walk away with a 3-0 victory.


GREECE VERSUS NIGERIA

Nigeria has the confidence and the striking. Greece has a nicely colored flag and tasty cuisine. However, Nigeria probably has good food too. Nigeria wins 1-0. That's all I have to say about this one.

STANDINGS, CONTINUED

After the first round of games . . .

GROUP C

ENGLAND 1 WIN 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

SLOVENIA 1 WIN 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

ALGERIA 0 WINS 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS

UNITED STATES 0 WINS 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS


GROUP D

GERMANY 1 WIN 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

GHANA 1 WIN 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

SERBIA 0 WINS 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS

AUSTRALIA 0 WINS 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS



***** NON-SOCCER POST-SCRIPT

As I wrote this, a marathon ballgame was unfolding in Florida, the Giants starting a road trip with the bullpen blowing a strong performance by Tim Lincecum. With two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Sergio Romo gave up a three home run to Dan Uggla, and the Marlins took a 6-5 lead. Heartache. Every time the Giants win, I feel like my life is better, richer, like I've accomplished something of immeasurable value. A late-game loss would be brutal. Every Giants loss feels like my life is a deflated balloon, my spirits ebbing away with a whimpering pfffllaaat.

But with two outs in the top of the ninth, Aaron Rowand, he who bounces off of outfield fences and grass in pursuit of outs, drove a solo home run over the wall, sending the game to extra innings.

In the 12th inning, Aubrey Huff hit a bases-loaded double, and the Giants tacked on another run after that when Nate Schierholtz was hit in the head with the bases loaded again. He seemed to be okay, so it was not a Pyrrhic victory, and a victory it was. 9-6!

Also, today the San Jose Sharks defeated the Detroit Red Wings to take a three games to none lead in the NHL playoffs, and the San Francisco 49ers signed Patrick Willis to a five year contract extension. A plethora of sporting happiness. It can almost make one forget the world's problems, at least for a night. Which is, of course, the whole point of being a sports fan.

Towards A Spanish Sunrise, and Other World Cup Picks

The sixth day of the World Cup will feature the kickoff of the final group, and South Africa's second game. For the sake of keeping things broken up in an organized way, I won't write about South Africa until tomorrow. Tonight, the picks for Group H, plus the calculated standings based on my predictions through the opening games.

Why? Because the world is better when it is measured with standings.

DAY 6, JUNE 16, 2010

GROUP H

HONDURAS VERSUS CHILE

This match is very intriguing to me. Both are teams that are kind of under the radar, but that performed quite well in qualifiers, Honduras finishing third in CONCACAF and Chile finishing runners-up to Brazil in South America. I would say that Chile is probably slightly more talented than Honduras, but both are strong teams in a tough group.

Honduras dealt with a coup this year; Chile an earthquake. Sympathy edge to Chile.

Chile is the last remaining home of the carmenere varietal of grape, and I've been drinking and enjoying carmenere over the last couple of months. I don't even know if Honduras produces wine, and I'm too lazy to do research. Edge to Chile.

I could see Honduras springing a surprise, but I can't argue with my logic. Chile 2-0 over Honduras by an earthquake and a bottle of wine.

SPAIN VERSUS SWITZERLAND

Spain's Fernando Torres faces a fitness challenge as he recovers from injury before the World Cup. Switzerland is famous for being neutral and producing hot chocolate--or so I assume. They also are famous for having lots of mountains.

Unfortunately, they won't be able to station those mountains in front of their goal. Spain will start the World Cup on a strong note and win 3-0.


So, after all teams play their first game, here are the standings, starting with Groups A and B tonight. You will see the team, number of wins, number of losses, and number of draws, wrapping up with the number of points.

GROUP A

MEXICO 1 WIN 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

FRANCE 0 WINS 0 LOSSES 1 DRAW 1 POINT

URUGUAY 0 WINS 0 LOSSES 1 DRAW 1 POINT

SOUTH AFRICA O WINS 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS

GROUP B

ARGENTINA 1 WIN 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

SOUTH KOREA 1 WIN 0 LOSSES 0 DRAWS 3 POINTS

GREECE 0 WINS 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS

NIGERIA 0 WINS 1 LOSS 0 DRAWS 0 POINTS

Having A Ball

I ran out of energy last night to pick results for the next World Cup games in order, so to make up for that, and to restore the average--because sports is all about the average--I'll pick two days' worth of games today, with a little bonus of whimsical reasoning.

DAY 4: JUNE 14TH, 2010

GROUP E

HOLLAND VERSUS DENMARK

Holland chronically disappoints and comes up just short of expectations, which sounds just like what people used to say about Spain before Euro 2008. World Soccer magazine reports they may have some flaws on defense, and will need Huntelaar and Van Persie to step up the attacking polish. They swept through qualifying with little stress. Also, I like going dutch on dates.

Denmark seems to be a young team with lots of upside but limited experience. I always like watching Danish teams play, because I think they work hard. They won their qualifying group against teams like Portugal and Spain, which surprised plenty in the media. Also, one of my favorite pastries is a cheese danish.

It should be an entertaining game, but in the end, I think Holland will just have too much firepower, and will secure a 2-1 victory.

