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Story by Andrew Rogers
 Andrew Rogers |
Watford broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. DeMerit in typical fashion forced his way through a packed penalty area to deliver a powerful header past the flaying arms of Leeds goal keeper Neil Sullivan. Eddie Lewis then went close for Leeds with a free kick in first half overtime but The Whites never really threatened the Watford goal.
One of DeMerits key attributes is his athletic ability, he physically dominates in the tackle and matches opposition players' movement for movement. This allows him to control the space in which the opponents can play forcing them backwards or at least sideways.
Eddie Lewis was a victim of the watertight defense epitomized by DeMerit. This is also the second consecutive Cardiff final that he has found himself on the defeated side. Lewis can consol himself with the fact that he is now heading to Germany.
The introduction of Packer's style determination will be a bonus to the Premiership. The other significant contribution from US soccer is that two of its players were competing in the final, clearly the United States role in the World's game is growing on both sides of the Atlantic.
Champions League Final
The final in Paris proved to be entertaining but unfortunately for the fans, with Arsenal down to ten men for the majority of the game, they did not have the opportunity to watch the 'dream' final they had anticipated.
Clearly referee Terje Hauge, was not wrong in his decision to send off Jens Lehman but as he magnanimously admitted, in a Norwegian news paper "I would have liked to have taken a few more seconds before I made a decision…if I'd done that, I could have given a goal and given a yellow card as well." However, on the biggest possible stage Hauge now has a track record of looking to make big decisions. His other crucial sending off came against Chelsea when Barcelona visited Stamford Bridge earlier this season in the second round of the Champions League.
Like the coaches and players - referees are only human and are entitled to make errors, however, in recent years the dynamic has slightly changed. Referees now receive world wide exposure and have better conditions then ever before, but with such a significant economic imbalance between those who officiate and those who play, one can understand any inclination they may have to get ahead; making big calls is part of this.
Collina benefited hugely from his on the field persona and now endorses cars and appears on the cover of computer video games. Ideally a referee makes his most significant contribution to a contest when he sets the tone for a game where he is not seen and his whistle is not heard.
For all those associated with soccer, play offs and Champions League finals bring wonderful excitement and highs. However football is not always goals, thrills and spills. The town of Ballymena, Northern Ireland which recently hosted the Men's US U-17 National Team in an international tournament are suffering from the devastating news that sectarian attack took place on May 8th that resulted in the death of 15yr old Michael McIlveen. This is a terrible shame and a sad and tragic contrast to the joys of the prestigious tournament only a few weeks earlier.
In London, England, Queens Park Rangers (former club of Tampa Bay Rowdies Star Rodney Marsh) are dealing with the news of the death of promising Academy player Kiyan Prince. Like McIlveen he was 15 years old. He was stabbed to death outside his school last Thursday - trying to break up a fight. Prince's athletic talent was not just limited to soccer but in the world's game he was described as being in much the same mould as Theo Walcott who is currently training with the England camp. Academically his pedigree was as strong as his footballing skill.
In both instances such tragic losses and the grief the respective families must be feeling put Association Football in it's proper context.
On an England debate
Firstly, it is alarming that players and coaches alike have come out declaring that without Rooney England's chances are severely diminished. Irrespective of the forward's talent the squad will include many of the world football's elite net earners, they should have the confidence to feel they can win the tournament regardless of any major set back.
Greece proved only two years ago that team work as a commodity is far more valuable than the brilliance of a particular individual. It will not be lost on the leading international players that England have put on record that they feel their chances have been severely impaired by Rooney's injury.
Ceding psychological ground could be construed as profligate and thoughtless, but should actually work in England's favour as they could now be underestimated.
Few positives can be gained from the pressure placed on Rooney to return to the fray and consider himself fit though. Foot injuries are very serious for football players, as they govern their ability to grip the turf, rotate, balance and strike the ball. To rush a player back from such an ailment could have long term implications for his ability to perform.
Secondly, the metatarsal has been evaluated at best to heal in 6 weeks. The assumption is that he can then fully train to get match fit and/or play straight away at the highest level. This strategy regardless of an optimistic disposition is fraught with danger.
The plan fans the risk of the injury reoccurring or creating another problem, probably of a muscular nature as his body may not be ready to exert itself in such a manner.
Another concern is that should Rooney be in a position to participate, England are likely to have in place a coherent tactical plan and confidence running through the side, would it be worth making adjustments at this point?
To expect an unfit 20 year old, to come in and raise the game, is nonsensical, but Rooney is a character that could do this, with scant thought for his personal health. He sees opportunity not pressure, his mentality could see him push his body too far too soon.
While most of the criticism of the England manager has been ignorant and in some cases malicious, his reaction to the incident has been out of step with his usually cool demeanor.
"I will not rule him out until the doctors tell me there is no chance. No-one wants that to happen, everyone hopes he can take part in the World Cup at some stage."
Not having an alternative strategy or uttering public confidence in your back up strikers is puzzling but can surely be explained by brighter soccer minds.
Frank Lampard's timing in this respect was as impeccable, "We still have a great team, a squad full of top-class players and we are still in that bracket of teams who can win the World Cup."
However, the realities of the squad's feelings were probably better articulated by Stephen Gerrard, "It would be a disaster for England if we had to go to the World Cup without Wayne. He is idolized around the country and is our main man…I think it is impossible to have a successful World Cup without Wayne."
While Gerrard's honesty is commendable it is surprising not to hear from such a successful athlete that it is unfortunate for Wayne but the squad is talented and strong enough to overcome the obstacle.
England is in many ways the pinnacle of world football for players, coaches and fans. Yet at times it seems in terms of the mentality of winning it is behind the curve.
To me this was further highlighted by recent interviews with Hahnemann, Convey and DeMerit. They have suffered serious set backs in their careers yet had the presence of mind, manner and confidence to deal with them in the appropriate way.
Patently England have been upset by the potential absence of Rooney, but as a nation and as a football team it thrives in adversity and furthermore has the talent to overcome any hindrance thrown in its path.
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