"Smashing". The word took on a very significant meaning tonight in the heavily anticipated men's 4X100meter fresstyle team swimming competition. The French team was easily the favorite for this match, and brushed aside the possibility of the more highly-publicized American team of stealing their glory. The U.S. squad, comprised of star swimmers Michael Phelps, Garrett Weber-Gale, Cullen Jones, and team captain Jason Lezak, would have enough success in other events. But this one, for the French, was THEIR big event. Said anchor Alain Bernard, "The Americans? We're going to smash them". He believed that was what they were there to do.
Bernard's predicted outcome seemed in question early after the first leg, when France was about neck-and-neck with America, featuring Phelps as the starter, for second, while Australia's team was out front. After the second leg, the race was a blur. France, the U.S., and Australia were about even, all of which were way in front of the world record pace. After the third leg, France had a sizeable lead, about a half-body length. Which all but secured victory since the French anchor Bernard holds the world record for 100 meter freestyle. Essentially, there is no one better at his leg, and he has the lead. However, in a frenzied swim, Lezak made up about a half-body length down the stretch and made it a photo finish.
Both the French and American teams anxiously looked up at the scoreboard for the final results as both swimmers touched the wall with their fingertips. And then Michael Phelps let out a long, primal scream, soon to be joined by his teammates, Jones and Weber-Gale, and Lezak, who, following his world record (yes indeed, that world record) 100meter freestyle of 46.06 seconds, almost lept out of the pool in excitement and triumph. Phelps did this not because he was relieved that his shot at getting 8 golds remained intact, but because his fellow countrymen and he defended a nation's honor against pointless and unnecessary banter, against unsportsmanlike behavior. And as Alain Bernard solemnly hung his head in defeat and disbelief, the world witnessed a great moment in sports. No, not a world record. Rather a display of humble class, sportsmanship, and the greatest effort by the world's second-fastest men's 4X100meter freestyle team that made the great nation of the United States of America proud. Because...yes Mr. Bernard, SMASH! They are the fastest now.
Moments like these, not medal counts or new records, define the greatness of the Olympic Games. Emblems of national pride, like Michael Phelps' elated and victorious scream and Jason Lezak's impeccable world-class comeback on the final leg, will remain significant and deeply meaningful to the American people for a very long time. Longer than any gold medal can be worn or any record will stand.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
WSPN Beijing 2008: Basketball - United States vs. China (Preliminaries)
10:03 AM - NBC's Jim Lampley says that this game might be the most watched basketball game in the world. Of all time. Epic indeed.
10:06 AM - This was supposedly the toughest ticket to get at the games. And it's a first round match. That's saying a lot.
10:09 AM - Yao Ming is the centerpiece for Team China.
10:11 AM - Yao's flag-bearing march with the heroic young survivor of the Sichuan earthquake a third his size is a touching image which will live on in history for a long time.
10:14 AM - This is Coach K's 500th international game as coach! The milestones are making this game all the more incredible.
10:15 AM - President Bush is sitting next to the Chinese Foreign Minister in the stands. A good gesture for international cooperation....let's see if these same feelings are shared on the court.
10:16 AM - The crowd is really loud and into it. TIP OFF!!! U.S. forfeits possession right away.
10:17 AM - Yao freaking hits a three! Yes that's right. A 7'6 center hits a three to start the game. Not a good sign of things to come for the defense-deficient United States team.
10:18 AM - The intensity is high. Turnovers abound. Three in a row now, culminated by a Dwight Howard jam on a fastbreak.
10:19 AM - Sun Yu Wei (new Lakers signee) hits a three for China. Howard responds by hitting a layup, yet missing the corresponding free throw for the foul.
10:20 AM - Lebron charges down the court and gets a three point play. Yao has his first foul...this is crucial.
10:21 AM - These Chinese are just owning the three ball. This game is so incredibly fast-paced and exciting. A good change of pace (no pun intended) from the NBA.
10:22 AM - Subs in for the first time for both teams. 11-9 China. Both teams have about 6 turnovers each. No lie.
10:24 AM - First timeout, with China leading...and they say China isn't even a medal contender. Come on "Redeem Team", let's go!
10:26 AM - Lebron has a nice one-handed slam. The fastbreak is the U.S.'s best weapon so far. Kobe hits a three! Okay, now we are starting to gain some poise and momentum. Three point lead. Wade gets a steal and adds another layup. The announcers are right, the Chinese have little depth.
10:27 AM - Li Wei hits another three for China. They are 4 of 4. The threes are the great equalizer.
10:28 AM - Momentum back to China as the fans are incredibly into it. Game is tied 16-16.
10:30 AM - This game is seriously so exciting. And this is coming from a guy that never watches the NBA at all. I'm liking this international intensity. I can sense that both sides feel it's all on the line.
10:32 AM - Dwyane Wade hits two free throws to give the States a two point lead. China seems to use up the shot clock on every possesion. Maybe they're trying to shorten the game.
10:34 AM - Timeout as the U.S. has the last possession of the first. It will have to be Laettner-esque...there are only 2 seconds remaining.
10:35 AM - The first quarter ends as the score is U.S. 20, China 16. Still anything can happen at this juncture.
10:38 AM - The second quarter begins. The Chinese hit a three yet AGAIN. They are 5 of 7 for three point land now.
10:39 AM - And the U.S. is about 7 of 7 on dunks as Wade throws in a two-handed reverse. Our guys can really take it to the basket.
10:40 AM - We have been pretty clutch at the charity stripe so far. 24-21 lead for the States now.
10;41 AM - Okay this is seriously incredible. Lebron just snatched the ball out of the air with a block and chucked it down to Wade who threw it down. The back-and-forth tempo is really taking its toll on China.
10:42 AM - China is staying in the game with the 3-pointer, but their depth can't match the team of NBA all-stars.
10:44 AM - Yao with a skyhook brings China to only a three point defiicit, 29-26.
10:45 AM - Sun Yu Wei hits yet ANOTHER three. They are an incredible 7 of 11. 29-29! Deron Williams misses a three. I think we are more like 3 of 11.
10:46 AM - Bosh gets a nice offensive rebound and puts home another dunk to put the U.S. up 31-29.
10:47 AM - Kobe rushes down and takes it to the rim. Wow! Steal and he just did it again! 6 straight points in just thirty seconds. 35-29 United States lead. Probably 24 of those points have come on dunks.
10:49 AM - These Chinese guys are ROBOTS! Another three. 35-32 U.S.
10:50 AM - Just as the three keeps China in the game, the fastbreak keeps distancing the U.S. Lebron hits a layup and the refs call an intentional foul on Yi Jianlian. The U.S.'s free possession nets nothing.
10:52 AM - Bosh with a layup in the post. Yi misses a three. This game might be starting to get out of hand. Amazing fastbreak leads to a Lebron-Wade alley oop tandem followed by a missed free throw. U.S. up by nine. Okay eleven...the full court press is really killing China. A 16-3 run.
10:54 AM - Yao hits a couple of free throws. Yet five seconds later the U.S. is already down the court and hits another fastbreak layup. 49-36 United States lead.
10:56 AM - China holds on for the last possession and Li Wei draws a foul off of Lebron. Only a few seconds to go.
10:57 AM - Li Wei hits one of two. 3.7 seconds to go. During the timeout, the camera shows the entire U.S. womens basketball team in attendance. It's awesome the support that U.S. athletes show each other. They're all in it together for country.
10:59 AM - Halftime begins. The United States have a solid lead, 49-37, with a good deal of the momentum. Another similar half will be sure to seal victory for the U.S. team.
11:02 AM - Back to the studio. Lebron has 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. Very well-rounded, and great for the team's leader. Yao has 7 points for Team China.
11:03 AM - A recap is shown of Michael Phelps amazing 400 IM victory and world record at the Water Cube yesterday.
