Penalty Kicks, Last second Losses

This week has been tough for Argentine athletes. First, Riquelme misses a penalty kick in the semi-finals of the European League. And it was in the minute 89 of the game... Poor Juan Roman. He is devastated. And now, all his detractors come after him and attack him. He has a lot of responsibility. He is supposed to be the leader of the Argentine team for the World Cup and everyone expects him to succeed. He knows that the expectations are way too high....
But all star players fail. Here is a list of stars, huge stars, who missed penalty kicks:
Maradona ante Yugoslavia en Italia '90, Platini y Zico en México '86. Baggio y Baresi ante Brasil en la final de EE.UU. '94. Schevchenko ante Liverpool. Baggio's miss was particularly tough since Italy lost the World Cup to Brazil!

The second mistake of the week was Manu's turnover in the last seconds of the Spurs-Sacramento game. The Spurs were winning by one point. Manu lost the ball to Bibby in the last play of the night and Sac scored a double on the buzzer. And the Spurs lost... Well, what can we do? We'll see how he comes back tomorrow! Kuki

Violence in Argentine Soccer

Argentine soccer reflects the realities of Argentine society. People go to the stadiums to scream, insult, throw things at the referees, players, etc. Whatever goes wrong in Argentine, people take it out on Sunday at the stadiums.

Of course, it does not help that referees are so bad an they make decisions that contribute to creating violence.

Yesterday, there was another incident. This time it was at the Velez-Boca game. The game was almost over. But a very bad call from the referee created a mess. Of course, I can't blame the referee for what happened on the stands. Everyone, referees, players, coaches, fans, and especially the police, need to take a more responsible approach.....

The Spurs, The Bulls and the Playoffs

The playoffs began today. The Spurs did a great job against the Kings. Manu did okay. He started great. He got the team on a good start. But then he missed too many layups. He was too close to scoring but no... He ended up with 10 points. And several assists. In any case, this was an easy game for the Spurs. Absolutely everyone scored. Even Fabri. It's too bad that Fabri isn't playing more minutes.

I loved the fact that we went back to the chatroom and broadcast the game. Mary Jo was in San Antonio and I was here. Her TV broadcast was ahead of mine. So I let her broadcast the game and I provided the color commentaries. We had more than 20 people in the chatroom during the first half. It was wonderful to see people talking and not fighting. THese last couple of weeks have been dreadful in Manu's forum... People fighting over nothing!

Now, the other story was the Bulls loss. I did not see the second half because we had to go shopping at Babies R US. But when I checked Manu's Website I read that some Argentines and Americans were blaming el Chapu for the loss and more than anyone else, they were blaming Hinrich. Apparently el Chapu made a couple of bad decisions at the end. But they said that he played with a lot of heart. Pobre Chapu!

And I am very happy for the Clippers! They have just won their first playoff game since 93!!!

And Velez keeps winning!

I am happy to see that Velez keeps doing well in the Libertadores Cup....How do you say "invicto" in English? Well, Velez has not lost one! Here is a picture of Velez... I still remember the first time my Dad took me to the Velez stadium to see a soccer match.

I still remember learning how to skate as a child at Velez. One of the things my brother and I share is the wonderful memory of learning how to skate. Of the picture in which he and I are wearing white outfits, he and I with the bangs, and a white outfit holding hands and skating. My mom was so proud of us. This is one of the most precious memories in my life!

What is Wrong with the Argentine Team

What is wrong with the soccer players who may be playing for Argentina in the World Cup? Everyone is injured. The lastest two cases are Lio Messi, who tried to come back too soon from his injury and the worst of all, Pablito Aimar, who has meningitis. However, it looks like he will be okay and there will be no consequences... Poor Aimar. He was labeled the "next" Maradona. Even Maradona used to say that Pablito Aimar, El Pibe, was his favorite player....

But it may be that when the players suffer so much before the World Cup, then they are better motivated. Of course, I don't mean to say that it's great that they are suffering. But who can forget what happened in 2002, when the Argentines went as the favorites and they came back right after the first round. Embarrassing. Historically, when Argentines struggle before, then the team becomes cohesive and they end up doing well. I just hope that this is the case.

But no one can forget that Brazil is alawys the favorite team to win the World Cup. Who can blame them? Their offensive talent is increible! The problem is their defense...Thank God they have a weakness... If you can call it a weakness...Just laughing!

Friday Evening

Well, I fell asleep in the second half of the Spurs game and then ended up losing to Dallas by two possessions... Manu 22 points and I gave him 24 in the Embocale a Manu..... GRRRR

On a different topic, I hope that my dad's blood pressure gets better. He needs to feel like he is in control and I know he is a little scared. We are too... Saludos, Kuki

On Getting Ready for the World Cup

Well, I see that Manu is doing better these days. It's wonderful to see that he is getting back to being the old Manu. I guess that between the playoffs and the World Cup, he is going to have a busy summer. I am sorry for Fabricio Oberto, who has not been playing.... But I am happy to see that el Chapu Nocioni is going great! Too bad that the Bulls are not doing well.

I look forward to seeing a wonderful Argentine team during the World Cup....

Manu's Comeback

Well.. Manu came back in the last quarter. First time in a long time that Manu looks and acts like Manu! Saludos, Kuki

Manu's Game

It's Saturday afternoon. I did my cooking while I was following the Florida game on TV. They did great. Now, I am working on my TESL 565 class. I am also watching the Spurs-Wizards game.

I can't really understand what is happening to Manu's game. Is he still out of rhythm? Or is he having "confidence issues"? Come on Manu! I am getting tired of watching Tony's solo, selfish game.... I want to see the old Manu back...

I am beginning to wonder whether it's the hair! I know... Don't laugh at me... Hasta la proxima...Kuki