|
|
 |
 |   |
EVENTS Fantasy Central Inside Game Video Plus Statitudes Your Turn Message Boards Email Newsletters Golf Guide Cities 
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE
|  |
Off to Wimbledon
A good mixed bag of questions and issues this week, so thanks for all your input. As I'm about to head off to cover Wimbledon, this will be the last mailbag until late-July. Look out, though, for my daily columns from the All England Club. First this week, the issue raised in a recent mailbag about race and football. Peter Szetumba from Kampala, Uganda drew reference to a comment by the former German national coach: Erich Ribbeck, during last season's European Championships that heterogeneous teams like Brazil, France, Holland, England etc are now having an edge (because of the different natural and probably inherited abilities) over homogenous ones, the likes of Germany, Russia, Poland etc. Did we agree, he asked, or was it more a consequence of globalization? Phil, I'd like to respond to the question about more European national teams naming their first black players. First, let's dismiss any garbage about black players bringing different "inherited abilities" to the game, as suggested by the reader who broached this subject. But I must say it is heartening to see these developments. Let's not pretend there is no racial discrimination left in systems that develop of young football talent in many a European country. Selecting black (or simply non-white) players to the national teams in Germany and Italy can send a signal right down the line that talent should be the only prerequisite for selection. Without trying not to sound too politically correct, I think it can also generate incredibly positive results in society.
What greater symbol of today's multi-ethnic France could there be than its current national squad? In addition to winning the World Cup, they reflect a reality that right-wingers like Jean-Marie LePenne would deny: that those from immigrant communities are not truly French. I happen to live in Hungary, where racist football fans (and I'm not talking about just a handful--ask Patrick Klujvert) hoot like monkeys when a foreign team with black players takes the pitch. But Hungary, too, has just named a black player (Hungarian mother, African father) to the national squad. Will these same fans act this way when one of their own guys is black? Or will they finally stop and think about it? Maybe not. But, just maybe.
I'd suggest more "maybe nots" than "maybes". I've stood in crowds of so-called football fans who've chanted racist remarks against black players on the opposing side, as if the black players on their own team have suddenly gone deaf. This "Ribbeck Theory" is pretty much nonsense. Just because France is a team that consists of a variety of different racial breeds doesn't mean that that is a part of a reason they won the World Cup or European Championships. The Netherlands are known for having a history of players that originate from different backgrounds and they never won a World Cup. England also, and they haven't achieved much with this "Ribbeck Theory". Or look at Italy for instance, they have been a dominant force in football for a long period of time, and up to now they have remained pretty much a homogeneous team. I cannot agree that a heterogeneous team necessarily makes a good team. There are strong white players, there are strong black players; there are skillful white players there are skillful black players; there are fast white players, there are fast black players. Although, yes I do agree, that black people are generally faster than white people.
So I gather you don't want any sweeping statements on the subject, Karim. I'm interested in the fact that Germany and Italy have included black players in their recent national selections. I'm not sure I subscribe to the Ribbeck theory though. Since I come from a country with a diverse mix of cultures, I certainly see how different backgrounds can add a fresh element to the national team. I think we're lucky here that from local leagues, to MLS, and up to the national team we see teams and players that play a diverse number of styles. Some Euro, some Latin, others a mix of the two. In then end though, I think the diversity of the national team is more a function of the socio-economic make up of the country. You can tell a lot about a country by seeing who plays on the national team because the faces and the names of the players reflect what is going on in the culture as a whole. France is a great example of this. Their national team reflects a growing diversity within the country itself. I'd never have know that there were a large number of Italians who migrate to Sweden had they not had a keeper called Rivelli. So sure, globalization plays a huge role in this, and from my point of view this is truly wonderful because it shows that football still has room to evolve.
