Canada Loses Another Soccer Star

[Muta]

As a lifelong soccer player who trained with the Alberta Elite squads and played against Hargreaves in minor soccer when we were both teams, I'm looking forward to the day when Canadian soccer takes the next step on the player development stage.

This country has so much potential; it is unfortunate that we prioritize soccer they way we do in this country. We *need* professional teams to develop our players, and keep them here.

All the more reason to merge the Turks and Cacaos into the 4th Territory of Canada and turn it into a hardcore soccer training ground year-round.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by troutman

FIFA needs to close these loopholes.

What stops CAN from offering roster spots to 20 Brazilians?

Essentially the collective will of those 20 Brazilian stars. The ones that would come would be of no upgrade to what we have. Why give up the faint hope of the Selecao when you can play in Edmonton or Toronto against Belize (and lose!)

If the CSA wants to keep its stars and steal other country's stars, they have to make soccer in Canada at least somewhat desirable. That starts with better stadia and perks for the players, and ends with world class coaches and more than one MLS team... more like 4-5.

[ricoFlame]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

and ends with world class coaches and more than one MLS team... more like 4-5.

well the success of the whitecaps and impact may eventually lead to the MLS in those cities from a support standpoint, but that really doesn't seal the deal. but as for the world class coaching...well not quite.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by ricoFlame

well the success of the whitecaps and impact may eventually lead to the MLS in those cities from a support standpoint, but that really doesn't seal the deal. but as for the world class coaching...well not quite.

Yep, but even 3 MLS teams isn't going to be enough for Canada. Most countries have entire leagues to cultivate both fan interest and players. I think 4 is the magic number, which means Ottawa or Calgary or Edmonton (perhaps a joint team) has to get off their ass and get into action.

As for the World Class coach, it should be very easy... if you're willing to pay them. There's lots of good European (and Latin American) coaches out there that for the right price and enough creative control, would gladly take the job on.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by Muta

As a lifelong soccer player who trained with the Alberta Elite squads and played against Hargreaves in minor soccer when we were both teams, I'm looking forward to the day when Canadian soccer takes the next step on the player development stage.

This country has so much potential; it is unfortunate that we prioritize soccer they way we do in this country. We *need* professional teams to develop our players, and keep them here.

All the more reason to merge the Turks and Cacaos into the 4th Territory of Canada and turn it into a hardcore soccer training ground year-round.

Incidentally, I agree with everything you said. I've played with some exceptional talent at Calgary Foothills, and its sad that most of them disappear. Some of the best players I know don't even play CUSA or AMSL... they're just street ballers who love to play. Countries with real programs would have these guys in there training.

Soccer should be Canada's summer sport, complimenting hockey in the winter. In the winter, they should go to Turks and Caicos... absolutely!

[Johnny 99]

Originally Posted by troutman

CSA could get around the laws - student visas, work permits, marriages of convenience

Before we start thinking about bringing in people from other countries, we should take care of our own first.......guys like de Guzman and Hargreaves, for example.

[mrdeeds]

I for one am not counting Jo DeG out just yet. As of his interview on Sportsnet, he has not made a decision and will not make one anytime soon. Yes, this news certainly points to him not playing for the Red and White, but I am hopeful. I would say it's 1.5 to 1 against him playing for the Canada.

[GirlySports]

I have no problem with Hargreaves or De Guzman choosing another country. But if they take that route, our media shouldn't treat them as Canadians either.

I hate it when I read an article "ManU's Canadian-born midfielder Hargreaves scored today". He's not Canadian! When Canadian reporters wanted to interview him during the last 2 world cups he wouldn't even give them the time of day.

[ricoFlame]

Originally Posted by mrdeeds

I for one am not counting Jo DeG out just yet. As of his interview on Sportsnet, he has not made a decision and will not make one anytime soon. Yes, this news certainly points to him not playing for the Red and White, but I am hopeful. I would say it's 1.5 to 1 against him playing for the Canada.

done deal.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2008/...n_netherlands/

[Alter Haudegen]

As an Euro (and someone with good inside knowledge in the football/soccer world) I find some posts here rather amusing.

No, these club academies don't expect the players to change their nationality as a return for educating them. Those European teams do it for profit and believe me they couldn't care less for the national teams. They bring them in because they hope to find a diamond in the rough.

Second the Dutch immigration law is now one of the more restricted in the world. Actually they lost one of the best African prospects (Salomon Kalou who now plays for the Ivory Coast) , despite pleas from legends like Johan Cruyff and team manager Marco van Basten to the (far right) immigration minister, because he was denied the Dutch Citizenship just before the 2006 WC (I think he failed the test).

As for the 20 Brazilians, the FIFA has actually taken some steps to clamp down on players claiming dual nationalities to qualify for national team selection.

To be eligible to play for another national team you must fulfill at least one of the following conditions:
a) the player was born on the territory of the relevant association;
b) his biological mother or biological father was born on the territory of the relevant association;
c) his grandmother or grandfather was born on the territory of the relevant association;
d) he has lived continuously for at least two years on the territory of the relevant association.

And on top of it, if you have dual citizenship you can only change your national association once and only if you are younger than 21 years of age.

[icarus]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

I hate it when I read an article "ManU's Canadian-born midfielder Hargreaves scored today". He's not Canadian! When Canadian reporters wanted to interview him during the last 2 world cups he wouldn't even give them the time of day.

If they say he is Canadian-born, that is a fact (assuming he was indeed born in Canada). As for him not giving the time of day to reporters, well I went to school with him and I have to say it is not surprising.

[mrdeeds]

To say I am severely disappointed in Deguzman is an understatement. From now on I will just forget.... what's his name again? The CSA really has to be completely revamped though, the situation there is just pitiful.

[Fire]

Another traitor to Canada. They should ban guys like this and Hargreaves from re-entering Canada.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by icarus

If they say he is Canadian-born, that is a fact (assuming he was indeed born in Canada). As for him not giving the time of day to reporters, well I went to school with him and I have to say it is not surprising.

Don't even mention a thing about him. Canadian press seem to purposely put him in a story just to have canadian content. Ignore him.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by Fire

Another traitor to Canada. They should ban guys like this and Hargreaves from re-entering Canada.

That's a little strong and harsh.

Playing for a third-rate soccer nation like Canada can significantly hinder their career potential and earnings. For example, there's pretty much no way Hargreaves would be playing for Manchester United if he wasn't an English NT player, and exposed to that level of competition. Can't expect top end talent to sacrifice their careers to play for an apathetic and unappreciative nation.

If Canada had their act together pertaining to the world's game, this wouldn't happen.

[ricoFlame]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

That's a little strong and harsh.

Playing for a third-rate soccer nation like Canada can significantly hinder their career potential and earnings. For example, there's pretty much no way Hargreaves would be playing for Manchester United if he wasn't an English NT player, and exposed to that level of competition. Can't expect top end talent to sacrifice their careers to play for an apathetic and unappreciative nation.

If Canada had their act together pertaining to the world's game, this wouldn't happen.

i agree, the CSA is a farce, but is it too much to expect a player to play for HIS country?

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by ricoFlame

i agree, the CSA is a farce, but is it too much to expect a player to play for HIS country?

Honestly, yeah it is... if Canada can't be bothered to put any effort into Soccer, why should we expect top players to sacrifice their career opportunities for an ungrateful and apathetic nation?

Remember, because soccer is such a global game, being capped for a major team is a significant step in one's career, granting opportunities and experience not normally granted otherwise.

Would you expect a superstar hockey player to play for, say, Uzbekistan or Croatia, when they could play for Canada or the US? Cause that's about the equivalent.