11:05 AM - Highlights of the U.S. mens soccer team's tie with Netherlands. Yes, a TIE AGAINST THE DUTCH!!! Now, all they need is a tie or win against Nigeria to advance. Too bad they gave up a goal in the 93rd minute to lose the victory against the Netherlands to clinch that berth.
11:09 AM - A nice story about the growing passion and fever of basketball in China, all created by Yao as an ambassador of the game. Sales of Yao's jersey are only 6th however in China. This shows the respect the Chinese have for the NBA and American basketball. This piece really puts a spotlight on how significant this U.S.-China game is.
11:15 AM - Back to the game. The U.S. is 1 of 12 from downtown, but they own down low, and now have a 51-37 lead.
11:16 AM - The announcers seem to hate on the refs for no specific reason.
11:17 AM - Yi with an incredible and powerful tip-in slam to narrow the States' lead to 51-39.
11:18 AM - Carmelo picks up a foul, it's Yao's second. 5 fouls is a foul-out in the international game. Making Yao foul out isn't too big of a priority with this lead now.
11:19 AM - Wow! China missed two threes in a row! Sign of the apocalypse.
11:20 AM - Sun Yu Wei with a beautiful block on the other end. China's ensuing possession nets another offensive rebound, yet a turnover. The 11th for China.
11:21 AM - This is starting to become a mixtape show for Lebron around the rim. 54-39 United States with many of those points coming as easy baskets or slams.
11:23 AM - China's three point magic is gone. A missed open three. Most definitely the culprit is fatigue.
11:24 AM - Yao gets to the line to pick up his 8th and 9th points. 56-41 U.S. now.
11:25 AM - Paul misses a three yet Chris Bosh gets another offensive rebound and puts it home. Another turover by China leads to another fastbreak. This a game of "anothers".
11:26 AM - Two Chinese free throws narrow the still-wide States' lead to 60-45.
11:27 AM - Lebron hits a three! Our second one today. It could be an early dagger. 63-45. Lebron is truly leading this team.
11:29 AM - Kobe to Wade who hits an acrobatic lay up. Anything the Chinese can do just doesn't matchup to the Americans' impeccable raw skill. 68-48 U.S.
11:30 AM - Bosh has made a nice prescence underneath the basket as he draws a foul. He has 9 points now after hitting a free throw. 21 point lead.
11:32 AM - Another fastbreak dunk, this time by Kobe...this game is starting to become a runaway. 72-48 now U.S.
11:33 AM - Steal and corrseponding dunk by Wade to increase the lead to 26 as the third quarter ends. 25-11 U.S. in that quarter. The game is certainly over. 74-48 United States over China.
11:36 AM - Fourth quarter begins. Let's see if China can get some momentum running for their next game.
11:38 AM - This time is also crucial game time for some of the U.S. reserves that don't typically get many minutes. Yet they have to be ready in case of injury or foul-outs down the line in the tournament.
11:40 AM - Yao's third foul as Deron Williams hits two free throws to expand the United States' lead to 79-50.
11:41 AM - President Bush is leaving the venue. You mean to tell me he has more important business than watching this game? Really? Come on.
11:43 AM - A dunk for Yao as he jumps off the ground about an inch. Michael Redd responds with a three, making the United States' lead 87-52.
11:46 AM - Little action has occurred recently as China calls a timeout. 89-54 United States.
11:48 AM - Yi completes his attempt at a three point play. About four minutes to go in the final quarter.
11:50 AM - Deron Williams has had a pretty good game off of the bench in his first Olympic game. 91-64 as Boozer picks up a foul and heads to the line.
11:52 AM - The Chinese fans are still into it when Team China does somthing well. This game means a lot more than a win or a loss to them.
11:53 AM - Chris Paul knocks down a three to make the score 98-66 in the U.S.'s favor. Maybe they'll get to triple digits?
11:54 AM - Michael Redd hits a three to give the U.S. a 33 point lead.
11:55 AM - The game ends with a resounding victory for the United States. Final score: U.S. 101, China 70. This is the culmination of much anticipation and both teams have reason to be very proud. The Chinese fans surely show their appreciation.
11:56 AM - This U.S. team certainly looks to be the one to return to the gold medal podium with this great start. They have a day to rest and then they get after it against Angola on Tuesday. USA! USA! USA!
10:06 AM - This was supposedly the toughest ticket to get at the games. And it's a first round match. That's saying a lot.
10:09 AM - Yao Ming is the centerpiece for Team China.
10:11 AM - Yao's flag-bearing march with the heroic young survivor of the Sichuan earthquake a third his size is a touching image which will live on in history for a long time.
10:14 AM - This is Coach K's 500th international game as coach! The milestones are making this game all the more incredible.
10:15 AM - President Bush is sitting next to the Chinese Foreign Minister in the stands. A good gesture for international cooperation....let's see if these same feelings are shared on the court.
10:16 AM - The crowd is really loud and into it. TIP OFF!!! U.S. forfeits possession right away.
10:17 AM - Yao freaking hits a three! Yes that's right. A 7'6 center hits a three to start the game. Not a good sign of things to come for the defense-deficient United States team.
10:18 AM - The intensity is high. Turnovers abound. Three in a row now, culminated by a Dwight Howard jam on a fastbreak.
10:19 AM - Sun Yu Wei (new Lakers signee) hits a three for China. Howard responds by hitting a layup, yet missing the corresponding free throw for the foul.
10:20 AM - Lebron charges down the court and gets a three point play. Yao has his first foul...this is crucial.
10:21 AM - These Chinese are just owning the three ball. This game is so incredibly fast-paced and exciting. A good change of pace (no pun intended) from the NBA.
10:22 AM - Subs in for the first time for both teams. 11-9 China. Both teams have about 6 turnovers each. No lie.
10:24 AM - First timeout, with China leading...and they say China isn't even a medal contender. Come on "Redeem Team", let's go!
10:26 AM - Lebron has a nice one-handed slam. The fastbreak is the U.S.'s best weapon so far. Kobe hits a three! Okay, now we are starting to gain some poise and momentum. Three point lead. Wade gets a steal and adds another layup. The announcers are right, the Chinese have little depth.
10:27 AM - Li Wei hits another three for China. They are 4 of 4. The threes are the great equalizer.
10:28 AM - Momentum back to China as the fans are incredibly into it. Game is tied 16-16.
10:30 AM - This game is seriously so exciting. And this is coming from a guy that never watches the NBA at all. I'm liking this international intensity. I can sense that both sides feel it's all on the line.
10:32 AM - Dwyane Wade hits two free throws to give the States a two point lead. China seems to use up the shot clock on every possesion. Maybe they're trying to shorten the game.
10:34 AM - Timeout as the U.S. has the last possession of the first. It will have to be Laettner-esque...there are only 2 seconds remaining.
10:35 AM - The first quarter ends as the score is U.S. 20, China 16. Still anything can happen at this juncture.
10:38 AM - The second quarter begins. The Chinese hit a three yet AGAIN. They are 5 of 7 for three point land now.
10:39 AM - And the U.S. is about 7 of 7 on dunks as Wade throws in a two-handed reverse. Our guys can really take it to the basket.
10:40 AM - We have been pretty clutch at the charity stripe so far. 24-21 lead for the States now.
10;41 AM - Okay this is seriously incredible. Lebron just snatched the ball out of the air with a block and chucked it down to Wade who threw it down. The back-and-forth tempo is really taking its toll on China.
10:42 AM - China is staying in the game with the 3-pointer, but their depth can't match the team of NBA all-stars.
10:44 AM - Yao with a skyhook brings China to only a three point defiicit, 29-26.
10:45 AM - Sun Yu Wei hits yet ANOTHER three. They are an incredible 7 of 11. 29-29! Deron Williams misses a three. I think we are more like 3 of 11.