Now if only we could see the evolution of fans who choose to discriminate only on the color of shirts and not of players' skin. Talking of discrimination... People overseas have no idea what incredible prejudice Aussie soccer must put up with from the media and the media-influenced public. The day after Oz beat Brazil, for instance, the "major" sporting story on TV news was that a Neanderthal-type rugby league 'star' received a one-match suspension for almost strangling an opponent. (He should have received six months.) Then the cricket win in the UK, then the Capriati triumph in Paris the two boring Schumachers...and finally, in a casual sentence, the 1-0 over the multiple world champions Brazil. And in case anyone, including Leao, Teixeras or others excuse their fiasco with the absence of major stars, let me point out that Australia was without its highest rated and most talented players: Okon, Zelic, Viduka, Tiatto and Kewell. Even if the Socceroos won the World Cup, they'd get a tucked away mention in the press. But if a minor brawl breaks out on the terraces because someone was waving a Croatian, Bosnian or whatever flag, we make it to P.1. Do you think Aussie soccer will ever overcome this enormous prejudice in the future?
I'm surprised to hear this is the case, Andrew, and it is really the first I've heard about it. Maybe it was just one station's slant on the sports news that day. But if not, continued Australian soccer success and qualification for next year's World Cup will ensure the Socceroos make back-page -- maybe even front-page -- news. Whilst Tiger is the dominant player in golf today, in comparison to other golfers and athletes how do his achievements and dominance compare to other sports?
He dominates his sport like no other right now. In the past, Rod Laver in his Grand Slam years in tennis, Pele in his World Cup soccer prime or Michael Jordan at his NBA best were on a similar level. Golf's had such greats as Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. But Tiger's feats will surpass them all. Make the most of it. You're watching a bona fide legend. My question is : I am hearing that Inter are going after Inzaghi (I don't remember if it is Philipo or Simone ), it seems that for the last three season Inter has signed striker after striker. Do you think that they might finally have enough of them, and with Ronaldo hopefully returning next season there will not be a place on the squad for all of them. Who will be sold or loaned out, and will they ever consider getting some more quality in midfield or defence ? Do you think that maybe signing Veron away from Lazio would be a better choice than a striker who might very well sit on the bench and watch Christian Vieri and Ronaldo play ?
Inter certainly get through their strikers don't they? Ronaldo, Vieri, Robbie Keane and Ivan Zamarano have been among those to come and go -- either onto the injury list or to pastures new -- in recent times. Inter have spent big, had some ill-fortune with the likes of Ronaldo and Vieri but it's not merely hard luck that's made them under-achieve. Signing new players in every key position can become an obsession for such glamour clubs, where anything but success simply won't do. So why not go for an Inzaghi or two? Throw a Veron into the shopping cart too? Sol Campbell's on the shelf, so how about him too? Basically, Brian, giants who perennially falter care not who sits on the bench watching other superstars play, as long as they have a multi-talented squad that can bring them overdue success. Then, if this new batch of players don't gel, they'll have a clear out and do it all over again until it works. You always seem to beg for non-football questions so here's one. Can you explain the rules to cricket? It's one of the few sports in the world where even after watching it, I have no idea what I've just seen.
You have two sides out in the field, one in and one out. Each man that's in the side that's in goes out and when he's out he comes in and the next man goes in until he's out. When they are all out, the side that's out comes in and the side that's been in goes out and tries to get those coming in out. Sometimes you get men still in and not out. When both sides have been in and out (sometimes twice) including the not outs -- that's the end of the game. Any clearer David? Seriously, it'd take me all night to explain -- and then some. In the past five years, the nation of England hasn't been able to roam Europe whether in International level. For instance they lost the semifinal to Germany in their home soil in Euro 96,went on to lose to Argentina in France 98 and Romania in Euro 2000.They are excelling well now. I watch the premier league every day and I see great players like Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen and others and I ask myself: How could these players not win The Euro 2000 or The world cup 98. Is it that they perform well in club level and lack in international level? or just don't have the true quality to win championships and be on the same world as Spain, France and Argentina?
