Hablad Más Lentamente, Por Favor.
I think my Spanish is actually coming back to me. I’ve logged a tremendous number of hours at Univision over the last couple of weeks. Their announcers for the World Cup outshine the ESPN guys by a thousand watts. Even though I don’t understand 80% of what’s being said, the emotion and personality make the matches come to life in a way that the sleepy US announcers can’t match. Somebody has to tell those slow US announcers that back here in the states we are watching these games at incomprehensibly early hours. You are not talking for whole stretches of time! Coupled with your ‘Bueller…Bueller’ monotone approach, you lull me back to sleep in minutes. And now with the USA team out of the cup they seem even more uninspired. On the flip side, the Spanish announcers make every pass, every header and tackle seem like it has major geopolitical significance.

My team – The Men in Orange – Team Nederland is still in it. Even after a disappointing draw against Argentina I think they’re going to be the ones on top. My prediction for the final four: Holland, Argentina, Italy, Brazil.

Bonus: A wonderfull collection of international Magnum Football Photos.