10:46 AM - Bosh gets a nice offensive rebound and puts home another dunk to put the U.S. up 31-29.
10:47 AM - Kobe rushes down and takes it to the rim. Wow! Steal and he just did it again! 6 straight points in just thirty seconds. 35-29 United States lead. Probably 24 of those points have come on dunks.
10:49 AM - These Chinese guys are ROBOTS! Another three. 35-32 U.S.
10:50 AM - Just as the three keeps China in the game, the fastbreak keeps distancing the U.S. Lebron hits a layup and the refs call an intentional foul on Yi Jianlian. The U.S.'s free possession nets nothing.
10:52 AM - Bosh with a layup in the post. Yi misses a three. This game might be starting to get out of hand. Amazing fastbreak leads to a Lebron-Wade alley oop tandem followed by a missed free throw. U.S. up by nine. Okay eleven...the full court press is really killing China. A 16-3 run.
10:54 AM - Yao hits a couple of free throws. Yet five seconds later the U.S. is already down the court and hits another fastbreak layup. 49-36 United States lead.
10:56 AM - China holds on for the last possession and Li Wei draws a foul off of Lebron. Only a few seconds to go.
10:57 AM - Li Wei hits one of two. 3.7 seconds to go. During the timeout, the camera shows the entire U.S. womens basketball team in attendance. It's awesome the support that U.S. athletes show each other. They're all in it together for country.
10:59 AM - Halftime begins. The United States have a solid lead, 49-37, with a good deal of the momentum. Another similar half will be sure to seal victory for the U.S. team.
11:02 AM - Back to the studio. Lebron has 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. Very well-rounded, and great for the team's leader. Yao has 7 points for Team China.
11:03 AM - A recap is shown of Michael Phelps amazing 400 IM victory and world record at the Water Cube yesterday.
11:05 AM - Highlights of the U.S. mens soccer team's tie with Netherlands. Yes, a TIE AGAINST THE DUTCH!!! Now, all they need is a tie or win against Nigeria to advance. Too bad they gave up a goal in the 93rd minute to lose the victory against the Netherlands to clinch that berth.
11:09 AM - A nice story about the growing passion and fever of basketball in China, all created by Yao as an ambassador of the game. Sales of Yao's jersey are only 6th however in China. This shows the respect the Chinese have for the NBA and American basketball. This piece really puts a spotlight on how significant this U.S.-China game is.
11:15 AM - Back to the game. The U.S. is 1 of 12 from downtown, but they own down low, and now have a 51-37 lead.
11:16 AM - The announcers seem to hate on the refs for no specific reason.
11:17 AM - Yi with an incredible and powerful tip-in slam to narrow the States' lead to 51-39.
11:18 AM - Carmelo picks up a foul, it's Yao's second. 5 fouls is a foul-out in the international game. Making Yao foul out isn't too big of a priority with this lead now.
11:19 AM - Wow! China missed two threes in a row! Sign of the apocalypse.
11:20 AM - Sun Yu Wei with a beautiful block on the other end. China's ensuing possession nets another offensive rebound, yet a turnover. The 11th for China.
11:21 AM - This is starting to become a mixtape show for Lebron around the rim. 54-39 United States with many of those points coming as easy baskets or slams.
11:23 AM - China's three point magic is gone. A missed open three. Most definitely the culprit is fatigue.
11:24 AM - Yao gets to the line to pick up his 8th and 9th points. 56-41 U.S. now.
11:25 AM - Paul misses a three yet Chris Bosh gets another offensive rebound and puts it home. Another turover by China leads to another fastbreak. This a game of "anothers".
11:26 AM - Two Chinese free throws narrow the still-wide States' lead to 60-45.
11:27 AM - Lebron hits a three! Our second one today. It could be an early dagger. 63-45. Lebron is truly leading this team.
11:29 AM - Kobe to Wade who hits an acrobatic lay up. Anything the Chinese can do just doesn't matchup to the Americans' impeccable raw skill. 68-48 U.S.
11:30 AM - Bosh has made a nice prescence underneath the basket as he draws a foul. He has 9 points now after hitting a free throw. 21 point lead.
11:32 AM - Another fastbreak dunk, this time by Kobe...this game is starting to become a runaway. 72-48 now U.S.
11:33 AM - Steal and corrseponding dunk by Wade to increase the lead to 26 as the third quarter ends. 25-11 U.S. in that quarter. The game is certainly over. 74-48 United States over China.
11:36 AM - Fourth quarter begins. Let's see if China can get some momentum running for their next game.
11:38 AM - This time is also crucial game time for some of the U.S. reserves that don't typically get many minutes. Yet they have to be ready in case of injury or foul-outs down the line in the tournament.
11:40 AM - Yao's third foul as Deron Williams hits two free throws to expand the United States' lead to 79-50.
11:41 AM - President Bush is leaving the venue. You mean to tell me he has more important business than watching this game? Really? Come on.
11:43 AM - A dunk for Yao as he jumps off the ground about an inch. Michael Redd responds with a three, making the United States' lead 87-52.
11:46 AM - Little action has occurred recently as China calls a timeout. 89-54 United States.
11:48 AM - Yi completes his attempt at a three point play. About four minutes to go in the final quarter.
11:50 AM - Deron Williams has had a pretty good game off of the bench in his first Olympic game. 91-64 as Boozer picks up a foul and heads to the line.
11:52 AM - The Chinese fans are still into it when Team China does somthing well. This game means a lot more than a win or a loss to them.
11:53 AM - Chris Paul knocks down a three to make the score 98-66 in the U.S.'s favor. Maybe they'll get to triple digits?
11:54 AM - Michael Redd hits a three to give the U.S. a 33 point lead.
11:55 AM - The game ends with a resounding victory for the United States. Final score: U.S. 101, China 70. This is the culmination of much anticipation and both teams have reason to be very proud. The Chinese fans surely show their appreciation.
11:56 AM - This U.S. team certainly looks to be the one to return to the gold medal podium with this great start. They have a day to rest and then they get after it against Angola on Tuesday. USA! USA! USA!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
WSPN Beijing 2008: Day 1 Competition Recap
At this time, about 24 hours exactly have passed since NBC's official primetime airing of the Beijing Opening Ceremonies. Though this broadcast wasn't live, it is still a good measuring tool and reference point to be used for the duration of the games. Although only one day of competition has transpired, many events have already declared winners and handed out prized gold medals. This isn't to say there wasn't action occuring in other sports that only featured preliminary heats either. Overall, the first day of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games didn't disappoint in following the incredible splendor and perfect display of the opening ceremony, and that's saying a whole lot.
Right now, as of press time, the medal count displays the United States in first place with 7 medals, and China and South Korea are tied in second place with 3. All three nations feature 2 gold medalists; the other winners of golds come from Australia, Czech Republic, Romania, and Spain, where those medals are the countries' sole ones. The top 3 nations may have settled in to their expected places for the total medal count, so this may be a sign of things to come. Many experts expect the U.S. and China to battle for the overall medal count and gold medal total.
What is really interesting in this medal race is the dominance of certain events by a single country. With so many talented athletes in a variety of sports all around the world, it is mindblowing to think that one nation can feature athletes that can consistently win over all others. A great example of this is the medal sweep of the women's individual sabre (fencing) competition by the U.S. Also, the Chinese traditionally win every medal in events such as diving and table tennis. So, the international battle for the most medals might depend on a country's competitors stepping it up and putting in big performances as underdogs. Such as China's womens field hockey team taking it to the highly-favored Spanish team 3-0 in the second right now (yes, I am indeed watching that right now online while I'm writing this). So, while you're watching the Olympics unfold, keep an eye out for the underdogs as well as monitoring the supposed favorites (i.e. Michael Phelps). They might, in fact, make history as well. Not just for national glory in a stat column, but for a personal achievement they will never forget and others might never either (think Kerri Strug's one-legged feat in the 1996 gymnastics team competition). For the Olympics, which have fully surrounded us now, are the greatest and most prestigious stages in all of sports. And legends may be in the making as we speak.
