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| USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann |
As another World Cup finals tournament approaches, this time in Brazil, expectations across the globe run high. Of course, only one of the 32 qualifying nations can be called champion at the end of the tournament, resulting in the mathematical certainty that 96% of us -- or at least the competing national teams -- will be ultimately disappointed. I have slightly better (theoretical) odds in that I am rooting, about equally, for my adopted USA and my native England. However, neither of these national teams are among the favorites in Brazil. In fact, it is fair to say that many predict neither will get out of its respective first round group. How have the recent squad selections affected those expectations?
For USMNT, the big news is that coach Jurgen Klinsmann
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| Donovan not going to Brazil |
decided to omit Landon Donovan from his 23 man squad. It brings to mind the occasion when Glenn Hoddle, then coach of England, left Paul Gascoigne out of his World Cup squad. Despite the very different personalities of these players, there are similarities in the situations. Each coach can point to the age of the player, early 30s, as at least a partial explanation for the controversial exclusion. However, it appears to be something else entirely. The real reason that both Donovan and Gascoigne were left out, I believe, is down to a perception (by the coach) of a lack of appreciation (on the player's part) for the game, the national team, and the coach's authority. In short, no amount of talent, in any walk of life, is a substitute for respect.
As for those included in USA's squad, I am a little concerned about the back-line. However, there may be no keeper in the world that I would take over Tim Howard. I also like the midfield, Michael Bradley in particular. If the famed "squad unity" can survive the shock of Donovan's omission, then who knows?
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| Gascoigne: lack of respect? |
The current England coach, Roy Hodgson, surprised some with the inclusion of a number of relatively inexperienced players (Luke Shaw, Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling amongst others) in his World Cup squad. I like the balance of this squad and hope that Hodges has the courage to now play those youngsters alongside the likes of Lallana and Sturridge in what could make for a buccaneering, pacey and skilful England line-up.
So much for managing
my expectation!
