It's an American concept, no doubt. The National Football League, National Hockey League, National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball (and others) all have All-Star games in their calendar; a celebration of the best in the game and a commemoration of its history.
While it is true that the various All-Star events are undeniably commercial and are not always competitive in the truest sense of professional sports, there are many reasons why these games are a loved staple of American sporting culture.
Firstly, the players enjoy them; in some cases it ties in with a mid-season break, in others it is a post-season festivity but whenever the game occurs, it gives the players a chance to mingle with their peers, to talk to them, to learn from them. Players bring their wives and children, meet with ex-teammates and woo potential free agents. Many also get autographs from their own heroes - past and present. Professional sports are so often labeled, and sometimes rightly so, as callous, distant and played by mercenaries but the nature of All-Star affairs relaxes the players, not just on the field but also in their interaction with fans and the media.
They enjoy playing, we enjoy watching. The fans gain a brief insight into potential matchups that may never see otherwise. In Baseball you might get to see Mariano Rivera pitch to Albert Pujols. In Basketball you can watch LeBron and Kobe hook it up. In the NFL Probowl you can see....well, not much as it's usually pretty dull (although the NFL are trying to tweak it to add an edge to it). Moreover, the fans can see what these guys would be like playing together; What if Randy Moss and Terrel Owens lined up across from each other? Who would whinge more about the lack of balls thrown their way? I wan't to know!
And it's not just the game itself; the shindig often combines various skills competitions that are at least mildly entertaining to sport-starved fans as well as the chance to hear from players, managers and owners that wouldn't talk openly during the season. All-Star events can create their own legacy; Josh Hamilton and Dwight Howard have both enhanced their stature hugely with their performances in the Home Run Derby and Slam Dunk Competition respectively.
Furthermore, an invitation to the show in itself is a great marker as to the ability, consistency and longevity of an athlete's career. Being voted into the game by your peers and fans may be somewhat of a popularity contest but, with the amount of media available even to the casual viewer, people are more knowledgeable than ever about sportsmen's performances. Nobody needs to know that Derek Jeter has 10 All-Star appearances to know that he's a potential MLB Hall of Famer or that Rod Woodson went to 11 Pro-Bowls as proof that he was one of the best defensive backs of all time and a deserving soon-to-be-inductee into the NFL Hall of Fame. But, what about in 30 years time? What if you never saw these guys play? Their number of appearances is a hint to their talent and performance.
So why is this concept so alien to English sports? Europe has some precedent; Greek football has a version, as does the European Basketball League. In England, there are regular exhibition games; pre-season friendlies, testimonials, the league cup....wait, scratch that last one. So how about an All-Star game in English football?
This biggest problem is logistical. When on earth in the crowded footballing calendar would such a game be feasible? The best players already have limited free time in the summer and the domestic game is littered with fixtures that restricts performance over the season. A winter break? well, yeah, that's the idea - it's no coincidence that most other major European leagues have them - but chances are that the Premier League members will not vote for two of their number to be resigned to the Championship or the FA to resign the League Cup to history to create the space in the fixture list.
But what if it replaced a game already out there, like the Charity Shield? The game means nothing other than to cut the ribbon on the oncoming season. How about a Domestic v Foreigners match with 22-man squads - as voted for by fans, journalists and players from the previous season - and limitless substitutions. Don't know about you but I'd quite fancy seeing Terry, Gerrard and Rooney versus Torres, Essien and Vidic.
The European Super Cup is similarly unimportant. The idea might work better on the international level; the European Champions could face a team made up of the best in Europe from the past season. Throw in a hardest shot, penalties and one on one competition with some wembley doubles and you've got a weekend in Monaco that people would actually care about and want to watch. Just an idea. Could be fun.
Friday, 17 July 2009
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
City Sights Set High
Given, Richards, Kompany, Dunne, Bridge, Barry, Ireland, Wright-Phillips, Robinho, Tevez, Santa Cruz. This, as it stands, appears to be Manchester City's strongest line-up for the start of next season's Premier League. The likes of Elano, Zabaleta, Petrov, De Jong, Bellamy and Onouha may have something to say about that, as will most Mark Hughes who seems intent on landing at least a centre back - Kolo Toure, Joleon Lescott and England captain John Terry have been mentioned - and a centre forward - Emmanuel Adebayor could already be close to securing a deal.
Under the assumption that Adebayor concludes his deal and that Hughes manages to persuade on experienced Premiership defender to join the ranks, then City will boast an impressive team sheet. One of their biggest concern last year was the lack of goals from the forward position - their less-than-prolific strikers in the tallied just 16 league goals between them; Caicedo (5), Sturridge (4), Bellamy (3), Benjani (1), Evans (1), Jo (1), Bojinov (1). Despite their profligacy in front of goal, City were still 5th top scorers in the league and their 40 home goals and 39 home points placed third to only their cross-town neighbours and Liverpool.
