Kobe Bryant and the World Cup? {0}
I just received this note from my friend Mat Grega, and while a sports post on a ChocolateBakery blog seems a little incongruous, it’s so good that I have to share it:
Another four years has passed and once again it is time for the most watched sporting event in the world to grace television screens across the globe.
The FIFA world cup is finally here, and with this installment of the famed tournament comes one of the most highly anticipated opening round matches in ages: England vs. USA. Having fought, reconciled, then scrapped some more since the birth of the much younger Americans, these two countries have formed a true sibling rivalry that is fiercely competitive while maintaining an unparalleled level of respect.
Unfortunately for us Yanks, we are forced to tip the cap to Ol’ big brother on this platform of battle as England holds a 6-2-0 advantage all-time—our last victory coming in 1993. While the continuous soccer shellacking handed to us by England suggests a serious talent gap between the two countries.
It’s interesting to ponder an American team consisting of its truly elite performers found sprinkled throughout various athletic professions. Look no further than the current NBA finals being played to find a serious cog missing from the US national teams machine in Kobe Bryant. Born in Philadelphia but raised in Italy as a child, he found a passion and aptitude for the game that would have easily seen him develop into a top tier world class player before his family’s return to the states.
Despite being locked in a 2-2 series tie against his own team’s heated rival Boston, Kobe would be the potential key to success for team America if he ditched the hardwood and took his speedy, agile 6’7” frame to the grass of South Africa. His presence roaming the middle field or striking up the gut would make him virtually impossible for England to defend and challenge them in ways they’ve never before seen. Imagine a corner kick for the USA in this scenario, who on planet earth would be able to stop Kobe from heading the ball in?? His height is only the beginning factor. Kobe’s elevation, timing, and body control would spell doom for opposing defenses and pretty much ensure success for the U.S. this world cup.
Alas, this is all hypothetical, and once again America will play the underdog to its bullyish brother. I suspect the U.S. will play inspired, tight, conservative ball throughout the game and pray for chance breaks as surely England will dominate the ball without Kobe clogging the middle. The attacking star power of England will eventually wear the U.S. defenders down and I suspect a 2-1 victory for the red coats.
Side note: If anybody has Kobe’s number, perhaps they could inform him that twice the Celtics have played the Lakers in the Finals during the World Cup and both times the Lakers lost 3 games to 4. Since this current series seems all but headed to another deciding game 7, maybe he would consider saving his time and leaving early to give his country a little taste of what could have been.
I have loved baking and cooking since I was a child. I studied foods and nutrition in college, but my secret desire was to own my own restaurant. Participation in a culinary program landed me jobs in several upscale restaurants, where I discovered my passion for baking and pastries. In 1981 I opened my bakery, Tarts and Truffles, in Sacramento, CA. Realizing a need for trained, knowledgeable bakers, I began teaching baking classes in the culinary arts program at American River College in 1990. I hope you will find my interest in high quality baking reflected in every product we sell.
