Fútbol My Way

STILL HOPING!!

2012-01-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

Obviously, I still looking for that savior hand!!. Next week start the practices, and I'm having the hopes of somebody will come to save my project!! pretty soon

It's easy, I just looking for somebody, that likes to see a game well played, with not tossing the ball, and run behind like chickens with no head!!, fouling as if can not mark like a man, without foul virile and elegance, showing class, then that time and money invested and a few years have it a great return,!! that simple!!! I can make this happen, just need a little luck,

Just in case anybody though was not updated,
Like I keep telling to Club's Owners and/or General Managers, even Coaches that needs an advise, I can change in couple of games the way your team it's playing.
I hope Nelson Rodriguez (MLS -VP) read this, because he told me years ago, when he was a director at the NY MetroStars, that I get a Losing team and do what I did with the (- www,iapotencia.com -) WIN, I know he may be happy, because we talked several times and said that me and my partner at that particular time ( El Profe- Anibal Gutierrez Ponce) We WERE (past tense) Yes he was cruel, but he was right, we were Champions in the 80's and he needs at that time somebody actualize,
And last year I miss another opportunity with NY, this time somebody from the RedBulls called me, and got me in a distracted moment, and because I don't have any license to get on the field and he give me no time to explain that I have the right people to coach for me, (I just manage)
It would be immodest said that I went down in a Club (third Division) on a league that it's in a country between the 5 best -according with FIFA-, and just in one month make a team that already played 8 games and won only ONE GAME, and with my advise WON 3 out of 5, not, lets say,that was pure LUCK!!, but, in the records will be that results!!
This it's the first round, of a tournament of TWO; we still have chances to go to the next level, (division segunda A) just one step to be playing The Libertors Cup and/or The World Interclubs Cup, but, the financial problem it's in the way, if I don't get in the next couple month somebody interested in be a real WORLD CHAMPION, we can't afford to keep winning, because next division have the players to sign a contract under FIFA's regulations.
We have room to make one of the best Academies, -and players educated by us-, should be the preferences of Colleges and Clubs around the world, we offer REAL COMPETITION, like I said, fourth in the WORLD (FIFA) MY SYSTEM STILL WORKING!!!

My Style still WORKS!!!

2011-12-28T04:48:00.000-08:00

Just in case you haven't been keeping track; I would like to send everyone an update.
I have been working helping coach's, club owner's and general managers.
What I do is change the way a team is playing. I can do this in just a couple of games.
A couple of years ago, Nelson Rodriguez (MLS- VP) the at the time director of the NY Metrostars told me that what I did with http://www.iapotencia.com/ was incredible. I am sure he would be happy to know that I have just returned from helping a team in one of the five top countries in the world, at least according to FIFA and in just one month the team went from loosing 7 games and winning only one to winning three out of five!!
In fact this is just the first round in a tournament of two rounds with the opportunity to potentially advance and play the LIbertors Cup and/or the World Interclub Cup.
But as always reality intrudes, the reality of money. The reality is that to be able to play and win at the next level we need money because at that level the players need to sign contracts which are regulated by FIFA rules.
We have the opportunity to create one of hte best football academies, educating and producing players that will be recruited worldwide. We offer real competition and our country has been recognized as a power house in the sport by FIFA but we need your help. Are you interested? How much can you contribute?

Modern?? Result???

2011-11-12T07:01:00.000-08:00

If I keep repeating the same thing over and over, it's no my fault! - I think??!!-Look the comments after a game. played for a really Professional country selection team, against a Country really "AMATEUR" team!!

("Fortunately for the Canucks, they do have seven months to get things sorted and, as Hart noted, there hasn’t been a shortage of chances, someone just needs to step up.“All you can do is create the chances. It’s not like we didn’t create the chances,” Hart said. “We had some very good chances and we didn’t score, so it’s always going to be our problem. It’s not like there’s a striker out there that’s playing that we don’t have.”)

The "CHANCES" they are talking about, were a million "crosses" they sent to the box -I keep calling (just long balls)-, HOPING somebody head would direct the ball to the net, don't care what jersey the header wear it!! JUST PURE LUCK!! No luck, no goals, either team!!!! Blame at the "STRIKER", NOOO!!! blame a the game PLAN!! (GAME PLAN???) what it's THAT??? Came back to the same!!!TODAY WIN THE ONE IT'S LUCKY!! Or went to the witch Doctor!!

An old good MEMORIES

2011-06-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

My old BUDDY wrote this about me!!

