Euro 2004 seemed to have downplayed all the other sports, including the major events like the NBA finals. Zombies shuffling their feet around after staying up almost every night, from the sergeants to the sweepers on the road. But as usual, I dun really care about soccer. Its more interesting to watch how sports have evolved. "playing soccer" doesn't hold the same connotations as taking up a sport to keep themselves fit. It just implies taking time off from the pastures of turf city and turning the attentions and money to the fields.
The only sport that I keep track of is the Nba games. Its fast. Its entertaining. Its cool.During the finals, the team that wasn't supposed to win won.
The triumph of the underdogs. Detroits crushed lakers. It seemed like Norma Rae, Seabiscuit and that slingshot-wielding dude, David, rolled into one.
Hey, the script writes itself.
If Detroit is the unofficial underdog capital of the country, then America is Underdog Nation, in self-image if not reality. It's what pop culture has taught us.
It's the little guy who always triumphs in the end. A spunky Nemo plans a daring fish tank escape with a little fin and a big heart. The Pistons defeat the Lakers?It fits the model.
The underdog is an extremely powerful myth in our society. It's a thrill to see people who are under adversity beat the people who are supposed to defeat them.
If you can survive the slings and arrows that life throws at you, you can become stronger and more successful than you ever imagined. It's the kids who are lobbing dodge ball missiles who'll one day get their comeuppance.
Underdogs find strength in their weaknesses and know things a top dog never could.
No. 1: Low expectations can be a good thing.
No. 2: Underdogs are always hungry.