Unfortunately for the Citizens, they could only score 18 goals away from The City of Manchester Stadium and picked up just 11 points; 8 teams scored less goals but only 3 amassed less points. A large factor in this discrepancy between home and away form was the impact of Robinho, splendid at home (11 goals) but often anonymous on the road (just 3 goals). If City are determined to break into the top four this year, and the calibre of players they are signing points to this, then they must be better on their travels.
While they certainly conceded too many goals away from home - 32, more than every team except Spurs in the top 10 - their inability to hold onto possession may have been their biggest weakness. Hughes signed Nigel De Jong to be a physical presence in the middle of the park and to win the ball back but, while he did impact the team, he could not alleviate the root of the problem. City lacked an experienced, physical striker that could hold up the ball and were exposed for their maverick personality -great one day, shocking the next. On the wish list for the summer? Leadership and such a forward.
Of last years crop of forwards, Sturridge and Jo are already signed up for different teams come the opening day and Benjani, Caicedo and Evans could all well be on their way out of the club or see limited playing time next term. Valeri Bojinov has suffered terribly with injury since signing two years ago, appearing just 11 times, and cannot be relied upon while Craig Bellamy is an impish, pacy striker who needs a partner to profit. Santa Cruz and Adebayor should fill this void while Carlos Tevez is the kind of player that any team would want.
But there are potential issues to these deals; Firstly, Tevez, Santa Cruz and Adebayor combined for only 19 league goals last year. Tevez, since moving to England, has not been a regular scorer, nor has he proved so at international level. What he will do is harry, chase, create and provide an identity to the team both at home and away.
In the cases of Adebayor and Santa Cruz, City are gambling that the two can recapture the form they showed two seasons ago, when they were two of the most dangerous strikers in the country. If they buy in to the work ethic that Hughes summoned at Blackburn Rovers and regain the goal scoring touch then Man City could well be challenging for a coveted top four spot. If they don't, well, they'll probably just buy two new players that can.
But the biggest signing of the summer to date for this team? Gareth Barry. This team lacked maturity, both in terms of age and playing style, last season but in Barry have a former captain, an England regular and an unassuming player that can direct the team from its core. The likes of Robinho, Elano, Ireland, Wright-Phillips and the new additions will benefit from Barry's passing, his vision and his attitude more than perhaps any other.
Teams take times to come together. This team has likely not finished transforming into next year's version. It would still be an upset for any side to break the monopoly on the top four but City are addressing their past problems and, if they can persuade an elite defender to join the fray, will be laying down the gauntlet in the pre-season-potential league. As for the real season? Decision pending until they play Arsenal and United in consecutive fixtures in mid-September.
Under the assumption that Adebayor concludes his deal and that Hughes manages to persuade on experienced Premiership defender to join the ranks, then City will boast an impressive team sheet. One of their biggest concern last year was the lack of goals from the forward position - their less-than-prolific strikers in the tallied just 16 league goals between them; Caicedo (5), Sturridge (4), Bellamy (3), Benjani (1), Evans (1), Jo (1), Bojinov (1). Despite their profligacy in front of goal, City were still 5th top scorers in the league and their 40 home goals and 39 home points placed third to only their cross-town neighbours and Liverpool.
Unfortunately for the Citizens, they could only score 18 goals away from The City of Manchester Stadium and picked up just 11 points; 8 teams scored less goals but only 3 amassed less points. A large factor in this discrepancy between home and away form was the impact of Robinho, splendid at home (11 goals) but often anonymous on the road (just 3 goals). If City are determined to break into the top four this year, and the calibre of players they are signing points to this, then they must be better on their travels.
While they certainly conceded too many goals away from home - 32, more than every team except Spurs in the top 10 - their inability to hold onto possession may have been their biggest weakness. Hughes signed Nigel De Jong to be a physical presence in the middle of the park and to win the ball back but, while he did impact the team, he could not alleviate the root of the problem. City lacked an experienced, physical striker that could hold up the ball and were exposed for their maverick personality -great one day, shocking the next. On the wish list for the summer? Leadership and such a forward.
Of last years crop of forwards, Sturridge and Jo are already signed up for different teams come the opening day and Benjani, Caicedo and Evans could all well be on their way out of the club or see limited playing time next term. Valeri Bojinov has suffered terribly with injury since signing two years ago, appearing just 11 times, and cannot be relied upon while Craig Bellamy is an impish, pacy striker who needs a partner to profit. Santa Cruz and Adebayor should fill this void while Carlos Tevez is the kind of player that any team would want.
