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By Gerard Robbins
Carlos
Valderrama is one of the most experienced and gifted soccer players
in the world. He is recognized for his great passing skills able to deliver
the ball with pinpoint acurracy to his teammates. As in the case of
most great players Carlos Valderrama began his playing days as a child on
the dirt streets of his native Columbia, playing with whatever he and his
childhood friends could put together to produce a ball. He began his
club career in 1981 playing with Columbia's first division team Union Magdalena.
He also played with Millionarios and Deportiva Cali of Columbia before
transferring to France's first division team Montpellier in 1988. In
1990 he moved to Spain to play for Real Valololid. He returned to
Colombia in 1992 to play for Deportivo Independiente Medellin...Returned
to Atletico Juniors in 1993 and remained there until joining the Mutiny in
1996. He is married to Clairbeth, with three children. He was the MLS league
Honda MVP in 1996 and is a three-time MLS Allstar.
During recent
years, La Cancha has interviewed "El Pibe" on several occasions. As
always, Valderrama was found to be open and eager to express his views. We've
discussed his playing career in America, youth involvement in the sport,
and importance of quality playing surfaces the "cancha". In our most
recent interview, Valderrama provided our us with his thoughts
about Women's World Cup '99 and his opinion on how the WWC '99 will impact
on the sport in general. Right - Gerard Robbins with Carlos
Valderrama.
Interview with Carlos "El Pibe"
Valderrama
Q:
Has it been difficult for you to make the adjustment of playing here in
America?
A: At first it was difficult due to the culture, food, and weather however
I really enjoy living in America and being a part of this country's futbol
league.
Q: Can you share with our readers what you believe to be one of your most
memorable experiences here?
A: Actually, one of the most exciting experiences occurred before I
began playing for the league
here. That experience was being a part of my country's national team which
participated in the 1994 World Cup. I was surprised by the joy of the
American people. Because soccer is not the number one sport here in
America I did not expect to see the stadiums filled the way they were.
Q: As our magazine focuses on the playing surfaces I like to give us your
thoughts on our playing fields particularly the surfaces of World Cup 1994.
How did those surfaces and our surfaces in general compared to the playing
surfaces in Columbia.Also please tell our readers what in your
opinion makes for a quality surface.
A: The stadiums and grass surfaces during the World Cup were very good. America
futbol fields are better in general because of the technology and money here.
For me, a good surface is one which is evenly cut. I prefer the grass
to be cut short so that the ball can roll faster. It take less energy
for the player to run and move the ball on a low cut surface.
Q: Well, there is no lower cut surface than the astro turf surface that is
installed in stadiums like
Giants
Stadium.
What is your opinion of that surface as compared to natural grass?
A: On the artificial surface the game is much different. The ball moves faster
and bounces. I prefer the natural grass because it is easier to control the
ball. There is also a greater possibility for the player to get an
injury on the artificial surface..
Q: What did you think of America's Women's World Cup which was recently
held?
A: I was surprised to see the support of the Americans for the Women's World
Cup. Like the men's game in 1994 the stadiums were full and there was much
excitement. I believe that the success of the Women's World Cup will
help the sport grow not only here in America but other countries as well.
Q: What are your thoughts on the USA women's team. Why do you think
they were so successful in comparison to the American men's team. And who
if any of the women's team members made an impression on you?
A: The USA women's team played very well. I was very impressed. However
you cannot make a comparison between the men and women teams because the
competition is different. Women playing soccer has not been encouraged or
supported in many other countries. It is my understanding that the
American women's team has played for many years together. This is one
of the reasons why they (the USA) were successful.
Q: Which of the American women players impressed you the most?
A: There were many good players. in all of the countries. But as far
as the USA team, I was impressed with number 10 (Mitchell Akers).
She played a very good defensive game and because of her, the American
team was able to keep possession of the ball.
Q: What do you believe will be the impact of the Women's World Cup on the
woman's game and soccer in general in America.
A:
The Women's World Cup was very good for the sport in America. Many people
who saw only the men play were impressed with the woman. as well. I think
the recent games can only help the growth of soccer here. There will
be many more girls interested in playing futbol as a result of the games.
Q: It has been said that even though football, baseball and basket
are America's main sport more children play soccer in America than those
sport. Why do you believe this is so?
A: Soccer is a sport that most children can play. In all countries
the child can play futbol wherever there is space.We used whatever we could
make as a ball. Also, the child does not have to be strong. These are
some of the reasons futbol is played in almost every country. It (futbol)
is a sport that does not require much equipment or expense. For kids
it is a good way to meet new friends and develop discipline and good
physical conditioning.
Q: Getting back to the MLS, How do you access the league's success or
performance.
A: Even with the passing of several years, the league is still a new here.
Over time the problems will be solved and the league will continue to grow.
With television and radio this sport will become more popular
in the United States.
- End-
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