Soccer Watch

And so, we're down to the final two games in this crazy month of soccer: 83 top-level international games in a month – up to five a day – culminate in today's mouthwatering Euro2016 semifinal between Germany and France (Thu., 2pm), and the championship final at 2pm Sunday, July 10, when today's winner takes on Portugal, who beat Wales, 2-0, in the first semifinal Wednesday. France and Germany, host and world champion respectively, were the pre-tournament favorites, and either one will be a big favorite over Portugal, who've looked merely average in scraping through to the final. I was sorry to see them take out Wales, the last underdog standing. France took out the biggest underdog, Iceland, in the quarterfinals with a 5-2 flourish that was their best performance to date, while Germany did just enough to survive the dogged Italians in penalty kicks.

The inaugural Austin Soccer Foundation Awards Banquet, benefiting the Austin soccer community, is set for 6:30-10pm next Thursday evening, July 14, in the event space at the new South Congress Hotel, 1603 S. Congress. Highlights include recognition of ASF's scholarship winners, the high school players of the year, and presentation of a special lifetime achievement award. U.S. World Cup veteran Tony Sanneh will be the keynote speaker, talking about his background, his playing career, and his own foundation (www.thesannehfoundation.org). $75 per seat; $600/table. More info at www.austinsoccerfoundation.org/events.

Liga MX soccer is back in the Austin area this weekend, with an exhibition match Saturday, July 9, between Club León and Club Morelia at Dell Diamond, 3400 East Palm Valley in Round Rock. Tickets are $38-$95. Doors open at 5:30pm and the game starts at 7pm. More info at www.latinei.com.