But there are potential issues to these deals; Firstly, Tevez, Santa Cruz and Adebayor combined for only 19 league goals last year. Tevez, since moving to England, has not been a regular scorer, nor has he proved so at international level. What he will do is harry, chase, create and provide an identity to the team both at home and away.
In the cases of Adebayor and Santa Cruz, City are gambling that the two can recapture the form they showed two seasons ago, when they were two of the most dangerous strikers in the country. If they buy in to the work ethic that Hughes summoned at Blackburn Rovers and regain the goal scoring touch then Man City could well be challenging for a coveted top four spot. If they don't, well, they'll probably just buy two new players that can.
But the biggest signing of the summer to date for this team? Gareth Barry. This team lacked maturity, both in terms of age and playing style, last season but in Barry have a former captain, an England regular and an unassuming player that can direct the team from its core. The likes of Robinho, Elano, Ireland, Wright-Phillips and the new additions will benefit from Barry's passing, his vision and his attitude more than perhaps any other.
Teams take times to come together. This team has likely not finished transforming into next year's version. It would still be an upset for any side to break the monopoly on the top four but City are addressing their past problems and, if they can persuade an elite defender to join the fray, will be laying down the gauntlet in the pre-season-potential league. As for the real season? Decision pending until they play Arsenal and United in consecutive fixtures in mid-September.
Manny being (more than) Manny
Manny Ramirez, recently returned from his 50 game suspension, will not be playing in his 13th All-Star Game in St.Louis tonight. But, consider this; this season he has a .355 Batting Average, .487 On Base Percentage, .669 Slugging Percentage and a 1.156 OPS to go along with 9 Home Runs and 29 RBI's in just 121 At Bats.
An All-Star calibre season with the obvious exemption of his 50 game hiatus due to a violation of MLB's Performance Enhancing Drug Policy. So, off the juice he has struggled to keep up his early season form? Um...No.
Since returning with mildly inappropriate fanfare, Manny has played 9 games - the Dodgers have gone 6-3 during this period - and has 11 hits in 29 At bats, 3 Home Runs, 9 RBI's and has seen his AVG, SLG and OPS rise. It's a small sample size but Ramirez has clearly not suffered from his enforced break from Baseball and, considering the strength and form of the players hitting around him, could produce one of the game's best shortened-season performances.
Joe Mauer, who missed the first month of the season with injury, has been lauded for his form since his return and is bidding for the first .400 season since Ted Williams achieved the feat in 1941. Mauer has just over twice as many At Bats as Ramirez and is hitting 18 points higher in Batting Average but, that and 1 Stolen Base aside, has lesser numbers than Manny considering the games they'be played. Lower OBP, lower SLG, lower OPS and less Home Runs and RBI's per At Bat.
Mauer could still yet be in line for an MVP award by the end of the year (he is also a phenomenal defensive Catcher) and Albert Pujols is a prohibitive favourite for the award in the National League. Manny won't be getting any love in award world come the end of the year, nor should he considering his offense. However, considering his tenure in MLB may only have a couple more years to run, one of the Baseball's best ever hitters and clutch performers could be about to turn an infamous 2009 season into one of his, and the Dodgers, most memorable.
An All-Star calibre season with the obvious exemption of his 50 game hiatus due to a violation of MLB's Performance Enhancing Drug Policy. So, off the juice he has struggled to keep up his early season form? Um...No.
Since returning with mildly inappropriate fanfare, Manny has played 9 games - the Dodgers have gone 6-3 during this period - and has 11 hits in 29 At bats, 3 Home Runs, 9 RBI's and has seen his AVG, SLG and OPS rise. It's a small sample size but Ramirez has clearly not suffered from his enforced break from Baseball and, considering the strength and form of the players hitting around him, could produce one of the game's best shortened-season performances.
Joe Mauer, who missed the first month of the season with injury, has been lauded for his form since his return and is bidding for the first .400 season since Ted Williams achieved the feat in 1941. Mauer has just over twice as many At Bats as Ramirez and is hitting 18 points higher in Batting Average but, that and 1 Stolen Base aside, has lesser numbers than Manny considering the games they'be played. Lower OBP, lower SLG, lower OPS and less Home Runs and RBI's per At Bat.
Mauer could still yet be in line for an MVP award by the end of the year (he is also a phenomenal defensive Catcher) and Albert Pujols is a prohibitive favourite for the award in the National League. Manny won't be getting any love in award world come the end of the year, nor should he considering his offense. However, considering his tenure in MLB may only have a couple more years to run, one of the Baseball's best ever hitters and clutch performers could be about to turn an infamous 2009 season into one of his, and the Dodgers, most memorable.