Like I SAID, just good ald MEMORIES

-----------------------------------

What Americans call soccer, the rest of the world calls football. What we call football, my good friend Walter Rasso will quickly point out, involves an oblong object that hardly resembles a ball, and is more dependent on hands than it is feet. Walter eats, sleeps and breathes futbol. He spends a lot of his time emailing professional soccer coaches and GMs, pointing out to them mistakes their teams are making and suggesting changes that he feels will be beneficial. For the most part, they do not listen. That's their loss. Walter has a wealth of experience and he's willing to share. He endorces a style that's dependent on short, quick passes and abhors the long easy-to-defend ping-pong-like exchanges so prevalent today. If you are interested in turning your team around, Walter is available for coaching and consulting. Just leave a comment or email him directly and he'll get back to you.

(I write this introduction to my friend Walter Rasso's blog as a friend of more than 30 years. ~ Ace Toscano)

MEMORIES!!

2011-06-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Being nagging about the way the game it's being played, didn't help a bit!!, still, nobody notice me!

Trying to get a Club with hopes of better themselves, fails again, because, not owners, presidents, or the ones in charge, have the guts, to do the change!!!

The old players, turned coaches, the SAME!!!

If I say, that I feel like a grumpy old man, will you believe me?, YES I DO!!! And I don't like it!!

That is the major reason, I'm going without posting nothing for long periods of time!!

Plus, WHAT CAN I SAY??? The game still played equal horrible then when I posted on the others comments, -today-, I'll just copy some of the old posts, and you'll see, IT'S THE SAME!!! way of play, NO TACTICS, Just close the eyes and kick the ball the farther you can!! Retreat, come back, don't attack with more then couple forwards -even if you are one goal down- nobody knows that is the same thing, lose for one goal, then for two!!!

For that reason - WHAT CAN I SAY???

But, I don't lose my enthusiasm that someday, somehow, somewhere, somebody with the resources, will want to do what I'm preaching for long time!! and with my knowledge, the contacts, and the main thing -GUTS- and in a couple of years being the Real Champions!!!

--------------------------------

I do not comment game by game,I'm not a commentaries professional, just trying to help the beautiful game to come back to what is suppose to be!! (see post LAST WARRIOR)and if we win, but, played terrible, I'm not CONTENT!

But, what I'm saying for long time, IF one Country try to play good ball movements, and not going try to confuse the referees with that acts of been victimized, or, abusing the faults, IF JUST PLAY BALL would WIN!!

It's Clear (for me), that the player has to CREATE, if you are outside the 18 yards box, YOU have to create, face the defender, try your best footwork, pass him/her, and, you'll find out, that the goalie did his/her job, and close your shooting angle, -again- use YOUR BRAINS, fake, footwork AGAIN!! and put the ball nice and smooth, into the goal!! Easy?? It sounds, easy, that is the way is suppose to be!

Just a few MEMORIES of my posted thoughts, like I keep telling " Hope for the best".

LINKS!!

2011-06-15T05:50:00.000-07:00

TRYING TO POST A NEW LINK, I MADE A MISTAKE AND ERASED ALL THE OLD ONES!!

Please try to reach me again, if you want re-posted

NEW FUTURE!!

2010-12-09T05:59:00.000-08:00

Now, back again in USA, back at home, after a helpful run with the Club in South America.
Helpful because I can see with my own eyes what is going on around the globe, and I can taste it myself, nobody have to tell me what is wrong or right!!

Yes, now I can swear, that it's not easy what I try to accomplish, it's very hard try to take out the way are playing in the last 10 - 15 years, tossing the ball in the air, claiming fault, when nobody even touch them and crying loud a nonexistent pain, yelling at the referee, give him/her a yellow card!!!, celebrating a lousy goal, like if was at the end of a World Cup Final game!

Talking with a coach friend, we see the same problems, but, in our division we got a good excuse, the guys have to work, or, some are students, they don't have time for practices, not even think to start talking about strategies or plans, NO TIME AT ALL!!. plus that non existence of playgrounds (See my past post -Campito...-), the kids today have not the individuals skills needed to be a different player!!, they learn in schools - Academies, that are teaching the kids, and throwing the ball with the hands, is very easy to the guys to kick the ball, not thinking, that in the game, NOBODY WILL THROW THE BALL NICE AND EASY, WITH THE HAND!!

The main reason is the poor financial resources of the Club where the money is almost not existent, But what we can't figure out, is with the Clubs with good money situation, WHY... Why they still playing this anti-football (Soccer) style, with the only strategy, throw the ball in the box, and pray and/or hope for good luck!!

Since 1984, with a group of experienced people, we are trying to enhance the way of playing the "beautiful" game. Now going Global, with a partnership with Clubs in South America and Europe!
Summary;
born the first Academy -"Boot Camp" Style-, (as usually is done for Gymnastics) for youngsters with wishes to better themselves the way are playing right now!. This way, we hope to raise money, to keep playing the tournament, keeping many kids out of the way of drugs and bad habits!!

