Official World Cup 2014 Qualifying Thread (Blame It On RIO)

[Jimmy Stang]

While the choice to give the World Cup to the USA in 1994 was an interesting one, and the creation of the MLS was a condition and byproduct of it, credit must be given to the MLS for really nurturing the game in the US. They have really focused on regional rivalries, supporters groups, soccer-only stadiums that provide a better atmosphere than large American football stadiums, etc.

Previous soccer leagues in North America have been able to grab the attention of the general public, but have been unable to hold it. I am quite impressed with how the MLS has managed to nurture the game (instead being a novelty sport until people lose interest).

The accessibility of soccer is obviously a big factor here, but bridging the gap between kids playing in their neighbourhood to becoming dedicated supporters of a professional league is just what soccer in the US needed, and the MLS is doing a great job with it.

Sorry for the tangent - I think that if the US had another World Cup it would be an amazing success and would really solidify soccer as a legitimate professional sport there. It won't unseat the big 3 for quite a while, but it is slowly taking its share of the pie.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by Bagor

Hopefully never again unless FIFA wants non-atmosphere and non embracement of the tournament from the host nation.

That's speaking as someone that lived in Boston in the summer of 94 and attended two games in NYC. Two host cities that you would hardly have known the tournament was going on and that's considering one of the games was between the Irish and Italians in NY.

Sure, they've got the infrastructure but give me a game in a country with rickety old stadiums with a passionate crowd.

As for the Brazilian incident, maybe a bit of an overreaction but at the same time not very diplomatic by the secretary general.

Starting to consider hitting this tournament. Manaus would be first choice.

I'm not sure what relevance 1994 has, the sport was in its infancy in the US. Heck, the whole point of the tournament was to jump start interest in the game.

I'm assuming you weren't here in 2010, otherwise you'd have seen the difference. The entire south street seaport area was turned into a viewing square, bars were packed for games (you couldn't get into places for US games without showing up a couple hours ahead of time) and people who barely watched soccer were fixated on the tournament.

[browna]

http://tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=395130

More of the same from the CSA, electing one of the old guard, who actually quoted a 2005 CSA paper as the basis for his vision of the CSA going forward. It hasn't worked the past 7 years, but hey, why put in unnecessary work to revamp that vision?

Also, this was against the wishes of the 3 Canadian MLS teams who were backing a guy who was going to supposedly turn the structure on its head.

The bureaucracy, red tape and politics which are the root of the problem with Canadian soccer for the past 2 decades are going to continue under this guy. Guys looking to look busy doing nothing, just staying ahead of the curve in order to retain the job and throwing their hands up and blaming everyone but them as why they can't do anything to push the program forward.

He'll bask in the glory of 2015 WWC in the country, meanwhile, the, with all due respect, team that matters, is floundering in mediocrity due to the higher ups not knowing how to properly run an manage the program day to day, year to year, and look forward with a tangible vision. What is/was really required is an "Own the Podium" type program implemented a few years back, for both the men, and the women. It may have saved the women's team from being punted early last year.

I hope the Men's team makes it though this round, and I think they'll be setup well for finishing the top 4 in the final group, but it will be despite the CSA for the most part, not because of them.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Huge blow for Canada a couple weeks ahead of two qualifiers.

Josh Simpson broke tibia, fibia and ankle.

http://www.canada.com/sports/soccer/...035/story.html

[shermanator]

First 2 games of round 3 of qualification are June 8 in Cuba, and June 12 at home to Honduras. Canada should beat Cuba (ranked 136), and will have a shot against Honduras (ranked 62) with being at home.

[Bill Bumface]

Man this would be a nice time to have Jonathan de Guzman join the team....

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

Man this would be a nice time to have Jonathan de Guzman join the team....

I'd prefer Junior Hoilett. Apparently as soon as he leaves Blackburn this summer he is going to decide between Canada and Jamaica.

[Locke]

Both of those guys together would really strengthen this squad, but we face the probability of neither of them.

[TopChed]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Stang

I'd prefer Junior Hoilett. Apparently as soon as he leaves Blackburn this summer he is going to decide between Canada and Jamaica.

I don't really know a lot about the situation, but I thought I heard somewhere he was possibly holding out for English citizenship so he could play for them?

If it's just between Canada and Jamaica, I don't really get why he'd choose Jamaica.

[shermanator]

I think Stephen Hart is tired of talking about Hoilett and de Guzman, and is preparing to have neither join the squad. Although in an interview a few months back, Julian de Guzman said that Jonathon de Guzman wants to join the national team, but needs a passport first

If you ever want to know the latest on the two, here's the Voyageurs thread on de Guzman: http://www.cansoc.org/showthread.php...picture/page50
And on Hoilett: http://www.cansoc.org/showthread.php...Hoilett/page69

[kobasew19]

Originally Posted by shermanator

I think Stephen Hart is tired of talking about Hoilett and de Guzman, and is preparing to have neither join the squad. Although in an interview a few months back, Julian de Guzman said that Jonathon de Guzman wants to join the national team, but needs a passport first

If you ever want to know the latest on the two, here's the Voyageurs thread on de Guzman: http://www.cansoc.org/showthread.php...picture/page50
And on Hoilett: http://www.cansoc.org/showthread.php...Hoilett/page69

Sad to say but Ive been following those threads for many months now A lot of speculation goes on in there and I even get excited when I hear the a poster with no creditablility stating that Hoilett has made up his mind and will suit up for Canada. Just a word of warning.

[Jimmy Stang]

It's an unfortunate predicament for a country like Canada. It is frustrating to see a player, a product of the Canadian "system", who has dual or triple citizenship and opts for the higher profile country. As a relatively young country, and one that has a lot of immigration, this is just the reality for soccer in Canada. Heck, if I was ever of the calibre to play international soccer (yeah, laugh it up!), I'd have a choice between two countries, even though I have never lived a day in the "motherland" in my life. Many, many Canadians have ties to other countries through their parents' birthplaces, dual citizenship, etc.

Simeon Jackson, for example, was even born in Jamaica, but grew up in Canada and opted for the Canadian team. Hargreaves, Hoilett, de Guzman, etc. are Canadians through and through - born, raised, the whole bit.

Chicken and egg thing, unfortunately. The team can't get better without our top products playing for it, and they top players won't choose it first until it gets better. Football purgatory.

[GirlySports]

USA vs Canada at BMO Field tonight. World Cup preparations for both.
Should be fun!

[Jimmy Stang]

According to Sportsnet, Canada will be wearing some retro blue shirts to pay homage to the first Canada vs. USA match played on Canadian soil in 1925. That will be cool to see.

Any word on whether or not this will be a sell-out crowd? I'd like to think so, but one never knows.

[Jimmy Stang]

Since we're talking Canada today, it has just been announced that Simon Jackson has extended his contract with Norwich. It would be nice if he popped one in today vs. the US.

[Montana Moe]

Canada just got jobbed out of a goal on mystery foul. Physical match so far, though it seems the U.S. is sleepwalking a bit offensively.

I like the U.S. kits more than I thought I would, and I love Canada's blue.

[GirlySports]

LOVE the Canadian blues, we should wear it more often in the future than just this one match.

[PIMking]

Klinsman you f'n traitor... GO CANADA GO!!! DFB!

[M*A*S*H 4077]

How did he miss?

[Montana Moe]

Well, that was a bit of a yawner until the final 2 minutes or so.