It’s all over but the shouting…
The FIP qualifying tournament for North America is over. Perhaps, with reference to the USA, the elimination tournament would be somewhat more appropriate. “Vindication” became the operational word for this year’s effort – remember France? Embarrassment could easily replace vindication. Let the Monday morning quarterbacking begin.
Why didn’t it work and what can be done would be the question of the day – or the next two years.
Someone noted on the message board sometime ago that the team lacked leadership. Point well made in my opinion, but the problem goes far beyond. The selection process and personal agenda were probably the biggest culprits – so let’s start there.
How are players selected? If you were to believe what you read and hear, the selction committee wanted aggresive and hungry players. Players with a fire in their belly. Players who could ride anything because horses in FIP polo can be difficult. They didn’t want players who knew only good horses. On the surface the players selected, had, for the most part always played on good horses. So what happened?
The team chosen, by and large, was comprised of people who really didn’t need to play for money – they already had it or were being supported. People who have money, most often, have good horses and therefore have never ridden a “bad one”. Reality number one – forgetting about the ride any type guys.
Why didn’t the ride any type people get picked?
Depending on who you talk to, there were probably several reasons, but the one that seems to be the biggest is that the (ride any type) players needed to make a living and therefore couldn’t take “time off” to play for a national entity. Fair enough – except for the fact that at least one them was doing nothing during the qualifier. I firmly believe that the inclusion of this guy at the last minute, if neccessary, would have made a huge difference. Would a month with “the team” been possible? I don’t know. What I do know is that there was no leader. What I also know is that personal agenda, ego, and personality clashes probably cost this country a spot in Mexico City. Reality number two – ego and self fulfilment doesn’t produce a winner.
What ever happened to the idea of playing for one’s country?
I mentioned that some of the players who, in my opinion, should have been included and weren’t probably had jobs and therefore couldn’t make it. Fine – but what about a little later when things aren’t as busy. Iv’e already mentioned one who could have done it. If someone or a sponsor fed your horses for a month and helped with some other expenses, could you do it then? The selection process was flawed, but then some of the player’s attitudes were flawed as well. Reality number three – there is no I in team.
Was the failure to take it “one game at a time” a problem?
Even before Costa Careyes the US team was talking about looking beyond the qualifier and possibly playing overseas for the summer in order to get ready for the big tournament. At one point it was written that Canada had the upper hand to start with but the tides were changing. Based on what? The Canadians were winning by large margins and the Americans were squeaking by. Reality number four – don’t believe everything they say and write about you because it will lead to overconfidence.
Was the lack of a five goal player a problem?
Under the rules, five goal handicaped players are allowed. The US team had two fours but not one five. Truth is that many fives in the world qualifiers are plus players. Did this thought elude the selection process? Reality number five – take more than a knife to a gun fight.
The reasons for the poor performance are many and most certainly can’t be covered in one sitting and I certainly don’t have all the answers. I do, however, keep thinking about a national team and center concept.
There is one thing I do know – the USA should be competitive in this kind of polo and it is not.
Anyway, that’s what I’m thinking – On The Side.
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