3. Sunday football

Jorge Gutierrz, from Argentina, is visiting his friend Howard Sloan in Washington, D.C. It is early in December.

Howard: Jorge, since this is Sunday, I hope you don't mind if we watch a football game on TV.

Jorge: Not at all, Howie. I've been looking forward to watching one of your football games. As you know, football is an entirely different sport in my country.

Howard: Soccer! I know. More and more North Americans are learning to play soccer. It's fast, rough, and very exciting.

Jorge: You'll have to explain the rules of football to me. I want to be able to follow the game.

Howard: I'll do my best. Pass me the sports section of the newspaper, will you? The Post should have the time the game starts. I don't want to miss the kickoff.

Jorge: Let me see if I can find it. Here it is, on the second page. It says "Washington versus Dallas, 1 P.M. on Channel 9." Does that sound right?

Howard: Yes. Games usually start at 1 or 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon. Of course, that's in the East. On the West Coast, the times are three hours earlier.

Jorge: So in California they have to watch the 1 o'clock game at 10 o'clock in the morning.

Howard: Diehard football fans will watch at any hour. Well, we'd better go to the store to get some snacks. We want to be ready to see the Cowboys and the Redskins fight it out.

4. The tigers vs the sabres

Pam: I want to see a game with the Tigers. When do they play?

Steve: Let me check the schedule. On Saturday they play versus the Sabres.

Pam: Oh, that'll be a fantastic game! They've been rivals for years and the teams are evenly matched. The Sabres are a triple champion, while the Tigers have won the championship four times.

Steve: But this year, I think, the Tigers stand a better chance. Now they have Eddie Jackson, who played for the Wolves. Along with Charles Moor and Joe Adams, they make a wonderful team.

Pam: That's right! They are winners now. They've played 20 games so far. They won 13, lost 3 at the start of the season, and tied 5. But the Sabres have only 7 wins, 7 ties, and 6 losses. They are in the 5th place.

Steve: The Sabres have a weak goalie, but their forwards are very experienced and aggressive. It's bad luck that their leading goalie is seriously injured and won't be in good shape soon. There's a rumor they want Rodney Brown to sign a contract with them to strengthen the defense.

Pam: Rodney, you say? That'll help them a lot!

5. Sports souvenirs

Diana: Say, Steve. I've got two tickets for the Tigers and Sabres game.

Steve: That's great! You know, I have a shirt with Eddie Jackson's number.

Diana: I'm jealous. So, you collect Tigers' things. Well, then you must visit our sports club. There's a cafe there, where we like to meet. They have a lot of interesting things there. You may be lucky enough to get an autograph of a football or hockey star there.

Steve: I collect newspaper and magazine articles about them and besides I have a lot of posters and photos of the players. I even have a puck from last year's championship game. Jackie Edwards scored the final goal with it.

Diana: Do you play hockey?

Steve: Not now. I used to play for the university. Now I prefer tennis.

Diana: Our club has good tennis courts. I can recommend you for membership. The guys are good there and the coaches are, too. We must keep ourselves in shape.

Steve: Great! I'm new here, you know. And to make good friends here in practically no time is fabulous. When can I see you at your club?

Diana: On Sunday, I think. I'll call you.

Steve: Great! I'll look forward to it.