Right now, as of press time, the medal count displays the United States in first place with 7 medals, and China and South Korea are tied in second place with 3. All three nations feature 2 gold medalists; the other winners of golds come from Australia, Czech Republic, Romania, and Spain, where those medals are the countries' sole ones. The top 3 nations may have settled in to their expected places for the total medal count, so this may be a sign of things to come. Many experts expect the U.S. and China to battle for the overall medal count and gold medal total.
What is really interesting in this medal race is the dominance of certain events by a single country. With so many talented athletes in a variety of sports all around the world, it is mindblowing to think that one nation can feature athletes that can consistently win over all others. A great example of this is the medal sweep of the women's individual sabre (fencing) competition by the U.S. Also, the Chinese traditionally win every medal in events such as diving and table tennis. So, the international battle for the most medals might depend on a country's competitors stepping it up and putting in big performances as underdogs. Such as China's womens field hockey team taking it to the highly-favored Spanish team 3-0 in the second right now (yes, I am indeed watching that right now online while I'm writing this). So, while you're watching the Olympics unfold, keep an eye out for the underdogs as well as monitoring the supposed favorites (i.e. Michael Phelps). They might, in fact, make history as well. Not just for national glory in a stat column, but for a personal achievement they will never forget and others might never either (think Kerri Strug's one-legged feat in the 1996 gymnastics team competition). For the Olympics, which have fully surrounded us now, are the greatest and most prestigious stages in all of sports. And legends may be in the making as we speak.
Friday, August 8, 2008
WSPN Beijing 2008: The Opening of the Games
As NBC's official primetime broadcast of the Opening Ceremonies looms closer and closer, I find myself browsing NBColympics.com and sampling the online broadcasts of many of the sports. And even though the ceremonies begin in 3 minutes (yes, I know they already took place in Beijing a while ago) while I'm writing this sentence, my television remains off. Point is, NBC's online Olympic headquarters is absolutely AMAZING! It grants online, high-quality live streaming videos of events, and even though there are no play-by-play announcers, the audio is impeccable and makes the viewer feel like he is courtside.
After discovering this treasure trove of sport, which by the way, has live streaming events virtually 24/7 for the length of the Olympics, I find myself questioning the very nature of sleep. Do I need it? Can I survive if I refrain from it for a couple weeks? Because I'm seriously tempted to.
In less than 30 minutes, I have witnessed a few badminton matches, some sparring in women's individual fencing (sabre), and females that look half as big as me lifting five times as much weight I can. On any other day in my life, witnessing any of these would have been impossible. But now, thanks to the splendor that is the Olympic Games and NBC's impeccable dedication to the coverage of athletics, I now get to choose which live world-class competition I would like to watch. Just now, Katerina Emmons of the Czech Republic has won the first official gold medal of the Olympics in women's shooting (air rifle)!
And now witnessing the beginning of the Opening Ceremonies (while watching badminton and writing this...my multi-tasking skills will be challenged to the utmost, but I couldn't be more ready and excited), I feel an inate sense of pride: both national, in my dedication and loyal support to Team U.S.A., and global, in feeling together with many other millions on this planet, all joined by a transcendant athletic and human identity.
After discovering this treasure trove of sport, which by the way, has live streaming events virtually 24/7 for the length of the Olympics, I find myself questioning the very nature of sleep. Do I need it? Can I survive if I refrain from it for a couple weeks? Because I'm seriously tempted to.
In less than 30 minutes, I have witnessed a few badminton matches, some sparring in women's individual fencing (sabre), and females that look half as big as me lifting five times as much weight I can. On any other day in my life, witnessing any of these would have been impossible. But now, thanks to the splendor that is the Olympic Games and NBC's impeccable dedication to the coverage of athletics, I now get to choose which live world-class competition I would like to watch. Just now, Katerina Emmons of the Czech Republic has won the first official gold medal of the Olympics in women's shooting (air rifle)!
And now witnessing the beginning of the Opening Ceremonies (while watching badminton and writing this...my multi-tasking skills will be challenged to the utmost, but I couldn't be more ready and excited), I feel an inate sense of pride: both national, in my dedication and loyal support to Team U.S.A., and global, in feeling together with many other millions on this planet, all joined by a transcendant athletic and human identity.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
WSPN Viewing Guide - Olympics Opening Weekend
Friday, August 8th
6:00PM-8:15PM BADMINTON M/W SINGLES [ONLINE]
7:00PM-10:45PM FENCING W INDIVIDUAL SABRE EARLY ROUND ELIM MATCHES [ONLINE]
7:30PM-12:30AM (8/9) OPENING CEREMONY [NBC]
10:50PM-3:00AM (8/9) ROWING M/W PRELIM HEATS [ONLINE]
11:00PM-2:00AM (8/9) BOXING ELIM BOUTS [CNBC]
11:00PM-12:30AM (8/9) HANDBALL W ROMANIA VS. KAZAKHSTAN [ONLINE]
Saturday, August 9th
2:00AM-7:00AM MULTIPLE EVENTS, INCLUDING SOCCER W U.S. VS. JAPAN [USA]
2:00AM-2:00PM SOCCER W PRELIM MATCHES, BADMINTON M/W SINGLES FIRST ROUND, VOLLEYBALL W, FENCING W INDIVIDUAL SABRE FINAL
3:30PM-4:30PM SWIMMING M/W QUALIFYING HEATS [NBC]
3:30PM-6:55PM EQUESTRIAN EVENTING [ONLINE]
5:30PM-7:00PM FIELD HOCKEY JAPAN VS. NEW ZEALAND
7:00PM-9:30PM ARCHERY W TEAM ELIM ROUND [ONLINE]
7:00PM-9:50PM BADMINTON M/W SINGLES AND DOUBLES [ONLINE]
8:00PM-12:00AM PRIMETIME M GYMNASTICS QUALIFIERS, W BEACH VOLLEYBALL, M/W SWIMMIMG MEDAL RACES [NBC]
9:00PM-1:15AM (8/10) SHOOTING W AIR PISTOL [ONLINE]
9:00 PM-1:30 AM (8/10) JUDO M/W PRELIM ROUNDS [ONLINE]
Sunday, August 10th
12:30AM-2:00AM VOLLEYBALL M U.S. VS. VENEZUELA PRELIM MATCH [NBC]
1:40AM-2:40AM WATER POLO M U.S. VS. CHINA PRELIMS [ONLINE]
4:30AM-6:30AM SOCCER M U.S. VS. NETHERLANDS POOL PLAY [USA]
10:00AM-12:00PM BASKETBALL M U.S. VS. CHINA PRELIM MATCH [NBC]
1:00PM-4:00PM BOXING ELIMINATION BOUTS [CNBC]
7:00PM-10:00PM BADMINTON M/W SINGLES AND DOUBLES [ONLINE]
7:00PM-12:00AM PRIMETIME SWIMMING M/W , GYMNASTICS W QUALIFYING [NBC]
10:00PM-12:30AM (8/11) SAILING M/W SERIES RACES [ONLINE]
6:00PM-8:15PM BADMINTON M/W SINGLES [ONLINE]
7:00PM-10:45PM FENCING W INDIVIDUAL SABRE EARLY ROUND ELIM MATCHES [ONLINE]
7:30PM-12:30AM (8/9) OPENING CEREMONY [NBC]
10:50PM-3:00AM (8/9) ROWING M/W PRELIM HEATS [ONLINE]
11:00PM-2:00AM (8/9) BOXING ELIM BOUTS [CNBC]
11:00PM-12:30AM (8/9) HANDBALL W ROMANIA VS. KAZAKHSTAN [ONLINE]
Saturday, August 9th
2:00AM-7:00AM MULTIPLE EVENTS, INCLUDING SOCCER W U.S. VS. JAPAN [USA]
2:00AM-2:00PM SOCCER W PRELIM MATCHES, BADMINTON M/W SINGLES FIRST ROUND, VOLLEYBALL W, FENCING W INDIVIDUAL SABRE FINAL
3:30PM-4:30PM SWIMMING M/W QUALIFYING HEATS [NBC]
3:30PM-6:55PM EQUESTRIAN EVENTING [ONLINE]
5:30PM-7:00PM FIELD HOCKEY JAPAN VS. NEW ZEALAND
7:00PM-9:30PM ARCHERY W TEAM ELIM ROUND [ONLINE]
7:00PM-9:50PM BADMINTON M/W SINGLES AND DOUBLES [ONLINE]
8:00PM-12:00AM PRIMETIME M GYMNASTICS QUALIFIERS, W BEACH VOLLEYBALL, M/W SWIMMIMG MEDAL RACES [NBC]
9:00PM-1:15AM (8/10) SHOOTING W AIR PISTOL [ONLINE]
9:00 PM-1:30 AM (8/10) JUDO M/W PRELIM ROUNDS [ONLINE]
Sunday, August 10th
12:30AM-2:00AM VOLLEYBALL M U.S. VS. VENEZUELA PRELIM MATCH [NBC]
1:40AM-2:40AM WATER POLO M U.S. VS. CHINA PRELIMS [ONLINE]
4:30AM-6:30AM SOCCER M U.S. VS. NETHERLANDS POOL PLAY [USA]
10:00AM-12:00PM BASKETBALL M U.S. VS. CHINA PRELIM MATCH [NBC]
1:00PM-4:00PM BOXING ELIMINATION BOUTS [CNBC]
7:00PM-10:00PM BADMINTON M/W SINGLES AND DOUBLES [ONLINE]
7:00PM-12:00AM PRIMETIME SWIMMING M/W , GYMNASTICS W QUALIFYING [NBC]
10:00PM-12:30AM (8/11) SAILING M/W SERIES RACES [ONLINE]
WSPN Beijing 2008: Soccer - United States vs. Japan (Preliminaries)
1:56 AM - What a fitting welcome to me, MSNBC! The Olympic music is awesome.
