Euro 2012:  Spain v. Portugal

Portugal is playing a brilliant game so far.  Overplaying the passing lanes, allowing Spain to go over the top, and it is totally disrupting the Spanish style of possession.  Trusting Spain can't win balls in the air 1 v. 1 up top or w/ speed on through balls.  Working so far.  Spain is amazing, though and still is getting chances.  But Nani is dominating his side and when Ronaldo gets the ball, the whole world stops and watches.

I'm starting to really like Ronaldo.  His cocky fury is much more attractive than Kobe simply because he backs it up.  Kobe is an annoying volume shooter.  Ronaldo makes the correct soccer play almost the entire time - even when it means taking on 3 guys because he can actually do it and be dangerous doing it.  He is a superior player to many, very, very good players with whom he shares the field.  He has skill in the air, on either foot, has touch, speed, and is strong.  He is so clearly the LeBron James meets Kobe Bryant of soccer and perhaps the only thing more unbelievable is the fact he isn't the best player in the world, that somehow God decided to make Messi.

The ref is terrible.

UPDATE:  Into overtime now.  How good is Iniesta?  Jesus.  Portugal either needs a moment of brilliance from Ronaldo or PKs.  Teams are wearing down.