Sunday, Sept 4th, 2011

Travel Day

Most people when they find out what I do get really animated and say things like, "that must be so exciting" and "what an honour to be team doctor for Canada's national team."

It is and it is.  But there is a lot of down time.  We spend a great deal of time trying not to overeat.  When we play friendlies the atmosphere is much more relaxed and we tend to stay in nicer hotels.  In World Cup qualifying we get put up in marginal hotels in some pretty dodgy towns.  That's because our opponent is trying to mess with us.

Traveling with group of 30 + players and staff can be similarly unrewarding.  You have to wait for 30 people to check in.  You have to wait for 30 people to pick up their luggage.  You have to wait for 30 people to get on the bus.  You get where I am going with this.  The only place where being a part of a 30 member football team is an advantage is Mexico.  Mexicans think professional football players are gods.  And they treat you accordingly.

Today's profile is on Julian De Guzman.  Probably the most talented Canadian soccer player I have ever seen.  I went on several trips with our Olympic team in 2001, 2002, and 2003.  By definition mens' Olympic soccer teams are restricted to under-23.  Julian didn't show up for any camps or games until we had to play El Salvador in San Salvador.  At that time he was playing for Hannover 96 in the Bundesliga. Against El Salvador he was easily the best player on the pitch.  He went on to play for Deportivo La Coruna where he was paired with Andres Guardado in midfield.  There he was employed as a holding midfielder.  Which was unfortunate because when he came back to play for Canada he was expected to be an attacking midfielder.  He is a quiet, reserved person and I think it was difficult for him for him to make that transition.  So difficult that he is now utilized as a defensive midfielder with Canada.  And he is not as quick as he used to be - you can see it now by how easily he gets frustrated and accumulates yellow cards.  But he has great football acumen and hopefully that will carry the (World Cup) day.