Since August is officially over, I thought I'd do this now and get it out of the way. August was a fairly light month when it comes to sporting events with the notable exceptions of the PGA Championship and the Little League World Series, I didn't have too much to choose from. But, I hope you enjoy the three I've chosen as my games of the month.
PGA Championship: final round
The 92nd PGA Championship featured a playoff, which automatically makes it into the top games for me. Same goes if it's an important baseball game, five set match in tennis, overtime in any sport really. But, there are several reasons why I chose this as one of the games of the month. the first being the controversy surrounding Dustin Johnson and him grounding his club in what was supposedly a bunker. I personally didn't think it was a bunker, but the PGA did. Also, I don't understand the big deal of grounding your wedge when the ball didn't even move! So, needless to say, Johnson suffered a penalty for that error, and subsequently, a chance at his first major. The second reason is that there were seven different players who held at least a share of the lead in the final round. The third is that it all came down to the last hole in the playoff to see who the winner would be, as both players were tied after the first two holes. Lastly, there was a new major champion in Martin Kaymer. It was riveting golf for anyone who watched it.
2010 Little League World Series, championship game: Japan vs. Chinese Taipei
The 2010 Series wasn't as exciting as I thought others have been, but every year can't be the best. The international championship game featured a monster of a Chinese Taipei team, who in one game defeated their opponents 23-0, and was dominant in every other game as well. The only other one which was even close was their semifinal game against Latin America, and they destroyed them in the field. Then, the Japan team had to go through a tougher bracket and escaped two of their games. So, essentially it was a mini David vs. Goliath situation. David prevailed and eventually won the entire series. Japan came back from a 2-1 deficit in the 6th to tie the game, and in the 7th, hit a walk off single. Exciting game.
August 24th, Houston Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies
The main reason why this game was chosen over the 200 other games in the month of August is for the length of it, and the wackiness of it. The game went 16 innings which is a feat in and of itself, as the Phillies ballpark plays small, and there are not too many games which go that far. Then, there was the wackiness part of the game. Roy Oswalt, the Phillies second best starting pitcher was forced to play left field. Now, you may ask how did that happen? Well, the reason being is that Ryan Howard, the Phillies normal 1st baseman got thrown out after he argued whether or not he swung at a pitch. So, the Phillies decided to move their left fielder, Raul Ibanez to first and since there were no position players left, put Oswalt in left. It was the first such thing done with the Phillies since Bill Wilson played third for the Phillies in 1971. Oswalt even made a catch while out there for two innings. Ibanez also played fairly well at first. But, the Phillies eventually lost 4-2 on two ground outs and were still 2 games behind the first place Braves who lost earlier in the night.
August game of the month
92nd PGA championship, as it featured controversy and a playoff and Kaymer winning their first major championship.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
AFC and NFC North division previews
The AFC North is loaded with three teams which could potentially make the playoffs and is always a physical division with the heated rivalries between the four teams in that division. Then, the NFC North is very top heavy with both Green Bay and Minnesota vying to be the top dog in the division, while Chicago is mediocre and Detroit, is well Detroit.
AFC North
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are, to be quite honest, a very bad team. They may show flashes of brilliance, but what team doesn't? The team hopes to find some success with a very successful quarterback throughout his career, Jake Delhomme, and if that fails, with a highly successful backup Seneca Wallace. The Browns also brought in Mike Holmgren as its president to help stabilize things in the front office. But, Delhomme was only successful because he had a terriffic running game behind him most of the time in Carolina and I don't think Jerome Harrison is going to be too good in Cleveland. Then the defense doesn't really have anyone of note either. Cleveland just wishes their only star Josh Cribbs could return every kick for a touchdown.
Prediction: 5-11
Cincinnati Bengals
Granted, I know the Bengals made the playoffs last year and won this division, but then again, these are also the Bengals, who, throughout their history, have stunk. The Bengals have nearly all of the pieces back from last season as well. But, they did add two possible volatile players in Adam Jones who has a history of arrests and of course Team Obliterator, Terrell Owens to compliment Chad Ochocinco. They also had a very good draft with Jermaine Gresham and Carlos Dunlap, who I think will be very good players. But, I just can't see how the team will get past the Steelers and the Ravens into the playoffs.
Prediction: 10-6, outside looking in on playoffs just barely.
