Archived Articles From Calcio Connection

     Why Soccer Schools Should Develop Young Talent: The Freddy Adu Experiment

03 November 2005

Recently, there has been much in the news about Freddy Adu, the 16 year old “prodigy” who plays for DC United. Apparently, young Adu wasn’t pleased with his playing time, and last week, made his displeasure known to Steven Goff (who was interviewed last June for this column) of the Washington Post. His comments sparked an interesting commentary by Michael Wilbon of the Post, and a suspension for United’s first playoff game at Chicago last Friday night. Adu refused to apologize to the team, and was relegated to the radio/TV booth to observe the game, which ended in a 0 – 0 draw. He is on the roster for the return game on Sunday afternoon at RFK Stadium.

I would like to comment on Michael Wilbon's excellent article, "For Adu, MLS Not The Promised Land." As he correctly noted, Mr. Don Garber and the rest of the MLS marketing team should not try to "grow" the sport on the back of a talented yet maturing 16 year old. Those of us who recognize quality know that Freddy Adu is not the holy grail. New fans to the sport have quickly realized what Mr. Wilbon so eloquently stated: They were sold a bill of goods that has not delivered. Even Bruce Arena, head coach of the U.S. National team, declared that young Adu needed to stop criticizing his coach if he expected to survive in the MLS, or become a component of his national team.

Four years ago, Freddy Adu was offered an opportunity to enter the Internazionale di Milano (Inter Milan) youth sector. He would have benefited from the milieu of one of the best club teams in the world, and would have learned the trade of a professional soccer player. He would not have become a media and MLS created phenomenon with tremendous pressure to succeed. Along with an increasingly bad attitude with his head coach. He is starting to sound like a spoiled 16 year old, and also needs to be reminded that he earns many times more than his fellow teammates.

The benefits of AC Cugini are as follows: Young players are developed by coaches and managers with their best interests at heart. They are not rushed to sign professional contracts, but are exposed to soccer schools, talent scouts, and elite teams in Italy and Canada for future opportunities. In my opinion, had Freddy Adu been exposed to Inter Milan, or even AC Cugini, his chance to realize all of his innate abilities would have been maximized. Instead, he signed a professional contract at the age of 14, graduated from high school a year later, and has been hearing too many compliments from well-meaning but ill-advised handlers and marketers.  He is a very talented player; however, his game and attitude need to mature. He is fortunate to have a very good coach at DC United, Mr. Peter Nowak, who is doing his best to prepare Adu for the future. But Mr. Nowak’s task is further complicated by a league that has unrealistic expectations. In essence, they are putting all of their chips on one card. Let’s hope that it turns out to be a winning hand.

American soccer gained tremendous credibility due to the efforts of the women's program. Three years ago, the men's national team had their best performance at the World Cup since 1930. Soccer will succeed when we stop comparing it to other American sports, and produce a quality product that can stand on its own merits. It will not succeed when the sport attempts to sell a commodity before its maturity date to a public with 20/20 vision.

Link to Michael Wilbon’s article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/19/AR2005101902413.html

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by Steve Amoia, AC Cugini CALCIO CONNECTION

02 October 2005

The man who graces the top of this column is much more than a pretty face. Paolo Maldini is a living legend in the world of soccer, and specifically, Italian calcio. He began his professional Serie A career at the tender age of 16, and today, at age 37, remains a fountain of youth. Paolo is the heart and soul of Italian calcio. When I first saw him play, he had the maturity and vision of a much older player. Throughout his long career, he has been a role model on and off of the pitch. He remains close to his siblings and parents, and married a Venezuelan fashion model, Adriana Fossa, whom he met in Milan. Presently, he is the only AC Milan player who was born and raised in Milan.

On Sunday, 25 September 2005, Paolo added another record to his impressive dossier. No man has played in more Serie A games than Paolo, who broke the former record of Dino Zoff (570). What makes the record even more impressive is that Zoff was a goalkeeper, and Paolo is a defender (left fullback the majority of the time) with a penchant for attacks down the wings. During his stellar 21 year career, Paolo has also made over 800 official appearances in the famous red and black AC Milan shirt. He has never played for another club team. In an era of no loyalty in sports, Paolo exemplifies qualities and character from a different time. 

Family Bonds

Paolo is the rare exception of a son eclipsing the achievements of a famous father. Cesare Maldini was an AC Milan player during the 1960s, and captained his side to a European Cup triumph. He has also coached AC Milan, along with the Italian Olympic and National Teams. In fact, Paolo played both at Milan and at the international level for his father. To the best of my knowledge, no father and son tandem have ever appeared together at the World Cup. Except for the Maldinis. Paolo’s son, Christian, has just entered the AC Milan Youth Academy to perpetuate this incredible family tradition.

