The World Is Watching

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

The countdown is on - Euro 2008 in 24+ hours; and the decision from would-be Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson who has been given a deadline day of Monday to accept the coaching position in Toronto. With all due respect to Mr. Wilson, who could be working in the centre of the hockey universe, the world (outside of our friends down south) will be watching Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo - arguably the most recognizable sports figure on the planet.

Loved by a nation (and a gender - chicks dig this guy)

Hated by the English

Respected by all.

Ronaldo goes into this tournament with the weight and expectations of the world on his shoulders - he will be the most watched person at the tournament.

Those of us who love the "Quinas" will look to him to lead our boys to their first international championship - we hope the best player on the planet will carry over his form from this past season and lead us to victory. While we hope for the best, if we were being honest about things we would acknowledge that this team is likely to peak in 2010 or 2012 - that is not to say we don't have the players to get it done in the world's toughest championship to win, it is just acknowledging that we aren't the front runners, but we will be a factor. With a little luck, who knows? Just ask the Greeks.

Those who aren't fans of Ronaldo will be looking to scrutinize (criticize) every move he makes - and of course pinning the failure to win sqaurely on the shoulders of the TWENTY THREE year old wonderkid. The English media have never quite forgiven him for the incident at the 2006 World Cup where they accused Ronaldo of getting Shrek (aka Wayne Rooney) red-carded for a boot to the groin of Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho. The English media is lying in wait to roast the kid for anything less than a dominant tournament, resulting in a win for the Portuguese.

He has the weight of the world on his shoulders, and the support of a nation (which reaches all four corners of the globe) behind him. Either way, this is one of the few athletes in the world who is truly worth the price of admission and one who can single-handedly carry a team to the promised land.

Turkey tomorrow at 2:45 pm (eastern time) - BE THERE and represent.

That's it for today gang - three play later this afternoon - thanks for taking the time to check in.

Hazel, here's hoping things are groovy in your world.

I'm Out