Pittsburgh Steeelers
Ben Roethlisberger will be out at least the first four games of the season due to his violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy. But, the team is capable of finishing out his suspension with an even record. Plus, when Big Ben as he is affectionately known in Pittsburgh does come back, they should be fine. Roethlisberger is in the top five of winning percentage all-time. Then, the Steeler defense should be better this season, with a fully healthy Troy Polamalu and of course the defense is nearly always spectacular with great coordinator Dick LeBeau at the helm. Rashard Mendenhall also proved he could handle the load last season after the team diminished Willie Parker's role significantly.
Prediction: 11-5, number 5 seed.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore has put itself in the driver's seat with their acquisition of star receiver Anquan Boldin from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for just a third round and a fourth round draft choice. I do not expect Joe Flacco to regress at all in his third year as the starter. Ray Rice should also again be great in the running game. Finally, the defense may still lose a slight edge by getting another year older, but they will still hit as hard as anyone else in the league, and create turnovers with their blitzes. I expect this team to be one of the best in the league and to fight with the Jets and the other teams I pick in the south and west for the number one seed.
Prediction: 11-5, number 3 seed.
NFC North
Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford showed every person in the league how tough he was as a starter last season, when he threw a game winning touchdown pass with a separated shoulder. That proved to everyone that he belonged as the starter in Detroit. But, with so little surrounding him and protecting him from sacks and hits, it's hard to envision a bright future for the Lions. But, the Lions are trying to help Stafford by gutting the front office and head coach and trying to build a team through the draft. Which, I think is the way it should be done. In a few years the Lions very well could be a playoff team if they continue to upgrade. The Lions did upgrade this season with two draft picks I am high on, Ndamukong Suh and Jahvid Best. Suh should make an immediate impact along the defensive line drawing double teams and allowing the ends to get sacks. Best will eventually succeed Kevin Smith as the number one back and should put up several 1,000 yard seasons. But, let's face it, it's still Detroit and they still will stink, at least this year.
Prediction: 4-12
Chicago Bears
The Bears didn't have a draft choice this year in the first or second round. That, and the enormous amount of cap room they had, allowed them to go out and sign probably the best free agent on the market, Julius Peppers from the Panthers. This signing will definitely help the Bears on defense, but they are still an aging but very talented group of defenders. Led by Brian Urlacher, who is coming off an injury filled 2009 season should once again be top notch. The Bears also brought in Mike Martz to help with the offense. Martz should help a bit with Jay Cutler's interception woes he had last season, Cutler's first with the Bears. But, all I can think of the Bears as is a mediocre team who really won't find traction in the season.
Prediction: 8-8
Minnesota Vikings
Brett Favre made his annual late trip to training camp with the help of some cajoling by some of his teammates. Favre also had his ankle surgically repaired after the NFC championship game against the Saints. That does not bode well for a 40 year old playing football. Favre will not have the same rate of success he had last year in a career year, but he'll still be really good. Nearly everyone is back from last year's squad as well, and they will be amazing again, just not quite 12-4 amazing.
Prediction: 11-5, number 5 seed.
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is one of the few quarterbacks to come out of Cal and be great. Rodgers will put up video game like numbers each week and help fantasy owners tremendously. He'll also help his own team out by leading them to a division crown. Ryan grant will continue to provide a solid running game to counteract the pass happy Packers. Then, the defense should also be in the top 10, a group led by A.J. Hawk and his aggressive style which contributes a lot of tackles.
Prediction: 12-4, number 2 seed.
AFC North
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are, to be quite honest, a very bad team. They may show flashes of brilliance, but what team doesn't? The team hopes to find some success with a very successful quarterback throughout his career, Jake Delhomme, and if that fails, with a highly successful backup Seneca Wallace. The Browns also brought in Mike Holmgren as its president to help stabilize things in the front office. But, Delhomme was only successful because he had a terriffic running game behind him most of the time in Carolina and I don't think Jerome Harrison is going to be too good in Cleveland. Then the defense doesn't really have anyone of note either. Cleveland just wishes their only star Josh Cribbs could return every kick for a touchdown.
Prediction: 5-11
Cincinnati Bengals
Granted, I know the Bengals made the playoffs last year and won this division, but then again, these are also the Bengals, who, throughout their history, have stunk. The Bengals have nearly all of the pieces back from last season as well. But, they did add two possible volatile players in Adam Jones who has a history of arrests and of course Team Obliterator, Terrell Owens to compliment Chad Ochocinco. They also had a very good draft with Jermaine Gresham and Carlos Dunlap, who I think will be very good players. But, I just can't see how the team will get past the Steelers and the Ravens into the playoffs.