Heartbreaks

Despite being a fixture for 14 years for the Azzurri, Paolo, unfortunately, never won a major international title at the National Team level. He was a part of the 1990 World Cup team that finished third. In 1994, he lost to Brazil on penalty kicks in the final game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. In 1998, Italy were eliminated by France in the quarterfinals. Again, by penalty kicks. In 2000, France defeated the Azzurri in the European Nations Cup final on a golden goal. At the 2002 World Cup, Paolo ended his international career on a sour note. South Korea defeated the Azzurri in extra time. After this game, Paolo retired from the National Team. An entire nation mourned. During his entire Azzurri career, Paolo only lost two World Cup games in normal time (Ireland in 1994 and Croatia in 2002).

Achievements

• Most Serie A appearances in history.
• Most appearances for the Italian National Team (126).
• Most appearances as the captain of the Italian National Team.
• Most completed games (23) at the World Cup. (Lotthar Mattheus of West Germany/Germany played in 25 total games.)
• Most total minutes ever played at the World Cup.
• The only son to play for his father at the World Cup (1998).*
• The only son to captain the same team as his father (1963) to a European Cup/Champions League title (2003).
• Four European Cup/Champions League titles.
• Seven Italian Serie A Scudetti (Championships).
• Two Intercontinental Cups.
• Four European Super Cups.
• One Coppa Italia (Italian Cup).
• Named to the FIFA 100 in 2004, which honored the best living players in the history of soccer.
• Named to the FIFPro inaugural World XI team in 2005.
• Player of the Year for World Soccer Magazine (the first defender ever named).
• AC Milan plans to retire his #3 jersey, which is a tremendous honor.

 Paolo Maldini. His father’s son, and his son’s father. As we say in Italian, “Figlio d’arte.”

 Here is a link to a picture collage from his career:

 BBC Sport | In Pictures

 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/05/football_paolo_maldini0s_20_years_in_football/html/1.stm

*Research indicated that this never happened before, although fathers and sons have played or coached for their respective National Teams.

by Steve Amoia, AC Cugini CALCIO CONNECTION

07 September 2005

Calcio Connection is very pleased to welcome a veteran sport’s journalist with many areas of interest and expertise. Mr. Ricardo Celis is a well-known and award-winning commentator for Contacto Deportivo de Ford, which is an excellent sports roundup program that airs on the Telefutura Spanish language network. This highly acclaimed sports program is broadcast seven days a week live at 11 p.m. Eastern time. Although this program has an emphasis on international soccer, Mr. Celis and his colleagues provide in-depth coverage of the entire world of sport. They cover all domestic mainstream American sports, boxing, NASCAR, Indy car racing, Formula One, the Tour de France, World Cup qualifying games from around the world, the European Champions League, the Copa Libertadores from the Americas, soccer from England (Premiership), Italy (Serie A), Spain (La Liga), France (Ligue 1), the United States (MLS), Central America, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. They also feature extreme sports such as skateboarding, acrobatic flying, and trials motorcycle competitions. As a daily viewer of this interesting and diverse program, I can safely say that if someone is kicking a ball around the world, Contacto Deportivo will have highlights of it. ;-)

Telefutura, which is the second most popular network among young Spanish-speaking adult viewers in North America, is one of the divisions of Univision Communications, the leading Spanish language media company in our country. For many years, Univision has held Spanish-language television broadcast rights to the FIFA World Cup for North American audiences. In 2002, Telefutura began operations, and also televised several live and tape-delayed games from World Cup 2002. Recently, Telefutura covered the FIFA Confederations Cup from Germany, the FIFA U-20 World Cup from the Netherlands, along with the Gold Cup that took place in the United States. Readers of this column may recall that Telefutura broadcast the Tsunami benefit game from Madrid. Telefutura also airs soccer games from the popular Mexican Football League, along with movies every night. Telefutura can be seen on channel 14 in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The network is also available via cable networks, both locally and throughout North America.

Mr. Celis, who is a native of Tampico, Mexico, has over 20 years of experience as a journalist in the world of sports. He began his career in 1984 as a reporter and photographer for the Mexican newspaper, “El Sol de Tampico.” His beat was the local soccer club, Tampico-Madero. In 1989, Mr. Celis began his association with Univision. He was a reporter and producer for the local San Antonio station.

Mr. Celis was the official voice of the minor league baseball Missions, and also a commentator for the NBA San Antonio Spurs. In addition to his position as one of the commentators and presenters of Contacto Deportivo, Mr. Celis also hosts a weekly boxing program called “Solo Boxeo.” He has covered many featured bouts, and has interviewed such well-known figures as Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Evander Holyfield.

Mr. Celis, bienvenidos to Calcio Connection!

 Q1: Steve Amoia (SA). When did you become interested in sports journalism, and which sports did you participate in as a young person? Did your association with El Sol de Tampico begin before or after your University studies?

A1: Ricardo Celis (RC). I used to play Football (American Football) in High School and at a College level in my hometown in Mexico. I had a scholarship during my 4 years of College. I graduated with a Bachelor degree in Mass Media Communications.

I started working at the local newspaper “El Sol de Tampico” a couple months before I finished College.

Q2: (SA). Contacto Deportivo de Ford is a very interesting program. One of the things that I have noticed is the camaraderie and esprit de corps that exists between you, Renan Cardona, Jorge Perez-Navarro, Jorge Ottati, and Maria Eugenia Payan. It appears that you truly enjoy working with each other, and share an apparent passion and tremendous knowledge of sports. Did most of you work together before joining Telefutura, and what is the secret behind the on-screen chemistry?

