Oh, you will read the same caveats all over the place in the coming weeks, days, years. Jonathan De Guzman spent most of his life abroad, so his choice to hold out for the Netherlands is perfectly understandable. We should commend him for making the best choice for his long-term career. You will hear patronizing reminders ridiculing you for the insult you felt watching him breathlessly speak of his desire to play for the Netherlands while wearing a Canada shirt at a Canadian national team game, mere months after his brother admitted he was in talks with the CSA about getting his passport to play here, and mere seconds after admitting the idea came about simply because he wasn’t getting enough playing time with Villarreal.
“He was there to cheer his brother, playing for your country is one thing, supporting it is another,” some will say. “Don’t buy into simple nationalism. Let’s improve the program to keep our players home.” You might be tempted to buy into this kind of sophistry, so as not to look like a salivating nationalist, or worse, a “typical Canada fan.”
Don’t.
Yes, Jonathan’s story is a complicated one. His parents came here from the Philippines and Jamaica. He grew up in Scarborough and left to train with Feyenoord when he was 12 years old. The Netherlands nurtured his football side in ways Canada was not equipped to, made him the player he is today.
But his is the story of countless Canadians, with residences here and elsewhere. Had he made his decision for Holland early and kept to it, he would have been a footnote in Canadian soccer history, a reason to improve the program here at home, a minor sore point.
But he didn’t. Instead, he used the prospect of playing for Canada as leverage with his La Liga club, a mere option for “more playing time.” He used his brother as a pawn to send the message to the domestic media, with no regard for the feelings and expectations of Canadian soccer fans. And he casually broke the news reporters had been asking about for months now, in a Canada shirt, at a Canada game, after sending out messages of support to the national team via Twitter.
Perhaps we should grow to accept that international football is as much a game for mercenaries as the club version. Quickly nationalized Brazilians play in national teams around the world, after all. International football is a lark for UEFA/FIFA to make lots of money.
Except that we know as spectators of the Euros, it isn’t. The team celebrations that followed Kuba’s equalizer against Russia should be an indication of that, as well as the incredible rivalry on display tonight between Germany and the Netherlands. Despite the hipster cynicism, the shirt deals, the FIFA Fan Zones, the corruption, national pride still means something in football, it’s the reason we care, the core reality that makes football good.
Yesterday, Canada drew Honduras at home 0-0, a game they dominated from start to finish. Canada’s players, far more so than those currently competing in Europe, traveled long distances to help their country qualify for the World Cup. Their desire was evident last night. No, we don’t need the likes of Jonathan De Guzman in the national team to succeed.
But the strident disconnect between professed “love of country” and the desire to play for Holland because “they regularly make World Cups” cannot be explained away, apologized for, reasoned with. It’s a disgrace. We’re not an outfit or a means to a starting XI, or a mere shirt, or flag. You can’t profess to be a proud Canadian and then use your national team colours as leverage.
We’re Canada.
What can I say to this, except “who cares”? The aim is to put a better side out on the pitch. And the guy hasn’t done anything wrong; this isn’t like bringing in Joey Barton or Marlon King.
This “you’re not fit to wear the shirt” crap is tiresome. If a footballer is never permitted to change his mind, we all miss out. Simple as that.
Yeah, why have countries? Who cares?
Yes, that’s what I said, we shouldn’t have countries. That sarcasm is about as leaden as it gets, Richard.
Again, he has done nothing wrong. Nothing whatsoever. He’s been utterly blameless – he declared for Holland to further his career. It didn’t work out. Do you think no one in that Canadian dressing room is playing to further their careers? Pull the other one!
As for who cares – I care, for one. I care a lot. I would like it if being a Voyageur were a little less thankless, actually, which is one reason why I want the team to be better, and I am not really all that picky about how it’s done. I want us to win matches, qualify for things, win things. I don’t want the CSA to break or bend the rules and I don’t want to win in the boardroom or through corruption. But this isn’t any of those things – it’s embracing someone who came to his choice late.