Prediction: 10-6, outside looking in on playoffs just barely.
Pittsburgh Steeelers
Ben Roethlisberger will be out at least the first four games of the season due to his violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy. But, the team is capable of finishing out his suspension with an even record. Plus, when Big Ben as he is affectionately known in Pittsburgh does come back, they should be fine. Roethlisberger is in the top five of winning percentage all-time. Then, the Steeler defense should be better this season, with a fully healthy Troy Polamalu and of course the defense is nearly always spectacular with great coordinator Dick LeBeau at the helm. Rashard Mendenhall also proved he could handle the load last season after the team diminished Willie Parker's role significantly.
Prediction: 11-5, number 5 seed.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore has put itself in the driver's seat with their acquisition of star receiver Anquan Boldin from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for just a third round and a fourth round draft choice. I do not expect Joe Flacco to regress at all in his third year as the starter. Ray Rice should also again be great in the running game. Finally, the defense may still lose a slight edge by getting another year older, but they will still hit as hard as anyone else in the league, and create turnovers with their blitzes. I expect this team to be one of the best in the league and to fight with the Jets and the other teams I pick in the south and west for the number one seed.
Prediction: 11-5, number 3 seed.
NFC North
Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford showed every person in the league how tough he was as a starter last season, when he threw a game winning touchdown pass with a separated shoulder. That proved to everyone that he belonged as the starter in Detroit. But, with so little surrounding him and protecting him from sacks and hits, it's hard to envision a bright future for the Lions. But, the Lions are trying to help Stafford by gutting the front office and head coach and trying to build a team through the draft. Which, I think is the way it should be done. In a few years the Lions very well could be a playoff team if they continue to upgrade. The Lions did upgrade this season with two draft picks I am high on, Ndamukong Suh and Jahvid Best. Suh should make an immediate impact along the defensive line drawing double teams and allowing the ends to get sacks. Best will eventually succeed Kevin Smith as the number one back and should put up several 1,000 yard seasons. But, let's face it, it's still Detroit and they still will stink, at least this year.
Prediction: 4-12
Chicago Bears
The Bears didn't have a draft choice this year in the first or second round. That, and the enormous amount of cap room they had, allowed them to go out and sign probably the best free agent on the market, Julius Peppers from the Panthers. This signing will definitely help the Bears on defense, but they are still an aging but very talented group of defenders. Led by Brian Urlacher, who is coming off an injury filled 2009 season should once again be top notch. The Bears also brought in Mike Martz to help with the offense. Martz should help a bit with Jay Cutler's interception woes he had last season, Cutler's first with the Bears. But, all I can think of the Bears as is a mediocre team who really won't find traction in the season.
Prediction: 8-8
Minnesota Vikings
Brett Favre made his annual late trip to training camp with the help of some cajoling by some of his teammates. Favre also had his ankle surgically repaired after the NFC championship game against the Saints. That does not bode well for a 40 year old playing football. Favre will not have the same rate of success he had last year in a career year, but he'll still be really good. Nearly everyone is back from last year's squad as well, and they will be amazing again, just not quite 12-4 amazing.
Prediction: 11-5, number 5 seed.
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is one of the few quarterbacks to come out of Cal and be great. Rodgers will put up video game like numbers each week and help fantasy owners tremendously. He'll also help his own team out by leading them to a division crown. Ryan grant will continue to provide a solid running game to counteract the pass happy Packers. Then, the defense should also be in the top 10, a group led by A.J. Hawk and his aggressive style which contributes a lot of tackles.
Prediction: 12-4, number 2 seed.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
AFC and NFC East division preview
The wonderful, beautiful game of football is back! And, of course that means prediction time, which will more than likely be wrong. Just look at some of my predictions from last year. As noticed by my quote of "Brett Favre will not play all 16 games and they will not make the playoffs." Just a bit off there. But, we make these predictions just to talk about them and have fun with them.
The division races will be incredibly tight in both the AFC and NFC's eastern divisions, as at least three of the four teams in each division are loaded with talent. Granted, they are loaded with talent on paper. It will be a much different story come the actual games and to see if any of these players miss even one game, as even one game is a significant amount of time on the NFL schedule. But, instead of generalizing and such, here is your team previews for both divisions.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
The Bills have not been to the playoffs since 2000, when the current Cowboys coach, Wade Phillips was their coach. This year will be no different, even with their fifth coach in the last decade. This time, it's Chan Gailey, who last coached Georgia Tech to a loss in the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl. Not exactly the best bowl game to go to. The Bills hopes rest on first round pick C.J. Spiller to be as amazing as he was in college and for the defense to be somewhat productive. The problem is that Spiller will probably have some trouble adjusting to the soeed of the game at the professional level. Also, the defense lost one of their more recognizable players in Aaron Schoebel due to retirement.
