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A Month of MAYHEM! DAY 4

Mark Lincir

June 10 - Day 4

DECISIONS

Here’s my dilemma: Should I start partying my ass off a few days before I’m headed over to Germany in order to build my tolerance up? Or should I lay low and take care of myself in order to blah, blah, blah, blah…blah. Today, I went all Landon-like (soft as the Pillsbury Doughboy) and took care of myself, drinking water (it really is) and focusing on the days ahead. The last time I was in Europe I was 15 years younger and 40 lbs. lighter. I don’t know if its an advantage now to be heavier and wiser, or if my best days are way behind me back when I was lean and already pretty mean.

Speaking of being mean, I have a few concerns with the broadcasters of the games so far. I am praying for the day that the guys covering SOCCER games can go through an entire telecast without comparing our sport to OTHER sports? And don’t even get me started on the damn ticker! Try to think of the last time you heard a broadcaster plug soccer during a baseball telecast. I’ll tell you the last time…NEVER! Why do they insist on dumbing the game down for everybody by trying to compare it to other American sports?

Can’t this game stand on its own? It’s only the most popular sport in the WORLD. How about this; if you can’t get through a game without injecting a comparison or anecdote from another sport, quit soccer and go announce THOSE sports. Believe me; we’ll get along fine without you.

What happened to Poland? Ecuador, that’s what. Saying good-bye to the second round after only one game has got to be tough to swallow, but that’s exactly what Poland is being forced to do after losing to Ecuador 2-0. I was impressed by the Germans today, especially with their efforts at goal from long range.

With the way that adidas ball is moving around, I’ve considered getting fit and playing again. Okay…it’s been taken under serious consideration…I’m staying retired. Miroslav Klose’s upper-corner rocket in the Germans 4-2 lambasting of Costa Rica will be tough to beat for the “Goal of the Tournament” award and it makes me wonder how much better they’ll play once Ballack is available.

Tomorrow: A change of heart..
 
 
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