George Posted June 12, 2004 Share Posted June 12, 2004 We're 95, but not for long The low point of the Canadian men's soccer team should be over Steve Buffery Toronto Sun http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2004/06/12/496937.html Members of the Canadian men's soccer team constantly feel ignored and rejected. And not just the married guys. It's a tired analogy, perhaps, but Canada really is the Rodney Dangerfield of world soccer. Case in point: Any national team would love to be in Canada's boots right now. The men face Belize in World Cup qualifying play this week and both games, in what is supposed to be a home-and-away series, will be played on Canadian soil (the tiny Caribbean nation apparently did not have the financial resources to host a game). A big advantage right? Not in Canada. While the women's teams have become extremely popular in recent years, the men have never felt appreciated playing for Canada, or in Canada. Jason deVos of London, Ont., who just signed a three-year deal with Ipswich Town in the English First Division, has 44 international caps, but he remembers the first time he played for Canada, on home soil like it was yesterday. "It was against Iran in Toronto," he said. "I went in for a challenge and won the ball cleanly. But I went in quite hard, and collided with the guy and I got booed for the rest of the game -- in my own country! "That's unheard of in any other part of the world. And it's incredible and frustrating for us because there's nothing better than playing in front of your own fans," he said. "We joke amongst ourselves that we're the only country in the world that never has a home game." Hopefully that will change tomorrow and Wednesday when Canada is home to international pipsqueak Belize at Kingston's Richardson Stadium. Canada needs a positive result in order to qualify for the regional World Cup semi-finals later this year, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. While it won't exactly take a miracle to make it to the World Cup, it's going to very tough. Just this week, the international governing body of world soccer (FIFA) dropped Canada two places to No. 95 in the international rankings. The Canadian men have qualified for exactly one World Cup, in 1986, and didn't score a single goal. When the national side plays at home, particularly in big multicultural cities (i.e. Toronto) most fans cheer for the visiting side. It's rough. Canada is one of the few industrialized nations that does not have a major pro soccer league. As a result, the players have to earn a living overseas and when the call comes to play for Canada, at home in front of hostile crowds, well, it's obvious that most of the players are extremely patriotic, otherwise nobody would show up. The national team program seemed to hit rock bottom last year when coach Holger Osieck resigned, not long after arguably the best Canadian player in history, Calgary's Owen Hargreaves, opted to play for England. But even with the recent relegation to No. 95, there seems to be a genuine sense of optimism on the squad. Osieck's resignation was, in fact, a low point and, perhaps, the start of new era of prosperity and contentment for the team. The German Osieck was undoubtedly a fine technical coach, but his old-school style of motivation did not sit very well with some of the team's top players, many of whom walked away from the national team. But the hiring of former Canadian international Frank Yallop this year has returned many of those players to the fold, including forwards Paul Peschisolido, Tomasz Radzinski, midfielder Marc Bircham, and defenders Ante Jazic and Mark Watson. "When Frank was appointed head coach I think every single one of the players was delighted because he's one of us," deVos said. "Not that long ago he was representing this team. He knows exactly what we're going through as players, and what our concerns and issues are. He understands our mentality. In the past, that may not have been the case." Now, instead of playing the typical Canadian style of defending at all costs and waiting for a miracle goal, the team has adopted an attack-orientated style of play. DeVos believes that Canadian fans may have been turned off by the national team's style of play in years past. "Frank has brought a very attack-minded approach to this team," deVos said. "With the players he has at his disposal, we have a lot of ability going forward and there are a lot of options for Frank." Indeed, this is a rare Canadian side that seems to have the ability to actually score regularly. Radzinski, who plays for Everton in the English Premier League, is a bona fide world-class forward. Pickering's Peschisolido, a member of Derby County in the English First Division, and Scarborough native Dwayne de Rosario are in the prime of their careers. After two good showings in recent friendlies against the San Jose Earthquakes (a 3-1 victory) and the Welsh national team (a 1-0 loss), Yallop believes his team is rounding nicely into form and expects not only to get past Belize, but to make it into the final qualifying round next year, where the top three move on to the 2006 World Cup in Germany. "Why not Canada? I keep saying that," Yallop said. "Whether we make it or not is entirely up to us. I feel on any given day we can compete with teams in CONCACAF (North America/Central America regionals) now. Before, I think we were waiting to get beat or just try to sneak a result. It wouldn't be a big, big surprise to me if we end up making it. Added deVos: "I wouldn't be coming here and playing if I didn't think we could make it. It's not going to be easy. We won't hide that fact, but it's something we're capable of doing." Yes, the team feels pretty good about the future and the two games against Belize, a team made up entirely of amateurs. But what has the lads especially excited is the fact the majority of fans at Richardson Stadium likely will cheer for them. Because, you know, there's not a huge Belizeian community in eastern Ontario. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Posted June 12, 2004 Author Share Posted June 12, 2004 Canada kicks off Cup quest NECO COCKBURN Toronto Star From here. KINGSTON—We're playing too, you know. In the shadow of Euro 2004, Canada starts an attempt this weekend to forge its path to soccer glory. With far less pomp and fanfare, the Canadian men's team faces Belize here tomorrow (game time, 4:30 p.m.; Sportsnet, 5 p.m.) in the first match of a two-game World Cup qualifying series. Canada goes into the games ranked 95th in the FIFA world rankings, while Belize is ranked 180th. The winner will advance to the next round. "We've got to get through these two games, and I expect us to grow as a team while we do that," Canadian head coach Frank Yallop said yesterday. Belize, meanwhile, hopes to defy the odds, said coach Anthony Adderley. "We play the game to win. That's the mindset that we'll be playing with." Canada's hoping to make it to the World Cup for the second time in team history. Defender Jason deVos said that will mean not taking their opponent lightly, even though Belize is made up of men with day jobs rather than pro soccer players. "We know that we're going to have to play as well as we can play to make sure we qualify for the next round," de Vos said. It also means that the Canadians will have to gel into a team in a short period. Most play for professional clubs in Europe or the U.S., and many haven't played in Canada for years. They say their team is more exciting and offensive-minded than in years past, sporting the likes of Tomasz Radzinski and Paul Peschisolido, and a stable of younger members. "If they can translate their success for their club teams into success for the national team, we'll have an exciting product to show," said deVos. Organizers say they're close to filling 10,000-seat Richardson Stadium for tomorrow's game, although tickets are still available. The second game of the series is Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Kingston. The match was originally scheduled for June 20 in Belize, but the Belize Football Federation asked that it be held in Canada Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Posted June 12, 2004 Author Share Posted June 12, 2004 Brennan begins World Cup adventure Evening News (Norwich) From here. June 12, 2004 10:57 JIM BRENNAN'S working holiday continues tomorrow as Canada begin their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign with a double-header against international football minnows Belize. The globe-trotting Norwich City defender began his pre-season in Wrexham with a friendly clash against Wales before the Toronto-born star headed home to Canada for a summer training camp. Last week the team travelled to California to play a World Cup warm-up game against San Jose Earthquakes, winning 3-1 thanks to goals from ex-Canary loan signing Paul Peschisolido, Everton striker Tomasz Radzinski and an own goal. But Brennan had been on the pitch for little more than a minute before a power failure at the Spartan Stadium caused the game to be abandoned after 75 minutes. The 26-year-old will be hoping to see rather more of the action tomorrow in Kingston, Ontario, when Canada open their World Cup campaign against the part-time South American side, currently ranked 179th out of the 204 countries on FIFA's list. Managed by a grocer called Anthony Adderley, the boys from Belize were giving Brennan and his Canadian team-mates every respect at the start of their own World Cup adventure. "We do know Canada," said Adderley. "They're millionaires, they're professionals, they're skilful, they're intelligent. But they're humans." Tomorrow's clash was due to be followed by a flight to South America for the midweek return leg. Stadium problems in Belize have now forced the 'away' game to be played in Canada – back in Kingston on Wednesday. "It's very unfortunate that we have to play our home game in Canada," admitted Adderley. "Unfortunate not only for the players, but for the country. But that's the challenge this team has to face and rise above." Belize's star player is veteran striker Norman Tilliman. Like Adderley, he's also a grocer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grizzly Posted June 12, 2004 Share Posted June 12, 2004 I am sure glad we are not flying to South America to play Belize in the return leg as we would probably forfeit the match. Gotta love reporters who research their articles thoroughly before submitting them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gian-Luca Posted June 12, 2004 Share Posted June 12, 2004 or reporters who even need to do "research" to figure out where Belize is for that matter..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettermirror Posted June 12, 2004 Share Posted June 12, 2004 do my eyes deceive me or is tomorrow's match being shown on television? honestly, i don't believe it! 2 p.m. first lunch and then soccer? can this be? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJT Posted June 13, 2004 Share Posted June 13, 2004 quote:Originally posted by Grizzly I am sure glad we are not flying to South America to play Belize in the return leg as we would probably forfeit the match. Gotta love reporters who research their articles thoroughly before submitting them. Well, The Toronto Sun's Steve Buffery got it wrong as well in the first article above as he places Belize in the Caribbean. But what's really ugly is that he uses the "word" "orientated". I hate when mistakes become accepted just because they're common! [xx(] I must give credit to the English writer, though, as somehow he got comments from the Belizean coach. I haven't read all the Canadian articles but I don't remember any such comments. (If I'm mistaken, I apologize.