Prediction: 6-10
New England Patriots
Yes, I am picking the vaunted Patriots to finish third. There are several reasons for this. The first being that I think the Dolphins and Jets are a whole lot better than the Patriots are. The second is that the Patriots are a little bit older, and a little bit slower. Finally, I just think that their window of opportunity has passed them by. I still think the Patriots will be productive though, as they still have one of the best quarterbacks in the game, Tom Brady, one of the best coaches still in Bill Belichick and a very good defense. I just think they'll falter a little bit from last year when they went 10-6 and won this division.
Prediction: 8-8
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are cruising a little bit under the radar according to most so called "experts", they're picking them to finish right about here, but not to make the playoffs. Well, I am picking the Dolphins to make the playoffs as the second wild card team. So, Dolphins fans, hold your breath throughout the month of December. The offense should be amazing, as Chad Henne has another year of experience under his belt, and they got him a true number one receiver in Brandon Marshall. Ronnie Brown is also coming back from a foot injury to help Ricky Williams produce even more of a running game. The defense also should be solid again, and allow approximately the same amount of points it did last year with 16 points a game. With the offense on paper seemingly very good, that should be plenty.
Prediction: 10-6, number 6 seed.
New York Jets
Yes, I am buying into the talk of the Jets. Looking at their roster, it's a virtual all-star team. Rex Ryan will again have his defense playing near the top of the league, and allow fewer than 14 points a game. Darrelle Revis will eventually come back and play, as I'm sure he doesn't want to lose the money he would make this year. Then, after the solid season Mark Sanchez had last year, I expect him to get a little bit better. I also expect second year running back Shonn Greene to be able to carry the load, as LaDainian Tomlinson is not a lead back anymore. Tomlinson should fair well as the backup though. Plus, they should try and live up to the expectation and actually be the AFC Champs this year.
Prediction: 12-4, number 2 seed.
NFC East
Washington Redskins
With a new coach in Mike Shanahan, comes a new attitude, and for the Redskins, they hope a winning one. They also bring in a new quarterback in Donovan McNabb, which they must be happy to do, as McNabb is 12-7 lifetime against the Redskins. But, the big problem with Washington is that the majority of their starters are around the age of 30, which by NFL standards is very old. That translates to being very slow by NFL standards and they probably will finish a little better than last year's pitiful 4-12 mark.
Prediction: 7-9
New York Giants
New York is definitely flying under the radar this season, as you go and watch any of the multitude of NFL shows or pick up any of the ubiquitous NFL preview magazines and you will not hear or read a lot about the Giants. I think this year's Giants will be a lot like last year's Jets, where you'll notice them right at the end of the season and say, "hey where did you guys come from?" New York still has a bunch of very talented players, starting with Eli Manning, who should put in another pro bowl type season. Then, there is the two headed monster of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs at running back. Finally, the defense should be solid as usual, with defensive minded Tom Coughlin at the helm. Problem is, I just don't see them quite breaking through to the wild card, they'll be on the outside looking in.
Prediction: 9-7
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles come into 2010 off of two horriffic losses in back to back games against their most hated rival, the Dallas Cowboys. Fans in Philly were clamoring to get rid of the best quarterback in their history from day one, and management finally listened to them. So, this season's theme is out with the old, in with the new. Out with Donovan McNabb, in with Kevin Kolb. Out with Brian Westbrook, in with LeSean McCoy and Mike Bell. Come end of the season, out with Andy Reid, in with a new head coach. That is my very bold prediction for this team at the end of the year when it fails to produce a championship. Granted, it will continue to be consistent and make the playoffs, but it won't go far in them. The Eagles will barely make the playoffs at 9-7, just ahead of the Giants, but lose in the first round.
Prediction: 9-7, number 6 seed.
Dallas Cowboys
As much as I personally hate putting the Cowboys here, it's only logical to do so. Dallas is loaded on defense and offense. Dallas finally won a first round playoff game for the first time since the end of the millenium lsat year. Dallas has motivation to become the first team to host a Super Bowl in their own stadium and be one of the participants in it. I truly believe that Tony Romo is going to lead this team to the NFC Championship game. I truly believe that this defense, led by DeMarcus Ware, is going to be top five in the NFL. I hate writing all of that, but as a unbiased writer, I must.