We are in a country that is well known for having a high % in Pro-players around the World, in the best leagues, have at least one player in between the five best.

What we started in 1984, today are several people doing it, Are playing players from Japan, Australia, Canada, USA, and, a select team from Indonesia competing in U-19 Tournament, to gain experience for next World Cup!!

We'll provide; Pro-Coaches with high skills in formative, Trainers, Hotel, transportation, Care, everything related, and, the best, COMPETITION!! in a league PROVEN Worldwide!! Fourth in FIFA's last tournament!!

Until we don't find a sponsor, the player will have to pay for the training, as is occurring right now, the players have to pitch in a lot, but, if a Club is interested, these Club will have to pay back for the formation of the player!, and you'll get your money back!!

I could do this in USA, but, the COMPETITION, it's not the same!!! and much, much expensive!!

One step FORWARD!

2010-09-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

YES, again in the saddle, September 25th I'll be in South America, trying a second club, for the third year, always improving.

The first Club (that I was in) is in Second Div. A They won this year Championship, I did not do much at all, but the new Sponsorship, did a tremendous job, and they are only one year away to intervene in one of the best World Tournaments -The liberators Cup-

Like I'm keep telling to the ones that are paying attention to me, IF YOU INVEST, or PARTNERSHIP, you would not be SORRY!!

The main reason of the success in this projects, is, I insist, the ball have to be played the right WAY, the ONLY WAY, well played, ALL TIME, not exceptions!! And clear tactics, system! No just hoping for the Lady Luck, come and help you!!

My work is being help tremendously for a couple of young gentleman, that are doing a tremendous job, putting the Club together, and coaching to the debut game, with a impressive VICTORY, yes the real first game in the Uruguayan Association of Football!! Fourth position in the WORLD CUP!!
For that reason, you'll see me pretty soon back in the USA, pestering all the Professionals Clubs, trying to attract Sponsors, or, some kind of Partnership into that particular Club, because without HELP, we can't go to the next level!!

FINALLY OVER!!!

2010-07-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

Never fails after the game it's over, always think. I'll never see other game so bad!!, Then come the next game, WORSE, Believe or not!!

If this WORLD CUP, it's not the worse ever!!, may be the next one!!

I wait several days to write something, after that disastrous tournament, I was so disappointed that I can't explain with words, -and I had an idea!!-, the way it would be played the game!! I wrote before the tournament started (see OTRO MUNDIAL) last post.

I did some comments in a post in Facebook, -too quick after the final game-,but I was getting sick of my stomach, reading the posted for some of my friends, they were so happy and content, the way Uruguay played the tournament, that I could not tolerated no more, and write something like Shut up!! Just PURE LUCK!! No because we played fantastic, or have a game plan other the defend and toss the ball the higher you CAN!!
One "friend" said something like I'm a perfectionist, NO!! It's that I still remembering from one game to the other, and my memories of the games was sadly, been with our backs on our own goal, and if the ball did not goes in, it was JUST PURE LUCK, plus the other were very lousiest too, that helped in the result

I do not comment game by game,I'm not a commentaries professional, just trying to help the beautiful game to came back to what is suppose to be!! (see post LAST WARRIOR)and if we win, but, played terrible, I'm not CONTENT!

But, what I'm saying for long time, IF one Country try to play good ball movements, and not going try to confuse the referees with that acts of been victimized, or, abusing the faults, IF JUST PLAY BALL would WIN!!

Again to my "friend" that is why I was so disappointed, even getting a fourth position in a WORLD CUP should be enough to be happy, but not, we have players that could be playing a lot better, HOW ONE FORWARD, CAN BE UNDER HIS OWN POST defending, -and avoiding a goal- and run to the other side of the field TO TRY TO MAKE A GOAL. Anybody that played the game knows, that is impossible to perform correctly, yours brains and legs quit on you!! That is the reason I bitchy at the COACH!! PLAYERS WE HAVE!!
Talking about luck, The coach is being confirmed, also with the minors players!! UNBELIEVABLE!!

ANOTHER WORLD CUP!!!

2010-06-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

This time is in Spanish (Otro Mundial) use your translate and read it!!

Go to; or click at http://futbol-my_way.blogspot.com/(a mi manera)

Thank You!!!

The last warrior, seeking to better the game!!

