2013 Confederations Cup: Standings after Match 1

In case you didn't know, the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil is underway, as it began on Saturday with the hosts (Brazil) thrashing Japan, 3-0.

The tournament was then followed by a tightly contested game of Mexico losing to Italy, 1-2, and Spain defeating Uruguay 2-1.

Today, the final first round match between Nigeria and Tahiti ended with a big scoreline of 6-1 in Nigeria's favor.

The Confederations Cup works like this: it is held at the site of the next World Cup (2014 will be held in Brazil), and it features all of the FIFA confederation championship winners (6 of them), the previous World Cup winner, and the host nation. In this instance, Spain was the WC winner, Brazil was the host, and the other teams represented the other confederations.

So, after round 1, here are the group standings:

GROUP A:

1. Brazil (3 points)

2. Italy (3 points)

3. Mexico (0 points)

4. Japan (0 points)

GROUP B:

1. Nigeria (3 points)

2. Spain (3 points)

3. Uruguay (0 points)

4. Tahiti (0 points)

The next matches will be held on Wednesday on ESPN, and it will feature all of group A starting at 3:00 EST.

Photo via fansided

U.S. Open: Just-in Time

At the 2012 Ryder Cup, many would argue that Justin Rose's match vs. Phil Mickelson in Sunday Singles propelled the Europeans to a historic comeback. Rose made putt after putt, and eventually took down Phil to gain a crucial point.

Flash forward to Sunday of the 2013 U.S. Open, and we are in a similar situation. Rose and Mickelson were dueling it out to see who put this amazing trophy on their resume. After some wild play by Phil and some steady play by Justin, it was JR who came out on top. Phil needed a birdie to get into a Monday playoff, but a wild tee shot pretty much negated his chances, and Justin claimed the trophy.

Rose shot an even par 70 at the tough but fair Merion course, while Phil the thrill shot a 74 to lose by 2. Justin became the first Englishman to win the U.S. Open since Tony Jacklin. At 32 years of age, it is very possible that this won't be his only major title.

So to quickly recap, we've had two major winners who have, up until now, had somewhat disappointing careers: Adam Scott and Justin Rose. But since they now are major champions, the proverbial money is now off of their backs. That's got to mean someone who is long overdue is going to win the Open Championship, right? Luke Donald, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, and Dustin Johnson look like good odds right about now...

Anyways,

Congrats Justin!

Photo via pgatour.com

U.S. Open POTW: Tiger Woods vs. Matt Kuchar

Welcome to our Picks of the Week game! Rules are simple: Each week Bernardo and I will select one golfer entered in the current tournament. Whichever golfer finishes highest earns one of us a point. Exceptions: 3 points if our golfer wins the whole thing, Major Championships are doubled (so that's a possibility of 6 points), and tied finishes result in 0 points. Oh, and once we use a golfer, we can't use him for the rest of year. We're doing this until the TOUR Championship. Bernardo has won this 2 times in a row, so let's see if he can go for the three peat! 

 VS

JJ: As we head into the 2nd major of the year, the stakes continue to get higher as everyone is desperate to be in the golf history books. In my opinion, no one is more hungry to win a major than Tiger Woods right now, which is why I'm picking him to win this week at Merion Golf Club. I know he didn't play that well at The Memorial, but I know he'll be fully prepared for this week. There have been many comparisons to TPC Sawgrass and Merion, and we know how well he did at THE PLAYERS, so it should make for an interesting tournament for him. Let's go Tiger!

Bernardo: The U.S. Open is upon us and the excitement that comes with a major championship should make this a great week. Lets just hope the weather agrees as well. This week I’m going with the one and only, Matt Kuchar. Already a champion in 2013, Kuchar is looking for his first major win. He’s pretty won the top non-major events, now only needing a major to be placed amongst the best. Best of luck Kooch!

JJ's used: Brandt Snedeker, Jason Dufner, Padraig Harrington, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Billy Horschel, Retief Goosen, Jason Day, Charles Howell III, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, David Toms, Keegan Bradley

Bernardo's used: Keegan Bradley, Brandt Snedeker, Phil Mickelson, Aaron Baddeley, Tiger Woods, Graeme McDowell, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Steve Stricker, Brian Davis, Adam Scott, Justin Rose, Jason Day

Zimbio

2013 French Open: Return of the King of Clay

After the French Open epic that we got from Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic on Friday, most of us thought that the actual final was a mere formality for Rafa. Sure, David Ferrer didn't drop a set on his way to the final (which is an incredible feat), but it's pretty obvious he's no match for him. David doesn't have the power to give Nadal the problems he faced in the first week and vs. Nole. He has the endurance/speed, but no knockout power.

That set up perfectly for Rafa, as he coasted to a 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 victory over his Spanish compatriot to grab another French Open title. He never seemed too flustered, and it just seemed like it had more of midweek match feel than the feel of a Grand Slam final.

The Roland Garros clay has always been Rafa's favorite, only losing once in his entire career, which is a ridiculous stat. Some more ridiculous stats from this tournament: 8th FO title (most ever), most wins at Roland Garros (59), and he DROPPED to #5 in the rankings because of Ferrer's first ever final appearance.

With this win, Rafa will obviously be one of the favorites for Wimbledon. He's probably right in front of Federer and right behind Djokovic as most likely candidates to take home the grass championship. It should also free up the pressure on him for the rest of the year, as he seems quite healthy and may even challenge for the number 1 spot if he keeps this level of play up.

Congrats, Rafa!

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