Sven Goran Eriksson has made the difference as coach. England look like a team with some tactical know-how for once. Howdy Phil, Maybe now you will respond to my queries of 3 weeks ago concerning Brazil and Leao's incompetence. I am currently writing this exasctly 2 days after France's confederation cup's 1 nil win over Japan. Phil, France is good but they ain't all that. They brought an A team to the confederation cup, Brazil on the other hand brought a C team? France brought an A team minus Zidane, Henry, and Petit But Vieira is just as good as Petit if a little less creative certainly more of an aggressive holding midfielder- one of the best in the world. Pires is currently playing the best football of his life. As I told you last time Phil, Brazil's salvation is found in the name of another Phil not you sorry, but the great Luiz Felipe Scolari '' Big Phil". So one more time Phil here is my Brazil squad that will beat both France and Argentina to win the next world cup. Here's Brazil's starting 11 for the next world cup: Taffarel, Cafu. Aldair, Roque Junior, Roberto Carlos, Leonardo, Emerson, Ze Roberto, Rivaldo, Romario, Ronaldo. What you think Phil? Appropriate since Leao has just stepped down.
And even more appropriate since Big Phil is now in charge as you wished. See, it was worth me waiting three weeks to address your question because it is so much more topical now. Your line-up is strong indeed. Big Phil's already backing some of the older brigade, like Romario, so you have to be happier still. Scolari is a most sensible selection, Brazil will make the finals under him and once there will -- as always -- be a threat. What's all the fuss? Hi Phil, I have this feeling that the transformation of Man U fc into a plc could affect the club in the future,the reason why I said this is that when ever there is anything involving large amount of money at Old Trafford e.g. purchase of players the board seem not to be in support of spending a huge sum and you know Phil to get the best result you need the best player and to get the best players you have to spend.
You are right, although I'm sure you didn't want to hear that. United have spent big in the past and have a high wage bill, but nothing compared to Real Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan and other European giants. Answering to the shareholders reins in salaries to some degree and prevents the kind of big-money deals for Zidane and Figo which could take United to greater heights. Hi, I was wondering how you rank Henrik Larsson among the worlds' top scores? Personally I am sick of reading about how good he is. I mean, he is a very good football player and what he has done for Celtic this season is spectacular. But saying that he is among the best scorers in Europe (as many Swedish and Scottish sports writers claim), please.
I'd take Raul and Shevchenko ahead of him for starters -- but Larsson's record is hard to ignore and therefore he deserves to be called one of Europe's best...just not THE best. Hey Phil, I just got the news that the Indian Pair of Mahesh and Leander have won the French Open Mens doubles title. Do u think that now they can claim to be one of the better pairs of all times in Doubles ? Last but no the least, why do u think doubles receives considerably less attention than singles in any Grand Slam?
Doubles would get more attention if more of the top singles players also played in doubles events, like John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova did so superbly. Imagine Sampras and Agassi teaming up? The Williams sisters are popular in tandem, but don't play that many tournaments. Paes and Bhupathi are a tremendous team, but have a long way to go to be compared with Woodforde and Woodbridge. They completed the career Grand Slam of doubles titles (including six Wimbledons) and won Olympic gold and silver en route to becoming the most successful partnership in open era history. Newcombe and Roche were Australian greats as well. The Indian duo have a lot to live up to. Saurabh, I also read, appreciated and noted your comments on cricket Sir Donald Bradman. Hey Phil just wanted to comment on what Vijay Menon of London had to say about Roy Keane. No offense Vijay but you should stick to golf. Roy Keane is Man United's and Irelands most important player, he proves it every time he plays, and even more when he doesn't play. You said that he didn't score any goals. When was he supposed to score goals? He isn't Micheal Owen or Andry Schevchenko, he's Roy Keane. Last year was an abberation, just as Lee Bowyer's goals this year will prove to be, Keano is in the game to control the flow of the game for his team and stop the flow of the game for the other team.
Your explanation was longer, I know. But we get the point Jon. I was just wondering how you would rate Danish international, Ebbe Sand compared to the other top class strikers? You know as a Dane it is hard to be objective in such a matters. And have you noticed at all the transformation of the Danish national team since the poor performance at the Euro 2000. Again as a Dane it is hard being objective that is why I would like your opinion on this subject.