Monday, 13 July 2009
The Toughest Sporting Defeats
In the wake of Andy Roddick’s desperate defeat at the hands of quite possibly the best tennis player (and almost certainly the least disguised superhero) ever, Roger Federer, I got to thinking of some of the most difficult defeats to take in the recent history of sport. As if it wasn’t bad enough just to lose…
The ‘It‘s like Rain, on your wedding day - You messed up your one chance’ Division
Chesterfield v Middlesbrough FA Cup Semi Final 1997 - Little Chesterfield were 2-1 up against a 10-man Boro team containing the likes of Juninho, Emerson and Ravanelli before having a ‘good’ goal disallowed. The game finished 3-3, the Spirites lost in a replay and the dream was over.
Tim Henman v Goran Ivanisevic Wimbledon Semi-Final 2001 - That was to be his year. No Sampras and a victory over his conqueror, the soon-to-be-king Federer, lead Henman to an encounter with the world no. 125 in the semi final of the tournament he, and a nation, craved . A combination of rain, miracle shots and quite possibly god were to resign him to defeat once more.
Portugal v Greece European Championships Final 2004 - The Portuguese have never won a major title. Greece have. Al Pacino won an Oscar for his role in Scent of a Woman. Strange World.
Arizona Cardinals v Pittsburgh Steelers Superbowl 2009 - Some teams are just never meant to get to the big show. What happens if they do? Much like a stripper , they look good for a couple of hours but don’t get the job done. What? There’s strippers that do? I’ve wasted my life….
Red Sox v Mets World Series 1986 - The Sox were one out away from breaking the curse of the bambino and lifting a coveted title. But the curse hit back with one of the most iconic images in sports history as Mookie Wilson singled through the leg of First Baseman Bill Buckner to send the series to a 7th Game in which, naturally, the Mets emerged triumphant.
Utah Jazz v Chicago Bulls NBA Finals 1998 - Ok so Michael Jordan single handedly beat plenty of teams over the years but this wasn’t just MJ (not the dead one); The officials missed a couple of vital calls, including a push off on Jordan’s winning bucket and Utah still await their first NBA title.
Jean Van de Velde British Open 1999 - Journeyman Jean was moments from becoming Open Champion as he stepped up onto the 18th tee. 3 shots clear of the pack, he managed to hit everything except the fairway and even managed to go paddling. He finished with a 7 and lost in a playoff. Oh Jean, you are the reason people believe they can win and fear they may lose.
Brazil v Uruguay World Cup Final 1950 - 200,00 Brazilians turned out to watch their team win their first World Cup. Yet, needing only a draw to win the tournament, Uruguay stunned the hosts with a 2-1 victory and spoilt the party. Don’t feel too bad; their Brazilian, they probably had a top party anyway.
USA v Brazil Confederations Cup 2009 - They aren’t winning the World Cup any time soon and they send a ‘b’ team to the Gold Cup so that clearly doesn‘t matter all that much. Now I can see why they were so upset.
Phil Mickelson/Colin Montgomerie US Open 2006 - Mickelson has five second placed finishes in the US Open. Montgomerie may never come closer to winning that elusive major that his career deserves. Both Montgomerie and Mickleson entered the 18th a stroke ahead of eventual winner Geoff Ogilvy but managed to double bogey their way to joint second. And you thought golf was relaxing…
The ‘It's meeting the man of my dreams, and then meeting his beautiful wife - Kick in the teeth’ Division
Australia v England Rugby World Cup Final 2003 - Losing in extra time to your greatest rivals in the tournament your hosting? It can even happen to the Aussies.
France v West Germany World Cup Semi Final 1982 - So feelings can get hurt, but losing a few teeth, damaging vertebrae and falling into a coma hurts a little more. Harald Schumacher essentially assaulted Patrick Battiston after 70 minutes when the Frenchman was through on goal and was not even called for a foul. France lead 3-1 in extra time but the pesky Germans came back to force a penalty shoot out and…wait for it…the Germans nicked it thanks to Schumacher’s key save.
USA v USSR Olympic Ice Hockey Medal Round 1980 - The Soviets had won every gold medal in men’s hockey since 1964 and thrashed the Americans 10-3 in a warm up game. Didn’t matter, they’re on the list because they lost to their Cold War rivals in the termed ‘Miracle on Ice.’
Cincinnati Bengals v Pittsburgh Steelers AFC Wild Card Game 2005 - This game not only saw the end of the Bengals improbable run to the playoffs, their first in 15 years, but the loss of their franchise QB Carson Palmer. He hasn’t been the same since and the Bengals have yet to return to the playoffs.
Yankees v Red Sox ALCS 2003 - A classic game in the history of one of sport’s great rivalries came down to extra innings in game 7, with the winner earning a place in the World Series. The Yankees won on the back of an Aaron Boone walk-off home run in the 11th and Red Sox nation mourned one final time.
