An article on what looks to be the impending move of Ruud Gullit to the LA Galaxy.

Update - the deal is done and has been announced. For those who can't be bothered hitting a link here is the article.

The Dutch Royal Family, through the lineage of the House of Orange, can trace its roots back to the 1500s to a man called William of Orange - aka William the Silent. He was called the Silent as he rarely spoke out on controversial matters.

However that trait didn’t stop him from instigating a rebellion against Spain that lasted eighty years before independence for the United Provinces was achieved nearly a century after his birth.

William the Silent is still known in the Netherlands as the “Father of the Fatherland” although sometime in the last five hundred years the Dutch decided that they liked the independence bit but silence was just not for them. 

Just take a look at the in-fighting and public feuding that has been part of most Dutch national teams for good parts of the last thirty odd years. Some may speculate that a calmer more reasonable demeanor might have brought more success to a country that twice lost to home nations in the World Cup Final while flaming out in numerous European Championships and World Cups.

 After all, a single European Championship win in 1988 seems scant reward for a nation that has not only produced some of the world’s greatest players over the last four decades but also some of the most entertaining teams.

 However, it might also be argued – and what is wrong the Dutch would argue with a good argument – that it may be the Dutch characteristic of single-mindedness and an appetite to discuss and debate controversial issues that has actually allowed the Dutch game to grow and prosper not only nationally but internationally.

 It is easy to forget that less than half a century ago Dutch football was an irrelevance. The country may have made it to the 1934 and 1938 World Cup Finals in Italy and France but the amateur footballers of Holland were there to make up the numbers rather than to compete for the trophy.

The turning point came in the mid-fifties as professional teams were sanctioned followed two years later by the creation of a national league. Even then there was no sudden improvement. In the early sixties the Netherlands lost at home to Luxembourg in the European Championship qualifiers – as it happens the last time the Netherlands lost at home in a European qualifying game.

Success came when the authoritative coaching skills of Rinus Michels crossed paths with the fabulous footballing skills of a young Johan Cruyff. Domestic dominance quickly morphed into European success as Ajax won three successive European Cups between 1971 and 1973. Michels became the first top class Dutch coaching export when he left to coach Barcelona after the first European win. Two years later Cruyff also arrived at the Nou Camp.

Both men joined the Los Angeles Aztecs of the NASL for the 1979 season although the spell was largely without success. After the North American sojourn Michels split his time between the Dutch national team and a couple of Bundesliga teams while Cruyff headed home to Holland after a brief spell with Levante in Spain.

Cruyff’s return was fortuitous as it coincided with the emergence of three players who would go on to become part of one of the late 20th century’s great teams – AC Milan. While Marco Van Basten and Frank Rijkaard came under Cruyff’s influence upon his return to Ajax it was not the same for Ruud Gullit.

Gullit had been approached by Ajax as a youngster but the deal was never done. Instead he joined Haarlem before moving to Feyenoord as a 20-year-old in 1982. A year later Dutch football was shocked when Cruyff turned down a contract extension at Ajax and instead opted to join their great rivals Feyenoord. At Feyenoord Gullit was to learn from the master-craftsman.

Later that decade, Van Basten, Rijkaard and Gullit played under Michels in the 1988 European Championship wining side and were signed by Milan’s ambitious owner Silvio Berlusconi.

Berlusconi saw in the three Dutch players a way by which Milan could again dominate Italy and Europe. It worked like a charm and the Milan side with the Dutch trio remains the last team to win back to back European titles. Before their arrival at the San Siro Milan had not won Serie A for almost a decade and the European Cup for nearly 20 years.

But as a player Gullit was never backward about coming forward and was never on Christmas card terms with Fabio Capello or for that matter #### Advocaat. In 1994 Gullit walked out on Advocaat’s Dutch squad just days before the World Cup finals in the USA in 1994.

Injuries took their toll on Gullit and he bounced from Milan to Sampdoria then back to Milan before finally arriving at Stamford Bridge in July 1995. It was a move that reinvigorated the Dutchman and at 33-years-old he was still good enough to finish as runner-up to Eric Cantona as the Premiership Player of the Year.

Glenn Hoddle, the man who signed Gullit, resigned to take the England job in 1996 and the Dutchman was appointed as player-manager to replace him.

The first season in charge brought Chelsea a FA Cup and Gullit became the first non-British manager to win a major English trophy. The year after with his side sitting second in the league and in the last eight of two cup competitions “cuddly” Ken Bates sensationally fired the man who had brought silverware to Stamford Bridge for the first time in 26 years.