1:57 AM - Yao is like a foot taller than all the other Chinese people. Yao doesn't play soccer? I know, I know, they were talking about the torch.
1:58 AM - They show the United States vs. Norway women's soccer prelim match. Ouch U.S. Our team gave up 2 goals in the first 5 minutes.
1:59 AM - LIMITED commercial interruption!! I hate you McDonalds...soccer matches do not have commercial breaks...ignorant American-based companies.
2:00 AM - I love U.S. soccer! I can't wait for the start! KICK OFF!!! Alright, my Beijing 2008 viewing has officially begun!
2:01 AM - Brad Guzan's GK jersey is really ugly. And it's like grayish green...why not red? Where's the patriotism?
2:02 AM - The Netherlands are in our pool??? Uh oh, attack of the relentless Vans...seriously like 7 out of their starting 11 have last names starting with Van. And they're all good.
2:03 AM - First official save for Guzan! Looked like a adult league slow pitch softball toss. Wow, that was tough...at least Japan put it on frame.
2:05 AM - Okay Nishikawa's GK jersey is even worse. He looks like a neon banana. Eh I guess he's from the land of the rising sun. Sun should be rising here in like 4 hours...in China it's probably the middle of the day.
2:06 AM - Close-up of the ball on the sideline. Sweet! What I would do to get one of those. Too bad I don't have one million yen. Or maybe I do?? That's only what? $1,000?
2:07 AM - United States sporting nice white pinstriped jerseys...very sharp. Play for the name on the front, not the name on the back! There is no name on the front, you say? Well, play for the flag. There isn't a flag? I give up. Just play.
2:09 AM - Guzan catches another bouncy ball. Close-up of him...ugh, his uniform is like a gray green shirt and dark gray shorts. I don't think any country would choose those colors for their flag.
2:11 AM - The neon yellow flying rising sun banana makes a punch!
2:12 AM - Fear the U.S. Edu-Adu domination! They could pull a move out of D2: The Mighty Ducks and switch jerseys. They'd never know, there's hardly a difference. "The goalie!"
2:14 AM - Bradley drills it and bruises the neon yellow banana.
2:15 AM - Marvel Wynne has the sweetest name on the field. I guess you could say it's made of win. And that includes all the Japanese guys, yes Mizumoto, including you. (A/E)du too.
2:17 AM - Okay Japan has a flag on their jersey. What does that say about us? I guess we are not Team U.S.A., but instead the Swooshes.
2:19 AM - Marvel Wynne's long throws are ridiculous. He should have tried out for shotput. Bad idea? How about Discus? Javelin, perhaps? Yes, I'm drifting...not much action in the game yet.
2:21 AM - Just as I say that a cross off of a Japanese corner almost finds Morishige's foot across the 6 meter and deflects into the net. Yikes U.S., or should I say Team Nike. Let's go!
2;22 AM - Quick throw-ins suck. We almost gave up a counter. Leave the throw-ins to Marvel Wynne, period.
2:24 AM - Well said, indeed, Marcelo Balboa. Shame on FIFA for not recognizing the Olympic competition in their calendar. Lots of international friendlies are happening right now. Those players should be freed from their clubs to fulfill national duty.
2:25 AM - Sasha Kljestan's hair owns. It's even better than all the Japanese players. And some of them have some wild hair. Either that or the buzzcut. No happy mediums with the Japanese.
2:28 AM - "Cunning ball" by the Japanese builds up excitement but culminates in a harmless cross to nobody. Guzan almost coughs it up, though.
2:30 AM - Uchida's cross yields a deflection and a Japanese corner. They're dominating the scoring chances column so far. Morishige's header goes way high over the crossbar.
2:32 AM - Freddy Adu gives it an acrobatic side volley from about 30 meters...a few feet over the bar. Finally the U.S. seem a little energized. Adu is getting more involved.
2:34 AM - The camera shows Parkhurst. Who is this guy? I haven't heard his name once in 34 minutes. Can't say if that's a good or bad thing.
2:35 AM - Wynne gets beat again, yet he makes it up with his recovery speed. Okay, he definitely should have tried out for track and field.
2:36 AM - Honda executes a nice header on frame followed by a wonderfully-executed somesault. The German judge gives it a 5.3. And yes, you better believe the gymnastics judges are in attendance. What else are they going to be doing at this time? Green tea? You might have a point there.
2:39 AM - The Japanese cycle it around their back line, giving the announcer the moment he has been waiting for. "Morashige. Mizumoto. Morashige. Mizumoto." Hello moto.
2:41 AM - Diving header wide! Never mind, two Japanese players were a few meters offside. They had a corner, and didn't get back. Matter of fact, Japan has had a lot of corners.
2:42 AM - Taniguchi launches a strike from about 40 meters. Not too close.
2:43 AM - Morishige apparently is over this. He's going to tan instead. Pulling up the sleeves.
2:44 AM - Adu rolls one wide with the left. 35 meters or so. True Mr. Balboa, you have to be more offensive-minded. If not for the team, for the poor Chinese fans who are bored out of their minds.
2:45 AM - Rogers earns a corner. Come on U.S.! Okay we get a header. Not on frame but it's good. This reminds me, the ref had done like nothing so far in this match so far. Like seriously nothing. Maybe one offside, a few fouls.
2:46 AM - Japan earns their 82nd corner on the right side of the field in the last 20 minutes. The ref blows the first half dead. Hardly any stoppage.
2;47 AM - Back to the Olympic studios. Bill Patrick?! Are you serious? Where's Bob Costas? You mean, he doesn't stay up 24/7 during the Olympics? I don't believe you. It must be because the Olympics haven't officially started yet. Once the Opening Ceremonies start, Costas has a few weeks of no shuteye.
