CUATRO REYES

Today, Spain became the first nation to win the European Championship four times after beating England in a spirted match in Berlin.

Three of their European championships have come since 2008, making them champions in three of the last five championships. Importantly their 2008 and 2012 championships bookended a 2010 World Cup win, the first in their nation's history.

However, since 2012 Spain have looked a team adrift. Their tika taka, death by a thousand passes approach that won them the 2008, 2010, and 2012 titles, had become predictable. Oftentimes, their play lacked a killer instinct, and goals were few and far between.

However, things seem to have changed for the better with the appointment of their current coach Luis de la Fuente. He has brought a more aggressive, possession with purpose style of play and has also ushered in a new generation of players, including the fantastic 17 year old Lamine Yamale from Barca and Nico Williams from Atletico Madrid.

Today, these young man and the rest of the Spanish players were too much for England. Coupled with their UEFA Nations League title last year, Spain look to be the dominant men's team in Europe - just like their women's team whose World Cup victory we witnessed in 2023 in Australia.

I cannot wait to see the Spain team in the USA in the 2026 World Cup, where they have to be considered one of the favorites.

Until then, vamos Espana! You are truly cuatra reyes (four time kings)!

COPA MAGIC

During our trip to Houston, we took in a Copa America match with Argentina and Ecuador! It was a cagey affair and not very attractive football. However, it was a chance to see Lionel Messi play once again.

Fortunately, the match took place indoors in the NRG Stadium, so we were spared the 90+ degree heat and humidity of July in Houston.

There was a dramatic end to the game after Ecuador scored late, sending the game into penalties. Messi uncharacteristically missed his shot using a technique called a Panenka to chip the keeper. The ball sailed over the top bar!

Thereafter, the Argentina players made good, and their keeper, Emiliano Martinez, made two great saves. Thank you!

After a win in the semis against Canada, they have all to play for in the final tonight against Colombia! Viva Argentina!

H'TOWN

Last week we visited dad in Houston.  It had been a year and a half since we last saw him when he came for the endowed chair ceremony. Therefore, it was so nice to see him again.

It was a sweltering few days in Houston, but it was so nice to be back. 

We ate barbecue.

We went to a soccer match (more on that on another post).

We had Vietnamese from Kim Son.

We went to the Museum of Fine Arts.

We saw the Texas Medical Center.

We had Amy's.

Most of all, we just had quality time together.

As we all get older, it is hard to know how many more times we might have to see our family and friends. That is why I am so glad that we made the trip down. Fortunately, we flew out one day before the storm Beryl made landfall. Dad lost power for two days, but fortunately power has been restored.

Until next time, love you, dad!