Euro 2012: Czechs and Greeks First to Advance to Last Eight

This Polish supporter's prayers were unable to get the co-hosts a win. (Shaun Botterill) 

A nation of 40 million turned their gaze upon their city of Wroclaw. They hoped and prayed that somehow their team could find a way to win so that they could live to play another day of football. This nation was Poland, one of the co-hosts for the Euro 2012 tournament. The Poles needed a win over neighboring Czech Republic in order to advance. Things looked promising early as the hosts had a considerable amount of quality chances. Unfortunately, they all went begging. As the first half drew to a close, momentum seemed to start to shift in favor of the Czechs. The two sides went to halftime scoreless. The Czechs came out pressing once again to start the second half. The Poles knew they would have to take some chances because they had to score to be able to win. However, one of those chances led to a turnover. The Czechs counterattacked beautifully as striker Milan Baros held the ball long enough to set up midfielder Petr Jiracek for the pretty goal. The Poles tried all they could to score the two goals they needed, but came up empty against Petr Cech and the Czech defense. The Czechs held on to win 1-0.

Greek players celebrate their goal in the first half stoppage time. (Michael Sohn)

When Russia beat the Czech Republic 4-1 in their opening match, they quickly became one of the tournament favorites. However, a surprising draw with Poland meant the Russians needed a draw or win against last place Greece to advance. Russia had plenty of opportunities in the first half to get on the board first, but most of them were long range efforts that were poorly taken. Just when it seemed as though the Russians would have to settle for a scoreless draw headed into halftime, the Greeks earned a seemingly inconsequential thrown in. However, a misplay by a Russian defender left the ball at the feet of Greek captain Giorgos Karagounis. Karagouins dribbled in and struck a low, hard shot into the back of the net. The Greeks came out in the second half knowing that they could focus on doing what they do best playing defense. The Russians still had a plethora of chances to find an equalizer, but struggled to find a quality finish. Despite having 25 shots on goal, they could not put one in the back of the net. As the final whistle blew, the Greeks stormed the field, knowing they had completed the improbable upset.

Group A ended up far from what was expected. The Poles gave a valient effort and deserve to be commended. They gave their home crowd all they could ask for and were in it to the very end. The Czechs certainly didn't have the prettiest group stage effort, but they still managed to advance as the group's winners. The Russians went from tournament favorites to early exit in a matter of little more than 90 minutes. They have to be disappointed, but will for sure be back with vengence on their minds. The Greeks, well they gave their countrymen something to believe in. A nation in desperate need of hope may have just found it a team of young men who refuse to give up. In the last eight, the Czech Republic awaits the runner-up of Group B, while Greece will play Group B's winner.

Furyk, Toms, and Woods Tied for 2012 U.S. Open Lead

Tiger Woods acknowledges the crowd during Day 2 of the 2012 U.S. Open (Ben Margot)

No one said winning the U.S. Open would be easy. Olympic Club in San Francisco has been giving the PGA's top golfers all they can handle and than some. Round 2 saw the world's #1 Luke Donald and #2 Rory McIlroy miss the cut. So did Masters champion Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson, who was coming off a PGA Tour win last week.

You might me be wondering well who is in the lead. There are three wily, old veterans tied for the lead and who are looking to prove they've still got what it takes to win a major.

After winning the U.S. Open in 2003, Jim Furyk is looking to become the tournament's first multiple winner since Tiger Woods won his third in 2008. Furyk finished Friday's second round early with his 1-under 69. He gained the lead when first round leader Michael Thompson lost his stroke.

2001 PGA champion David Toms is also striving for another major win. Toms remained steady as can be during a straightforward even-par 70 for Friday's second round. His two bogeys on the front nine where remedied for by two birdies on the back nine.

Then, there is Tiger Woods, who is seeking to win his 15th major and to return to the level of greatness he achieved earlier in his career. During Friday's second round, Woods overcame three straight bogeys on the front nine for an even-par 70.