A2: (RC). The secret to have a great team in TV is “no egos”. When you have somebody that is trying to steal camera time or is microphone happy (never stops talking) that’s when you have problems with your anchors. I’ve been blessed with great co-anchors. This show was also the first time of all of us working together.

Also when you work in a show like Contacto Deportivo, you have to keep up with all kinds of news. Mexican Soccer league, Spain, Italy, England, Argentina, and all the sports in the United States, baseball, football, tennis etc.

Q3: (SA). One of my favorite segments of your program is the weekly, “Los Magnificos Diez.” The Fantastic Ten. This occurs on Tuesdays, and your staff selects the ten best moments from the last week in the world of sport. Would you be kind enough to elaborate on the mission, focus, and philosophy of Contacto Deportivo, and perhaps some innovations that viewers may see in the future?

A3: (RC). We have a great staff, our producers check every satellite feed that we get into our network. Early Tuesday we have a meeting where we sit and check for the best plays in the world of sports, sometimes we have 20 excellent ones, but it is only the best of the best ones that make the cut at the end.

Q4: (SA). Your coverage of world soccer is without a peer for a 30 minute program. I appreciate that you show same day highlights of the Italian Serie A, among many other leagues. The knowledge that you and your colleagues display of Italian calcio is quite impressive. (“La vecchia signora. Il aeroplanino. I rossoneri. Derby D’Italia. Lo scudetto...”)  If I may ask out of curiosity, how does Contacto Deportivo coordinate so many highlights from around the world on a daily basis?

A4: (RC).  Once again I have to give credit to our staff. Our Executive producer Rafael Torres has a lot of experience working in Television and he knows what is that our viewers will like to watch in the show. Sometimes we would like to show more highlights but the time is always our enemy.

Q5: (SA). Telefutura Contacto Deportivo frequently features Connie Quintero from Madrid, Spain. I have seen her interview Pelé, Hugo Sanchez, and other famous players and coaches. Maria Eugenia Payan is a member of your nightly broadcast team, and also does feature assignments. Such as the recent MLB All-Star game from Detroit. Do you and your colleagues believe that any journalistic barriers remain for women in soccer specifically, and in the world of sport, generally?

A5: (RC). No, not at all… I have a lot of respect for any woman that works especially doing sports on TV. It’s not easy for them, because there’s a huge stereotype to relate sports with male anchors or reporters. Maria Eugenia, enjoys baseball just like one of the guys, she is from the Dominican Republic and for them Baseball is just part of their culture. And Connie Quintero has the connections to get anybody she wants in Spain and always ask the right questions. 

Q6: (SA). AC Cugini is affiliated with a professional women’s team, the London Gryphons, of the W-League. Contacto Deportivo has followed the career of Maribel Dominguez, who wanted to play in the professional Mexican men’s league. She now plays for the FC Barcelona women’s squad. After the tremendous success of the US Women’s National Team program over the past 15 years, what do you believe are the necessary ingredients for the emergence of women’s teams from the traditional footballing countries of the Americas?

A6: (RC). I think that is going to take more time. Especially because of the typical “machismo” in this sport. Here in the States, they tried a couple of times with no success. 

Q7: (SA). The Hispanic market is one of the fastest growing segments of our economy. For over two decades, in my opinion, Univision and its affiliates have provided North Americans with the best international soccer coverage. I would like to ask you about ethnic-specific teams and marketing approaches in North America. We now have Chivas USA playing in the MLS. They are the sister team of the famous Chivas Guadalajara. Obviously, the MLS recognizes demographic profiles, and that Hispanic-Americans represent a large fan base of passionate and paying customers.  

Do you believe that ethnic-specific teams such as Chivas USA are a positive or negative development to promote the sport in this country? 

A7: (RC). It a great way to bring new fans to the MLS. Chivas is one of the teams in Mexico with more fans in the United States. Also you have to remember that every time that Mexico plays the United States in California, most of the fans in that venue are cheering for Mexico, and you see all these Mexican flags everywhere.  

Q8: (SA). As you know, Sugar Ray Leonard grew up in the Washington, DC area, and has always made significant contributions outside of the ring to our community. You also host a weekly boxing show called “Solo Boxeo” on Friday evenings. From looking at you on television, you appear that you haven’t taken many punches to your face. ;-) Jokes aside, Mr. Celis, when did your passion for boxing begin, and what are some of your future aspirations for this entertaining program on Telefutura?  

A8: (RC).  The only punches I took in the face was from street fighting when I was a kid, but nothing serious… My passion began watching with my Dad all those great Mexican fighters. Ruben Olivares, Jose “Mantequilla” Napoles, Miguel Canto, Salvador Sanchez. And the best thing was that my Dad took the time and explained to me what was an uppercut, a hook, or show me how to throw a 1 – 2.

My Dad was a Doctor, so he knew exactly how to explain things for me to understand. For example why they punch so much to the liver, or to the ribs.

