In a perfect world, national team coaches would be able to call up the best players to play for their country all the time. But, as the International Herald Tribune’s Rob Hughes points out, things like injuries, egos, politics and poor decision-making always get in the way. In England, the politics of club vs. country is weighing on Michael Owen’s participation in this weekend’s Euro 2008 qualifiers. His club, Newcastle United, is understandably cautious about its perennially injured striker playing for the national team so soon after surgery. Owen has made just 16 starts in nearly two and a half years for Newcastle, and his injuries always seem to occur while playing for England. Nevertheless, he is adamant about playing this weekend.
These are happier times for Brazil’s Alfonso Alves, who after several years of trying finally earned a national team call-up. However, it took a remarkable seven-goal performance for the Heerenveen striker to attract Brazil coach Dunga’s attention — such is the quality of Brazil’s team. Had Alves played in one of the top European leagues, he might have been noticed earlier, but a move away from Holland was sabotaged by the high price tag placed on his head.
Finally, and perhaps most regrettably, Iranian-born German striker Ashkan Dejagah has refused his first call-up for a friendly against Israel. Proud of his Iranian heritage, Dejagah said he would not play out of “respect” for his homeland. The Central Council of Jews in Germany responded by asking that Dejagah be barred from representing the national team.