With Furyk, Toms, and Woods tied for the tournament lead at 1-under 139, the rest of the field sits over par. Of course, all of the attention will be on Woods. He is a media magnet and will likely have the support of the crowd on his side. Furyk and Toms have shown calm, veteran demeanors. They have positioned themselves well for making a run to win it all. Another player I would keep an eye on is Graeme McDowell, who remains just two shots off the lead. Two years ago, McDowell won a similarly difficult U.S. Open. I guess you could say he knows how to win ugly in a sense. It will be interesting to keep an eye on these golfers as we watch to see who will win the 2012 U.S. Open.

Euro 2012: Group C Becomes Even More Crowded

Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic scores the equalizer. (Dimitar Dilkoff)

Even though they came into the day as the group leader, Croatia was the underdog to Italy. It was obvious why early. The Italians had a plethora of opportunities. Despite all of those chances, they only managed to put one in the net. In the 39th minute, Andrea Pirlo beautifully scored off a free-kick. The Italians took the 1-0 lead into halftime. Following halftime, the Croatians made some adjustments defensively and began to thrust more men forward. Their chances began to increase and improve. Finally, in the 72nd minute, the Croatians pulled level when Mario Madzukic was able to bury a tough-angle short-range shot. Both teams had opportunities down the stretch to score the winner, but it simply wasn't meant to be.

Spanish striker Fernando Torres netted two goals in 4-0 rout of Ireland (Getty Images)

After Vincente del Bosque didn't start any strikers in Spain's first group match, the Spanish coach elected to start the somewhat controversial Fernando Torres. Torres responded well and buried the game's first goal in just the 4th minute. Despite being outplayed badly, the Irish only trailed by one at halftime. However, their luck ran out in the second half. Spain made the most of their opportunities. David Silva scored early in the half. Torres followed up with his second goal of the match. Cesc Fabregas put the icing on the cake with his goal in the 83rd minute. The Spaniards dominated the Irish the whole game, and it was accurately evidenced in the final score of 4-0.

So where does this leave Group C? Let me tell you. First off, the Irish are eliminated with zero points through two matches. That means that Spain, Croatia, and Italy are battling for the top two spots to advance. Spain and Croatia are tied for the group lead with 4 points, having won and drawn one game each. Italy is the one in need of help. The Italians have just two points because of two draws so far this tournament. They do get to play the Irish in the final group match. Spain and Croatia should be a great battle as they square off in their final group game. Both of the final matches for Group C will be played on Monday. It remains to be seen which two teams will advance to the quarterfinals out of this group.

R.A. Dickey's Knuckleball Keeps Getting Better and Better

R.A. Dickey gave up just one hit over nine innings. (Chris O'Meara)

Knuckleballers appear to be a fading tradition. When legendary Tim Wakefield retired, it seemed to leave a void in the American pastime. That void has quickly been filled and than some this season by the play of R.A. Dickey.

If you knew of Dickey prior to this season, you knew that he was a knuckleballer and that was about it. He bounced around with a few ball clubs, but found only limited success. Even as recent as last season, Dickey finished with a 8-13 record with a 3.28 ERA. Decent numbers, but certainly not anything worth writing home about.

Somehow at age 37, Dickey began to turn things around, especially this season. He worked on improving his knuckleball and his control of it. Whatever Dickey did, his play as of late has been impeccable as a result. All he did tonight against the Tampa Bay Rays tonight was pitch a complete game one-hitter, while striking out a career-high 12 batters.

In the start tonight, Dickey broke the Mets' franchise record for scoreless innings with 32 2/3 innings. Oh and in case you haven't heard, it hasn't been just tonight. In Dickey's last five starts, he has pitched a combined 39 2/3 innings (out of 45 possible), given up just one run, walked only three batters, and struck out 50 hitters. Those kind of numbers are unheard of by anyone, let alone a knuckleballer. The pitch is so difficult to be in control of and consistent with, but Dickey has been able to master the art.

