Still Think Football (soccer) Sucks????

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae if she is checking in today.

Yesterday, Tilt was good enough to acknowledge International Football like only he can - while I'm very appreciative of the thought behind his post, I can't say that I applauded the effort. Yes, my man Tilt marches to the beat of his own drummer - while most young professional Asian men are hard working, industrious and fairly intelligent, Tilt is a little on the lazy side (see his pictures yesterday).

So to make up for Tilt's half-assed effort to post some of Portugal's "soccer hotties" - I'm rectifying the situation with these lovely ladies - the sweetheart in green is on Pogue's Top 5 list. Why are we talking football today? Well, of course its qualifying day for Euro 2008 - with Portugal hosting group leader Poland at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon (4:00 pm eastern).

The Selecção das Quinas sit in third place - five points behind Poland with a game in hand. This afternoon's match isn't exactly a do or die game, but they have to win this one - they WILL win this one. A win today and a win in their next game, home to Serbia, would put them in first place and a virtual lock to be at the tournament in 2008. I expect the likes of Ronaldo and Deco to control the game - but I'm calling for Ricardo Quaresma to have a big game today.

Portugal wins today by a count of 3-1, with Quaresma, Ronaldo and Helder Postiga scoring. Forca Portugal.

Baseball is still happening - Boston is a lock to win the AL East and Red Sox West are still scuffling; next week's series against San Diego is do or die. We'll wait to hear more on Rick Ankiel and Troy Glaus being implicated for performance enhancing substances before commenting.


FRIDAY'S THREE STARS
Boston Red Sox P Jon Lester continues to pitch well - last night, seven shutout innings in Baltimore to lead the Sox to a 4-0 win. Lester gave up four hits, walked two and struck out four to pick up his fourth win of the year.

Atlanta Braves P John Smoltz went into the eighth inning last night with a no-hitter in tact before giving up a single to start the inning in the Braves 7-1 win over the Nationals. Smoltz left the game having given up one earned run on one hit and two walks while striking out ten.

Cincinnati Reds RF Ken Griffey Jr. had two hits, including his 30th home run of the season, and drove in three to lead the Reds to an 11-4 win over the Brewers.


SATURDAY THREE PLAY
We went 2-1 last night and added $70 to the total - can't say that I'm happy though, since Red Sox West lost. We go into today + $525 for the week. Today's suggestions:

Chicago over Pittsburgh - the Big Z apologized to Cubs fans for his outburst this week, he'll be looking to really make amends with a good start today. Lay $100 on the Cubs - $110.

New York over Kansas City - we like Andy Pettitte tonight, the Yankees are looking to solidify their lead in the wild card chase so they won't be looking past the Royals. Lay $100 on the Yankees - $160.

New York over Houston - Tom Glavine against Woody Williams is enough of a mismatch, but when you look at how bad the Astros have been on the road, it is even more of a mismatch. Lay $100 on the Mets - $175.

I would suggest laying a play on Portugal - but I doubt anyone reading lays cash down on football.

That's it for today gang - thanks for taking the time to check in. Have a great one peeps!

The song of the day today - for the boys in Portugal:

Forca - Nelly Furtado

Hazel, we hope things are groovy in your world.

Before signing out - I had to post this for my man Tilt...to acknowledge the thought behind yesterday's post; while I'm still not overly enamoured with the substance of his post, its the thought that counts.

For my man Tilt.