Yankees v Red Sox ALCS 2004 - Redemption. The Yankees appeared set to continue their dominance over their fiercest foe after taking a 3-0 lead in the series but the Sox would fight back and this time it would be Yankee fans and players that would be left in shock. The Sox would sweep the Cardinals in the World Series and fans were provided with a classic ‘Manny being Manny’ quote; ‘I don't believe in curses, I believe you make your own destination.’
The ‘It's like ten thousand spoons, when all you need is a knife - Frankly ridiculous’ Division
Fabrice Santoro v Arnaud Clement French Open 2004 - The longest tennis match in the open era took one Frenchman over six and a half hours to win and the other Frenchman over six and a half hours to lose.
Buffalo Bills v Houston Oilers AFC Wild Card Game 1993 - 32 point deficit? backup QB? It’s only the biggest comeback in NFL history
Milan v Liverpool Champions League Final 2005 - How many lists will this game be on? But seriously, to go in at half time with a 3-0 lead and the aura of Italian defending at your back and then to find yourself watching another team lift the trophy? Tough. Really, really tough.
Man Utd v Bayern Munich Champions League Final 1999 - And you thought Liverpool fans hated United.
Green Bay Packers v Philadelphia Eagles NFC Divisional Playoffs 2004 - 4th and 26. If there’s an entrance on Wikipedia of a sporting incident it probably didn’t end well for one of the teams.
Buffalo Bills v New York Giants Superbowl 1991 - Wide right. See above.
Greg Norman US Masters 1996 - Being 6 strokes ahead overnight going into the final round of the Masters must be a dream for any golfer. Finishing 2nd and losing the biggest lead ever in the majors must be a nightmare.
The An old man, turned 98, he won the lottery, and died the next day - So close and yet so far’ Division
Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal Wimbledon Final 2008 - We would all like to play in the greatest match of all time. Just don’t lose it…
Roger Federer v Andy Roddick Wimbledon Final 2009 - It was like a week go. Watch more sport people.
Charlton v Sunderland 1st Division Playoff Final 1998 - Just a crazy game of football at about the time people began to realise the financial importance of promotion to the Premier League. 4-4 and penalties. How were the strike force of Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn outgunned by Clive Mendonca and Steve Jones.
Man Utd v Chelsea Champions League Final 2008 - Just for JT. (odds on him being asked to take a penalty next summer?)
Liverpool v Arsenal Premier League 1989 - Sky would kill to have this game now. Last game of the season and the top two teams meet with Arsenal needing to win by two goals at Anfield to steal the title (appropriate term for a game in Liverpool). Brian Moore said it best: ‘Arsenal come streaming forward now in surely what will be their last attack. A good ball by Dixon, finding Smith, for Thomas, charging through the midfield. Thomas, it's up for grabs now!’ Liverpool 0 - 2 Arsenal. Smith 52’, Thomas 92’
New England Patriots v New York Giants Superbowl 2008 - No perfect season. No place in the conversation of best teams ever. No Superbowl. Oh and throw in that Boston v New York rivalry thing.
Germany v Italy World Cup Semi Final 2006 - About the only time an Englishman could feel sorry for a German sporting team.
Italy v Australia World Cup Second Round 2002 - About the only time an Englishman could feel sorry for an Australian sporting team.
Holland v Italy European Championships Semi Final 2000 - The tournament hosting Dutch played most of the game against ten men and were awarded two penalties in normal time but the Italians refused to lose. Hands up if you watched the game and thought Italy would win the penalty shoot out? Yup, sport is that predictable sometimes.
Oakland Raiders v New England Patriots AFC Divisonal Playoffs 2002 - Talk to any Raiders fan and this may suggest that this is the most desperate of all. On the verge of winning the game after soon-to-be Hall of Famer Rod Woodson sacked Tom Brady (before he was Tom Brady) and Oakland recovered. The play was reviewed, the call was reversed (due to a little known rule called the Tuck Rule) and Raider nation had one more reason to think that the NFL hated them.
Minnesota Vikings v Atlanta Falcons NFC Championship Game 1998 - There are not many ‘sure things’ in sport but, during the 1998 season, Gary Anderson was just that. The kicker was and is the only place kicker to ever successfully kick every Field Goal and PAT in an NFL regular season. In the dying minutes of their NFC Championship game against the Falcons, Anderson was wheeled out to tie up the game and send the Vikings to their first Superbowl in 22 years. He missed, The Falcons won the game in OT and the Vikes have still yet to get to the big game.
The ‘A traffic jam when you’re already late - Just a massive F$%* off to England football fans’ Division
England v USA World Cup Group Stage 1950 - Lost 1-0. People thought they read a misprint in the papers.