Dickey is MLB's first 10-game winner this season. At this point, he has to be among the frontrunners for the NL Cy Young and to start the All-Star game as well. Dating back to May 20, 2011, Dickey has given up four runs or less in 34 of his last 37 starts. The strikeout numbers as of late are off the charts for a knuckleballer. R.A. Dickey and his knuckleball of an average velocity of 76.6 mph have some of baseball's best hitters puzzled and bewildered. Meanwhile, Dickey is just enjoying the ride. His hard work has truly paid off. He has gone from a young pitcher without a place, to an average speciality pitcher, and now to one of the best pitchers in the game. Dickey clearly deserves to be recognized and is worthy of the praise he has been receiving.

KIngs Win First Stanley Cup in 45 Year Team History

The Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings celebrate. (Christian Petersen)

For years and years, the Los Angeles Kings had used excuses for why they couldn't win the Stanley Cup. Too many injuries. Too tough of a travel schedule. The warm weather didn't promote hockey. The fans and media didn't push the team enough to win. However, those excuses went out the window when the Anaheim Ducks won the Stanley Cup in 2007. The Kings meanwhile were in yet another rebuilding stage. They decided to fire their popular general manager Dave Taylor and elected to hire former San Jose Sharks general manager Dean Lombardi.

One of the first things Lombardi noticed was the lack of a great goaltender. He commented, "I'm amazed this franchise hasn't developed its own goalie over 40 years." His first season the Kings tried five different goaltenders. The next season seven more netminders, including a young goalkeeper the team drafted named Jonathan Quick. Quick played just three games that season, but by the time last season came to an end, he played in 72 of the Kings' 82 regular season games. He was one of the main reasons why that team made the playoffs for the first time in eight years.

The Kings had high expectations to build upon that success this season. They built a solid core of players with the likes of Quick, Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar, Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, Dustin Penner, and Dustin Brown. However, those playoff hopes looked in doubt when the team went dry offensively down the stretch. The only man keeping them in the playoff race was Quick. Despite finishing next to last in goals scored in the league, the Kings managed to scrape into the playoffs in the eighth and final spot.

In their opening round series against the top seed Vancouver Canucks, the Kings put all of those offensive struggles behind them. In Game 1 and 2 in Vancouver, the Kings scored a combined eight goals. They also turned up their defensive intensity. They dismissed the Canucks in just five games. Next, they dominated and swept the St. Louis Blues. In the Western Conference Finals, the Kings eliminated the Phoenix Coyotes in five. In the Stanley Cup, it was more of the same. The Kings took the first three games by displaying great toughness. The New Jersey Devils responded with two wins, but the Kings showed their dominance once again in their decisive 6-1 win in Game 6.

It is true that the Kings' offensive lines and definsive duos stepped up in the playoffs, but there is one man who carried this team the whole way. That was Jonathan Quick. His goaltending dominance and complete focus cannot be denied. In 20 playoff games, Quick only gave up more than two goals in just three games. As a result, the Kings were never really out of a game. That builds the confidence of the team and helps to give them the opportunities they need. The Los Angeles Kings dominated the playoffs like no one could have expected. They won four playoff series in just 20 games. That kind of dominance is relatively unbelievable. The Kings definitely deserved the Stanley Cup. The franchise's first in their 45 year history.

NBA Finals Preview & Prediction

The NBA Finals, featuring the Miami Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder, is set to begin tomorrow night at 9:00 PM EST on ABC. My preview will look at the matchup position by position to see who has the advantage. I will conclude with my pre-series prediction.

Point Guard Matchup: Russell Westbrook & Mario Chalmers

Heat: Mario Chalmers

Chalmers has had some big moments for the Heat this postseason. In my opinion, they wouldn't be in the Finals without him. His ability to drive to the basket means he can't be neglected defensively. Chalmers does seem to get under LeBron's skin at times, so their camaraderie is something to keep an eye on.

Thunder: Russell Westbrook

Westbrook is ultra athletic and as volatile a scorer as point guards come. He has become more of an efficient shooter this season and even more so in the playoffs,  where he is shooting 43.6% from the field and averaging 21.7 points per game. Westbrook's ability to attack the rim is noteworthy as well.

