World Cup!

What get me out of bed at 6am?  Work?  That's laughable.  Workout?  Not quite.  Only the greatest sporting event in the world.  That's right, the World Cup!  At 6:30pt tomorrow morning Mexico kicks off against host South Africa on ESPN.  I can't wait.

When asked which team I favor to fare well this year, I realized I hadn't thought about it much.  But, I'll take a shot.  Argentina - I hate that their coach cheated numerous times (think steroids and "Hand of God"), but they'll at least make the final eight and probably advance further.  Netherlands - I've always had a soft spot for their orange jerseys (and can't resist their style of play) and see them advancing. 

USA - not unless American soccer's favorite child can stop choking.  Since Japan/Korea Donovan has been worshiped, but has lost his ability to come through in the clutch.  Howard provides the star keeper that's a must for a run in the Cup, unlike '06 and '98 when Keller manned the box.  While goalies don't win you games, they keep you in them, and advancing to the elimination round can be as simple as riding a hot keeper. 

Spain - an little-noticed, highly-talented squad that just last year ran up a streak of fifteen consecutive international victories.  Who's in the final you ask?  Argentina and the winner of Group G (either Brazil or Portugal).

Sports - Sports Nirvana

Early summer provides little entertainment in the sports world.  The NBA ends up with the two largest markets in the finals in an attempt to bring back the glory days of Celtics v. Lakers, Bird v. Magic, etc., etc.  Though I am slightly surprised that the Cavaliers bowed out to the Celtics, I'm sure the Celtics Lakers match-up won't hurt the league's feelings at all.  This reminds me of a recent interview I heard with former NBA referee Tim Donaghy.  He made a strong case supporting the idea that game outcomes can still be predicted based on the referees assigned and the star players on each team.  But enough with the NBA conspiracy theory, sports are boring right now.

However, sports nirvana arrives in a little over two weeks and continues until July 25th.  June 11th marks the start of the worlds largest sporting event in the form of the World Cup.  June 12th proves to provide a litmus test of America's merit this year as they face England.  The late-night games and madness that encompasses a sporting event happening halfway around the world are something I look forward to for the four years lying between each of these great events.  The 2010 World Cup culminates on July 11th.

Adding to the excitement of the World Cup, the annual Tour de France promises excitement as Lance Armstrong returns with a full season of training under his belt in an attempt to recapture the yellow jersey one more time.  The Tour provides the single greatest opportunity to watch the strategy, team-work, and sheer athleticism involved in America's most under-appreciated sport.  This year's tour runs from July 3rd to July 25th covering 3600 kilometers.

Finally, if you see Floyd Landis punch him for me.  He's set about to smear the sport which made him famous simply because he cheated to win.  Eat it Floyd!