Q9: (SA). Telefutura broadcast several games from World Cup 2002. Some were on a tape-delayed basis to accommodate the early morning kickoffs from Japan and South Korea. Univision provided live coverage of all 52 games. If you can share with us, what are some of the plans for the next World Cup in Germany in terms of the involvement of Telefutura? 

A9: (RC).  I’m not very involved with the plans for the next World Cup. I’m sorry. But if they call me to go to Germany I’ll be a very happy camper.  

Q10: (SA). You have met and interviewed many celebrities from the world of sport. Who have been the most intriguing to interview, and who would you like to go “mano a mano” with in the future? 

A10: (RC).  I say the most intriguing was Mike Tyson, because he’s WAS very hard to interview and the one I would like to interview is Diego Armando Maradona, especially now that he’s off drugs and doing a TV show in Argentina.

Mr. Celis, thank you very much for contributing to Calcio Connection.

Buena suerte y mucho exito con sus programas a Telefutura. Muchas gracias para su apollo y saludos cordiales a todo el equipo del Contacto Deportivo de Ford.

Link to Contacto Deportivo:

http://www.univision.com/content/channel.jhtml?chid=4&schid=8681

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by Steve Amoia for AC Cugini CALCIO CONNECTION

12 June 2005

Calcio Connection is very pleased to welcome Mr. Steven Goff who is one of the most respected and prominent soccer writers in
North America. While still an undergraduate at American University, Mr. Goff began his journalistic career with the Washington Post.
In 1987, he began to cover college soccer. Since that time, Mr. Goff has injected much local color into his articles, which both
educate and entertain his audience. 

I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Goff in 1988. I translated a brief article from the Italian sports daily, La Gazzetta dello Sport,
which discussed the successful American bid to host World Cup 1994. Mr. Goff invited me to meet him at the press box at RFK Stadium.
I can still recall what he told me. “In 1994, this place will be full to the rafters.” On that particular night, there were only 3,000
present for a semi-professional match. 

Since that time, Mr. Goff has covered international soccer for The Post in 16 different countries. In fact, this past week, he covered
the men’s World Cup Qualifying game between Panama and the USA (The USA won, 3 to 0.) from Panama City. During his long career,
Mr. Goff has reported from 5 World Cups: WC 1994, 1998, and 2002 for the men, along with WC 1999 and 2003 for the women. Since
the inception of DC United into the nascent MLS (Major League Soccer) in 1996, Mr. Goff has been the lead beat reporter for the
Post in coverage of this very successful team. He has also covered many international games that have taken place at RFK Stadium,
along with at other venues in North America. And I am pleased to inform our audience that Mr. Goff likes our beloved Azzurri. ;-)

In March 2003, Mr. Goff received an honorable mention for Sports Reporting by the Washington-Baltimore Newspaper Guild. The story
was entitled “D.C.’s Leading Man: New United Coach Brings Character, Emotion to Sideline.” In March 2005, Mr. Goff earned another
honorable mention for Sports Reporting by the same organization for an intriguing documentary about Freddy Adu, which was entitled
 “The Emergence of a Prodigy.”

Steve, welcome to Calcio Connection!

Q1: Steve Amoia (SA). Where did you grow up, and when did your passion for soccer begin? Did you play competitively as a young person or during your college days at American University in Washington, DC?

A1: Steven Goff (SG). I grew up in a small city in New Hampshire, where soccer was a very big deal. I played almost every day
as a kid and into my high school years, but soon gave it up. When I became an 83rd-minute replacement during a 3-0 game,
I knew my days were numbered.

Q2: (SA). You have covered soccer for The Post at many different venues and countries. As a soccer enthusiast, if you only had
to attend a game for pleasure and not report on it, which country has held the most fascination for you?
As a journalist, has there been a particular venue that has imbued a lasting impression?

A2: (SG). I've enjoyed covering games in many countries and have found a certain charm to almost every stadium and city. 
Obviously, Wembley and Nou Camp stood out, but I've always had a fondness for Saprissa stadium in Costa Rica -- intense passion, 
great place to watch, intimidating for the visiting team, fun atmosphere and an amazing country in which to spend time. 

Q3: (SA). When we first met in 1988, soccer was a blip on the sport’s horizon in North America. Since that time, you have chronicled
five World Cups for our men’s and women’s national teams. In your estimation, what factors have fueled the growth of the tremendous success of our women’s programs, along with the emergence of our men’s senior National Team on the international arena? 

A3: (SG). The women have had great success because the United States was one of the first countries to make a commitment
to women's soccer. As time goes by, however, other nations are beginning to catch up. Women's athletics, in general, have also
had a profound impact. With millions of young females competing in sports, soccer will continue to thrive. As for the men, it has
taken many years to build a respectable program, and with MLS supplying players and the elite talent succeeding in Europe, the 
future is bright. The key is to continue to put players in professional environments as early as possible. Someday, the result will 
be a World Cup championship.

