¿COMO “NACIO”  LA COPA DEL MUNDO?

(Segunda Parte)

Por Carlos F.Ramírez

La I Guerra Mundial encontró que FIFA había crecido notablemente; se habían agregado países de América, como Argentina, Brasil, Chile, los Estados Unidos, México, Urugay,etc.  Y aunque las cuatro asociaciones de Gran Bretaña también  habían ingresado,  pronto se separarían temporalmente como veremos enseguida.

Al terminar la Primera Guerra Mundial 1914-18,  Inglaterra, Irlanda del Norte, Escocia y País de Gales, se negaron a reanudar lazos deportivos con Alemania, Austria y Hungría; Irlanda, Francia y Bélgica se unieron a ellos.  Para colmo, en la junta de 1919 en Bruselas, se votó no jugar partidos contra naciones que hubieran jugado contra los países “boicoteados”, algo que no gusto a Bélgica que era sede de los Juegos Olímpicos de 1920.

 

En una junta de emergencia, Heni Delaunay, secretario de la Federación Francesa, declaró que “era imposible aceptar que una competencia internacional de Fútbol fuera propiedad única de los Juegos Olímpicos, un evento solo de  aficionados.  Debemos aceptar que el profesionalismo está aquí, con nosotros”.

 

Para aclarar la distinción entre un “amateur” y un profesional, se pidió la opinión de Gran Bretaña, que no tenía dudas y presentó su definición llana y cortante.  Pero FIFA, teniendo diferentes  definiciones de países tan diversos, no aceptó lo que los británicos insistían;  por lo que hubo un divorcio entre Gran Bretaña y la FIFA,  que duró  hasta que, terminada  la II Guerra Mundial, se “firmó la reconciliación” y el carnero (no el cordero) regresó al redil. 

 

El aislamiento de los británicos no detuvo la marcha de FIFA que en 1928 pidió en su congreso “iniciar los planes para lanzar al mundo nuestro Campeonato Mundial – 25 países votaron a favor y sólo votaron en contra (apoyando a los británicos) cinco: Suecia, Noruega, Dinamarca, Finlandia y Estonia.  Presente estaba el austriaco Hugo Meisl,  importante personaje del fútbol de aquellos tiempos, creador de la Copa Mitropa y de la Copa de Naciones, donde participaban Austria, Checoslovaquia, Suiza, Italia y Hungría; y se le nombró responsable de organizar la Primera Copa del Mundo, que incluiría a las naciones de América.

 

Enseguida se presentaron países candidatos a organizarla, entre ellos, sorpresivamente, Suecia, Holanda, Hungría y España – pero Jules Rimet tenía una especial amistad con el Dr.Duero, Embajador uruguayo en zonas europeas.  En una privada charla y caminata por las calles de París, Uruguay ofreció organizar el Mundial, y su proposición fue unánimemente aceptada por los directivos de FIFA.

 

Uruguay era doble campeón olímpico (1924 y 1928) y sobre todo, garantizó pagar todos los costos de viaje y gastos de estancia de los participantes. Se contrató al escultor francés Abel Lafleur para diseñar el trofeo, y se decidió llamarle al torneo “Copa Jules Rimet” en honor del Presidente de FIFA.   Esto ocurrió hace 86 años, aproximadamente… lo demás, es historia que seguiremos comentando en este Blog.