2:48 AM - First commercial break. An American flag! What a novelty! The first American flag I see comes at a halftime commercial break. I'm seriously complaining to Nike.
2:50 AM - Okay, Bill Patrick. If this is the U.S.'s best chance at a win in the pool play, we're in trouble. Remember the Vans.
2:52 AM - A Subaru ad? Isn't Subaru Japanese? Come on NBC...who are you rooting for?
2:54 AM - Marcelo Balboa gives a report. He seems to know what's up. I say Balboa comes out of retirement. We could use him. Australia and Serbia are both at a tie at halftime as well.
2:55 AM - Even Brazil is tied to Belgium 0-0 at half. A goal! The Italians are taking it to Honduras, 2-0 at half. Well they did win the World Cup in 2006 and Honduras won...well, the Honduras National Tournament.
2:56 AM - GNC is trying to sell me Fish Oil pills. From what I see, fish=sushi, sushi=Japanese, Japanese=GMC. Man, I'm serious. NBC and its supporters are for Japan. Conspiracy theory!
2:58 AM - MSNBC News Break. President Bush! I say we put him out there at center forward. And Brett Favre, no one cares about you. Just because it isn't National F.A.V.R.E. Day anymore doesn't mean we all can't choose to Forget A Veteran Reinstated Egotist for a while longer.
3:02 AM - Second half kicks off back at Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium. No visible halftime changes were made by either manager.
3:03 AM - GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL U.S.A.! Marvel Wynne speeds up the sideline, lines a cross that deflects. Right to Holden who drills it off the banana, who couldn't see, and into the net! Apparently a good halftime team talk by Coach Peter Novak. Didn't take long for the Americans to find the net. One minute in.
3:05 AM - The Chinese crowd is rather indifferent apparently. Not many people seem to be in the stands. Except that German gymnastics judge. He's there.
3:06 AM - This game should get more exciting now. The Japanese actually have to make their corner kicks into shots on frame now.
3:07 AM - Guzan gets the customary keeper first touch of the second half.
3:08 AM - First booking. Freddy Adu gets a yellow. Good call by the ref. He took him down from the ground, apparently practicing his breakdancing backspinning ability.
3:09 AM - Freddy Adu goes on a crazy voyage battle around the side into the box and fights off like 6 Japanese players. Gets called ultimately for his persistance.
3:10 AM - Japan had a chance there. They were a little too fast and reckless though. U.S. bombs it deep off the free kick.
3:12 AM - Bradley lets one rip, deflects off a Japanese defender and out of bounds. Marvel Wynne on the throw.
3:14 AM- Marvel Wynne gets another couple attempts at the long throw. Nothing doing. Subs should be coming in soon, as it's the 57th minute.
3:15 AM - The Japanese head coach looks like a cyber spy. No, seriously. Look him up.
3:16 AM - Something loud blares on the loudspeakers. It's apparently the attendance. I guess the play-by-play guy knows Chinese. It's something around 36,000 people. Okay, so a little more than I thought.
3:17 AM - Japanese have a threatening corner kick cross. They are throwing 10 into the 18. Don't worry, it's soccer language. "10 into the 18", makes perfect sense.
3:19 AM - Japan is ready to make a sub. The banana gets another punch on the ball off of a U.S. direct free kick.
3:20 AM - Booking? On Bradley. Wow, replay...not even a foul. The Japanese have been taught the art of drama from the cyber spy.
3:21 AM - Japan gets another dangerous cross. Man, they have had a million crosses/ corner kicks so far. Lee comes on for Japan.
3:22 AM - Freddy's bumped from behind in the upper corner of the box. But, I don't think it's a penalty. And I'm right, because Balboa said so.
3:23 AM - Lee's fresh legs earn Japan a corner.
3:25 AM - Guzan jumps and dives on a ball amidst modest traffic. Yes, Balboa, the U.S. does breed keepers. Notably, bald ones.
3:27 AM - The Netherlands are taking this one in! Be afraid, Dutch. We are most surely intimidating them with our dominating performance.
3:28 AM - Honda gets tricky and gets in behind, but is too fancy and loses the ball coming in sideways towards the 6 meter box.
3:29 AM - Japan introduces its second sub, Morimoto out for Toyoda. Rogers uses the time to try to shake off an injury.
3:30 AM - The ref finally cards the guy that slide-tackled Rogers. After the substitution. He must have seen it on the Jumbotron.
3:31 AM - Altidore comes on for McBride. McBride put in 73 good, physical minutes up front as the team captain.
3:33 AM - Massive tangle-up between Honda and Altidore along the sideline. Honda gets a yellow. Bookings are abound, the intensity is obviously picking up. Japan needs a goal. The cyber spy and the neon banana need to make something happen.
3:34 AM - Okay, the announcer just relayed that it's a 12 hour time difference between Eastern U.S. and China. So, for the record, that's 9 hours (I think, if I'm going the right way around the globe) from here.
3:36 AM - Chaos in the box! Japan almost pokes it home. And Marcelo Balboa's best quote of the match, said excitedly, "Honda to Toyoda!"
3:37 AM - Altidore almost rounds the keeper but the banana stays true and gets a piece. U.S. corner. 80th minute.
3:38 AM - Japan gets down the field quick off the U.S. corner and gets a corner of their own.
3:39 AM - Feilhaber comes on for goal-scorer Holden.
3:40 AM - Honda gets a point blank header from the 6. Honda narrowly misses it off the top left corner. Offsides traps are bad ideas, U.S. Bad ideas, I tell you. Japan uses its last substitution.
3:41 AM - Guzan and Toyoda are tangled in the box after the goal kick is awarded. The Chinese crowd gets excited.
3:43 AM - Rogers comes off for Danny Szetela. The U.S. have used all three subs, and Japan has as well. 86th minute. Guzan dives on an open ball in the box before a Japanese player can get to it and have a go at net.
3:44 AM - Edu loses a battle in the U.S. box, and takes down the Japanese player. The announcers think it warranted a penalty. However, the ref didn't award the penalty to the U.S. earlier. It's even.
3:45 AM - Tensions flaring. Guzan's wasting time before the goal kick, grabbing a drink. The ref awards a yellow, not impressed. Guzan offers a toast to him in response.
3:46 AM - 90th minute. The banana bombs it down the field. The Japanese are throwing everyone into the box now. 4 minutes of stoppage for the U.S. to endure.
3:48 AM- 3 minutes left. If U.S. can hold on, they have a crucial 3 points in a tough pool.
3:49 AM - The neon banana has a boot. The Japanese are trying everything over the top. 2 minutes now.
3:50 AM - Guzan is eating up more time. Only one minute remaining.
3:51 AM - Dangerous ball contested by Guzan in the air is headed up and over the bar by Lee. TWEET. TWEET. TWEEEEEEEET! Final! United States 1, Japan 0.
3:52 AM - A great opening for the U.S. team. This puts them in great position to qualify for the knockout stage. Commercial break. I'll hang around for the highlights of the other games to get a concept of where the U.S. is at.
3:54 AM - Back to the NBC studio in New York for a recap and highlights. Holden's goal at the 47th minute was the decider.
3:55 AM - Next up, Netherlands. Revel in the victory, U.S.! But only for a minute. You've got one of the top teams in the world up next.
3:57 AM - Honduras and Italy highlights now. Italy scores on two penalty kicks. They win 3-0.
3:58 AM - Brazil and Belguim now. Brazil puts in home in the 79th to take a 1-0 victory. So, in goal differential, the U.S. is in company with Brazil. Well done, United States soccer, well done.
4:00 AM - That was a satisfying match and a great way to open up my Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic viewing. It couldn't have been any better for the U.S.! Weird hours, maybe, but it was totally worth it. This is what the Olympics are all about!