Q4: (SA). Due in great part to former Sports Editor, Mr. George Solomon, The Post has dedicated significant print and web space
to domestic and international soccer. Your coverage is excellent, and we in the Washington, DC metropolitan area (and now those
on the Internet via www.washingtonpost.com) are very fortunate to enjoy this soccer resource. Since you have enjoyed a long
tenure with The Post, and are now also an editor, could you please elaborate about the mission, philosophy, and goals
(no pun intended!) for soccer journalism at your newspaper? 

A4: (SG). The Post is committed to covering soccer as well as, or better, than any other paper in the United States.
Of course, soccer fans would like to see more in the paper, but I believe our coverage of United and the national teams has 
satisfied our readership. As the 2006 World Cup approaches, I'm sure we will dedicate even more space and resources to the
coverage. The sports editors, George Solomon (now retired) and Emilio Garcia-Ruiz, have led the way in this effort. 

Q5: (SA). I believe that you have coached youth soccer. The methodology at AC Cugini is to promote a life-long passion for soccer,
along with individualized player development that is age-specific. Legendary American football coach Vince Lombardi coined the
phrase, “Winning isn’t everything, it is the only thing,” but that is not the philosophy of AC Cugini. You have visited many
foreign countries, and no doubt have observed and studied different tactical and developmental systems. Along with those found
in our own country. Could you please discuss your beliefs and strategies with regards to youth player development? 

A5: (SG). Most kids play soccer simply to have fun -- they aren't thinking about college scholarships or professional opportunities. 
So in my opinion, the best approach is to make practices and games as enjoyable as possible, provide simple skill instruction 
and let kids use their creativity and imagination. The truly gifted players will inevitably surface. 

Q6: (SA). Steve, as a follow-up to the last question, I would like to discuss a young man who lives in our area, but whose impact

has been felt internationally. Freddy Adu of DC United and the United States Under 20 National Team (who are now competing at the FIFA U-20 World Championship in the Netherlands). Last year, you wrote a tremendous article about this intriguing young man, and as I noted in your introduction, received an award for your efforts. I would like to provide the web page address of this story for our readers:  

“The Emergence of a Prodigy.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A47616-2004Aug30_3.html

When Adu was 12 years old, Internazionale di Milano (Inter Milan) of the Serie A made an offer to place him in their youth development sector, but his family declined. You have observed this talented player very closely in a variety of settings.

Would you be kind enough to recap your impressions about him, and what daily life is like for a sixteen year old wunderkind?

A6: (SG). Freddy is a special player and a special kid. His talents are immense and the future looks awfully bright. Thrusted into a pro environment at such a young age, he is going to continue to develop and, at some point, make his way to Europe. It's going to take time, however. He still has a lot to learn about the team effort and incorporating his abilities into a winning organization.

The only negative is that it will be difficult for him to live up to all the hype -- created, unfairly in my mind, by MLS and DC United. 

We'll see what happens, but my prediction is that he will head to Europe in 2007. 

Q7: (SA). World Cup USA 1994. It was a dream that many of us in the soccer community never thought would be realized on our own soil. In that brief article that I translated for you, a Brazilian official, whose country lost the bid, said “If they hold the World Cup in North America, nobody will come. It would be like playing their World Series of baseball in Brazil.” Before the inaugural game between Germany and Bolivia, President Clinton gave well wishes in both Spanish and German to a packed house at Soldier Field in Chicago. He was the first sitting American President to attend a World Cup game. (Although his predecessor, President George H.W. Bush, played soccer in his youth, and attended a few games at this particular tournament.) The American World Cup was an outstanding success. Both financially, and perhaps more importantly, on a cultural level. For one month, international soccer became front page news in North America. For the most part, the sport was portrayed in a positive fashion. 

What were some of the impressions and observations that foreign correspondents shared with you during the competition? If you could select one or two factors that made the tournament a success, what would they be? And on a personal note, what was your best memory from this World Cup? 

(Interviewer Note: SA. President Clinton also attended two games during the women’s World Cup of 1999. In fact, he arranged for Mia Hamm’s husband at the time, Christian Corry, a Marine pilot, to return from overseas duty to watch her play.) 

A7: (SG). World Cup '94 brought American soccer to the global stage and had a long-lasting impact on the sport's development in 

this country. I have very fond memories of covering the tournament and meeting the players, coaches and fans from other nations. 

In general, the reaction from other reporters was positive. Many didn't believe there would be so much interest in the United States,

but the combination of our rich ethnic heritage as well as our love for big events turned it into a grand success. 

Q8: (SA). Over the years, you have interviewed many men and women from the world of soccer. Who were some of your favorites to interview in the past, and who would you like to go one-on-one with in the future?

A8: (SG). Stoitchkov was a great, great interview. So was Bora Milutinovic, Carlos Alberto Parreira and Pelé. Bruce Arena always 

has something interesting to say. Gascoigne was also an adventure. In the near future, I would love to interview Eto'o. 

(Interviewer Note: SA. Stoitchkov refers to Hristo, who played for the Bulgarian National Team, and finished his storied career  with DC United. Bora Milutinovic was the former head coach of the US National Team during the time of WC 94. Carlos Alberto Parreira is the current head coach of the Brazilian National Team. Gascoigne refers to Paul, a former England international who also played with Lazio in the Serie A. Eto’o refers to Samuel, who plays for Barcelona FC and the Cameroon National Team.)