To this day it is still unclear as the reasons behind Bates’ actions.

A brief and largely unhappy stint at Newcastle ended after he benched local legend Alan Shearer. Even so Newcastle still made it to the FA Cup Final during his time there only to lose 2-0 to the treble winning Manchester side of 1999.

A period of five years then lapsed before Gullit again took the managerial reins, this time he returned to Feyenoord for the 2004/05 season but a fourth place finish was much below expectations.

So what can the LA Galaxy and fans of MLS teams expect from Ruud Gullit. First of all they are getting a man with the sort of instant credibility that comes from being one of the great players of his generation. His strength, speed, power, skill and tactical acumen made him the consummate modern player.  As a player he was recognized around the world.

Some may describe his managerial record as poor or mediocre but that would be harsh. He won the FA Cup with Chelsea (in the days when Chelsea never won anything) and they were well positioned when he was fired. When put in the context of the time his spell time at Chelsea was a success.

The Newcastle job chewed him up and spat him out. The halcyon days of Kevin Keegan had given way to a brief spell under Kenny Dalglish that finished acrimoniously. Under Gullit Newcastle still reached the FA Cup Final (the only team to reach two consecutive finals and lose both times to teams that completed domestic doubles) but a poor start the following season combined with issues in his private life brought his time to an end after only a year. Although Newcastle could not be considered a success it might be more accurate to describe it as a work in progress prematurely terminated.

Certainly the return of the prodigal son to Feyenoord failed to achieve instant success. The Galaxy will be getting a coach that has had some short sharp managerial lessons administered but by now they should have sunk in.

They’re getting a man who can relate to the Beckham circus having been regarded as a god by Milan fans during his playing days and one that is media savvy.

Probably most importantly they are getting a manager who will not be distracted by the media focus on the Galaxy’s most important investment and who understands that no matter how much media attention, the Galaxy, like every other professional sports team, is in the results business.

It will also have not escaped Gullit’s notice that he will be following in the footsteps of two giants of the game who have also been two of his greatest influences - Michels and Cruyff. 

Twenty-eight years ago the Dutch duo joined a league that was hemorrhaging money and was destined for extinction. Even though Michels was a pioneer who showed the world what Dutch coaching could offer, nothing registered in North America.

But the rest of the globe took notice and you have only to look at the 2006 World Cup in which Leo Beenhakker, Guus Hiddink and #### Advocaat all coached other countries to understand how highly valued and appreciated Dutch coaching is.

But with the exception of Thomas Rongen, MLS has to date not fallen under Dutch influence. Now Gullit, a Dutch football Crown Prince, has been presented with a chance to resurrect his managerial career and to perhaps leave a mark on the game in North America in a way that his royal footballing forefathers could not.  

The Ruud Gullit File
Born Sept 1, 1962, in Amsterdam.

Club Career
Haarlem 1978-1982
Feyenoord 1982-1985
PSV Eindhoven 1985-1987
Milan 1987-1993
Sampdoria 1993-1994
Milan 1994-1995
Sampdoria 1995
Chelsea 1995-98

471 games, 174 goals.

International Career
Netherlands, 66 caps, 16 goals.

Honours
Dutch Second Division 1981
Eredivisie 1984, 1986, 1987
Dutch Cup 1984
Serie A 1988, 1992, 1993
Coppa Italia 1994
Italian Super Cup 1988, 1992, 1994
Champions League 1989, 1990
European Super Cup 1990
Intercontinental Cup 1990
FA Cup 1997
European Championship 1988

 
Managerial Career
Chelsea 1996-1998
1997 Won FA Cup; 6th in Premiership.
Newcastle United 1998-1999
1999 FA Cup Runners Up; 13th in Premiership
Feyenoord 2004-2005
Finished 4th in Eredivisie

After thirty five minutes of this match the USA could not have imagined how they could possibly not make into the last four of the FIFA under-20 World Cup. But two decisions by Austrian coach Paul Gludovatz turned the game in his team’s favour. The first move to bring on Harnik on the right side of midfield helped stem the attacks that the USA was mounting down that side. The second was to bring on striker Erwin Hoffer in extra time and he scored the winner with his first touch of the ball. 

For almost all of the first thirty five minutes the USA was very much in control of this game. The opening goal was well crafted and started with Bradley taking a quick free kick and pushing the ball out to the left. Rogers picked the ball up before springing Freddy Adu deep in the Austrian half. Adu then got behind the Austrian defense and send over a teasing out-swinging cross. Altidore held off two defenders and placed an inch perfect header down to the keeper’s right that bounced just inside the post.

