Soccer:
The World Cup Soccer event in Russia has been very unpredictable, making it tough to pick a favorite to win. The defending champion, Germany, has been eliminated in the group stage for the first time in modern World Cup history. Germany seemed very complacent in all three games. It's as if they just assumed they were going to advance to the knock out round without even having to try. Looks like that was a bad idea.
Another perennial power, Argentina, came close to being eliminated as well. They got lucky and pulled off a win in their last game to give them enough points to move on to the elimination round. Argentina must step up their level of play in order to beat France in the next game. They cannot rely on just one player to carry them, even with how great Messi is.
So far, the most impressive teams have been England and Belgium. I hope both teams continue to play well and are able to move on in the tournament.
Baseball:
The Phillies played the New York Yankees this week. Their level of performance in the first two games was pretty poor, but they got lucky and pulled off a win in the 3rd game. To end this week, the Phillies play a four-game series against the Washington Nationals. The outcome of this series will be a good measuring stick in terms of what could happen for the rest of the season. I know I have said all along that the Phils' season won't be spectacular, but the rollercoaster ride has made it interesting.
The American League far outshines the National League so far this season. The three best teams are the Yankees, the Red Sox, and the defending champion, the Houston Astros. As it gets closer to the All-Star break, whoever wins the American League will be the overwhelming favorite to win the World Series.
Basketball:
By the end of next week, the 76ers should have a better idea of who they will be able to add from the NBA Free Agency. I don't think LeBron James will be a Sixer, but if you believe the rumors, either Paul George or Kawhi Leonard could be coming to Philadelphia. I will be disappointed if we don't get somebody to pair with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
In the draft last week, the Sixers selected a somewhat unknown player, Zhaire Smith, from Texas Tech. I hope the risk of choosing an unknown pays off for the 76ers in the long run.
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A 2002 Cape grad and 2007 UD grad, Lewes resident Sumner Spence is one of the Cape area's biggest sports fans. Although he’s used a wheelchair his entire life, he has lived vicariously through his sports-playing father, brother, and friends, who gave him his love of sports. He hopes to provide new and interesting perspectives on the sports stories and issues of the day. Email Sumner at sumspence@gmail.com.