England v West Germany World Cup Quarter Final 1970. Lead 2-0, lost 3-2 after extra time.
England v Poland World Cup Qualifying 1973 - Failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time due to an inspired goalkeeper. Poland ended up coming third. Well done them.
England v Argentina World Cup Quarter Final 1986 - Lost 2-1. He already had a divine left foot but apparently had to add a hand of God to his collection. Had to be against England didn’t it…
England v Germany World Cup Semi Final 1990 - Once.
England v Germany European Championships 1996 - Twice
England v Germany World Cup Qualifying 2000 - Three times a lady. And the last game at the old Wembley. (and the last game of Kevin Keegan’s tenure so I guess we’re even)
Germany v England World Cup Qualifying 2001 - Don’t really remember this one myself. Vague memories of Emile Heskey Djing, Michael Owen scoring some goals and Stevie G sliding to the corner flag. *cough* 5-1. Didn’t hear me? 5-1. Once more for luck. 5-1.
Soundtrack kindly provided by Alanis Morissette
The ‘It‘s like Rain, on your wedding day - You messed up your one chance’ Division
Chesterfield v Middlesbrough FA Cup Semi Final 1997 - Little Chesterfield were 2-1 up against a 10-man Boro team containing the likes of Juninho, Emerson and Ravanelli before having a ‘good’ goal disallowed. The game finished 3-3, the Spirites lost in a replay and the dream was over.
Tim Henman v Goran Ivanisevic Wimbledon Semi-Final 2001 - That was to be his year. No Sampras and a victory over his conqueror, the soon-to-be-king Federer, lead Henman to an encounter with the world no. 125 in the semi final of the tournament he, and a nation, craved . A combination of rain, miracle shots and quite possibly god were to resign him to defeat once more.
Portugal v Greece European Championships Final 2004 - The Portuguese have never won a major title. Greece have. Al Pacino won an Oscar for his role in Scent of a Woman. Strange World.
Arizona Cardinals v Pittsburgh Steelers Superbowl 2009 - Some teams are just never meant to get to the big show. What happens if they do? Much like a stripper , they look good for a couple of hours but don’t get the job done. What? There’s strippers that do? I’ve wasted my life….
Red Sox v Mets World Series 1986 - The Sox were one out away from breaking the curse of the bambino and lifting a coveted title. But the curse hit back with one of the most iconic images in sports history as Mookie Wilson singled through the leg of First Baseman Bill Buckner to send the series to a 7th Game in which, naturally, the Mets emerged triumphant.
Utah Jazz v Chicago Bulls NBA Finals 1998 - Ok so Michael Jordan single handedly beat plenty of teams over the years but this wasn’t just MJ (not the dead one); The officials missed a couple of vital calls, including a push off on Jordan’s winning bucket and Utah still await their first NBA title.
Jean Van de Velde British Open 1999 - Journeyman Jean was moments from becoming Open Champion as he stepped up onto the 18th tee. 3 shots clear of the pack, he managed to hit everything except the fairway and even managed to go paddling. He finished with a 7 and lost in a playoff. Oh Jean, you are the reason people believe they can win and fear they may lose.
Brazil v Uruguay World Cup Final 1950 - 200,00 Brazilians turned out to watch their team win their first World Cup. Yet, needing only a draw to win the tournament, Uruguay stunned the hosts with a 2-1 victory and spoilt the party. Don’t feel too bad; their Brazilian, they probably had a top party anyway.
USA v Brazil Confederations Cup 2009 - They aren’t winning the World Cup any time soon and they send a ‘b’ team to the Gold Cup so that clearly doesn‘t matter all that much. Now I can see why they were so upset.
Phil Mickelson/Colin Montgomerie US Open 2006 - Mickelson has five second placed finishes in the US Open. Montgomerie may never come closer to winning that elusive major that his career deserves. Both Montgomerie and Mickleson entered the 18th a stroke ahead of eventual winner Geoff Ogilvy but managed to double bogey their way to joint second. And you thought golf was relaxing…
The ‘It's meeting the man of my dreams, and then meeting his beautiful wife - Kick in the teeth’ Division
Australia v England Rugby World Cup Final 2003 - Losing in extra time to your greatest rivals in the tournament your hosting? It can even happen to the Aussies.
France v West Germany World Cup Semi Final 1982 - So feelings can get hurt, but losing a few teeth, damaging vertebrae and falling into a coma hurts a little more. Harald Schumacher essentially assaulted Patrick Battiston after 70 minutes when the Frenchman was through on goal and was not even called for a foul. France lead 3-1 in extra time but the pesky Germans came back to force a penalty shoot out and…wait for it…the Germans nicked it thanks to Schumacher’s key save.