His recent World Cup goals and his tremendous Bundesliga season indicate he's the real deal. Schalke's successes are in no small part down to him and the more confident he's become, the more he's been able to rise to the international occasion with Denmark. He's only going to get better. hi phil, i love your mailbag. what I wanted to ask you is do you not think Ireland are very much underrated world wide, and what do you think Ireland's chances are of qualifing for the WC after the 1-1 result against Portugal meaning if they want to be first they have to beat Holland.
Figo's equalizer certainly hurt, but the win in Estonia kept Ireland bang on course. If someone had said you need to beat Holland at home to reach the finals automatically you'd have taken it, right? Mick McCarthy's team will take it too and can rise to the challenge. They are, indeed, underrated. How better to change that perception than to top the Dutch and Portuguese? But I envisage another draw against Holland -- enough for the play-offs but perhaps not first place. Portugal have an easy run-in. Hi, just one remark. What in heaven's name possessed Bill Clinton to interrupt Andre Agassi's quarterfinal match the way he did? I think this was totally uncalled for and shows a complete lack of respect towards his fellow country man. What I cannot comprehend is that the tournament organization let this happen! It was very clear that this brutal interruption caused Agassi to lose concentration and most likely his grip on the match. Shame on you Bill and the organizers of Roland Garros!!!
Sebastien Grosjean said he saw Clinton arrive, but said he refused to let it distract him from the match. Agassi said in his press conference that he didn't see Clinton arrive. So if you believe all that, Bill can't be blamed. What's your take on Michael Johnson's comments about Ato Boldon being "too scared" to win the 200m . I think Johnson should refrain from making such comments given that he pulled up lame in the 150m vs Bailey in 1997 and the 200m at the US Olympic Trials in 2000 when trailing . Not to mention his failure in Barcelona as well as his decisions not to run the deuce at Athens '97,Goodwill '98 and the USTrials of '99 .Would Johnson like it if people say these occurences were due to him being "scared" ? Seems like Johnson is going out of his way to be another Carl Lewis and that's NOT a compliment!
Johnson's had his failures, that's true. But he's had many more fabulous triumphs that entitle him to his opinion on athletes who haven't measured up to his standards. That's not to say he's right. Boldon isn't scared. In my books, he needs to have greater belief in his talents -- and train less with Maurice Greene. I don't know how you can make your practice partner and friend an enemy at the flick of a switch on the competitive track. Greene appears to deal with it a whole lot better than Boldon. Do you think the British and Irish Lions Rugby Union team has a good chance of beating Australia in a few weeks and do you think that the test team will be virtually all English and if so do you think Graham Henry should forget nationality and if it worked out that they were all English he should play 13, 14 or even 15 Englishmen.
The English team will dominate selection, no question. But what a luxury to have the very best of the other home nations to call on. It will be a formidable lineup, which should push Australia all the way. The Lions will win a test, but will lose the series. Your column is excellent! I would like your opinion on the fuss made by the British press about the no ball controversy. The fact in my view is that although not legal, the batsmen's shot does not change. On the other hand Pakistan had people given out of their helmets, inside edges given as lbw etc. They still managed to pull of a splendid victory though and i think full credit should be given to them.
Thanks Shariq. England collapsed in all-too-familiar fashion. It was some kind of horrible flashback for the press guys, who were growing accustomed to England winning Tests. Someone had to get the blame, why not the umpire? The fact David Shepherd later admitted his mistakes, though, indicated the furore wasn't totally without merit. Hi phil, i,ve been an avid viewer of world sport for as long as i can remember and you guys are doing a fantastic job keeping us informed. my problem is I just moved over to the US and the local CNN is totally different. i cant follow my favorite "world sports" anymore. pls help and also on what channels if any can i get to watch the English Premier league when the season starts.
You need to get CNNSI on your cable system, or for that matter CNN International. As they say, call your cable or satellite supplier now! As for the English Premier League, you'll need a dish or digital cable too. Thanks for all the questions. Until the next time, enjoy your sporting month ahead. Wish me good weather at Wimbledon.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