1:57 AM - Yao is like a foot taller than all the other Chinese people. Yao doesn't play soccer? I know, I know, they were talking about the torch.
1:58 AM - They show the United States vs. Norway women's soccer prelim match. Ouch U.S. Our team gave up 2 goals in the first 5 minutes.
1:59 AM - LIMITED commercial interruption!! I hate you McDonalds...soccer matches do not have commercial breaks...ignorant American-based companies.
2:00 AM - I love U.S. soccer! I can't wait for the start! KICK OFF!!! Alright, my Beijing 2008 viewing has officially begun!
2:01 AM - Brad Guzan's GK jersey is really ugly. And it's like grayish green...why not red? Where's the patriotism?
2:02 AM - The Netherlands are in our pool??? Uh oh, attack of the relentless Vans...seriously like 7 out of their starting 11 have last names starting with Van. And they're all good.
2:03 AM - First official save for Guzan! Looked like a adult league slow pitch softball toss. Wow, that was tough...at least Japan put it on frame.
2:05 AM - Okay Nishikawa's GK jersey is even worse. He looks like a neon banana. Eh I guess he's from the land of the rising sun. Sun should be rising here in like 4 hours...in China it's probably the middle of the day.
2:06 AM - Close-up of the ball on the sideline. Sweet! What I would do to get one of those. Too bad I don't have one million yen. Or maybe I do?? That's only what? $1,000?
2:07 AM - United States sporting nice white pinstriped jerseys...very sharp. Play for the name on the front, not the name on the back! There is no name on the front, you say? Well, play for the flag. There isn't a flag? I give up. Just play.
2:09 AM - Guzan catches another bouncy ball. Close-up of him...ugh, his uniform is like a gray green shirt and dark gray shorts. I don't think any country would choose those colors for their flag.
2:11 AM - The neon yellow flying rising sun banana makes a punch!
2:12 AM - Fear the U.S. Edu-Adu domination! They could pull a move out of D2: The Mighty Ducks and switch jerseys. They'd never know, there's hardly a difference. "The goalie!"
2:14 AM - Bradley drills it and bruises the neon yellow banana.
2:15 AM - Marvel Wynne has the sweetest name on the field. I guess you could say it's made of win. And that includes all the Japanese guys, yes Mizumoto, including you. (A/E)du too.
2:17 AM - Okay Japan has a flag on their jersey. What does that say about us? I guess we are not Team U.S.A., but instead the Swooshes.
2:19 AM - Marvel Wynne's long throws are ridiculous. He should have tried out for shotput. Bad idea? How about Discus? Javelin, perhaps? Yes, I'm drifting...not much action in the game yet.
2:21 AM - Just as I say that a cross off of a Japanese corner almost finds Morishige's foot across the 6 meter and deflects into the net. Yikes U.S., or should I say Team Nike. Let's go!
2;22 AM - Quick throw-ins suck. We almost gave up a counter. Leave the throw-ins to Marvel Wynne, period.
2:24 AM - Well said, indeed, Marcelo Balboa. Shame on FIFA for not recognizing the Olympic competition in their calendar. Lots of international friendlies are happening right now. Those players should be freed from their clubs to fulfill national duty.
2:25 AM - Sasha Kljestan's hair owns. It's even better than all the Japanese players. And some of them have some wild hair. Either that or the buzzcut. No happy mediums with the Japanese.
2:28 AM - "Cunning ball" by the Japanese builds up excitement but culminates in a harmless cross to nobody. Guzan almost coughs it up, though.
2:30 AM - Uchida's cross yields a deflection and a Japanese corner. They're dominating the scoring chances column so far. Morishige's header goes way high over the crossbar.
2:32 AM - Freddy Adu gives it an acrobatic side volley from about 30 meters...a few feet over the bar. Finally the U.S. seem a little energized. Adu is getting more involved.
2:34 AM - The camera shows Parkhurst. Who is this guy? I haven't heard his name once in 34 minutes. Can't say if that's a good or bad thing.
2:35 AM - Wynne gets beat again, yet he makes it up with his recovery speed. Okay, he definitely should have tried out for track and field.
2:36 AM - Honda executes a nice header on frame followed by a wonderfully-executed somesault. The German judge gives it a 5.3. And yes, you better believe the gymnastics judges are in attendance. What else are they going to be doing at this time? Green tea? You might have a point there.
2:39 AM - The Japanese cycle it around their back line, giving the announcer the moment he has been waiting for. "Morashige. Mizumoto. Morashige. Mizumoto." Hello moto.
2:41 AM - Diving header wide! Never mind, two Japanese players were a few meters offside. They had a corner, and didn't get back. Matter of fact, Japan has had a lot of corners.
2:42 AM - Taniguchi launches a strike from about 40 meters. Not too close.
2:43 AM - Morishige apparently is over this. He's going to tan instead. Pulling up the sleeves.
2:44 AM - Adu rolls one wide with the left. 35 meters or so. True Mr. Balboa, you have to be more offensive-minded. If not for the team, for the poor Chinese fans who are bored out of their minds.
2:45 AM - Rogers earns a corner. Come on U.S.! Okay we get a header. Not on frame but it's good. This reminds me, the ref had done like nothing so far in this match so far. Like seriously nothing. Maybe one offside, a few fouls.
2:46 AM - Japan earns their 82nd corner on the right side of the field in the last 20 minutes. The ref blows the first half dead. Hardly any stoppage.
2;47 AM - Back to the Olympic studios. Bill Patrick?! Are you serious? Where's Bob Costas? You mean, he doesn't stay up 24/7 during the Olympics? I don't believe you. It must be because the Olympics haven't officially started yet. Once the Opening Ceremonies start, Costas has a few weeks of no shuteye.
2:48 AM - First commercial break. An American flag! What a novelty! The first American flag I see comes at a halftime commercial break. I'm seriously complaining to Nike.
2:50 AM - Okay, Bill Patrick. If this is the U.S.'s best chance at a win in the pool play, we're in trouble. Remember the Vans.
2:52 AM - A Subaru ad? Isn't Subaru Japanese? Come on NBC...who are you rooting for?
2:54 AM - Marcelo Balboa gives a report. He seems to know what's up. I say Balboa comes out of retirement. We could use him. Australia and Serbia are both at a tie at halftime as well.
2:55 AM - Even Brazil is tied to Belgium 0-0 at half. A goal! The Italians are taking it to Honduras, 2-0 at half. Well they did win the World Cup in 2006 and Honduras won...well, the Honduras National Tournament.
2:56 AM - GNC is trying to sell me Fish Oil pills. From what I see, fish=sushi, sushi=Japanese, Japanese=GMC. Man, I'm serious. NBC and its supporters are for Japan. Conspiracy theory!
2:58 AM - MSNBC News Break. President Bush! I say we put him out there at center forward. And Brett Favre, no one cares about you. Just because it isn't National F.A.V.R.E. Day anymore doesn't mean we all can't choose to Forget A Veteran Reinstated Egotist for a while longer.
3:02 AM - Second half kicks off back at Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium. No visible halftime changes were made by either manager.
3:03 AM - GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL U.S.A.! Marvel Wynne speeds up the sideline, lines a cross that deflects. Right to Holden who drills it off the banana, who couldn't see, and into the net! Apparently a good halftime team talk by Coach Peter Novak. Didn't take long for the Americans to find the net. One minute in.
3:05 AM - The Chinese crowd is rather indifferent apparently. Not many people seem to be in the stands. Except that German gymnastics judge. He's there.
3:06 AM - This game should get more exciting now. The Japanese actually have to make their corner kicks into shots on frame now.
3:07 AM - Guzan gets the customary keeper first touch of the second half.
3:08 AM - First booking. Freddy Adu gets a yellow. Good call by the ref. He took him down from the ground, apparently practicing his breakdancing backspinning ability.