Advantage: Thunder

Shooting Guard Matchup: Thabo Sefolosha & Dwyane Wade

Heat: Dwyane Wade

When Wade is at his best, he is among the most dangerous guards in the league. However, he has been wildly inconsistent this postseason. Wade is still averaging 22.9 points per game, but has disappointed at times, especially down the stretch. I think the Heat would be even happier with consistency from their star.

Thunder: Thabo Sefolosha

Sefolosha is considered to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. His athletic 6-7 frame allows him to matchup with the other team's best player. Not known for his offensive game, he can make the open three on occasion. He has made 36.8% from behind the arc in the playoffs.

Advantage: Heat

Small Forward Matchup: Kevin Durant & LeBron James

Heat: LeBron James

LeBron has proved himself so far in the playoffs. His performance in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals was a series-changer. In the postseason, James is averaging 30.8 points per game, 9.6 rebounds per game, and 5.1 assists per game. Needless to say, there is a reason he won league MVP this season.

Thunder: Kevin Durant

Durant's 28.0 points per game during the regular season earned him his third consecutive scoring title. He is a supreme athlete and has the dual package ability of being able to effortlessly attack the rim and drain most any jumper. No player means more to his team's success than Durant.

Advantage: None

Power Forward Matchup: Chris Bosh & Serge Ibaka

Heat: Chris Bosh

Without Bosh in the lineup, the Celtics were able worry less about the Heat big men and were free to double up Wade or James. However, Bosh appears to be healthy, especially after his performance in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals (19 points and 8 rebounds). If Bosh is truly healthy, I expect him to return to the starting lineup for the Heat and to play a significant role in the post in the series.

Thunder: Serge Ibaka

Ibaka led the NBA in blocks this season averaging 3.65 per game. Due to his emergence as a top shot-blocker and post defender, he finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. Ibaka burst onto the national scene with his breakout performance in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals (26 points on 11-11 shooting from the field.). He is still a young, developing player and will continue to flourish and improve.

Advantage: Heat (if Bosh is healthy)

Center Matchup: Udonis Haslem & Kendrick Perkins

Heat: Udonis Haslem

Haslem's ability to crash the boards is what the Heat love about him. He had a couple big games in that department against the Celtics, but he also had some where he didn't seem to show up. The Heat need Haslem to step up and take control of the glass in a big way.

Thunder: Kendrick Perkins

Bringing championship experience, Perkins is a hardworking post presence who is a solid rebounder and defender. He did have a breakout game against the Heat during the regular season (16 points). Perkins' emotional nature will look to help propel the Thunder to victory.

Advantage: None

Bench Matchup: James Harden & Shane Battier

Heat Bench

If he doesn't start, Shane Battier will be the Heat's top man off the bench. In their Game 7 win over the Celtics, he nailed four threes. Battier will be crucial to the success of the Heat. Mike Miller has battled injuries the whole playoffs, but will continue to play through them. Rookie Norris Cole and big man Ronny Turiaf provide energy off the bench. Joel Anthony is another big man who will see some minutes.

Thunder Bench

James Harden, this season's Sixth Man of the Year, is the energizer off the bench. He is averaging 17.6 points per game in the playoffs. Harden is the Thunder's third best player. He just happens to prefer to come off the bench. Derek Fisher brings a veteran presence at guard. Daequan Cook will also get some minutes at the guard positions. Nazr Mohammad and Nick Collison are important post players off the bench.

Advantage: Thunder

Coaching Matchup: Scott Brooks & Erik Spoelstra

Heat: Erik Spoelstra

As a head coach in the NBA, Spoelstra feels the heat of pressure more then most. Expectations are high for this team. If something goes awry, Spoelstra is usually the first to get blamed. He got outcoached in last year's NBA Finals and can't afford to let that happen again.  

Thunder: Scott Brooks

Brooks is one of the NBA's best young coaches. He has a 156-80 record, despite coaching one of the league's youngest teams. Brooks was also named coach of the year in 2009-10. His decision to have Sefolosha switch and guard Tony Parker in the Western Conference Finals helped turn around that series for the Thunder.