The Austrian equalizer came from multiple errors. First of all Proedl was not closed down and allowed to shoot (even though he was far out the wet surface places a premium on blocking shots from any range). Then Seitz spilled the original shot to Okotie who was quick to follow up. Okotie was then able to outmaneuver one US defender before Valentin chose to stand off him and allowed the Austrian striker to get his shot off. Seitz was unable to keep the shot out as Okotie’s strike overpowered him low to the right. It was the second time in the half that Seitz spilled a shot and doubts about his fitness were confirmed as he became less and less mobile as the game progressed. 

In fact every time the Austrians lofted a ball into the USA penalty area there was confusion. Ironically it was probably the strength of Austria in the air that caused American coach Thomas Rongen to gamble on Seitz in preference to the smaller Brian Perk who had deputized in the win over Uruguay. However, with the mobility of Seitz compromised, the US lost one of his key strengths – his control of the penalty area.

Chances for the USA were limited in the second half and i####oal was to come it was more likely to come from Austria. Half way through the second half Sturgis had to clear off his line as the USA’s confidence visibly wilted. Ten minutes later and a double save from Seitz and the goal post saved the day again.

In extra time Freddy Adu missed a golden opportunity to put the USA into the lead after being played in beautifully by Dax McCarty. However, his touch around the Austrian keeper (who never looked confident but was rarely tested) produced a poor angle and the final shot went wide.

Then just three minutes later Anthony Wallace was given a second yellow card for an ill-considered challenge on Harnik. The resultant free kick was played in and never dealt with by the USA defense as it bobbled around and at one stage it clearly struck Michael Bradley on the arm. The left off was only temporary as the ball eventually broke to Hoffer as it rebounded off the goal post and he slid home the winner from six inches.

As the ten men US pushed forward Austria had numerous chances to sew the game up but failed to make the most of their opportunities. With six minutes left a free kick found Ferrari alone at the back post with the Austrian goal open and at his mercy. He failed to hit the target. The final USA chance fell to Freddy Adu who was left with the keeper to beat but Zaglmair stood his ground and deflected the shot wide.

Austria becomes the fifth team in nine knock out games to come from behind to win and they continue their quest to become the Greece of 2007. It’s amazing how far some grit, determination, good organization and a little bit of good fortune can take a team.

The USA moved on to the last eight of the FIFA under-20 World Cup and will play Austria. If you want to see why a team should play to the last seconds o####ame the Americans illustrated it tonight. For although the statistics show that Uruguay enjoyed less possession than the USA, the quality of their possession was much better for large stretches of the game. 

When Uruguay took advantage of a ball that slipped from the grasp of stand in keeper Brian Perk to take the lead with only 17 minutes to play this game looked as if it would go down as another disappointment for the US.

But Coach Thomas Rongen threw on Ferrari as an extra forward with around ten minutes left as the US rolled the dice. Seven minutes later the gamble paid off as a Freddy Adu corner from the right found an unmarked Danny Szetela at the back post. Szetela showed great composure before driving a cross #### shot across the Uruguay penalty area.

Andre Akpan – an early second half substitute for what looked to be a badly injured Jozy Altidore – drove to net forcing Mathias Cardaccio into an own goal.

As the game moved into extra time Uruguay began to lose their shape as Edinson Cavani found himself more and more isolated. Dax McCarty had reverted to an auxiliary right back after the equalizer and pushed forward at every opportunity.

The momentum was clearly moving in the USA’s favour and Uruguay coach Gustavo Ferrin must have been regretting the decision to take off goalscorer Luis Suarez with seven minutes of normal time left.

Suarez has been a thorn in the side of the US and once he had been substituted Uruguay lost a key attacking option.

The winner came as the game moved into the last fifteen minutes and another corner for the USA led to the winning goal. This time Michael Bradley was on hand to redirect a shot high into Uruguay’s net.

As Uruguay desperately sought an equalizer there were a few nervous moments left for USA fans. But the USA goal survived intact and the Americans were left to celebrate an epic win.

It’s difficult to single out any one player but my man-of-the match would be Nathan Sturgis. He may not be the fleetest of foot but he can read a game and his positioning is outstanding.

As for Uruguay let's just say that they blew their chance of the Fair Play Trophy.

Group D (Montreal, Ottawa)
Poland, Brazil, Korea Republic and USA.

Coach Michal Globisz has coached numerous Polish age group teams but he has his work cut out if Poland is to make an impact on this tournament. Poland has not been at this level in this age bracket since 1983.