2010-03-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

Getting tired of trying to reach a club or person that agreed to better the game, and, just coming back from South America where was not a bad experience, but not great either. At least I brought good luck to the club, got a new sponsor for the next and final round (Clausura) where we are just 90 minutes away to ascend to the next level, even losing all the games, for being the Champions of the first round (Apertura), have to play one more game, a final between the Apertura Champion and the Clausura Champion, the winner will ascend to Second Division B, just 2 years away to play the Liberators Cup, the South American main event!! and the winner, go to play the real World Cup, against the European Champion! Plus the South American Inter Clubs Championship, and WORLD INTER CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP!

The positive side of all of this, is what some of the players told me "At least, we do not ABUSE the long balls", because if you fallow my posts, you'll know that is not what I preach, and the coaches forget as soon as I'm leaving the field, and that fear to do not lose, (erroneous), back to DEFEND, and forget how to attack!!. They say YES, YES! two minutes later,forgotten! (FEAR!!)
And yes, I'll be busy again, because this is a league, and a territory with many good players easy to be in the main tournaments, many investors are joining clubs, hoping to be in the winning side, and show its own players in a strong league with a good market to get them to Europe and all the strong countries that are looking for good players, this is a league, that has more professionals players playing around the globe, than any other league, -talking in average for the inhabitants in the country-, I was asked to join the I. A. Potencia, ( http://www.iapotencia.com/ ) a club of only 9 years of life, but with a group of young people willing to give all the effort possible for the good of the club and the community and the young talents that the only future may be to play the game!!....They are too, -crossing their fingers-, see if I'll bring luck (knowledge), and find the right person and/or club with better resources and a will, better then mine!

I can't say what accomplish, if was any, I'm not one to toot my own horn, just wait to see if somebody says anything, knowing that my players and directors of the club, speak another language, but today with the "Google translate" could say something, still hoping to generate some comments in this blog.

CREATIVITY and/or ORIGINALITY

2010-01-29T08:53:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Anonymous, that left his/her comments, inspired me, THANKS AGAIN!!. Because, like I said, if I do not generated comments, WHY keep the hopes of some day, somebody, would listen to my cries, and try to do the something for the BEAUTIFUL GAME!! As a lone warrior, in a war to beatify the game, sometimes I feel like I losing the battle.

Also, with my broken English, hope do not offend nobody, I think that I should write in the language of the country I'm living, my conscience and streetwise tells me, to respect!!

Coming back to the title, CREATIVITY and/or ORIGINALITY;
it tells all!!, the majority of the players, today, appears to left the coach command (kick, kick away, don't look where!! just kick it!-defend,DEFEEEEND)

It's Clear (for me), that the player has to CREATE, if you are outside the 18 yards box, YOU have to create, face the defender, try your best footwork, pass him/her, and, you'll find out, that the goalie did his/her job, and close your shooting angle, -again- use YOUR BRAINS, fake, footwork AGAIN!! and put the ball nice and smooth, into the goal!! Easy?? It sounds, easy, that is the way is suppose to be!
But not, next game you'll be out of the team, (if you think) or, maybe! the fans would love it, and no coach will go against the fans!! (?)
According to the coach, you should kick it, where you got the ball, 35, 40 yards out of the goal, not thinking, that, from that distance, you'll convert ONLY IF THE GOALIE GET A HEART ATTACK, or SOMETHING!! Most of the times, the ball goes so far out of target, that the other team get a throwing!! instead then a goal sidekick!!

That is ORIGINALITY too, IT'S THE PLAYERS who win or lose GAMES!!!. Let them PLAY, a good coach, has to know where the person's position inside the field is best, and put the parts together, another reason for the numbers on the jersey, the numbers indicate the position the player have to stand on the field.

CREATIVITY and/or ORIGINALITY on DEFEND!!

If I'm watching a game, and ONE attacker against 4 (FOUR) defenders lose the ball, the defender (ONE!!!) close his/her eyes, and kick it the higher that can be done! Not even THINKING they are 3 (THREE) more players (defenders) watching the play! and wisely could be given to one of the three players sitting (birdwatching) doing nothing, without thinking,
that (JUST I GIVE THE BALL AWAY!!) C'mon let they THINK!! let they use the brains!!!- (not the rear end!)- Like a good friend of mine usually said!-
The funny thing out of all of this, is, when a coach choice/pick a player, it's according with his/her skills, if the player has a good domination of the ball, can pass it, in one word is GOOD!! You are in the TEAM!! WHY, I keep asking myself, WHY it's, in the game is COMPLETE DIFFERENT!!

Back to the title, on the long way, it would help the person to live a better life, because so many times in life, we have to CREATE or be ORIGINAL, to pass hard situations, that we'll not have anybody to tell as, what to do!

