[nas] Why we will win

Obviously, I'm a soccer nut.

But more than that, I am a sports nut - soccer just happens to be what I
consider to be the ultimate sport for my own personal reasons.

And while I've given my thesis on why the US will eventually dominate world
soccer before, I think this may be the first time that I have proof outside
our game.

You see, I'm watching the previews for the Tour de France.

And part of it was a recap of last years stage where Lance fell when the
lady's bag grabbed his handlebars, and moments later, when his foot slipped
from the pedal.

And it occurred to me that in general, a European or most other
nationalities would rarely overcome that.  The dour British sense of
"unlucky" is probably the best example I can give.

But an American - an American would take that fear, anger, adrenaline, and
turn it into motivation.  The result?  One of the most historic rides in the
history of the Tour de France (at least, according to those who follow it -
I have to take their word for it.)

You heard similar things about Tim Howard from Sir Alex - "fearless", "do
anything to succeed."

Also, don't forget the Tyler Hamilton angle.  He broke a collar bone early
in last year's race.  What did he do?  He overcame it.

Things that can in bad situations be percieved as arrogance, lack of tact or
class.

For us, it is a will to win.  Bred, mostly, from gridiron football and
baseball.  Where did those sports get that attitude?  I don't know if it is
something "purely American" or not.  Is it as simple as this country was
formed and shaped by "difference makers"?  I don't know.

But I do know this - our athletes in general do not give up.  And if you've
watched Euro '04, you've seen giant after giant succum to someone hungrier
than they.  If I had to put $50 on tomorrow's game, I'd put it on Greece -
Portugal, imo, will once again crack.  They won't look at Greece and say,
"Okay, how did they beat us last time?  How do we overcome that?"  They will
look at Greece and say, "We have to respect the fact that they beat us last
time."  Respect, hell.  Respect is for before and after the game.  During
the game, it is about winning.

This is what I believe and why.

I've heard the Scream of the Butterfly
Suwon, Korea, 6-5-02
http://flashpages.prodigy.net/klindstr/home.html



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