Poland hosted the final eight in Europe and was exempted from the early rounds of qualifying. As it was, they qualified after finishing third in their group beating Belgium on goal difference. A 4-1 win over Belgium was the pivotal result and a hat trick from Legia Warsaw striker Dawid Janczyk crucial. UEFA.com described Janczyk as “the brightest light in a disappointing campaign for the hosts.” And went on to say, “calm and collected in front of goal, Janczyk’s nerveless finishing provided his side with a valuable cutting edge.”  

In years past Brazil may have been known for nuts and coffee but ever since their first World Cup win in 1958 Brazil has been known the world over for football. But although Brazil and Brazilian players have provided some of the most memorable footballing moments of the last 50 years “the beautiful game” branding is a product of a time long-gone.

Brazil learned through the dark days from 1971 to 1993 that beautiful football is not necessarily enough to win world championships and they now approach each tournament with a cold pragmatism that is often at the opposite end of the “beautiful game.” (I should add that in the case of the 2006 World Cup sentimentality trumped pragmatism!).

Even so Brazil arrives as 4-times winners of this competition and has played in 14 of the 15 tournaments. The squad is as impressive as Brazil’s history and perhaps the strength of the squad can be gauged by the quality of players who didn’t make the cut - players such as Kerlon, Ramon, Thiago Heleno, Eliezio and Carlinhos.

Alexandre Pato will be touted as the player to watch but that has more to do with his exceptional debut in the Brazilian Championship in November of last year. Playing for Internacional against Palmeiras Pato scored in the first minute and set up two more before half time.

The star of this Brazilian squad would most certainly have been Anderson but although named in the initial squad of 25 he was moved to the senior squad and will play at the Copa America. Anderson, still only 18, recently joined Manchester United from Porto.

Jo (sometimes revered to as Joao) has just turned 20 and is in his second season with Russian club CSKA Moscow. He scored 14 goals in his first 18 appearances for CSKA before injuring a knee. Even so he was called into the full Brazilian squad for a friendly against England a month or so ago.

Some others to watch.
Cassio (Gremio) was the third choice keeper for Brazil at the South American qualifying competition but was still widely considered the best goalie on show.

Lucas plays midfield for Gremio but looks to be on his way to Liverpool. A central midfield player who can take care of both defensive and attacking responsibilities he is outstanding at timing his runs into the penalty box and often scoring.

Marcelo joined Real Madrid from Fluminense this past winter and is regarded as the successor to Roberto Carlos at both Real Madrid and for the Brazil national side. Marcelo can also play in midfield according to some reports. 

Renato Augusto is revered to in the June edition of World Soccer as “a right-footed version of the young Rivaldo”. His club coach Ney Franco (Flamengo) believes that within two years Renato Augusto will be one of the best players in Brazil. You can expect to see him in an attacking role playing just behind the main strikers. 

Korea Republic has made regular appearances in this tournament and made it to the 1983 semi finals. Earlier this year they finished third in Asian qualification having lost to Japan on penalties in the semi-finals. Shim Young-Sung was the top scorer in qualifying with 5 goals and he will likely carry the scoring load again.

This will be the USA’s sixth straight appearance and their eleventh in all. Their best performance was in 1989 when he finished fourth in Saudi Arabia. Coach Thomas Rongen has put together what looks to be an experienced squad with heavy MLS and European representation.

Freddy Adu will attract most of the media interest even though he arrives at this competition looking more and more like a player with a great future behind him. There are a number of players who are ready to show that they have overtaken the much-hyped Freddy and the under-20 World Cup provides an ideal platform.

Josie Altidore (New York Red Bulls) made an instant impact on MLS when he made his debut as a 16-year-old last season. Goal scorers are hard to find and when one so young shows scouts are attracted like moths to a flame (or Paris Hilton to a camera).

Michael Bradley played in five games at the recent Gold Cup and can be considered a certain starter in midfield for the US.

Nathan Sturgis played at Holland 2005 and recently moved from LA Galaxy to Real Salt Lake. Rumours had Rangers interested in the young defender a few weeks ago.

Dax McCarty and Danny Szetela will compete for midfield spots while a number of American fans are relishing the chance to see Bolton striker Johann Smith in action.

Predicted finish – 1. Brazil, 2. USA, 3. South Korea and 4. Poland.

You can send any information (fsr@mts.net) that you think might be of interest about the twenty-four countries and I will post a regular selection. If you have a FIFA Under-20 blog go ahead and post your link under comments.