Some players misinterpret the CREATIVITY, ORIGINALITY, and get out of hand, when they scored a goal, being not very used to scored, when they luckily, convert, they think (I believe) that they are something like GOD!! run all over the field, celebrating, taking the jersey off (getting yellow card) others jumping on top, holding for behind like dogs, dancing. No, that is not respect for others, and the worse thing is, sometimes the other team get insulted, and they respond with several goals more!! The reality is that is ABSURD and FIFA soon or later will do something!! PLEASE SOON!!!

2009-12-02T13:03:00.000-08:00

The beautiful game

I'm getting sic talking about the way are playing the game, an probability you too, believe me it's not BEAUTIFUL.

Lets concentrate in doing it, the right way... But I already said IT!!

Who am I, to tell HOW the game have to be played?....If I tell you, that I was nobody, that was the worse player in my neighborhood, but, I had GUTS!, never back up for nobody, or anything, That help me in life tremendously. Today, everything I own, is thank to my integrity, courage, honesty, or, whatever you want to call it. But no FEAR, or if onetime I felt the FEAR, I kick it to the side, and, KEEP GOING straight up!, Can be one of the reasons I do not hold any licenses (driver, YES!), I always said, WHO will teach me how to play the game?
If I learned it, with the best ones that played the BEAUTIFUL game!! I'll tell you just one (for now), My good friend Hector (Sapito--Little toad) Martinez, we played a few times together,but, when he was playing for Penarol on the Liberator's Cup, has to play against Brazil,- Santos' PELE, before the game began, "Sapito" told PELE, "Hey Pele, I'll pass the ball in between yours legs" Pele smiled, for the positions they played, just meet once in the whole game, in that particular play, Sapito got the ball, faced Pele, and with a fancy feet move, tried to pass the ball in between Pele's legs, instinctively Pele closed his feet, and the ball did not go through. I imagine Pele smiling, I never could confirm this history, never have the chance to ask Pele. But knowing Sapito, it cold happen!! he was FANTASTIC!! Players like him were all over, he played with a Pele's team mate MOASIR, they usually, in the practices, kicking the ball, will bet, where the ball hit! (for a glass of wine!), I would like, that somebody check in his records and fine out how many goals he MADE from corners kicks!!!, free kicks! you named!!, but IN THAT YEARS, they were so many good players, and, not transfers to other countries, like today!! I don't want to say they were better than today's players, not, was not chances to play, not openings. Look at Pele's record, he just played for Santos, -yes, I know the NY Cosmos, but, that is another history!!-

Like I said, FEAR, it was not in our dictionary, I don't want to say, today's it!, but, just look a couple examples. No, better I shut my mouth!!, but in the game, that line of four (4) THAT IS FEAR!!. Only two (2) attackers, THAT'S FEAR!!!. The team is defending a corner kick, get 8 players inside the box, and the start to hold by the jerseys, the arms, even they get in touch with body parts!!! THIS IS FEAR!! Plus is RIDICULOUS!!! Is ONLY ONE (1) BALL!!! And sometimes it goes out of bound!!!

I can go no and on, for days, but, nobody listen, again FEAR of change something, that is not working, BUT, what if?, better give the ball back to the goalie!,

2009-11-29T05:32:00.000-08:00

Welcome _Again!

First I have to THANK my buddy ACE!! Again and again, because without his knowledge and patience I could not do this!

Because I didn't have many responses on the couple years this blog is running, I thought people didn't care, and the truth is I lose my enthusiasm. And now by POPULAR DEMAND (ACE) I'll start to write in my broken English, and in my natural language Spanish see if I can touch base! before I hung up my cleats!!!
According with the request and/or questions, would be the life of this blog!

I don't want to look critical, but, lets check the last MLS Final game.

What I was talking about it, in past posts, came to be the real truth!!
The "Revolving Door" Yes, coaches are fire for inept from one Club, and, another Club HIRE them!!!" Old Players" turned coaches- do not know better that toss the ball in the air (High as they can) and RUN for it!! "Players may get hurt" In this particular game also happen it! Two players got hurt! running for that loose ball! "The luckiest one will WIN" exactly, is what happen, both teams, during the season, were lousiest, do not tell me the best team won! No Sir, the LUCKIEST WON! The funniest thing is, the winning coach told me couple years ago, (by emails) the "I was insulting him, WHY, he would take my advise", I tried to explain him, then that is one of the beauty of this game, that you can criticise constructively, and believe or not he won the 2009 Cup! "Too many people in the box, and blind the goalie" Exactly what happens in one of the goals, guys running "in line" watching ONE attacker with the ball. That defenders should pay entrance , because they got the best seat in the Stadium!! The other goal, almost the same scene, but this time the "STAR ( I said "FIASCO") in front of the attacker, but, turned his body and jump like a butterfly, again, the goalie would not expected that move and did not see the ball!

