The Penultimate is the Ultimate

Yesterday’s World Cup final reinforced a hypothesis I’ve been working on.  The final game is always a let down.  Yes, Spain did score a nice goal at the end of the overtime but the rest of the game was better avoided.  And, in the interest of full disclosure, that’s exactly what I did.

Now, compare that with the previous day’s third place game or even either of the two semi-final games.  The final game of a series just never lives up to it’s hype.  Even when you think of your favorite World Series memories, usually those are from a game six or maybe an earlier game that helps extend the series.  When it’s a final, teams are too careful and it’s the game and the fans who suffer.

If you still aren’t convinced, think about a few of those games.  While not a World Series, the Cubs-Marlins series in 2003 featured Bartman and a total breakdown by the Cubs but that disaster was what got the Marlins to a game 7 in which they destroyed the Cubs. Bill Buckner’s infamous boot happened in a game 6 as well.  Sure, there have been game 7 heroics but it’s the early games that give us the memorable moments.

Sure, I’m going to keep on watching the finals.  Missing a Superbowl or a World Series game 7 would just feel wrong.  But, it’s the game 6 I’ll not so secretly be looking forward to.

-A