Prediction: 12-4, number 1 seed.
The division races will be incredibly tight in both the AFC and NFC's eastern divisions, as at least three of the four teams in each division are loaded with talent. Granted, they are loaded with talent on paper. It will be a much different story come the actual games and to see if any of these players miss even one game, as even one game is a significant amount of time on the NFL schedule. But, instead of generalizing and such, here is your team previews for both divisions.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
The Bills have not been to the playoffs since 2000, when the current Cowboys coach, Wade Phillips was their coach. This year will be no different, even with their fifth coach in the last decade. This time, it's Chan Gailey, who last coached Georgia Tech to a loss in the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl. Not exactly the best bowl game to go to. The Bills hopes rest on first round pick C.J. Spiller to be as amazing as he was in college and for the defense to be somewhat productive. The problem is that Spiller will probably have some trouble adjusting to the soeed of the game at the professional level. Also, the defense lost one of their more recognizable players in Aaron Schoebel due to retirement.
Prediction: 6-10
New England Patriots
Yes, I am picking the vaunted Patriots to finish third. There are several reasons for this. The first being that I think the Dolphins and Jets are a whole lot better than the Patriots are. The second is that the Patriots are a little bit older, and a little bit slower. Finally, I just think that their window of opportunity has passed them by. I still think the Patriots will be productive though, as they still have one of the best quarterbacks in the game, Tom Brady, one of the best coaches still in Bill Belichick and a very good defense. I just think they'll falter a little bit from last year when they went 10-6 and won this division.
Prediction: 8-8
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are cruising a little bit under the radar according to most so called "experts", they're picking them to finish right about here, but not to make the playoffs. Well, I am picking the Dolphins to make the playoffs as the second wild card team. So, Dolphins fans, hold your breath throughout the month of December. The offense should be amazing, as Chad Henne has another year of experience under his belt, and they got him a true number one receiver in Brandon Marshall. Ronnie Brown is also coming back from a foot injury to help Ricky Williams produce even more of a running game. The defense also should be solid again, and allow approximately the same amount of points it did last year with 16 points a game. With the offense on paper seemingly very good, that should be plenty.
Prediction: 10-6, number 6 seed.
New York Jets
Yes, I am buying into the talk of the Jets. Looking at their roster, it's a virtual all-star team. Rex Ryan will again have his defense playing near the top of the league, and allow fewer than 14 points a game. Darrelle Revis will eventually come back and play, as I'm sure he doesn't want to lose the money he would make this year. Then, after the solid season Mark Sanchez had last year, I expect him to get a little bit better. I also expect second year running back Shonn Greene to be able to carry the load, as LaDainian Tomlinson is not a lead back anymore. Tomlinson should fair well as the backup though. Plus, they should try and live up to the expectation and actually be the AFC Champs this year.
Prediction: 12-4, number 2 seed.
NFC East
Washington Redskins
With a new coach in Mike Shanahan, comes a new attitude, and for the Redskins, they hope a winning one. They also bring in a new quarterback in Donovan McNabb, which they must be happy to do, as McNabb is 12-7 lifetime against the Redskins. But, the big problem with Washington is that the majority of their starters are around the age of 30, which by NFL standards is very old. That translates to being very slow by NFL standards and they probably will finish a little better than last year's pitiful 4-12 mark.
Prediction: 7-9
New York Giants
New York is definitely flying under the radar this season, as you go and watch any of the multitude of NFL shows or pick up any of the ubiquitous NFL preview magazines and you will not hear or read a lot about the Giants. I think this year's Giants will be a lot like last year's Jets, where you'll notice them right at the end of the season and say, "hey where did you guys come from?" New York still has a bunch of very talented players, starting with Eli Manning, who should put in another pro bowl type season. Then, there is the two headed monster of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs at running back. Finally, the defense should be solid as usual, with defensive minded Tom Coughlin at the helm. Problem is, I just don't see them quite breaking through to the wild card, they'll be on the outside looking in.
