What Have We Learned From the Sporting Weekend?

I find it useful to sit back and reflect on the sporting weekend and see what can be learnt from the action that has taken place.  My observations are as follows:

1) Some of our American cousins who are golf fans clearly think it is possible for a professional golfers to hit a "hole in one" from the tee off at a par 5 500 yard + hole.  I refer of course to the immortal phrase "get in the hole" which seems to be blurted out by some fans whether a golfer is playing a tee shot or has a putt to win the Open Championship.  Clearly those fans need lessons in bio mechanics.

2) Manchester United's new Goalkeeping recruit David De Gea, is going to cause debate amongst commentators/pundits not only about his abilities between the sticks, but also how on earth do they pronounce his name.  This afternoon in the Charity Shield, i heard commentators/pundits pronounce his name "De Gear", "De Hear" and "De Ear".

3) We've been given a fair indication this afternoon that Manchester United will not be surrendering their Premiership Title this season without a fight.  Manchester City worry me that they are turning into the English version of the Real Madrid of the early noughties, with a bunch over sized egos who haven't got a clue how to play like a team a lot of the time.  Talented individuals, with expensive price tags can take you so far, but do they win you championships year after year?  It seems Mancini's time is mostly devoted to satisfying egos in his squad and not developing a team that can conquer England and Europe.

4) With the Rugby World Cup fast approaching it is clear New Zealand are currently the favourites to lift the World Cup in their homeland.   This of course clearly means New Zealand will collapse in a heap in the semi-final against England, judging by their run ups to the previous 5 World Cups and their eventual results in those World Cups.  Or will they?  History may well be on their side this time.  Where did New Zealand win their first and only ever World Cup?  The answer is Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand.  Whatever happens you get the feeling New Zealand's greatest challenge will be overcoming the psychological barrier of not performing when it really counts.  As for the home nations, at this stage I'm not overly confident about their chances.

So what have what got to look forward to in the coming week?  Well plenty, as it so happens.  England take on the Netherlands at Wembley in a friendly.  England take on the current no.1 team in the world India, in the test cricket, with the chance to nick that honour from the Indians (from what i've seen of the first two tests there's a fair chance).  It's the final major of the golfing season this week with the US PGA.  I reckon there's a fair chance if Rory McIlroy wins it, there may be a chance he nicks the BBC Sports Personality off Darren Clarke.  I think it's about time Donald or Westwood break the Northern Irish stranglehold on the majors though.  Finally, the most exciting time of year is just under a week away.  Yes, it's Alan Hansen discussing diabolical defending on Match of the Day.