Next Post I would like to say something about the slogan some WEB PAGES ARE RUNNING, they write the "BEAUTIFUL GAME" (They don't have idea what it means)

Keeping Busy

2009-03-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

If you want to know what I have been up to, check out the new web site for the Huracán F.C.: http://www.huracanfc.com. As you can see, I'm keeping busy.

My Thoughts

2008-10-11T05:02:00.000-07:00

Do you need more proof that what I have said is true?

First, obviously, I was dead on when it comes to Beckham. (See Walters Wednesday, May 28, 2008 Post Off The Top Of My Head). It’s the Pele fiasco all over again.

The coaches’ revolving door is still revolving, sometimes with the same club. And, the style of play still makes every game a crapshoot. Anyone could wind up champion.

Beside being unproductive, the accepted style of play which I detest is potentially dangerous. Consider the danger posed when two players running wildly toward the ball, like cars flying downhill without brakes, jump simultaneously trying to head the ball. Head injuries generated by this type of collision are common and, one day, could lead to a fatality. Do they really think this is the kind of action fans pay to see?

Moving on, because I could not find a GM with guts enough to hire somebody like me, somebody who will change their current system of play which requires tossing the ball high into the air, I have put my money where my mouth is by investing in a club in Uruguay that has fallen into economic hard times. Do you doubt my level of commitment?

Anyway, my team starts to play next weekend. I must see how the coach performs. We have talked and it seems like we are on the same page. But, if he does not understand my message, I will not hesitate, like any good GM, to step in and start coaching myself. Then, I will prove I’m more than an opinionated old timer.

Just to refresh your mind, I will stress to players “good” treatment of the ball - like it was their first girlfriend. My style requires that players move the ball up the field in steps, not with NFL-style kicks. They should not leave the proximity of their own boxes and wind up with four backs in a line having coffee with the goalie. There must be a buffer zone! It’s no wonder that when a player from the other team volleys the ball, the goalie can’t see it. THAT LINE OF FOUR FULL BACKS is the ANTI-FOOTBALL.

You can keep tabs on my team here.

I’ll be traveling to Uruguay in late October.

Be aware that it is possible for a small club to race to stardom. This club, Huracan, is in Second Div. B, has claim to First Div. B, and, later to First Div. A.

Of course, money is a pressing issue. This year expenses will be covered by me. Next year, who knows? We already have one sponsor, but we need many more. Hopefully, my efforts to raise more money will pay off before my pockets run dry. My life has become a true reality show.

Off the Top of My Head

2008-05-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

(Editor's note: My friend, Ace Toscano, asked me to post my thoughts on the state of soccer, today. Following are my responses to his questions.)

Oh, my man! People may not like what I have to say, but, good, maybe it will generate some comments.

Who do you think will win the Olympic Gold Medal for soccer?
Who will win the Gold? Like I have said before, THE TEAM THAT IS LUCKIEST! As long as the coaches promote this ping-pong style of play, anybody can win.

And let's not forget the $$$$$. The teams with more money are stronger - their players will literally roll over their opponents like a speeding train.

Last week they played the final game to see who would be the European champions. In the game between Manchester United and Chelsea, after they played the regular 90 minutes, plus 30 in overtime, the score was still 1-1 on two lucky goals. They then had to go to penalty kicks. Embarrassingly, some of these kicks, which are so easy you can make them with your eyes closed, were missed.

Up here in the National League, competition is so even, there's little difference between the best teams and the lousiest. One coach, talking to reporters after his team lost 5-1, blamed the loss on personnel, formations and offensive shortcomings. Poor excuses! The real cause was lousy coaching. Eventually, he'll get fired but another team will pick him up and as a result of this revolving door policy, the game will continue to stagnate. What they need is a coach like me. As I've told you before, their whole approach to the game is wrong.

You asked what I think about Beckham. It's the Pele fiasco all over again. Sure, he can push the ball a long way into the other team's box, but you know what happens with long balls? right? If you see him taking another guy in a dribble, ALLELUIA!! But, to his credit, he's not beating people at night and getting drunk where the paparazzi can see him. He is a roll model. And, he has the looks (like us, remember Ace?) but he can't play the game. Oh, I almost forgot, he also married a pretty girl. Like us!

Campito - The Lessons of Maracanazo

2008-02-07T08:32:00.000-08:00

Uruguay has a long and illustrious history. They were world champion 4 times – two Olympic Championships before the world cup and two after. For a country of only 3 million, they produce more world class players than any other country.

Many fans wonder why Uruguay has not won a world championship in 58 years. Here, I intend to give you my two cents on that subject.

