nolando Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 'A great chance' for Canadian soccer By STEVE BUFFERY -- Sun Media Toronto FC captain Jim Brennan has decided not to join the Canadian national team for tomorrow's friendly against Brazil in Seattle. But that doesn't mean Brennan isn't high on Canada's chances of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. "I think we have a great chance to qualify for this World Cup. We've got good players, a lot of guys are playing in (the MLS), a lot of guys over in Europe, and I think we have a great opportunity," said Brennan, who will join the national side after tomorrow's TFC game in preparation for a friendly against Panama on June 4 in Fort Lauderdale. His TFC teammate, goalkeeper Greg Sutton, is in Seattle with the national side. "We've got two nice stadiums now with this one (BMO Field) and the one in Montreal (Stade Saputo), not like where we played before in a park in Kingston (for two 2006 World Cup qualifying games), so it's good and it's exciting times for Canada," he said. The Canadian team, which has qualified only once for a World Cup -- 1986 in Mexico -- begins the 2010 qualifying round on June 15 against the St. Vincent and the Grenadines followed by a second game against the Caribbean side on June 20 at Stade Saputo in Montreal. Even though St. Vincent is ranked 145th in the world, and Canada 62nd, Brennan said it will be a dangerous opponent. "When teams like that play against the bigger countries -- with the guys playing in the big leagues -- it's a big game for them, it's a cup game," he said. "(And) it's hard for us to get ourselves motivated for them. (But) this is one hurdle that we have to get over. We have to beat them, there's no ifs, ands, or buts about it. So the guys will be focused." http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/TorontoFC/2008/05/30/5721601-sun.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nolando Posted May 31, 2008 Author Share Posted May 31, 2008 Thought this one deserved its own thread since there a couple of quotes that stand out about qualifying in general. "We've got two nice stadiums now with this one (BMO Field) and the one in Montreal, not like where we played before in a park in Kingston." Ouch - I know he's not knocking the fans, but this one probably smarts for a few, especially if you consider that many of the young ontario/quebec crop of v's came into their own during those two games, and remember them fondly, or at least as games where Canada enjoyed an unusually high amount of home support. There are quite a few on this board who would prefer to see us play home games at Kingston and actually enjoy home support rather than play in front of "away" crowds in Toronto or Montreal. And correct me if I'm wrong, but at least Kingston was grass, wasnt it? "When teams like that play against the bigger countries -- with the guys playing in the big leagues -- it's a big game for them, it's a cup game," he said. "(And) it's hard for us to get ourselves motivated for them." Now, not feeling excited to play a midweek TFC away game against RSL that only draws 5,000 (in a league where so many games could be considered relatively meaningless, since there is no prom/rel), or one of those mickey mouse closed-door B-team Florida friendlies against a college or lower division club team I can understand, but no motivation for a WCQ game? I love Jimmy B, and have always been one of his bigger fans (and still do admire his leadership at TFC), but this is a bit much - why not just ask to not be considered for the nats anymore if its going to be such a bother for you to come out, especially since it seems to be harder and harder to tear you away from your precious TFC games, while many other nats continue to risk considerably more both for their own future and for their club's future by happily showing up during club-country conflicts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natesta Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 The inability to get up for a WCQ match struck me too. How is it possible, having never qualified in any of their playing careers they cannot get up for a WCQ match, regardless of who it is? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrennanFan Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 is it necessary to construe his comment in the worst way possible? its not as easy for top players to be motivated against a minnow as opposed to a top team. These will be the biggest games the St. VAG players will ever play, while the Canadian players have been there done that. Their motivation will be differnt, thats all. its a fair and accurate comment and the main point is that Canada must recognize this and not show up overconfident. Jimmy B for Captain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RS Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 quote:Originally posted by BrennanFan is it necessary to construe his comment in the worst way possible? No kidding. Jimmy is just saying what a lot of the players think. It is hard to get motivated for a team that they should by all accounts have absolutely no problem beating. That's just human nature. The fact that he's talking about it means that the players are aware of the problem, and hopefully they won't fall into that same trap. About the Kingston comments, well he's right. The stadium in Kingston is absolutely a piece of crap, especially in direct comparison with the two new SSS' within driving distance. Paul Stalteri called Richardson a 'cow pasture' at the time, so I don't see the problem with Brennans comments here. As for other players risking more than Brennan to play in friendlies, that's patently absurd. Brennan is captain of TFC, which plays in a league that ignores FIFA dates. And yet in WCQ games I have no doubt he will be there if called. He's never given us any reason to believe otherwise. Who else of the squad on the Brazil roster is risking more by playing in this game? The other MLS guys are all deeply entrenched starters at their sides (as is Jimmy), and the Euro guys are on out of season (or they play in leagues that respect the FIFA calendar). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonovision Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 I generally agree with your take, Rudi, but the idea that you answer when called, but only if it's a WCQ match, is troubling. The fault lies with MLS, but that doesn't change the facts, but squad familiarity is important. I am not comfortable with Brennan starting for Canada if the first time he puts on the jersey in nearly a year is a WCQ match. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RS Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 quote:Originally posted by jonovision I generally agree with your take, Rudi, but the idea that you answer when called, but only if it's a WCQ match, is troubling. The fault lies with MLS, but that doesn't change the facts, but squad familiarity is important. I am not comfortable with Brennan starting for Canada if the first time he puts on the jersey in nearly a year is a WCQ match. I think Jimmy feels more of a burden of responsibility because he is the captain of TFC. If he wasn't, I think he would likely be in Seattle right now. I would argue that he is in a position of less risk now than his younger days when he would miss ample time with his clubs in England to pull on the national shirt (Gold Cup 2000, anyone?). His spot at TFC is cemented, he is the best left back on the team. That said, it seems that he is taking his captaincy very seriously, which is admirable in its own right. I don't believe for a minute that he is any less loyal to the national team than he's ever been. As you say, the fault lies with the league for playing through FIFA dates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youllneverwalkalone Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Klukowski is a better left back, but Brennan can do so many things we need him on the bench for WCQ. I don't have a problem with his comments. He's always acquitted himself well for Canada and looks to be in very good shape for a defender of his age. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snake Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 bring on marc bircham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SthMelbRed Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 This is the second time in a year that Brennan has turned down selection for Canada. I really hope that he doesn't think he can just pick and choose when he'd like to answer the call. I hope even more that Dale Mitchell is making his plans without Jim Brennan in them for WCQ and makes Brennan fight his way back into them. The team looked its best in over a decade without him at last year's Gold Cup, so maybe he'll have far more time to captain TFC this year than he expects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeta Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 JB is in tough as TFC are hurting for players right now and as we all know bench depth is not a luxury for any MLS squad. That being said, with Jazic back from injury, Hastings playing the best he has ever and De Jong maturing if I was Canada's "current #1" left wingback I'd be nervous about begging off international calls and opening the door for others. Kinda like what happened with Lars missing the Gold Cup. I mostly side with the players when it comes to putting club careers before friendlies but we're at the point where friendlies are no-longer unimportant. WCQ starts this autumn and we're in The Group of Death. Love JB, but he missed last WCQ and he could well lose his opportunity to play a meaningful role in this WCQ. He's in a tough spot but it'll be his decision if he does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearcatSA Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 Even if he's not starting, I really like what he brings to the squad in terms of experience and versatility, especially for the road ties. He's savvy and he's demonstrated to me that he has plenty left in his tank: I'd be finding a place for him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villus Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 Especially after the Brazil game there is no way in hell that Brennan starts over Klukowski. That being said I like having him as cover in a few spots but I don't think he will factor into our WCQ all that much on the field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearcatSA Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 The other thought I have is this: will he make himself available for MNT seledction even if DM considers him not part of his starting XI but only as a squad member? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masster Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 Well, Brennan may have just lost his chance to be a starter. After Klukowski's game against Brazil, I don't think there are any more questions about who should start at LB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJB Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 Frankly, I don't think that he deserves a spot on this team. Not only is he down the pecking order, but he seems to not be overly interested/committed to the team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whither Canada Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 He's in a tough spot here as the Canadian "face" of Toronto FC (no offense intended to Greg Sutton). He's the captain of a club he knows is currently short-handed while, let's face it, Brazil and Panama are only friendlies. Other than questioning his decision to turn down a chance to play Brazil, I can't really blame him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeta Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 quote:Originally posted by villus Especially after the Brazil game there is no way in hell that Brennan starts over Klukowski. That being said I like having him as cover in a few spots but I don't think he will factor into our WCQ all that much on the field. I though Klukowski had the best match I've ever seen him play. He's legitimately made a claim for that position. Hart/Mitchell seem keen on Hastings at centre half (and yes his man got the wrong side of him on the 2nd goal but that happens to everyone), I think as much for his speed and defensive judgment as his height and grit so that practically excludes Hastings from the left wingback role. And as far as I can tell Hart/Mitch like movement out of the 'backs and after seeing Klukowski and De Jong on Saturday I see A LOT of competition for the position. Round 1 goes to Klukowski. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gian-Luca Posted June 4, 2008 Share Posted June 4, 2008 We have an abundance of talent at LB, but with De Guzman's injury, Tam being unavailable and Imhof injured we're somewhat short at the central d-mid position. I expect Bernier will start there but we need cover for that position no matter who we play in the qualifiers. Jim has proved versatile for TFC, rather than sit him in favour of Klukowski why not give him a try tomorrow in Julian's spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearcatSA Posted June 4, 2008 Share Posted June 4, 2008 quote:Originally posted by Gian-Luca We have an abundance of talent at LB, but with De Guzman's injury, Tam being unavailable and Imhof injured we're somewhat short at the central d-mid position. I expect Bernier will start there but we need cover for that position no matter who we play in the qualifiers. Jim has proved versatile for TFC, rather than sit him in favour of Klukowski why not give him a try tomorrow in Julian's spot. We were discussing this on the other board and I don't have a problem with him being in that role (considering we are suddenly a little thin there for the time being), though as I said before I tend to prefer guys playing in positions in which they regularly play at club level. He's going to be there vs Panama, so let's see how he fits in and plays (whatever his position may be) then see what happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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