3:09 AM - Freddy Adu goes on a crazy voyage battle around the side into the box and fights off like 6 Japanese players. Gets called ultimately for his persistance.
3:10 AM - Japan had a chance there. They were a little too fast and reckless though. U.S. bombs it deep off the free kick.
3:12 AM - Bradley lets one rip, deflects off a Japanese defender and out of bounds. Marvel Wynne on the throw.
3:14 AM- Marvel Wynne gets another couple attempts at the long throw. Nothing doing. Subs should be coming in soon, as it's the 57th minute.
3:15 AM - The Japanese head coach looks like a cyber spy. No, seriously. Look him up.
3:16 AM - Something loud blares on the loudspeakers. It's apparently the attendance. I guess the play-by-play guy knows Chinese. It's something around 36,000 people. Okay, so a little more than I thought.
3:17 AM - Japanese have a threatening corner kick cross. They are throwing 10 into the 18. Don't worry, it's soccer language. "10 into the 18", makes perfect sense.
3:19 AM - Japan is ready to make a sub. The banana gets another punch on the ball off of a U.S. direct free kick.
3:20 AM - Booking? On Bradley. Wow, replay...not even a foul. The Japanese have been taught the art of drama from the cyber spy.
3:21 AM - Japan gets another dangerous cross. Man, they have had a million crosses/ corner kicks so far. Lee comes on for Japan.
3:22 AM - Freddy's bumped from behind in the upper corner of the box. But, I don't think it's a penalty. And I'm right, because Balboa said so.
3:23 AM - Lee's fresh legs earn Japan a corner.
3:25 AM - Guzan jumps and dives on a ball amidst modest traffic. Yes, Balboa, the U.S. does breed keepers. Notably, bald ones.
3:27 AM - The Netherlands are taking this one in! Be afraid, Dutch. We are most surely intimidating them with our dominating performance.
3:28 AM - Honda gets tricky and gets in behind, but is too fancy and loses the ball coming in sideways towards the 6 meter box.
3:29 AM - Japan introduces its second sub, Morimoto out for Toyoda. Rogers uses the time to try to shake off an injury.
3:30 AM - The ref finally cards the guy that slide-tackled Rogers. After the substitution. He must have seen it on the Jumbotron.
3:31 AM - Altidore comes on for McBride. McBride put in 73 good, physical minutes up front as the team captain.
3:33 AM - Massive tangle-up between Honda and Altidore along the sideline. Honda gets a yellow. Bookings are abound, the intensity is obviously picking up. Japan needs a goal. The cyber spy and the neon banana need to make something happen.
3:34 AM - Okay, the announcer just relayed that it's a 12 hour time difference between Eastern U.S. and China. So, for the record, that's 9 hours (I think, if I'm going the right way around the globe) from here.
3:36 AM - Chaos in the box! Japan almost pokes it home. And Marcelo Balboa's best quote of the match, said excitedly, "Honda to Toyoda!"
3:37 AM - Altidore almost rounds the keeper but the banana stays true and gets a piece. U.S. corner. 80th minute.
3:38 AM - Japan gets down the field quick off the U.S. corner and gets a corner of their own.
3:39 AM - Feilhaber comes on for goal-scorer Holden.
3:40 AM - Honda gets a point blank header from the 6. Honda narrowly misses it off the top left corner. Offsides traps are bad ideas, U.S. Bad ideas, I tell you. Japan uses its last substitution.
3:41 AM - Guzan and Toyoda are tangled in the box after the goal kick is awarded. The Chinese crowd gets excited.
3:43 AM - Rogers comes off for Danny Szetela. The U.S. have used all three subs, and Japan has as well. 86th minute. Guzan dives on an open ball in the box before a Japanese player can get to it and have a go at net.
3:44 AM - Edu loses a battle in the U.S. box, and takes down the Japanese player. The announcers think it warranted a penalty. However, the ref didn't award the penalty to the U.S. earlier. It's even.
3:45 AM - Tensions flaring. Guzan's wasting time before the goal kick, grabbing a drink. The ref awards a yellow, not impressed. Guzan offers a toast to him in response.
3:46 AM - 90th minute. The banana bombs it down the field. The Japanese are throwing everyone into the box now. 4 minutes of stoppage for the U.S. to endure.
3:48 AM- 3 minutes left. If U.S. can hold on, they have a crucial 3 points in a tough pool.
3:49 AM - The neon banana has a boot. The Japanese are trying everything over the top. 2 minutes now.
3:50 AM - Guzan is eating up more time. Only one minute remaining.
3:51 AM - Dangerous ball contested by Guzan in the air is headed up and over the bar by Lee. TWEET. TWEET. TWEEEEEEEET! Final! United States 1, Japan 0.
3:52 AM - A great opening for the U.S. team. This puts them in great position to qualify for the knockout stage. Commercial break. I'll hang around for the highlights of the other games to get a concept of where the U.S. is at.
3:54 AM - Back to the NBC studio in New York for a recap and highlights. Holden's goal at the 47th minute was the decider.
3:55 AM - Next up, Netherlands. Revel in the victory, U.S.! But only for a minute. You've got one of the top teams in the world up next.
3:57 AM - Honduras and Italy highlights now. Italy scores on two penalty kicks. They win 3-0.
3:58 AM - Brazil and Belguim now. Brazil puts in home in the 79th to take a 1-0 victory. So, in goal differential, the U.S. is in company with Brazil. Well done, United States soccer, well done.
4:00 AM - That was a satisfying match and a great way to open up my Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic viewing. It couldn't have been any better for the U.S.! Weird hours, maybe, but it was totally worth it. This is what the Olympics are all about!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Olympic Musings/WSPN Report
Looking back on my experience of watching sports throughout the past 17 years of my life (shut up, I do too remember watching Super Bowl XXV in 1991 even though I was only slightly older than one month old at the time), I fondly recall witnessing numerous incredible matches, record-setting games, epic championships and other unforgettable events. One specific athletic happening always stands out in my mind though: a gathering which truly brings the world together in the glorious name of sport. Yes, you guessed it, it's the Olympics. And out of this amazing festival, the one fantastic opening night and all its immense celebrations centered around perhaps the most heralded emblem in the sporting world, the sacred and majestic Olympic flame. So, in anxious anticipation of another reincarnation of my favorite happening in the world of sport, I accessed the NBC Olympics official website earlier today. That is, only to find, leaving me in complete shock and disbelief, that some official Olympic soccer matches had already taken place!!! Strike me dead now, my childish ignorance which brought me so much happiness has been destructed. What, oh what, is the point of a grand Opening Ceremony culminating in the lighting of the huge flame to "declare the games open" if they are already open?
Okay, so I'm slightly disillusioned, yet I'm still absolutely psyched for the Olympics. Which is why, on behalf of WSPN, I will be providing periodic live game "viewlogs", tracking my reactions throughout the duration of various events. Obviously I won't be able to do this for every sport, but I'll do what I can to focus on some of the lesser known events (see rhythmic gymnasts, told you I got your back). Also, if I can, I might provide more spotlights on said events, such as the feature I have already done for the great sport of handball. With that, I now declare the games open!!! Yes, I can say that, because the IOC doesn't really mean it when they say it at the official ceremony. It's still epic, though, when they do.
Okay, so I'm slightly disillusioned, yet I'm still absolutely psyched for the Olympics. Which is why, on behalf of WSPN, I will be providing periodic live game "viewlogs", tracking my reactions throughout the duration of various events. Obviously I won't be able to do this for every sport, but I'll do what I can to focus on some of the lesser known events (see rhythmic gymnasts, told you I got your back). Also, if I can, I might provide more spotlights on said events, such as the feature I have already done for the great sport of handball. With that, I now declare the games open!!! Yes, I can say that, because the IOC doesn't really mean it when they say it at the official ceremony. It's still epic, though, when they do.
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