It’s my Parting Shot for my reactions to the headlines in today’s Star-Phoenix Sports Section – headlines that allow for The Fearless Predictor to make an appearance…..
First headline…Hutchinson sees chance for Canada to succeed. My reaction…T-F-P says that, for a country that has never won a match in just two previous appearances in the biggest world-wide, single sport event, let’s not put too high of an expectation on our home and native land’s side. I see a tie in the opening match on Friday against Bosnia and Herzegovina, then a win over Ghana, followed by a loss to Switzerland. That would give Canada four points and, either a tie for second in Group B with Bosnia or sole possession of third place. Either way, Canada’s penchant for having trouble scoring goals will be their undoing, as far as making the 32-team single-knockout playoff round! In other words, T-F-P thinks Canada will finally win a World Cup match on home soil, but that will be as good as it gets! Anything better than that will be a rousing success for this slowly, but surely rising national program!!
Next headline…Coach’s loyalty could thwart champs’ chances says Bertoni. Reaction…Daniel Bertoni is an Argentine soccer legend who believes that the manager of this Argentine entry – Lionel Scaloni – shouldn’t rely too much on veterans, like Lionel Messi, in the hopes of repeating as World Cup winners! T-F-P says it doesn’t matter what Argentina does in 2026 – they aren’t repeating! What T-F-P does say will matter is the fact that the World Cup is being held in North America for the first time ever is going to result in a unique, first time winner. There have only been eight countries to raise the trophy in the 22 previous times it has been contested! That means Brazil, Germany, Italy, Uruguay – yes, the tiny South American nation has won the World Cup twice – France, England and Spain – along with Argentina – will come up short. The host country – out of the three that are doing so – with the best shot of winning the World Cup is Mexico. In fact, T-F-P is saying Mexico will be in the final – only to lose to The Netherlands! You heard it here first!!
Last headline…Mboko hails “Queen” Serena. My reaction…what a great honour to be picked by Serena Williams, arguably the greatest female tennis player of all-time, to be her doubles partner as she returns from a four-year, so-called, retirement! Vicky Mboko has a chance to be a sponge and learn a lot about winning and being a champion as the 19-year-old Canadian continues her rise up the world female singles rankings!!
That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again…..