Q9: (SA). My father was stationed for three years in Japan and South Korea with the US Air Force. He had very fond memories and observations about life in Asia. Could you please discuss your travels in Japan and South Korea during the last World Cup? Were you surprised by the passionate support from the Asian fans, along with the excellent showing by the US men’s team? 

A9: (SG). I had a great time in Korea, in large part because the Korean people embraced the World Cup and all the visitors. 

It was an amazing experience. Every town I visited had fallen in love with the World Cup and, in particular, the Korean national team. 

I only spent a week in Japan so it wouldn't be fair to judge the interest and passion there. The U.S. team was one of the biggest 

surprises of the World Cup. They did get a little lucky to advance to the round of 16, but they proved they belonged among the 

elite teams. Their victory over Mexico signaled a changing of the guard, of sorts, in CONCACAF.

Q10: (SA). Only seven nations have won the men’s World Cup 
    competition. History tells us that sometimes it takes a little bit of luck, along with a lot of talent, to win a World Cup competition.

In recent years, the US men’s senior program has made great strides, and achieved international respect. In your estimation, what 
    remain some of the hurdles or challenges to make the US men a 
    serious World Cup 
    contender in the future?

A10: (SG). Someday, the United States will win a World Cup. Might take 10 years, might take 100 years. Who knows? Think about 

some of the traditional countries that have NEVER won a World Cup: Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Mexico, etc. As long as America 

continues to develop world-class players, it will put itself in position to challenge for a championship. Doesn't mean it's going to 
happen anytime soon, but they're getting there. 

Steve, thank you very much for contributing to Calcio Connection. As usual, I will look forward with great pleasure to your future articles and commentaries. Continued success, and my best wishes to you.

Here is the link for the Post’s soccer section where our visitors can read Steven’s articles:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/sports/index/soccer/index.html

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by Steve Amoia for AC Cugini CALCIO CONNECTION 

Ascoli Calcio Returns To The Serie A

22 August 2005 

Ascoli Calcio, along with Treviso, received unexpected good news last week at the expense of Torino and Genoa. The latter two teams were demoted to the Serie B and C, respectively, due to financial irregularities. This marks the first time since 1986 that Ascoli will grace the pitches of the first division of Italian soccer, the Serie A. 

This development is important for two reasons for those of us associated with AC Cugini. Ascoli Calcio is the home town team, or “squadra del cuore,” of our founder, Mr. Fabio Diletti. He played for the Ascoli “Primavera,” which is their youth team. Many Italian professional players begin their journey to the Serie A, B, and C in this manner. The other key element is that Ascoli Calcio has asked Cugini Soccer to develop an affiliation with their club to bring North American players to Italy for training and scouting purposes, and have Ascoli technical directors come to the United States to conduct annual training camps and scout talent. Cugini officials are currently arranging the affiliation, which will be completed in late September. 

Let’s learn a little about Ascoli Calcio: www.ascolicalcio.it.

History:

Ascoli Calcio was founded in 1898 (a year after Juventus and a year before AC Milan) in the Marche town of Ascoli Piceno. As you can see, calcio had early roots in this Northern Italian city on the Adriatic coast.

Honors:

Champions of Serie B: 1978 and 1986.

Champions of Serie C: 1972.

Champions of Serie C1: 2001.

Super Cup of Serie C: 2002.

Mitropa Cup: 1987.

Team Colors:

Black and white shirts, along with white shorts and socks.

Stadium:

Stadio Cino e Lillo Del Duca.

Team President: Roberto Benigni.

Vice President: Massimo Ubaldi.

Director General: Emidio Gaspari.

Sporting Director: Fabio Lupo.

Communications Director: Ferruccio Squarcia.

Head Coach: Marco Giampaolo.

Assistant Coach: Massimo Silva.

Goalkeeping Coach: Roberto Bocchino.

Coach of the Primavera (Youth Team): Francesco Monaco.

Conditioning Director: Renzo Di Michele.

Team Physician: Dr. Massimo Di Battista.

Team Massage Therapist: Nicola Di Donato.

Starting Eleven:

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Mister Giampaolo will implement a 4-4-2 system. Here is the potential lineup that will face AC Milan on Sunday, 28 August 2005:

Zotti

Comotto

Cudini

Carbone

Domizzi

Fini

Cristiano

Cordova

Foggia

Colombo

Quagliarella

Reserves:

Coppola

Antonazzo

Del Grosso

Lauro

Biso

Ferrante

Giampaolo

All the best wishes for Ascoli Calcio, and I will be cheering for them in their long-awaited return to the Serie A. Except when they play against Juventus… ;-)

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by Steve Amoia, AC Cugini CALCIO CONNECTION

Liverpool Crowned Champions of Europe for the 5^th Time

25 May 2005

Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. Liverpool 3 AC Milan 3 (AET). Liverpool wins the penalty kick shoot-out, 3 to 2. 