Ten Teams Kick Off North American Soccer League   2014 Spring Season   Clubs Aiming For Home Postseason Semi Final Berth   In The Championship   10-Day Countdown to the NASL 2014 Kickoff... 10 days to go   NEW YORK, NY. (April 2, 2014) - Ten days from now... the race for the North American Soccer League 2014 Spring Season title kicks off.   The 2014 NASL Spring Season gets underway in Fort Lauderdale, Indianapolis, San Antonio and Tampa Bay on Saturday, April 12 then continues 24 hours later in New York as the Cosmos begin their defense of the Soccer Bowl trophy Giovanni Savarese's team won in 2013.   As well as the spring silverware on offer, a home semi final berth in The Championship awaits the winners of the nine-week campaign before the NASL breaks to avoid clashing with the FIFA World Cup. The NASL Spring Season and Fall Season champions will be joined in the semi finals of The Championship by the two clubs with the next best overall records from both seasons combined. The semi final winners will compete in The Championship final in November.   "We are looking forward to the 2014 NASL season," said Savarese, whose Cosmos face the Atlanta Silverbacks on opening weekend in a rematch of the November 12clash that saw them capture the Soccer Bowl trophy with a 1-0 win. "It is a new year with new possibilities. We understand we needed to improve in some areas and were able to do so, bringing in some players that would improve us."   Among the clubs looking to dethrone the Cosmos will be 2012 NASL champions the Tampa Bay Rowdies, who kick off at home to FC Edmonton on April 12. Down the road in Fort Lauderdale, Strikers coach Gunter Kronsteiner begins his first full season at the helm, having taken over before the 2013 Fall Season, and his team host newcomer Ottawa Fury FC.   Another coach benefiting from having a full offseason to prepare his side having taken over midway through last season is Alen Marcina, whose San Antonio Scorpions open up at home to Minnesota United.   A dream that began 15 months ago with the announcement that Indianapolis would have its own NASL team becomes a reality when Indy Eleven kicks off at home to the Carolina RailHawks 10 days from now. Having already snapped up 7,000 season tickets, the Indy Eleven faithful will pack into Carroll Stadium to watch their club make history.   A look at each team in 140 characters or less...   @ATLSilverbacks look to again capture the Spring crown under Eric Wynalda. Belize striker Deon McCaulay scored 13 World Cup qualifying goals   @RailHawksFC defend a proud unbeaten run that lasted in all competitive games through 2013. New striker Daniel Jackson has big boots to fill   @FCEdmontonNow look to lose their draw specialists tag and put their trust in some youthful homegrown talent under head coach Colin Miller   @FTLStrikers introduce a German Bundesliga pair with forward Marius Ebbers and keeper Oka Nikolov under Austrian coach Gunter Kronsteiner   @IndyEleven look to Brazilian World Cup winner @Kleberson_8 to inspire and please 7,000 season ticket holders gripped by Indy soccer fever   @MNUnitedFC is confident following a successful preseason tour in England but navigate the spring without injured scorer @9apito Pablo Campos   @NYCosmos add goals potential of Hans Denissen, Norwegian Mads Stokkelien and loanee Jimmy Ockford to midfield goals of Spain's Marcos Senna   @OttawaFuryFC combine a blend of homegrown Canadians with some Brazilian flair under head coach Marc Dos Santos in their debut NASL season   @SAScorpions boss Alen Marcina has recruited proven NASL talent including Atlanta midfield pair Richard Menjivar and Danny Barrera for 2014   @RowdiesSoccer added Golden Boot winner Brian Shriver to Golden Ball winner Georgi Hristov to create a strike partnership that looks deadly   So What's New?   And then there were four...   Extended NASL postseason play means that the top four NASL clubs at the conclusion of both seasons will advance to compete in The Championship. The NASL Spring Season and Fall Season champions will each host a semi final. The number one seed will be awarded to whichever of the Spring or Fall champions posts the better combined regular season record. The number three and number four seeds will be awarded to the next two clubs with the best overall records from both seasons combined. Clubs will retain their seeding throughout the postseason. The top-seeded semi final winner will host The Championship final. If the same club wins both seasons, the clubs with the second, third and fourth best overall records from both seasons combined will qualify for The Championship. 2014 marks the debut of two new NASL clubs in Indianapolis and Ottawa...   Indy Eleven adopted its official name on April 25, 2013 during a ceremony held at the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument - 152 years to the day of the initial enlistment of the 11th Indiana Regiment during the Civil War.   Former U.S. national team goalkeeper Juergen Sommer holds the coaching reins, and has compiled a rookie squad that is spearheaded by arguably the NASL off-season's most prominent signing, Brazilian World Cup winner and former Manchester United midfielder Kleberson.   "Our expectations are simple - to be very competitive and put a good product on the field," said Sommer. "We want to provide entertainment for the fans and put ourselves in a position to really showcase ourselves in the spring season. Thanks to the ownership and leadership of the organization we'll be able to put together an exciting and dynamic group of players out there. It should be fun."   The introduction of Ottawa Fury FC to the NASL doubles the league's Canadian presence. The Fury will plays it home matches in two venues this year, opening the Spring Season at the Carleton University's Keith Harris Stadium before competing at the impressive newly constructed TD Place for the Fall campaign.   Fury FC recently unveiled new red, white and black uniforms for the new season. "Our kits are just as integral to our brand as our team name and crest," said Fury FC President John Pugh. "Our fans played an important role in the selection of the kits last fall and so they represent not only the Fury FC brand, but our fans as well.  So I think we'll see a lot of Fury FC jerseys in the stands and around the city in the coming weeks, months and years."   World Cup break...   The NASL has positioned its mid-season break in 2014 to align with the FIFA World Cup and ensure fans are able to enjoy both competitions without missing a single game.   Joining the majority of the soccer world in avoiding a conflict with the game's illustrious showpiece tournament, the NASL will break for the duration of the World Cup, which will be played from June 12 to July 13 in Brazil.   "Soccer fans everywhere anticipate the World Cup with great excitement every four years, so we recognize it is essential that NASL fans are able to watch the games from Brazil without a conflict," said NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson. "This break to enjoy watching the world's top international players in action will appeal to our fans, players, coaches and everyone associated with the NASL."   Under new management...   Two head coaches will make their NASL debuts when Indy Eleven and Ottawa Fury FC kick off their spring campaigns. Marc Dos Santos will guide the fortunes of Fury FC, while Juergen Sommer will take charge of Indy Eleven.   Dos Santos coached with the Montreal Impact in the NASL in 2011 and joins Fury FC after spending the last two years coaching in Brazil. After coaching the U20 team of FC Primeira Camisa in the 2012 Copa Sao Paolo, the Montreal native was invited to join SE Palmeiras, one of the most successful clubs in Brazilian football, where he coached the U15 team to their first ever Brazilian Championship in 2012.   Former U.S. Men's National team goalkeeper Sommer has local ties having attended high school at Culver Academy in northern Indiana before heading south to Bloomington to walk-on at Indiana University. He posted 57 career wins for the Hoosiers, still standing as third-most in the storied program's record books and helped win a third National Championship in 1988 and another Final Four appearance the following season before ending his collegiate career by being named Soccer America's Goalkeeper of the Year as a senior in 1990.   Eric Wynalda is certainly no stranger to the Atlanta Silverbacks having presided over the club's run to the 2013 NASL Soccer Bowl as technical director, but will now handle all team-related decisions, and manage the team during NASL play. While he will still remain in his role as a soccer analyst at Fox Sports 1, the former U.S. Men's National Team star will manage all of the team's games and key practices. Wynalda will rely on a group of hand-selected assistants to take the team through early-week recovery and training sessions.   "We understand as an organization that this appears to be a less conventional approach to running a club, however, we wouldn't be doing this if we didn't expect it to be successful," said Wynalda. "Our ethics, our principles, our tactics, and our philosophy will not change, and we believe this process is very feasible and has tremendous potential."   Continuing The Countdown   With nine days until the season kickoff, tomorrow the NASL looks at some of the transfers in and out of NASL clubs and shines the spotlight on some of the potential stars of the 2014 season.

