No Happy End

There is no Happy End for Germany in soccer today. We lost against Spain
in the final game 0:1. In the end we just couldn't compete against the
Spaniards who played a better game and captured the Euro Cup.
Again, it was quite obvious that the German team is lacking in defense
and the midfield. We knew since the World Cup, that our defense
is suspect, but I expected more from the midfielders. The so-called
leaders Ballack and Frings didn't do much all game and the forwards
were pretty toothless as well. Spain outplayed us in every aspect of the
game and deserve to lift the trophy.
Overall it was a great tournament. Great games, goals, comebacks and
great football all along. The only thing that bothered me during the games
was the increased amount of 'diving' of players or faking injuries to halt
or slow down the game. It used to be just in penalty box, but now players
are going down on easy fouls like they have been shot by a sniper.
Terrible.
Well, the Euro Cup is over and I am looking forward to World Cup 2010.
Qualifying will start soon. Great, more soccer to watch.

FINALE

Well, well, well, so Germany made it into the Euro Cup finals. This time,
we weaseled ourselves through the game. Three good plays out of
90 minutes of play was good enough to beat Turkey who scored 2
goals themselves. It was painful to watch, I actually took off from
work early to watch the game and I find myself yelling and shouting
at the TV screen. On top of that, the TV feed from Europe was interrupted
a couple of times, so I missed 2 of the goals. Disgusting!
To sum it up. We can be proud to reach the finales, but if we don't start
to play better football, we can brace ourselves for a beating by the Spaniards
or the Russians.
Let's hope the team can find its form by Sunday.

WOW!!!!

WOW!!!
I can't believe it. We actually beat Portugal in the quarterfinals.
I only saw the game as a repeat, but it was a great. After the
two not so great games against Croatia and Austria, this was a huge
improvement. Germany changed their team and tactics and it
totally paid off. Portugal seemed asleep for the first half hour
of the game and when they woke up it was already 2 to nil.
The final score was 3:2 for Germany and a spot in the Semifinals.
Germany's opponent will be Turkey, the cinderella story and comeback
kid of the tourney. After a nailbiter against the Czech Republic they
beat Croatia in PK's. This could be an interesting game. Germany is
certainly the favorite, but you CAN NOT underestimate the Turkish team.
But I have confidence that we are making it to the final.
Let's go GERMANY!!

Live to play another day...

Well, we made it. Through a 1:0 victory over Austria, the German
team advanced to the quarterfinals in the European Cup. They
had a hard time winning, because the forwards are still not
hitting the back of the net and it took a free kick from
Ballack to mark the 1:0. So, we are going to play Portugal
on Thursday and that is a tough nut to crack. With their
offensive power there is a good change that they will score
on us and the only way to win is to score more goals. I am
hoping the German forwards are coming to live and maybe the
coach will bring some fresh blood. Missing a goal like Gomez
did today is just inexcusable. He had three bad games and against
a team like the Portuguese we can't afford to miss those
opportunities.
It should be a good game. Portugal is not unbeatable and if
everybody brings their A game, we have a chance. Just look
at Turkey and how they beat the Czech Republic.
Go GERMANY!!!

Schmap

A couple of days ago I got an email from the editor of
Schmap Guides. He asked for permission to use one of my
New Zealand photos, I published on Flickr, for their website.
I agreed and now you can see my pictures if you search
Schmap for information on Christchurch. Check it out:


My photo on Schmap

It's the small picture in the top right corner ;)

Nooooooooo...........

I can't believe it. I am staring at the computer screen and
the numbers are shocking. Germany 1 Croatia 2.
I can not believe Germany lost against Croatia today. After
the great game against Poland, I surely had hoped that
they could continue their good play, but I guess not.
I didn't see the game myself, but followed it on the
computer. My sister called right after the game and told
me that the team played really bad. Hopefully, this was
just a slap in the face and it'll wake everybody up.
With Poland and Austria splitting the game a 1:1, Germany
needs at least a tie to move into the elimination round.
Let's hope they can get their act together on Monday and
advance. Because if they do, they will most likely face
Portugal, a team that looked really impressive so far.
But, if you are serious about the cup, you better start
winning the rest of the game.

Soccer Update

The first couple of games of the European Cup are in the books and so
far it has been pretty good. Especially, since Germany won their first
match against Poland convincingly with 2:0. What a great game!
Germany played awesome during the first half and got the first goal
in the 20st minute. In the second half the team slowed down a bit
and let Poland get stronger, but Podolski's second goal sealed the deal.
Here the two goals for your enjoyment:

Video no longer available.

If the team can keep up that kind of play, they can go a long way.
The next game it Thursday against Croatia. A tough team to play against,

Midwest Summer

Today, was the first day that felt like a typical Mid-west
summer day. Hot and muggy. Stepping out of the air-conditioned
office is like walking into wall of water mist. This also means
that Thunderstorms are rolling through the area. No tornado's, like
in other parts of the Midwest, but strong enough to cut the power
once in a while. Let's see, what else is new. Well, of course the
democrats have decided that Obama is most likely their candidate.
A good choice?? I think it is better than the alternative, but I
do believe Obama needs to pick up some great people for his cabinet
to convince me, that the change he is talking about is really happening.
But on a more important note, the European Cup, soccer that is, starts
Saturday. Germany is considered one of the many favorites, but the
last couple of games the defense looked rather shaky.
I still hope they will at least make it to the
semifinals. Their first game is Sunday and I hope
it is carried by one of my TV stations. I am still riled
about the TV debacle during the finals of
World Cup 2002.

Go, Indy Go

Saw the new Indiana Jones movie today. The first
of a bunch of big blockbuster movies this summer. To sum it
up: I thought is was a good movie. Comparing to the other movies
of the Indy's series, I'd say it was better than the Temple of Doom
and not as good as the last Crusade. I still believe the Raiders
of the lost Ark was the best of them all. It's just a classic with
the melting faces in the end or when Indy casually shoots down the
sable wielding enemy. But back to the movie last night.
I liked the action scenes and the tempo of the movie. Harrison Ford
is doing a good job and I liked the references to some of the other Indy
movies. My favorite: The chase through a warehouse in Area 51
which busts open the box with the Ark in it.
The story itself felt a little bit thrown together and some of the
dialog sounded a bit stiff, trying too hard to sound witty or funny.
But overall the movie was enjoyable and I give it 3.5 out of 5.