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Post by Ole's Red Whiteknight03 Army on Jun 3, 2010 21:02:45 GMT
Portugal striker Liedson has pledged not to sing his side's national anthem when they face Brazil, the country of his birth, on June 25.Liedson made six appearances in the qualifying campaign and has become a key player for Portugal, who face Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea at the finals in South Africa. But the striker will not join in the Portuguese anthem as a mark of respect in Durban when Group G comes to a conclusion. "I am with Portugal, body and soul. It is as if born here,'' the Portuguese press quoted Liedson as saying in an interview with ESPN magazine. " Even so, I will not sing any song out of respect." soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/792506/ce/uk/?cc=5901&ver=global
I know he's not the first one to do this and I'm fully aware of where Hargreaves was born, but this just feels wrong. The only reason he's playing for Portugal is because he's not good enough to make the Brazil side and Portugal were so desperate for strikers they fast tracked his passport in fear of not qualifying. If he can't sing the national anthem with his head held high he shouldn't be playing for Portugal. Simple as. Thoughts.
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Post by ScholesEvilTwin on Jun 3, 2010 21:09:36 GMT
same as Almunia being wanted to play for England.
If you live in a different country long enough you can apply for citizenship of that country so its fair to allow them to play. I see your point on the anthem thing, but at least he is respecting the country of his birth. Its a difficult situation really.
If you can legally improve yourself then you would take the chance, thats what Portugal have done.
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Post by chrispiano on Jun 3, 2010 21:11:44 GMT
The difference is Hargreaves plays for the best country available, and the only competitive nation he is eligible for, and he has such varying heritages it's ok.
It's the Eduardo's that piss me off, Brazilian as anyone but not good enough for them so play for a mediocre team so they can be a big player for them.
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Post by fletchabey on Jun 3, 2010 23:03:18 GMT
Retarded, he can put on the shirt and represent the national team but cant sing the national anthem? Weird priorities.
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Post by ginger18legend on Jun 3, 2010 23:31:07 GMT
Its a sad scenario. I wish Michael Chopra played for India.
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Post by Rais.n.Hell on Jun 4, 2010 4:49:54 GMT
^^ Where would Chopra play though? The Gully Finals?
I think Liedson has made the right decision. He is trying to handle this very delicate & very public situation carefully. If he sings the Brazilian anthem wearing Portuguese shirt but if unable to make a difference on the pitch then his current country will tear him apart.. but if he sings the Portuguese anthem only, then his birth country-men will tear him.
Either he sings both, or none. Singing none of them will show solidarity while singing both will portray some conflict to the dumb minded people (those who usually cause the rukus).
Good luck to him.
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Post by ginger18legend on Jun 4, 2010 11:10:14 GMT
^^ Where would Chopra play though? The Gully Finals? He's playing Championship football!! And not played at international level since representing the England youth teams. Not in the best position to pick and choose now, is he? |
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Post by Rais.n.Hell on Jun 4, 2010 11:15:27 GMT
^^ Where would Chopra play though? The Gully Finals? He's playing Championship football!! And not played at international level since representing the England youth teams. Not in the best position to pick and choose now, is he? bro, championship football > indian football anyday |
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Post by ginger18legend on Jun 4, 2010 11:24:34 GMT
Championship Football > ONGC I league. Agreed. But it doesn't beat representing a national team at the Asia Cup, with the chance to play against players of the caliber of Park et al.
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Post by Rais.n.Hell on Jun 4, 2010 12:44:45 GMT
Asia Cup is fine, but he is not a citizen of India to begin with. He's of Indian origin and that's fine, but he was born in England and I highly doubt that he has even considered representing India.
Anyways, we're getting off topic here.
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Post by Raf's Hairdryer Treatment on Jun 6, 2010 11:03:14 GMT
Can't say I'd disrespect a player for wanting to play in the World Cup. If he isn't good enough to make the grade for one team he plays for another. Liedson or Eduardo just want to play and they're good enough for they're respective (second?) teams, so they get to play. If anyone's to blame, then it's FIFA for allowing it, not the players.
Then again I'm not much of a nationalist so maybe I do not understand the depths to what some people feel about singing their respective anthems. (If it's similar to the fans who turn up at United and do not sing a single chant then maybe I can understand the irritation.)
I know the media often make a fuss about the English players who don't sing "God Save Our Gracious Queen" before international matches. But I can't help but think that if Giggsy had been playing for England over the last 16 years, then not a single media hack would say squat about whether he sang the anthem or not.
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