About the NASL The North American Soccer League is a professional soccer league established in the United States and Canada. The NASL member teams are: Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, FC Edmonton, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Indy Eleven, Minnesota United FC, New York Cosmos, Ottawa Fury FC, San Antonio Scorpions FC and Tampa Bay Rowdies. Jacksonville Armada, Virginia Cavalry FC and Oklahoma City will commence play in 2015. For more information about the NASL, visit www.NASL.com. Follow the NASL on Twitter @NASLOfficial and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/NASLfans.

Courtesy of:

Steven Torres

Manager of Public Relations, International/Hispanic Media

North American Soccer League

www.NASL.com

Office: +1/646-757-4643 

Mobile: +1/646-785-1155

Email: storres@nasl.com

Indy Eleven Signs Brazilian World Cup Winner Kleberson

 

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. (March 31, 2014) - Indy Eleven became the first team in the modern era of the North American Soccer League to add a FIFA World Cup champion to its roster with today's signing of Brazilian midfielder Kleberson.

 

The 2002 World Cup winner and former Manchester United player joins Indy Eleven on a two-year contract; per club policy, terms of the deal will not be released.

 

"Signing of a player of Kleberson's caliber signifies Indy Eleven is serious about bringing our fans wins and trophies," said Indy Eleven Owner Ersal Ozdemir.  "We welcome Kleberson to Indiana and look forward to his contributions to building the club both on and off the field."