For the fifth time in their rich history, the Liverpool Football Club has won the European Cup/Champions League competition, 3 to 2, after a penalty kick shoot-out over a very talented AC Milan side. The game ended in a 3 to 3 tie after 120 minutes of thrilling football. Against all odds, the “Reds” eliminated Juventus, newly minted Italian Serie A champions, along with domestic rivals Chelsea, the champions of the English Premier League. Milan last won the Champions League in 2003 during the all-Italian final against Juventus at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, England. Liverpool were no strangers to the Champions League final (formerly known as the European Cup), since they had won the title four times. Their last win was in 1984 against AS Roma at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. But tonight was a testament to the tenacity and relentless attitude of Liverpool, who by half-time were already losing by three goals. 

Legendary AC Milan captain, Paolo Maldini, scored after only 50 seconds of play with a beautiful turning move from a free kick by Andrea Pirlo. Milan wanted to score early to force Liverpool out of their defensive shell. The Milanese dictated the pace of the first half, and an apparent goal by Andriy Shevchenko was annulled by the referee’s assistant. A few minutes later, after an apparent hand ball by Alessandro Nesta in the Milan penalty area that was not called, a quick counter attack produced the second goal by Hernan Crespo from an unselfish pass by Shevchenko. Then came the final blow of a long first half for the English. Crespo, with a nicely placed chip over Jerzy Dudek, scored again from a long pass by Kakả. 

In the second half, Liverpool cut the deficit with a headed goal by their inspirational captain, Steven Gerrard, after nine minutes of play. This goal seemed to give them life, and then they sent shockwaves through the crowd with another goal in the next two minutes by Vladimir Smicer. Minutes later, Mr. Gonzalez whistled a penalty kick against Gennaro Gattuso for a foul on Gerrard of Liverpool. Xabi Alonso’s kick was parried by Nelson Dida, but the Liverpool player calmly slotted the rebound home to tie the game incredibly at 3. The game ended with this scoreline, and the teams entered into 30 minutes of extra time. 

The first 15 minutes of extra time were dominated by Milan, with Liverpool in a calm defensive mode. Tomasson of Milan missed an excellent opportunity to score from a pass by Serginho. Several of the Liverpool players exhibited problems with leg cramps, but their tremendous character and resilience pushed them forward. In the second period of extra time, Shevchenko headed what seemed to be the winning goal, but Dudek made a great save on the first shot, and pushed the second over the bar, which was a left footed effort that followed immediately. The game ended tied at 3 to 3 after extra time, and the winner had to be determined by penalty kicks. Jerzy Dudek saved the last spot kick of Shevchenko to secure the championship. Rafael Benítez may get more out of his team than any manager in the world. Well done, Liverpool…  

Starting Lineups:

 AC Milan:

Dida, Cafu, Stam, Nesta, Maldini (Captain), Gattuso, Seedorf, Pirlo, Kakả, Crespo, Schevchenko. Coach: Carlo Ancelotti.

Liverpool:

Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traoré, Luis Garcia, Gerrard (Captain), Xabi Alonso, Riise, Kewell, Baros. Coach: Rafael Benítez.

Goals: ACM: Maldini 1^st minute, Crespo 39^th and 43^rd minutes. Liverpool: Gerrard, 54^th minute, Smicer, 56^th minute, Xabi Alonso 60^th minute.

Substitutions: Liverpool: Smicer for Kewell, 23^rd minute, Hamman for Finnan, 46^th minute, Cissè for Baros, 85^th minute. AC Milan: Tomasson for Crespo, 85^th minute, Serginho for Seedorf, 85^th minute, Rui Costa for Gattuso, 116^th minute.

Penalty Kicks:

AC Milan: (2) Serginho (missed), Pirlo (saved), Tomasson (goal), Kakả (goal), Shevchenko (saved).

Liverpool: (3) Hamann (goal), Cissè (goal), Riise (saved), Smicer (goal).

Referee: Manuel Enrique Gonzalez of Spain.

Attendance: 65,000.

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by Steve Amoia, AC Cugini CALCIO CONNECTION

The Game Of Their Lives

17 April 2005 

The World Cup of 1950 was historic for many reasons. It was the first competition after a twelve year absence due to World War II. It was hosted by a soccer-loving country, Brazil, who was expected to hoist the Jules Rimet Trophy in triumph. Yet unbelievably, in one of the cathedrals of world football, the Maracaña Stadium, Uruguay defeated Brazil in the final to win their second World Cup. An entire nation went into mourning that would last until 1958, when a young seventeen year old named Pelé would help Brazil win the Cup for the first of five times.

 This World Cup was also historic for another reason. England, the mother of football, who were competing in their initial competition (they refused to participate in 1930, 1934, and 1938) were defeated by a team from the United States of America. England fielded one of the best teams in the competition, and all were professionals of the English first division. At that time, the English league was considered one of the best in the world. The English team had three future "Sirs" on its roster: Tom Finney, Stanley Matthews, and Alf Ramsey. Stanley Matthews did not play against the Americans. Mr. Ramsey would later coach England to victory at the 1966 World Cup.