Advantage: Thunder

Prediction

These teams matchup quite nicely. Durant and LeBron are probably the two best players in the NBA right now. Durant is the best scorer in the league, while LeBron is the best all-around player. The matchup between Wade and Westbrook should be intriguing as well. Both guards are explosive and have the ability to completely change the series outcome. I had a difficult time deciding who to pick to win the series, but nevertheless, I believe I have come to my conclusion. In my opinion, the Thunder have been the more consistent and complete team thus far in the postseason and will continue to be. I think Scott Brooks will make the necessary adjustments defensively to slow down the Heat offensively. Additionally, I predict that Westbrook will give the Heat trouble much the way Rondo did for the Celtics in the previous round. I believe the difference in the series will be the play of James Harden. He isn't the best player on the floor, but he has the ability to come up with the big play. My guess is that he will have several in the series. The Thunder will do enough to complete the task set before them and will win the NBA Title. 

My prediction: Thunder in seven games.

Subway Sweep: Yankees Sweep Series with the Mets

It is that time of year. Interleague baseball. And of course, you can't have interleague baseball without the Subway Series. The series received added hype by how well the Mets had played prior to traveling to the Bronx. I will recap the weekend series and reflect upon what we learned about both sides.

Robinson Cano watches his second home run of the game. (Mike Stobe)

In Friday night's series opener, Johan Santana was on the mound for the Mets for the first time since throwing the first no-hitter in his club's history. He would show no such dominance in this one. The Bronx Bombers lived up to their name as they took Santana deep four times, including two blasts by Robinson Cano. Santana came into the start on extra rest and showed some definite rust. The Yankees countered with Hiroki Kuroda. He was in superb form. Kuroda threw seven innings of one-hit ball, before having to leave the game after taking a liner off his ankle. The Yankees took the opener 9-1.

Phil Hughes gave up just two runs in 6 1/3 innings of work. (Mike Stobe)

The Yankees took the early lead in Saturday night's affair when Alex Rodriguez singled home Derek Jeter for the 1-0 lead. The Mets tied it up in the third on a solo home run by Omar Quintanilla. In the top the sixth, the Mets gained the lead on another solo shot, this one by David Wright. However, in the bottom half of the frame, the Yankees answered with a two-run home run by Mark Teixeira to gain the lead 3-2. Curtis Granderson added an insurance run for the Bombers in the 8th with a solo shot. Rafael Soriano came in and closed out the 4-2 Yankees victory with his ninth save of the season.

Russell Martin prepares to celebrate his walk-off home run. (Al Bello) 

In the series finale, it was the Mets who struck first. In the second inning, they capitalized on an uncharacteristic error by Robinson Cano to score three runs off Yankees starter Andy Pettitte. Mets starter Jonathan Niese was on cruise control, until an error by David Wright kept the bottom of the seventh alive for the Yankees. Russell Martin made them pay when he hit a two-run home run to draw the Yankees to within one. In the eighth inning, the Yanks got to Niese again, as Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez came up with clutch RBI singles to give them the 4-3 lead. In came Soriano in the ninth, who had yet to blow a save this season. However, that ended quickly as Lucas Duda and Ike Davis hit back-to-back doubles to tie the score up at four. In the bottom of the ninth, Martin was the first batter up for the Yankees. Facing a full count, he connected on a walk-off home run to left, as the Yankees completed the sweep with a dramatic 5-4 victory.

The Yankees are really starting to heat up. This team looks completely different from the ball club that was playing just a few weeks ago. The starting staff is looking more stable from top to bottom. The Bronx Bombers loved the long ball as always, hitting eight homers in the series. However, more importantly, they came up with clutch hits with RISP, something they had struggled with earlier in this season. The Yankees are beginning to look like a dangerous team. The Mets will be disappointed by getting swept, but they look to keep going. They have overachieved to get to this point already, so they don't have anything to lose. They will look to rebound when they take the field again Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. It was another excellent Subway Series, full of stellar moments. It is truly one of the highlights of every baseball season.