 

While Kleberson, who will don Indy Eleven's #8 jersey, will be available for selection in league play pending completion of the visa process, he can participate in exhibition play and is expected to make his unofficial debut on Tuesday night when the squad will travel to West Lafayette to host Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire. Kickoff from the Boilermaker Sports Complex for tomorrow's contest is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and tickets will be available for purchase at the venue's box office beginning at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday.

 

Indy Eleven will also host Indiana University at its home of Michael A. Carroll Stadium at IUPUI this Friday, April 4, with that exhibition also slated to start at 7:30 p.m.Attendance for that match is limited to Indy Eleven's 7,000-member season ticket base.

 

The 34-year-old Kleberson (@kleberson_8 on Twitter) brings vast and valuable experience to the Indy Eleven line-up, having plied his trade on some of the world's grandest stages during a professional career that began with Atletico Paranaense in his native Brazil at the age of 19. 

 

"This move to Indy Eleven is not just a great professional opportunity, but a great move for Kleberson the person as well," said Kleberson.  "It's a new club, and I have big expectations of myself to put my name into the team's history.

 

"Indianapolis is a great city, and I've seen great commitment by the organization to make this club a success.  My first meetings with teammates have been excellent; this is a group of young and experienced players with a lot of talent.  I'm expecting to put all of this together and to enjoy a great future as a part of Indy Eleven."

 

Kleberson gained worldwide notoriety during the 2002 FIFA World Cup Finals in South Korea and Japan, when his standout performance for the Brazilian National Team helped propel the Canarinho to their fifth and most recent world championship.  After coming off the bench in Brazil's last group stage and Round of 16 matches, the then-23-year-old Kleberson was inserted into the starting XI for Brazil's final three matches and assisted on Ronaldo's second goal in a 2-0 victory over Germany in the Final.

 

"Indy Eleven is proud and excited to have Kleberson continuing his career in Indiana and look forward to him being embraced by the community," said Indy Eleven President/General Manager Peter Wilt. "While scouting Kleberson we heard nothing but glowing reports about his skill set, his mind-set and his work ethic, which makes him a perfect fit for Indy Eleven."

 

Kleberson also made one appearance during Brazil's run to the Quarterfinal Round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, marking one of the last of his 32 appearances at the senior international level.  Kleberson helped Brazil capture two more prestigious titles while suiting up in the 2004 CONMEBOL Copa America and 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup tournaments.

 

The midfielder parlayed his 2002 World Cup performance into a transfer to legendary English Premier League club Manchester United, making 20 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson's side from 2003-05. The Brazilian international has also had stints in the Turkish Super Lig (Besiktas, 2005-07), Brazilian Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A [Flamengo, 2007-12; Atletico Paranaense, 1999-2003 and 2011 (loan); and Bahia (loan), 2012-13], and Major League Soccer (Philadelphia Union 2013). Kleberson signed with Philadelphia last season as one of the team's three allotted "Designated Player" slots, which are reserved for marquee signings in MLS.

 

"It goes without saying that Kleberson's technical ability and vision gives our midfield some added dimensions," said Indy Eleven Director of Soccer Operations / Head Coach Juergen Sommer. "His first training sessions have shown that the quality and class he has always possessed are still there. Our fans will be in for a real treat when they get the chance to see how he operates on the field."

 

Kleberson has suited up in UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League matches, and his personal trophy haul on the club side includes the English FA Community Shield (Manchester United, 2003), English FA Cup (Manchester United, 2004), Turkish Super Cup (Besiktas, 2006), Turkish Cup (Besiktas, 2006, 2007) and the Brazilian Serie A (Atletico Paranaense, 2007; Flamengo 2009).

 

Kleberson, whose full name is Jose Kleberson Pereira, becomes the 17th player to sign for Indy Eleven, which is just 12 days away from its inaugural NASL game against the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday, April 12, at IUPUI's Michael A. Carroll Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET kickoff, live on MyINDY TV-23). Indy Eleven will welcome two more additions to its roster this Wednesday, April 2, with the new duo set to be unveiled at Union Jack Pub (924 Broad Ripple Avenue in Indianapolis) at 7:30 p.m.