First, there’s the issue of the Campito (playground, sandlot). This has always been a haven for youngsters to develop their skills, but, as cities expand and vacant lots become scarcer, there has been less opportunity, except in rural areas, for this kind of development. I believe there can be no real progress until the Campito returns to its former importance as a training ground.

Another factor standing in the way of winning is the coaching. Coaching has become a restricted community. Ex-players who know the game frontward and backwards aren’t able to become coaches because they haven’t completed the required 3-year training program. Whatever the reasons for this complicated process, one thing is for sure – it keeps many talented coaches out of work and places many without the proper know-how on the field. You cannot underestimate the importance of this point - the coaching situation is a cancer on football in Uruguay.

Let’s get back to the Campito. Not only is it a place where physical skills are developed, but also mental and leadership skills. On the playgrounds leaders naturally emerge. Later, when they join organized teams, those with leadership qualities assert themselves and become team leaders. The best example of a team leader was legendary great Obdulio “El Negro Jefe” Varela, the black chief.

Let’s go back to the championship game of 1950. The Brazilian machine came out and scored a quick goal intending to bury the underdogs from Uruguay. It was the street-smart Jefe who slowed down play by placing the ball under his arm and initiating a prolonged discussion with the referees. This not only calmed down the 200,000 wild Brazilian fans, it took the momentum from the great Brazilian players.

Then, after a Brazilian defender fouled Alcides Ghiggia hard, Schubert Gambetta (Mono “The Monkey” Gambetta) took the first opportunity to return the favor to the Brazilian defender and, while they were on the ground, he relayed the message that if he should foul Ghiggia again he would kill him, literally or figuratively. From then on the Brazilians were less willing to mix it up and, ultimately, this cost them the game. This stunning defeat of Brazil is referred to as the Maracanazo.

This is just one example of how attitudes and styles developed on the playground transfer to the big field. The chain of events immortalized at the Maracanazo, unfortunately, would not repeat themselves today. Rather than learn in the playground and on the streets, todays players come up through a succession of soccer camps where their first impulse is to run to the referee crying foul. They have no idea of how to work out problems on their own. Where are the Gambettas of today?

I was recently approached by a group in Uruguay who wanted me to explore several possibilities. For one, they would like to form an alliance with a professional team from anywhere in the world. This relationship would be like a farm team. I am eager to help them in this regard. They also asked me to give them the benefit of my coaching experience. Here, however, there seem to be several issues regarding coaching that I have to investigate when I travel to Uruguay this spring. I’ll let you know what I find out. Still, regardless of the situation in Uruguay, I would be willing to travel elsewhere and to organize, coach and co-sponsor a farm team anywhere else in the world.

Farming in Uruguay

2008-01-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

In case you didn't know, my native Uruguay is fertile ground for developing the futbol stars of tomorrow. I believe U.S. soccer teams have overlooked this resource. Players could not only gain experience by competing against players from Brazil and Argentina, they could also compete for the Copa Libertadores (Liberator's Cup). I would be interested in organizing and coaching a farm team. I'm willing and I'm available. Get back to me, pronto.

Walter

Football and You - Part 2

2007-09-13T05:23:00.001-07:00

Football requires intelligence, agility, and an extraordinary coordination of movement. Size is of secondary importance and many great players are small in stature. Some others have succeeded despite physical handicaps. A case in point: Garrincha. Struck by polio as a small child, he walked with a limp his entire life. Yet, he became a superb player. He was a teammate of Pele and while playing for Sweden and Chile Garrincha made it to the World Championship finals and experienced the glory of being part of the World Championship team.

American fans are not accustomed to sports like this. Sports they follow require more brute strength and more macho. If they were ever lucky enough to see a well-played World Cup contest, they would see the kind of power that’s needed to win and compete well. In addition to their athletic skills, players have to be smart. For example, they have to know how to play against the clock and they must do it instinctively, with no prompt from their coach. Let’s say your team is controlling the ball to protect their lead as time is running out. Imagine the frustration and hostility felt by fans of the opposing team, as your favorite players thwart them at every turn. Now, that’s macho.

I am putting all my effort into making this imagined scenario a reality. By following this formula, players in the United States will be able to successfully compete on a World Championship level, and their fans will react with renewed enthusiasm. This is exactly what American football needs.

Our Formula

Students of the game will understand my winning formula:

South American Ball Control + European Teamwork + American Enthusiasm = Tomorrow’s Champions

To achieve success, two additional components are needed - hard work and, most importantly, real competition. Hard work is no problem for Americans. They’ve already shown the world at the Olympics that they are capable of being top contenders in any given sport. In regards to training, American sports programs feature the best equipment and facilities, as well as the best trainers and medical personnel. Yet, there are elements of the game that you cannot develop in the laboratory or with machines, or by training or instruction from the best coaches. To finely hone their skills, what players need is competition.