USA v USSR Olympic Ice Hockey Medal Round 1980 - The Soviets had won every gold medal in men’s hockey since 1964 and thrashed the Americans 10-3 in a warm up game. Didn’t matter, they’re on the list because they lost to their Cold War rivals in the termed ‘Miracle on Ice.’
Cincinnati Bengals v Pittsburgh Steelers AFC Wild Card Game 2005 - This game not only saw the end of the Bengals improbable run to the playoffs, their first in 15 years, but the loss of their franchise QB Carson Palmer. He hasn’t been the same since and the Bengals have yet to return to the playoffs.
Yankees v Red Sox ALCS 2003 - A classic game in the history of one of sport’s great rivalries came down to extra innings in game 7, with the winner earning a place in the World Series. The Yankees won on the back of an Aaron Boone walk-off home run in the 11th and Red Sox nation mourned one final time.
Yankees v Red Sox ALCS 2004 - Redemption. The Yankees appeared set to continue their dominance over their fiercest foe after taking a 3-0 lead in the series but the Sox would fight back and this time it would be Yankee fans and players that would be left in shock. The Sox would sweep the Cardinals in the World Series and fans were provided with a classic ‘Manny being Manny’ quote; ‘I don't believe in curses, I believe you make your own destination.’
The ‘It's like ten thousand spoons, when all you need is a knife - Frankly ridiculous’ Division
Fabrice Santoro v Arnaud Clement French Open 2004 - The longest tennis match in the open era took one Frenchman over six and a half hours to win and the other Frenchman over six and a half hours to lose.
Buffalo Bills v Houston Oilers AFC Wild Card Game 1993 - 32 point deficit? backup QB? It’s only the biggest comeback in NFL history
Milan v Liverpool Champions League Final 2005 - How many lists will this game be on? But seriously, to go in at half time with a 3-0 lead and the aura of Italian defending at your back and then to find yourself watching another team lift the trophy? Tough. Really, really tough.
Man Utd v Bayern Munich Champions League Final 1999 - And you thought Liverpool fans hated United.
Green Bay Packers v Philadelphia Eagles NFC Divisional Playoffs 2004 - 4th and 26. If there’s an entrance on Wikipedia of a sporting incident it probably didn’t end well for one of the teams.
Buffalo Bills v New York Giants Superbowl 1991 - Wide right. See above.
Greg Norman US Masters 1996 - Being 6 strokes ahead overnight going into the final round of the Masters must be a dream for any golfer. Finishing 2nd and losing the biggest lead ever in the majors must be a nightmare.
The An old man, turned 98, he won the lottery, and died the next day - So close and yet so far’ Division
Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal Wimbledon Final 2008 - We would all like to play in the greatest match of all time. Just don’t lose it…
Roger Federer v Andy Roddick Wimbledon Final 2009 - It was like a week go. Watch more sport people.
Charlton v Sunderland 1st Division Playoff Final 1998 - Just a crazy game of football at about the time people began to realise the financial importance of promotion to the Premier League. 4-4 and penalties. How were the strike force of Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn outgunned by Clive Mendonca and Steve Jones.
Man Utd v Chelsea Champions League Final 2008 - Just for JT. (odds on him being asked to take a penalty next summer?)
Liverpool v Arsenal Premier League 1989 - Sky would kill to have this game now. Last game of the season and the top two teams meet with Arsenal needing to win by two goals at Anfield to steal the title (appropriate term for a game in Liverpool). Brian Moore said it best: ‘Arsenal come streaming forward now in surely what will be their last attack. A good ball by Dixon, finding Smith, for Thomas, charging through the midfield. Thomas, it's up for grabs now!’ Liverpool 0 - 2 Arsenal. Smith 52’, Thomas 92’
New England Patriots v New York Giants Superbowl 2008 - No perfect season. No place in the conversation of best teams ever. No Superbowl. Oh and throw in that Boston v New York rivalry thing.
Germany v Italy World Cup Semi Final 2006 - About the only time an Englishman could feel sorry for a German sporting team.
Italy v Australia World Cup Second Round 2002 - About the only time an Englishman could feel sorry for an Australian sporting team.
Holland v Italy European Championships Semi Final 2000 - The tournament hosting Dutch played most of the game against ten men and were awarded two penalties in normal time but the Italians refused to lose. Hands up if you watched the game and thought Italy would win the penalty shoot out? Yup, sport is that predictable sometimes.
Oakland Raiders v New England Patriots AFC Divisonal Playoffs 2002 - Talk to any Raiders fan and this may suggest that this is the most desperate of all. On the verge of winning the game after soon-to-be Hall of Famer Rod Woodson sacked Tom Brady (before he was Tom Brady) and Oakland recovered. The play was reviewed, the call was reversed (due to a little known rule called the Tuck Rule) and Raider nation had one more reason to think that the NFL hated them.