The United States and England met in the second group game at Belo Horizonte. The Americans were not given a chance to win; in fact, the British viewed the game as a mere warm-up for their next encounter with Spain. But nobody told the Americans that this was a practice game, or that they did not belong on the same pitch (field) as mighty England.

The American team was comprised of mostly semi-professional and part-time players. Men who were unheralded and largely unknown to the American sporting public. Several hailed from St. Louis, Missouri. There were a few Italian-Americans on this team, along with two Portuguese-Americans. The man who scored the winning goal was born in Haiti, and was an accounting student by day, and a dishwasher by night. One of the players worked in a factory, and played games in his work gloves. Another labored in a funeral home. One was a mailman. As I mentioned, all of the English were full-time professionals.

Only one American journalist made the journey to Brazil, and he had to pay for his own ticket. When the game ended, the New York Times would not print the score, for they feared it had to be a hoax. The British press delayed as well, and one publication listed the score as England 10 - USA 0. The real final score was the USA 1 - England 0...

So, how did a group of unknown Americans pull off one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history? An excellent book, written by Geoffrey Douglas, has been recently made into a movie. The film will debut in North American theaters on 22 April 2005. I would encourage you to give it look. And remember that after this game in 1950, England could no longer state, "It is our game." They have also never worn blue jerseys after this defeat. 

There is a lesson to be learned from this historic achievement: Never underestimate your opposition... Another fact to ponder. In 1950, the United States had won more games at the World Cup than mighty England. In fact, the USA won a game at the World Cup before England, Italy, or Germany. As you can see, soccer is not an entirely "new" sport in this country. We have a rich tradition that will continue to flourish. Much of it is owed to the men from the team of 1950. Fortunately, 55 years after the fact, they will receive their worthy acclaim.

Here is the team roster that beat England that day: (The USA played a 5-3-2 formation that was popular in those days. The English played the "W M" formation: 3-2-2-3.) There were no substitutions allowed.

Goalkeeper: Frank Borghi.

Fullbacks: Harry Keough and Joe Macca.

Halfbacks: Ed McIlvenny (Captain), Charley Columbo, and Walter Bahr.

Front Line: Ed Sousa, John Sousa, Gino Pariani, Frank "Pee Wee" Wallace, and Joe Gaetjens.

Head Coach: Mr. Bill Jeffrey.

“Nobody was at the airport when we left, and nobody was there when we came back.” Walter Bahr, a member of the historic 1950 USA National Team.

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by Steve Amoia, AC Cugini CALCIO CONNECTION

Football for Hope: The Tsunami Benefit Game

February 15, 2005

FIFA, which is the world governing body of the sport of soccer, along with numerous famous players, combined their efforts to join in the worldwide response to the Tsunami tragedy. A benefit game was played tonight in Barcelona, at the Nou Camp Stadium, and it was also televised around the world. According to BBC Sports and the Telefutura network, between seven and eight million Euros will be raised. The proceeds will be donated to FIFA's Asian Football Confederation Tsunami Solidarity Fund. Before the game, all of the players joined hands during a minute of silent tribute.

Two teams took to the pitch tonight, and they represented the best that the sport has to offer. One team represented Europe; the other, the Rest of The World. The European team, which was called the Shevchenko XI, was captained by the current European player of the year, Andriy Shevchenko. He plays his club football for AC Milan, and is leading Ukraine in its quest for their first-ever World Cup appearance next summer in Germany. The Rest of the World team, which was called the Ronaldinho XI, was captained by the FIFA world player of the year, Ronaldinho Gaucho. This charismatic player plays his club football for FC Barcelona, and also is a key figure for the reigning World Cup champion Brazilian team.

The final score of the game, which was won by the Ronaldinho XI, was six to three. But the result was not significant to the 40,000 spectators who braved the cold and windy conditions to witness this spectacular display. The world of football paid tribute to the thousands who perished in the Tsunami tragedy, along with countless others whose lives were forever altered by this catastrophic event.

The Italian Serie A was well represented at this venue. All of the European goals were scored by Serie A players, and several others took part on both teams. From the twenty-two starters in this game, ten came from the Serie A. Their names appear in the lineups listed below. In addition to these men, the following Serie A stars made an appearance: Paolo Maldini, Obafemi Martins, David Suazo, Francesco Toldo, and Gian Franco Zola.

Ronaldinho's World XI Team Members:

Dida, Cafu, Cordoba, Marquez, Radebe, Song, Nakata, Deco, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Eto'o.  

Shevchenko's European XI Team Members: Casillas, Montero, Kaladze, Thuram, Gerrard, Diesler, Beckham, Zidane, Del Piero, Raul, Shevchenko.

Referee: Pierluigi Collina of Italy.

Coaches: Marcello Lippi of the Italian National team, Arsene Wenger of the Arsenal Football Club, Frank Rijkaard of FC Barcelona, and Carlos Alberto Perreira of the Brazilian National team.

Goals:

Ronaldinho XI: Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o (2), Henri Gamara (2), and Cha Du-Ri.

Shevchenko XI: Alessandro Del Piero, Gian Franco Zola, and David Suazo.

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by Steve Amoia, AC Cugini CALCIO CONNECTION