I mean, for one thing the fact that guys like DeG and Hoilett are interested at all is a testament to the improvement we’ve seen. Let’s not cut off our nose to spite our face.
In an ideal world, I agree with you. However, I just don’t think that the Canadian program is in a position to be an ideologue about this sort of thing. Nor, for instance, was England, who selected a racist to their team in a Euro tournament that has already been controversial for that reason. In the real world, the fans expect too much for the men who make the decisions to take player’s personal beliefs and motives into account when it will result in a better chance at victory.
You think there is nothing wrong with this?
“he used the prospect of playing for Canada as leverage with his La Liga club, a mere option for “more playing time.” He used his brother as a pawn to send the message to the domestic, with no regard for the feelings and expectations of Canadian soccer fans. And he casually broke the news reporters had been asking about for months now, in a Canada shirt, at a Canada game, after sending out messages of support to the national team via Twitter.”
No, I don’t. He’s trying to further his career.
As to “no regard for the feelings and expectations of Canadian soccer fans”… really?
Also, is there a better place for him to break that news, as it were, than at a Canada game, in a Canada uniform? Supporting his brother? First the complaint is that he doesn’t care, then when he tries to show he cares, he’s a phony. If he can’t win with you, he can’t win; that’s fine. I just hope that the CSA and the MNT management see through it and assess hard-headedly whether he can help the team.
If you don’t see anything wrong with that, then you really are missing something.
Then I am really glad you not my brother. Because it is really despicable how much he left Julian to hang out to dry like that. Getting to him to do an interview with the score for the whole nation to see, saying that Jono was committed to play for Canada. Then backing out a few months later. No class.
Exactly. I was at the Toronto FC media day when Julian revealed that Jono was interested in playing for Canada. I was three feet from him when he said it. He was earnest. He believed it.
Jono did indeed leave Julian out to dry.
There’s something wrong there, something very wrong!
I feel very badly for Julian.
Calling bullshit on your objectivism mate, youre just playing devil’s advocate here.
Richard, that was great. Thank you. This is exactly what needs to said in the media.
I would say, though, that perhaps we don’t need Jonathan De Guzman for a different reason – I think he may well not be good enough to help. However, that’s a decision I’d rather have Stephen Hart make…
I don’t think you understand what you’re saying/thinking.
Your first line: “What can I say to this, except “who cares”?”
You proceed to answer the question you yourself pose thus: “As for who cares – I care, for one”
So….?
Great piece Richard, couldn’t agree more.
Don’t know what to think about this whole mess. I found it completely odd, and quite frankly disrespectful, that Jono is wearing a Canada shirt while being interviewed, and his reasoning for NOT playing for Canada. Use some common sense Jono, if you’re going to do an interview that’s on NATIONAL TELEVISION, put on a sweater, take the shirt off while doing the interview, do something. The only thing you are doing is making a fool of yourself.
Richard, just want to play a bit of devil’s advocate here though. Let’s say come the end of 2013, Canada is qualified for the World Cup, and Jono still hasn’t sniffed at a chance to be in the Netherlands sqaud. Jono decides to flip flop once again, and says he’ll play for Canada (for argumentative purposes, let’s forget the whole passport issues). Do you take him back if you’re Stephen Hart? Do you support him if you’re a Canadian Supporter?
Curious to see what people think.
Interesting question, Steven R. I’m ashamed to admit it, but if Jonathan De Guzman were more talented, I would take him back. Since he’s only a middling player, and Canada will have qualified for the World Cup anyway, best leave him home.
What would his presence add? Losing to Brazil 4-0 instead of 5?
If I was Stephen Hart, I’d take him…then not play him for a single minute. =)
Playing time my ass.
Or perhaps play him for literally a single minute. Just to make SURE the Netherlands can never play him.