Minnesota Vikings v Atlanta Falcons NFC Championship Game 1998 - There are not many ‘sure things’ in sport but, during the 1998 season, Gary Anderson was just that. The kicker was and is the only place kicker to ever successfully kick every Field Goal and PAT in an NFL regular season. In the dying minutes of their NFC Championship game against the Falcons, Anderson was wheeled out to tie up the game and send the Vikings to their first Superbowl in 22 years. He missed, The Falcons won the game in OT and the Vikes have still yet to get to the big game.
The ‘A traffic jam when you’re already late - Just a massive F$%* off to England football fans’ Division
England v USA World Cup Group Stage 1950 - Lost 1-0. People thought they read a misprint in the papers.
England v West Germany World Cup Quarter Final 1970. Lead 2-0, lost 3-2 after extra time.
England v Poland World Cup Qualifying 1973 - Failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time due to an inspired goalkeeper. Poland ended up coming third. Well done them.
England v Argentina World Cup Quarter Final 1986 - Lost 2-1. He already had a divine left foot but apparently had to add a hand of God to his collection. Had to be against England didn’t it…
England v Germany World Cup Semi Final 1990 - Once.
England v Germany European Championships 1996 - Twice
England v Germany World Cup Qualifying 2000 - Three times a lady. And the last game at the old Wembley. (and the last game of Kevin Keegan’s tenure so I guess we’re even)
Germany v England World Cup Qualifying 2001 - Don’t really remember this one myself. Vague memories of Emile Heskey Djing, Michael Owen scoring some goals and Stevie G sliding to the corner flag. *cough* 5-1. Didn’t hear me? 5-1. Once more for luck. 5-1.
Soundtrack kindly provided by Alanis Morissette
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Men v Women
Part 1: Sex
A couple are playing truth or dare over the phone. God knows how or why.
Jill: Ok Ok, your turn. Truth or Dare?
Jack: Truth, obviously
Jill: Hmmmm…ok…how many people have you slept with?
Jack: Wow…wow, you really want to know that?
Jill: Yes
Jack: Ok…well let me preface this by saying that I was young and stupid and drunk for a fair few years
(silence)
Jack: And that in the last couple of years the answer is like, tiny
(silence)
Jack: And, just to reiterate, I was drunk for like…
Jill: You don’t have to tell me
Jack: No it’s ok….ok….I don’t exactly know the number, I don’t really keep track, but I’m thinking like…70...?
Jill: 70?
Jack: Yeah but I’m not really sure of the numbers and most were ages ago
(silence)
Jack: And your magic number…baby?
Jill: Just 3
Jack: 3 huh….cool…
(silence)
Jack: It’s not like I’m proud of it, just kinda happened
(silence)
Jack: And it’s not as though I even remember all 80 of them
Jill: So it’s 80 now?
Jack: Well it may be closer to 80...or 70, just not sure
Jill: They meant that much to you huh?
(silence)
Jill: Listen baby I’m glad you told me, I’m glad you feel like you can tell me
Jack: Me too baby
Jill: Awwww
(silence)
Jack: So…who were the other two guys?
Jill: Just…guys…
(silence)
A couple are playing truth or dare over the phone. God knows how or why.
Jill: Ok Ok, your turn. Truth or Dare?
Jack: Truth, obviously
Jill: Hmmmm…ok…how many people have you slept with?
Jack: Wow…wow, you really want to know that?
Jill: Yes
Jack: Ok…well let me preface this by saying that I was young and stupid and drunk for a fair few years
(silence)
Jack: And that in the last couple of years the answer is like, tiny
(silence)
Jack: And, just to reiterate, I was drunk for like…
Jill: You don’t have to tell me
Jack: No it’s ok….ok….I don’t exactly know the number, I don’t really keep track, but I’m thinking like…70...?
Jill: 70?
Jack: Yeah but I’m not really sure of the numbers and most were ages ago
(silence)
Jack: And your magic number…baby?
Jill: Just 3
Jack: 3 huh….cool…
(silence)
Jack: It’s not like I’m proud of it, just kinda happened
(silence)
Jack: And it’s not as though I even remember all 80 of them
Jill: So it’s 80 now?
Jack: Well it may be closer to 80...or 70, just not sure
Jill: They meant that much to you huh?
(silence)
Jill: Listen baby I’m glad you told me, I’m glad you feel like you can tell me
Jack: Me too baby
Jill: Awwww
(silence)
Jack: So…who were the other two guys?
Jill: Just…guys…
(silence)
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