In case you're part of the vast majority of the American population, you probably haven't been paying attention to the US Water Polo team, either men's or women's. Allow me to enlighten you.
First, the women. They went undefeated in group play (2-0-1) and beat Australia (who beat them for gold in 2000) 9-8 early this morning. The Aussies tied it up at 8 after trailing by 3 going into the fourth quarter. Brenda Villa fired off a man-up shot from about 5 m out to give the Americans the lead they wouldn't lose for the remaining minute. Now, the US women face the Netherlands in the finals, and they are heavily favored to win. Hopefully the girls can get the elusive Olympic gold.
Speaking of elusive gold, guess how long the US men's team has gone without winning the gold? 104 years, when they won all three medals (weird). This year, they have the group B number one seed, and will be playing for a medal regardless of how the first game against Spain/Serbia goes. Hungary will play the winner of Croatia/Montenegro, both of which are probably still considered more likely to win the gold than the US. However, the US men have the number one defense in the Olympics, even though they gave up 11 goals to Italy. Of the other two teams to advance into medal play, the US has only let up 9 goals combined (even though they scored the same total amount). Seems like the 9th best team in the world might be a tad underrated.
Anyway, here's hoping the USA can sweep the water polo medals and be the undisputed aquatic masters of the world. A few quick thoughts:
- Why can't the Orioles beat the Red Sox? Fuck.
- How could the Chargers only score 6 points total against the goddamn St. Louis Rams? Fuck.
- Whits is out until possibly 2009. Fuck. Oh wait, Letang and Goligoski. Cool. Ish.
- Matt
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