Babeled

Let it be written…this is the year of the Spanish.

It all began with their stunning victory over all other countries involved in the Euro Cup tournament. In an extremely close final, Spain defeated Germany 1-0. This dramatic conclusion confirmed that Spain, although not the originators of Soccer, are no doubt the country that has perfected and refined the “World’s Sport” into a work of masterful art. All Hail Spain.

But yet, this grand celebration of greatness was only an omen of more to come.

On Sunday July 6th, 2008 the world watched as tennis great Roger Federer began the most important match of his career. This was to be the day that he surpassed Bjorn Borg to win six consecutive Wimbledon titles. The game should have been his. The master of the grass court was not supposed to be toppled. And yet here he was facing the man who, only four weeks earlier, had shattered his hopes of winning the French Open.

Lo and behold, when the longest men’s single final came to a close, Nadal emerged the victor, becoming the first player in 28 years to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year. David had defeated Goliath. All Hail Spain.

With two major sports victories under their belt in the past month, Spain is only weeks away from entering the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. It would come as no surprise to me if they spread their conquest to China and pull off a grand 2008 Sports Trifecta.

After all, we are talking about a country that, along with their prowess in soccer, tennis, and all other non-winter sports, has historically demonstrated their mastery of other great skills such as imperialism, nation building, gold plundering, inquisition style mass torture, and of course Casanova style love making.

All Hail Spain.

Images

Nadal courtesy of Collegepublisher

Euro courtesy of Newsimg