Marcel comes to his senses

Pick the odd man out, Owen Hargreaves, Jonathan de Guzman, Steven Vitória & Marcel de Jong. At first glance, it is hard to notice any difference at all (outside of physical appearance), all four gentlemen were born in Canada, and they all ply their trade as professional soccer players in Europe. All of these men are certainly skillful enough to earn a call-up to the national team, so how do we pick the odd man out? Well, only one of those men actually shows the class and integrity to want to represent their homeland on an international level.

The only silver lining to an embarrassing 2-0 defeat at a second rate South African side, was the certification that Marcel de Jong will be part of the Canadian national team for as long as his skill warrants. At the 73^rd minute, as I saw Patrice Bernier trotting off the field, I cheered. Not for his play, but that of all the speculation of top players leaving our national side, we kept one. I felt like writing the KNVB, “neener, neener, neener, he’s on our side!”

We all know the story on Hargreaves and Vitória choosing other nations to further their careers, with de Guzman still undecided. Ideally, Marcel has set a precedent and this is not just one of the bunch. Of course there is the possibility that he was furthering career as well, and would rather have a potential concrete spot in an up and coming national side, as opposed to fighting for a spot (and more then likely end up on the losing end) on one of the top 10 teams in the world.

Anyways, no time to dwell on the past (and future), its time to rejoice! I am so happy I almost forgot we have Dale Mitchell coaching…..