Back to reality

Back to normal expectations now as Venezuela go out. The frustration of the defeat is enormous given the circumstances and having called it almost perfectly. They had to beat Dominincan Republic at some stage and lost 2-1 on a passed ball. The vaunted DR offence was shut down, one hit between Tejada, Ortiz, Pujols and Beltre as anticipated. But Venezuela, against an inferior pitching side managed just one hit. One hit. Even the tiniest amount of offence would have brought a win and to be beaten by an error just heightens the wrongness of it all. But I must admit I am perfectly happy with how I predicted it all. Firstly, that Canada looked solid - they beat US- that Japan were a good each way price- they would have been in the semis already but for a dodgy call and may still end up winning it- and of course that Venezuela should have won the whole thing. Their MLB batting stars will be glad it is pre- and not post-season so they can go and join their clubs rather than have to go back to Venezuela. I doubt they will get much of a reception even at the end of the year. This result was little more than a disgrace.