Walter's Open Letter to Coaches and GMs

2007-09-04T04:29:00.000-07:00

My main knowledge is from the sport I played and coached in my old country (Uruguay). The best way I know to express myself is in the court (Field).

Let me tell you what’s on my mind:

I would like to see teams go back to playing the game as I know it, old school futbol (soccer), and I feel very confident I can make that happen. Mostly, I’ve been contacting teams whose coaches and GMs are in danger of losing their jobs because of poor performance. Maybe, I figure, one day someone will talk with me before they get the axe and give me the opportunity to turn their team around and save somebody’s job. And I’m so confident I could do that that I would not even talk about money until we got to the playoffs. It’s not easy; it will take some work. But I like what I see in today’s players - they play hard, maintain fantastic conditioning, follow any coaching, and, most importantly, pass the ball quickly. They will soon be playing a more effective brand of futbol with my help.

Here’s some of my strategy:

Be gentle to the ball – don’t make long passes that have only a 50% chance of succeeding because the defenders are facing the ball and waiting.
ESCALATE the field, that way the BALL can proceed to the other goal nicely, with passes of 10 to 15 feet away and CREATE a chance for a goal, not just hope for a lucky mistake.
You'll see a TANDEM, two players who together can provide or create a chance of goal and any give game.
You'll see a NEXUS, a player who will connect the defenders with the forwards, without that long pass,
A "DELIVERER" a player who obstructs the guy who is with the ball - without fouling! -- And one of his teammates steals the ball!!!

Even if you coaches like my ideas and try them next game without consulting me, that's FINE with me because at least I'll see a good game for a change. People around the world pay a lot of money to watch futbol and those in America are particularly desperate to see a good game. They went to see PELE and got robbed - he wasn't the same player he used to be. Now, today, they bring another STAR. But without a good strategy the game will still be like ping pong. And, who will win? The team that is LUCKY that day.

FOOTBALL (a/k/a soccer) AND YOU: Part I

2007-09-01T04:50:00.000-07:00

First, I would like to discuss what, undoubtedly, is the key issue in the American Soccer dilemma.

Meriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, defines soccer as follows: a game played on a field by two teams of 11 players each with the object to propel a round ball into the opponent’s goal by kicking or by hitting it with any part of the body except the hands and arms -- called also association football. The word soccer, itself, is an alteration of the term association football. A game fitting this definition and played, thanks to the Englishmen who disseminated it, around the world in more than 100 countries is commonly known as football. Could there be a more natural name for a game requiring that a ball be propelled by a foot?

Though extremely popular around the world, due to poor management and disastrous changes that corrupted their version of the game, football has never caught on in America. Typical of this mismanagement was the decision made in the 1970’s, a decision that reflects a complete lack of intelligence, to drop the name football in favor of the term soccer.

Some Americans, realizing the excitement that term aroused, cleverly proceeded to create a new sport that, while completely different from football, has become popular with the American public. The two versions of the game, one well-managed, the other mismanaged, are, in fact, so different, as different as night and day, that there is no reason why the two cannot coexist without competing with each other.

I would like to introduce American fans, especially that minority who wants to compete on a World level, to a sport hardly played here but revered in other parts of the world. It is called football. That’s the term I will be using. This may be confusing to those who have been using the term soccer, but I would like to drive home the fact that while vaguely similar to the game known worldwide as football, it is definitely different.

Let me explain a few of those differences. Professional soccer, as originally played in America, was actually a combination of football and various other sports popular with American fans. In an effort to gain the attention of fans, managers of the various leagues combined some rules of these American games with the rules of football and soccer was born. Unfortunately, their creation was a boring game that repulsed rather than attracted disappointed fans.

Today, even though those original professional leagues have died out, the game they contrived, soccer, can still be seen on college campuses and athletic fields. What a pity! Though there are talented players, they are handicapped by rules and practices that just don’t make sense. For example, you can’t substitute six or seven players at the same time and expect to maintain momentum. No way! All this does is disrupt the flow of the game. And Sudden Death, which makes it necessary for teams to keep playing until there is a winner, completely discounts the achievement of a hard fought tie. No, I’m sorry, this game isn’t football.

I could go on forever pointing out differences and mistakes, but that’s not my goal. My goal is to show you the excitement, beauty and art of the game. Yes, football is an art and only a few select people have the talent needed to master it. To cultivate the abilities required to play the game as it should be played, one must begin at an early age and continue to nurture those skills until adulthood when all their hard work will bare fruit in the form of a splendid and accomplished football player.

Welcome to Fútbol My Way

2007-07-30T10:34:00.000-07:00