Though I honestly don’t know if there’s anything one could do to make the already laughable idea of JDG2 playing for the freaking Netherlands even less likely.
if we do make the WC it would almost certainly be 3 and done so I would say no. if at that point he wanted to play for us it would be strictly for exposure so no. imo anyone who doesn’t play in the qualifing rounds that was asked to play, unless injuried shouldn’t be allowed to play once we get to the world Cup
Well said Richard. I often disagree with your assessments of things, but this was bang on. Well done.
1) If only soccer was bigger in Canada, then this would get play in the mainstream media and generate more justifiable outrage.
2) Why has no one used the term ‘traitor’ yet?
“2) Why has no one used the term ‘traitor’ yet?”
You just did. Maybe we don’t use that word because there are so many traitors in Canadian soccer history. The all-traitor would beat the actual teams hands down, wouldn’t it?
I’m sending the paperwork into FIFA as we speak. All-Traitor team for 2014.
Richard this article was bang on to my sentiments on this matter. I am happy someone in the media has finally come out and tell it as it is. I am so tired of these mercenaries, now rearing it’s ugly head more in international football these days.
Good riddance to to you Jono and if Canada qualifies for 2014 WC, there is no chance in hell I would take him. He can sit and rot in the Netherlands waiting for his so called call up to the Dutch first team.
I’ll second that – and Jono, good luck becoming part of the “next generation” of dutch internationals. Look around you buddy, players like Afellay and Strootman are already there – instead of you. Aaawww.
To play devil’s advocate doesn’t he need his Dutch passport in order to ply his trade in Europe? If he declares for Canada doesn’t he lose his Dutch passport? If he loses his Dutch passport doesn’t it make it more difficult for him to play in Europe?
There are exceptions.You just have to know the right people or hire a good immigration lawyer to help you.
If on the other hand, he said something to the tune of:
“I cannot get my Canadian passport sorted without putting my European club career in jeopardy. So unfortunately I am unable to represent Canada now and in the near future. I will try and make the best of this situation and make the Dutch national team.”
…then I think we would be less upset and more understanding.
This is a classic pimp move. The Canadian fans are just hoz along for the ride.
We have kids playing all over the world, I know 1 in the Finnish second division, about 10 caps with the under 20′s, tearing it up and being worshipped by their fans, keep emailing him to see when he will get called up, I realize Harts “no 2nd division players” may apply here, but, we have more talent out there to focus on this chump. Hopefully Julian wil play in a world cup before his brother, wonder if he will wear the jacket when he’s watching in Brazil.
whats with the “No 2nd Division Players” comment that I keep hearing? Ocean plays for a 2nd division team that just got promoted to the Bundesliga and David Edgar plays for Burnley, Ledgerwood plays in the third division, and Ricketts plays in tier 2 in Romania
I think people are misinterpreting what Hart means when he says that players must be playing “First team” football. He means that they have to be playing competitive games, not reserve games. It has no bearing on what division they are playing in. And it’s more of a guideline than a rule. Jackson hasn’t played much this past season, and Piette hasn’t played first team outside of Olympic qualifying as far as I know.
thanks for clarification cuz I hadn’t heard Hart say anything like that and Bill used the term Division so I was looking for clarification.
I thought Hart’s policy was that players had to be playing regularly, not that they couldn’t be on a second division team.
Exactly or Pedro Pacheco wouldn’t be on the team.
I’m sure I read the 2nd team comment when the whole DeGuzman mess flared up, if it isn’t the case I apologize to Mr Hart..
I think you’re still confusing things Bill. Second team is “reserves”, not second division.
Nothing more to say on the matter. Brilliant work Richard.
We have to give the DeGuzman brothers more credit, does anyone actually believe Jono would be so disrespectful as to profess his commitment to the Netherlands while wearing a canadian team jacket? or Julian telling us how Jono wants to play for Canada if he wasn’t truly interested, and then making him look bad? come on, read between the lines.
He was just being a politician, and taking care of business. Saying the opposite of the truth, just as most politicians often do.
He’ll play for Canada, if we make the hex.