DoyleG Posted June 3, 2003 Share Posted June 3, 2003 Given the fact we may need to rely upon A-League players in the future, it's important to get them some international match experience. It seems a good time to form a Canada 'B' side made up of North American-based players. Such a team could undertake exhibition tours in the off season to build up that experience. Hard to convince of such an idea when the CSA has an $8 Million budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bxl Boy Posted June 3, 2003 Share Posted June 3, 2003 That's a very good idea ! Or maybe not a "B" team, but a "North-America" based team, that could gather in the winter and make some training camps in the sun. That's good for the players who won't stop football in the off-season. And good for the team and its cohesion as the players are together and learn to know each other. ___________________________ http://www.impactsoccer.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimglow Posted June 3, 2003 Share Posted June 3, 2003 I'm not crazy about the idea, for two reasons that I can think off the top of my head: - European players will be more reluctant to fly back to North America when we need them for WCQ, since the guilt factor is gone, they know they will have someone to replace them - Controversy. If we end up qualifying for the WC with a B team (which I think would happen if we had a B team), then there would be controversy when the better European player would want to get in on the action of the WC. There would be a feeling of injustice. This happened in 98 with Jamaica, HUGE controversy. Mimglow, Ottawa _________________________ Where are the weapons of mass destruction? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Oranje Posted June 3, 2003 Share Posted June 3, 2003 I think the idea has merit. I would suggest more of a standing national team using North American based players. These players would be called for training camps and play against any opposition possible in North America. At the same time, a schedule of friendlies could continue in Europe using European based players. That keeps them in the loop in terms of system employed etc. If "B" team players are made aware that the final selection for WCQ and WC(if qualified) will be based on the best players available, I doubt there would be a significant controversy. At the same time, some quality players may be uncovered. And if the quality of the NA based team improves, the desire to play on the national team could drive some European based players (not necessarily the best ones) to make themselves available more often. Pat Flatley and Kevin Dineen in hockey are good examples of players initially overlooked by professional hockey clubs that became noticed through the National team system in hockey (when we had one). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bxl Boy Posted June 3, 2003 Share Posted June 3, 2003 Nothing "useful" to add, just to say I agree with Canuck Oranje. ___________________________ http://www.impactsoccer.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimglow Posted June 3, 2003 Share Posted June 3, 2003 As with any topic, great points can be made for both sides, and you have done that. Nevertheless, I stick to my guns. Controversy and watered down National team. I could be wrong. Mimglow, Ottawa _________________________ Where are the weapons of mass destruction? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeta Posted June 4, 2003 Share Posted June 4, 2003 Would love to see it. Could get a home date or two, "B" side or no. And anything which well allow us a wider view of our player pool can't be a bad thing. Might find a few diamonds in the rough. Or stumble on some chemistry. Yah, I think I like it. Minority of one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Coach Posted June 4, 2003 Share Posted June 4, 2003 I agree with that. Having a B-side will be a good way to give some international experience to our young guns and give a second chance to guys like Biello, Kindel, Valente. The Coach Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettermirror Posted June 4, 2003 Share Posted June 4, 2003 having all of these budding ideas is great! great! but who can we contact to suggest them to??????? there has to be SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE! (that doesn't include bob lenarduzzi) there ain't gonna be any middle any more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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