Prediction: 9-7
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles come into 2010 off of two horriffic losses in back to back games against their most hated rival, the Dallas Cowboys. Fans in Philly were clamoring to get rid of the best quarterback in their history from day one, and management finally listened to them. So, this season's theme is out with the old, in with the new. Out with Donovan McNabb, in with Kevin Kolb. Out with Brian Westbrook, in with LeSean McCoy and Mike Bell. Come end of the season, out with Andy Reid, in with a new head coach. That is my very bold prediction for this team at the end of the year when it fails to produce a championship. Granted, it will continue to be consistent and make the playoffs, but it won't go far in them. The Eagles will barely make the playoffs at 9-7, just ahead of the Giants, but lose in the first round.
Prediction: 9-7, number 6 seed.
Dallas Cowboys
As much as I personally hate putting the Cowboys here, it's only logical to do so. Dallas is loaded on defense and offense. Dallas finally won a first round playoff game for the first time since the end of the millenium lsat year. Dallas has motivation to become the first team to host a Super Bowl in their own stadium and be one of the participants in it. I truly believe that Tony Romo is going to lead this team to the NFC Championship game. I truly believe that this defense, led by DeMarcus Ware, is going to be top five in the NFL. I hate writing all of that, but as a unbiased writer, I must.
Prediction: 12-4, number 1 seed.
Monday, August 2, 2010
July games of the month
July was a relatively slow month, as there were really only two big events to choose from, the World Cup final and the MLB All-Star game. Then, you had the NASCAR races as well. Plus, the baseball regular season. But, unless it is truly an epic game, you probably will not remember it. So, there are three events which I'll pick for the month of July: the World Cup final, the All-Star game, and the Brickyard 400.
Reason why chosen for each:
World Cup Final: It happens once every four years and it's normally a good match, as this one most definitely was. It featured two nations which are crazy about soccer and which had never won it before. The match also went into extra time, which was the first time since the 1994 United States hosted Cup where it went into extra time.
MLB All-Star game: The National League won it for the first time since 1996, and won home-field advantage in the World Series for the first time since 2001. The game itself was also dominated by pitching, as the only scoring came in the 5th on a sacrifice fly and in the 7th on a bases clearing double by All-Star game MVP Brian McCann.
Brickyard 400: Almost any NASCAR race is good, but this was special for two reasons: it was held at the most hallowed racetrack in America, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and it helped Jamie McMurray become the third driver to win BOTH the Brickyard 400 and the Daytona 500, which are pretty much the two races which are most important to a race fan.
Event of the month:
2010 World Cup Final
For those tho missed it, Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0 in a very physical, violent game. The Netherlands came out aggressive, hoping to throw the Spanish off their game & it worked for most of the game. There were yellow cards, a red card, and a flying kick to the chest. There were 14 yellow cards in total. For 116 minutes, the game was scoreless, until the Spanish finally broke through. The Netherlands had chances, where Robbin blew 2 breakaway chances in regulation, and we were only 4 minutes from another shootout final. For 2 teams that were expected to use finesse, it was a game of anything but. Saves by both keepers kept it close, until Iniesta sealed the Netherlands fate, as the best team to still never win the World Cup (this was the Netherlands 3rd finals loss).
Reason why chosen for each:
World Cup Final: It happens once every four years and it's normally a good match, as this one most definitely was. It featured two nations which are crazy about soccer and which had never won it before. The match also went into extra time, which was the first time since the 1994 United States hosted Cup where it went into extra time.
MLB All-Star game: The National League won it for the first time since 1996, and won home-field advantage in the World Series for the first time since 2001. The game itself was also dominated by pitching, as the only scoring came in the 5th on a sacrifice fly and in the 7th on a bases clearing double by All-Star game MVP Brian McCann.
Brickyard 400: Almost any NASCAR race is good, but this was special for two reasons: it was held at the most hallowed racetrack in America, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and it helped Jamie McMurray become the third driver to win BOTH the Brickyard 400 and the Daytona 500, which are pretty much the two races which are most important to a race fan.
Event of the month:
2010 World Cup Final
For those tho missed it, Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0 in a very physical, violent game. The Netherlands came out aggressive, hoping to throw the Spanish off their game & it worked for most of the game. There were yellow cards, a red card, and a flying kick to the chest. There were 14 yellow cards in total. For 116 minutes, the game was scoreless, until the Spanish finally broke through. The Netherlands had chances, where Robbin blew 2 breakaway chances in regulation, and we were only 4 minutes from another shootout final. For 2 teams that were expected to use finesse, it was a game of anything but. Saves by both keepers kept it close, until Iniesta sealed the Netherlands fate, as the best team to still never win the World Cup (this was the Netherlands 3rd finals loss).
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