Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnny 99
What I mean to say is that I don't blame him at all. Putting on a national shirt should be something of pride, but it is tough for a guy like De Guzman to allow himself into the joke setup that is the Canadian team, especially when being offered a spot on one of the world's top ten countries. It would be a bit akin to a guy like Dion Phaneuf being born in Kazakhstan and moving to Canada when fourteen or fifteen to develop his hockey skills. At age twenty, having lived in Canada for five years, and having the opportunity to represent the Canadian national team as well, would anyone blame him for not representing a poor country on the other side of the world? The CSA are a total joke; I once heard six foot plus tall Craig Forrest complaining of being made to fly coach from London to Vancouver for a Canadian World Cup qualifier in Victoria.
There are many reasons that Canada will not develop into any kind of serious footballing nation in the next thirty years, mainly, the climate here and the complete lack of quality coaching at the grassroots level. I play amateur soccer here in Calgary and the level of play, even at the top amateur levels is absolutly appalling. Kids here are never taught the basics of passing and team defense, much like kids in Kazakhstan probably aren't taught basic hockey skills such as shot blocking and the neutral zone trap.
It is certainly frustrating for us as Canadian football fans, but there is not much we can do except wait and pray that there is a superstar-in-the-waiting who is in his early teens who will play from a young age for a big club like Milan or Barcelona, and furthermore be PROUD to represent his country internationally. This could really get the ball rolling on establishing a solid development system that could make Canada competitive in a very easy CONCACAF group.
|
You're right on all counts. Though, the climate should not be a limiting factor at all. Russia, Ukraine, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic have less than ideal climates, yet they manage to have decent teams with the odd elite talent in a MUCH more difficult confederation.
The main thing I notice about Canadian soccer players at the amateur level in particular is the total selfishness. Its not that players can't pass (well, a lot can't), they choose not to. Everyone wants to be a hero and deke past 6 players... when in reality, player 2 or 3 will put your ass into the turf. Nothing worse than being a support striker on a team where no one knows how to properly pass, or don't provide any service at all. Talk about a feeling of uselessness. I think too many grassroots coaches watch too much hockey or basketball and coach it like that. Selfishness and passes to no one.
I would be impressed if the next Hargreaves or De Guzman really took the CSA to task. Put a set of demands on them in exchange for his playing for the NT, and refusing to play for them unless they do it within 3 years. After which time, they'll go play for someone else. Especially if that player was clutching a Man U, Real, Juventus, Bayern or other elite club's jersey at the same time.