 

Kleberson

--

Courtesy of:

 

Steven Torres

North American Soccer League

www.NASL.com

Phone: +1/646-785-1155

Email: storres@nasl.com

Indy Eleven Firman A un Campeón del Mundo del 2002: el Brasileño Kleberson

 

Indy Eleven se convirtió en el primer equipo en la era moderna de la NASL (Liga Norteamérica de Fútbol) en firmar un ganador de la Copa Mundial FIFA cuando contrataron al mediocampista brasileño Kleberson.  Este ganador de la Copa del Mundo en 2002 y ex-jugador del Manchester United se une al Indy Eleven por un contrato de dos años.

 

"La firma de un jugador del calibre de Kleberson significa que Indy Eleven está convencido para traer a nuestros fanáticos, triunfos y trofeos," dijo el dueño del Indy Eleven, Ersal Ozdemir. "Damos la bienvenida a Kleberson a Indiana y esperamos sus contribuciones a la construcción del club tanto dentro como fuera del campo de juego.”

 

Mientras que Kleberson, que tendrá la camiseta #8 para el Indy Eleven, está disponible para los encuentros de liga pendientes por la finalización del trámite de su visa de trabajo, él puede participar en juegos de exhibición y se espera que haga su debut oficial este martes 1 de abril cuando el equipo viaje a West Lafayette para recibir a los Chicago Fire de la Major League Soccer. El encuentro se jugará en el Boilermaker Sports Complex hoy a las 7:30 p.m. ET, y los boletos estarán disponibles para su compra en el lugar de costumbre (taquilla) desde las 5 pm ET de hoy.

 

Indy Eleven también tendrá un encuentro como local contra la Universidad de Indiana en el Estadio Michael A. Carroll en IUPUI este viernes, 4 de abril a las 7:30 pm ET.  La asistencia para ese partido se limita a los 7,000 miembros de boletos de temporada para Indy Eleven.

 

A los 34 años de edad, Kleberson (@kleberson_8 en Twitter) trae mucha y valiosa experiencia al Indy Eleven, habiendo participado en muchos países del mundo, en una carrera profesional que comenzó con Atletico Paranaense en su Brasil natal a la edad de 19.

 

"Este movimiento al Indy Eleven no es sólo una gran oportunidad profesional, pero es también una gran jugada de Kleberson la persona," dijo Kleberson. "Es un nuevo club, y tengo grandes expectativas de mí mismo para poner mi nombre en la historia del equipo.

 

"Indianápolis es una gran ciudad, y he visto un gran compromiso por la organización para hacer de esto un éxito para el club. Mis primeras reuniones con compañeros de equipo han sido excelentes; Este es un grupo de jóvenes y experimentados jugadores con mucho talento. Estoy esperando poner todo esto juntos y disfrutar de un gran futuro como parte del Indy Eleven."

 

Kleberson ganó notoriedad en todo el mundo durante Copa Mundial FIFA Japón/Corea 2002 cuando su rendimiento sobresaliente ayudó a la selección brasileña ganar su quinto y más reciente campeonato. Después de venir de la banca en la última fase de grupos y los octavos de final para Brasil, el entonces-jugador de 23 años, Kleberson sería insertado en el once titular para los últimos tres partidos de los Canarinho y asistió en el segundo gol de Ronaldo en la victoria de 2-0 sobre Alemania en la Final.

 

"Indy Eleven se siente orgulloso y emocionado de tener Kleberson continuar su carrera en Indiana y ser aceptados por la comunidad," dijo el Gerente General del Indy Eleven, Peter Wilt. "De Kleberson sólo hemos oído cosas brillantes acerca de su habilidad, su mentalidad y su ética de trabajo, que lo convierte en algo perfecto para Indy Eleven."

 

Kleberson también jugó con Brasil durante la Copa Mundial FIFA Sudáfrica 2010 donde el equipo llego a los cuartos de finales, y siendo una de sus últimas presentaciones (32) con la selección nacional.  Kleberson también ayudo a Brasil ganar dos títulos más –  Copa América de CONMEBOL en Perú 2004 y la Copa FIFA Confederaciones 2009 en Sudáfrica.

 

Kleberson en su presentación con Indy Eleven
 

 

Historia Completa:

http://www.nasl.com/article/section/lacancha/lang/ES/uuid/1nxywz3lchy4e18dv307kxbyvq#.Uzn-NPnxqnc

Cortesía de:

 

Steven Torres

North American Soccer League

www.NASL.com

Phone: +1/646-785-1155

Email: storres@nasl.com