JAPAN VERSUS CAMEROON

Japan has shown the ability to play attractive football, but they will have to fight hard to avoid finishing last in this group. Cameroon has lots of experience and a world class striker in Samuel Eto'o, but may be lacking in consistency and depth, especially in offense.

I say Cameroon is just too strong for Japan and musters a 1-0 win, but I could see a draw if Cameroon slips up on defense and concedes a goal. I just lack the yen to certify that feeling as a prediction.

GROUP F

ITALY VERSUS PARAGUAY

The defending world champions against the third placed qualifier from South America. Paraguay has a reputation of being well-organized on defense, but they only scored 24 goals in qualifying, and have only scored 10 goals in 11 games at their last three finals. On paper it looks easy to pick Italy to win.

But Italy is aging. They do have some promising young stars like Giuseppi Rossi, but they may struggle in their first game. They had a very dismal performance in last summer's Confederations Cup (you know, the tournament where the US beat Spain).

Vaughn was telling me yesterday that he thinks I was excessively pessimistic about the score line for the US versus England, and that he thinks that when I hope for a certain result with my heart, my heart also makes my brain overcompensate in the other direction. The same thought could apply to my prediction of a 0-0 draw, but I don't have attachment to Italy's success. Infamous problems with gambling and racism have watered down my taste for the soccer from my mother's birth nation.

DAY 5: JUNE 15TH, 2010

GROUP F

NEW ZEALAND VERSUS SLOVAKIA

Let's face it. If Australia were still qualifying for the World Cup through Oceania rather than the Asian qualifiers, New Zealand wouldn't be here. Nevertheless, this is their best chance to pick up points in a group that also features Italy and Paraguay.

Slovakia is making their World Cup debut, and are considered to lack depth and experience. Nevertheless, they did win their qualifying group, and I see a 2-0 victory in their future.

GROUP G

BRAZIL VERSUS NORTH KOREA

North Korea upset Italy in 1966, but that was then. The country is still very secretive, but in this age of the Internet, there is no way they have a secret superstar that could help them get a result against Brazil.

Brazil thumps North Korea 4-0, a score inflated as much by Brazil's talent as it is by my bewilderment about Kim Jong-Il's hair and, oh, yeah, his oppressive regime.

IVORY COAST VERSUS PORTUGAL

A match that pits two temperamental stars in Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo. A lot of talent on both sides in an important match to decide who goes through behind Brazil. Because I really, really want Portugal to fail again due to their proclivities for dissent and whining, I say Ivory Coast wins an exciting 3-2 matchup.

Rockie Mountains Not So High

Sometimes, when you go to a baseball game, you want it soaked in drama, a hard-fought contest that comes down to the bitter end. Other days, you just want your team to casually stroll past the other team like they weren't even there. Today, I was all about the casual stroll, so I'll end the suspense right now by telling you the Giants dominated the Colorado Rockies 6-1, and it wasn't even that close.

A sunny day next to the water, sails scudding by. Vaughn and I met at Justin Herman Plaza, walked along the waterfront to the ballpark. Matt Cain was on the mound, and oh, did he ably deal with the Rockies today. First inning was easy, second inning he survived walks to the first two batters to end the threat.





SECOND BEST PHOTO I'VE EVER TAKEN (MATT CAIN PITCHING)

Vaughn and I had good seats, closer to home plate along the left field line than we usually sit. I experimented with my camera's zoom feature, pushing it way past the red line to where the image seemed to shake and judder. But it provided the best pictures I've ever taken at a game:



THIS WAS ACTUALLY A FOUL BALL, BUT DOESN'T IT LOOK AWESOME?

AND THEN THERE WAS THIS ONE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE SECOND (JUAN URIBE HOME RUN):



3-0 after the home run; by the end of the inning it was 4-0 after a sacrifice fly by John Bowker. After three innings it was 5-0 after a Bengie Molina home run.

It was also a game of firsts: the first Splash Hit I've seen live--Aubrey Huff hit a home run over the right field wall into McCovey Cove; and the first player ejection I've ever seen (Colorado's third baseman Ian Stewart arguing a called third strike). Nothing like a little bad sportsmanship on the part of the other team to help you savor a victory just a little bit more, especially against a division rival, no matter how nice the shade of purple in their uniforms.

We're guaranteed to finish this home stand no worse than 6-3 against three of the best teams in the National League. That's a pretty nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

It was also a demonstration of the two extremes of sports fans' vocabulary and intelligence:

Case 1) A bearded fan behind us, after a Rockies batter fouled off two straight pitches on a 1-2 count, desperately trying to avoid an inning-ending strike out: "He's just delaying the inevitable!"

Case 2) A drunk fan, red-faced with beer rage in response to another fan's initiation of the Wave: "Giants fans watch baseball, they don't do the Wave!!!"

But damn, the stand where I bought a pretzel only offered Miller Light, Bud Lite, or Coors. No Anchor Steam, nothing good like that. That's pretty lame, so I stuck with lemonade.

Also, damn, if you are going to be counselors bringing a flock of teenagers to a baseball game, please tell them not to constantly change seats and go in and out of the aisle, especially not in the middle of an inning. And don't bring a girl who in the second inning whines, "This is the longest game EVER." It's just more compelling evidence why teenagers should not be allowed out in public.