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Massive Attack Posted June 13, 2004 Share Posted June 13, 2004 `Fantastic' Stalteri gives Canada a boost Canucks face Belize in Cup qualifiers Brampton native thriving in Germany NECO COCKBURN SPORTS REPORTER KINGSTON—Just a few weeks ago, Paul Stalteri was helping to nail down a Bundesliga championship in front of 50,000 frenzied German soccer fans. Even at practices, thousands watched every kick. After winning the German title, Stalteri went through more pressure as his Werder Bremen team captured the German Cup. "We caught the city, the country, everything by surprise. The attention was on the team week in and week out," the 26-year-old Brampton native said. "It was taking 10, 15 minutes to get to the practice field (because of crowds); 10, 15, 20 minutes to get back to the locker room after. To get to your car after training would take another 15 minutes." Last week, the defender enjoyed a different world as he trained with his Canadian national team colleagues in front of a handful of spectators at Carleton University in Ottawa, preparing for World Cup qualifying matches here against Belize today (4:30 p.m.; Sportsnet, 5 p.m. taped) and Wednesday. But the lack of rabid fans doesn't lessen the stakes: Canada is trying to get into the World Cup finals for only the second time ever. Stalteri's experience overseas and playing as a starter for a top-level champion club is invaluable to the national team, said head coach Frank Yallop. "For him to do what he's done is fantastic. He's a player that's going to win the ball for us and keep it moving. He works very hard at his game, and is always there for you. And his fitness is one of the things that springs to mind when you see him." Stalteri got into physical shape very young, playing soccer, basketball and volleyball. He would attend school practices before and after classes, and play soccer matches in the evening. "I used to go, go, go, go, go, and that's helped me now. ... I kept myself busy, kept myself out of trouble." Stalteri moved south after a strong high school sports career at Brampton's St. Augustine Secondary School. He returned to Canada after a year at Clemson University because he was wary of getting too old to play professionally. "If I wanted to become a pro, four years in school would have been too much for me," he said. He played with the A-League's fledgling Toronto Lynx in 1997, and enrolled at York University. After he led the team in goals that year, Werder Bremen came calling. Stalteri spent two years with Bremen's reserves before making the big team. "That struggle to get on over there was a battle," he said. "It was probably the most disciplined, hard thing you had to do. "You train, then you go eat something, then train again. Go home, and get ready for tomorrow. It was just that, over and over." He grew up off the field as well, marrying his longtime girlfriend, Christina, about three years ago. She now teaches English in Germany, and helps soften the stress of the season. "I rely on her a lot to talk with, as well as a couple of good friends that I have on the team who have been through it and have the experience. "I try not to let things bother me too much either. The stress is there, but it (depends on) how much you let it bother you." From here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Massive Attack Posted June 13, 2004 Share Posted June 13, 2004 Brit dying to wear the red and white By STEVE BUFFERY, TORONTO SUN At first glance, national team midfielder Marc Bircham seems as Canadian as warm beer and mushy peas. However, the born and bred Brit wears his Canadian uniform with great pride and he'll be easy to spot this afternoon when the national side takes on Belize in a World Cup qualifying match at Kingston's Richardson Stadium. Bircham is the one with the red and white streaked hair. Prior to joining the team a few weeks ago, the mop was blue and white, the colours of his club team, Queen's Park Rangers of the English Second Division. Have hair colouring, will travel. "It was clashing with the kit (uniform)," Bircham said of his former hair style. "The lads had been giving me the stink, so I got some red hair die for Canada." Bircham's journey to the Canadian national side is unique. Born and raised in London, he grew up a huge QPR fan and once laced up his boots as a youth apprentice with the team. From there he joined Millwall's first team and helped the Lions move from the second division to the first before signing a pro contract with QPR. Back in 1999, prior to a match against Northern Ireland in Belfast, Canadian soccer officials discovered that Bircham's grandfather was born in Winnipeg. The proper paperwork was submitted and before long Bircham was kicking for Canada and actually scored in his debut before ever setting foot in Canada. For head coach Frank Yallop, having Bircham back is wonderful. The hard-working midfielder, who now has 16 caps, left the team during the reign of Holger Osieck. The German coach and the fun-loving Brit mixed like orange marmalade on wiener schnitzel. That strained relationship came to a head at the 2001 Confederations Cup in Japan when Bircham paid for his dad's flight and never got off the bench during the tournament. But with the hiring of Yallop, who also played for QPR during his days as a hard-nosed defender, Bircham jumped at the chance to rejoin the national side. Bircham grew up hearing stories of the Canadian west. His great grandfather worked his way west, building railway lines and bridges. Bircham said he always felt an affinity for things Canuck. "If we weren't cheering England and Britain during the Olympics, it was Canada," he said. "Then when I got older, I got watching hockey (on TV)." Bircham's work ethic and friendly manner have made him a team favourite with QPR and on the Canadian team. "He brings a great comradarie,'' Yallup said. "All the guys like him. He's good at winning the ball and defensively he's tough to play against" http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Euro/2004/06/13/498139.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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