Subotic Decision Not to be Impacted by Rongen Criticism

Nothing cures a slow news week like a little (probably) inconsequential tidbit from the on-going Neven Subotic multi-national soap opera.

Today, we find Soccer America reporting on FIFA’s blockade on the German National Team in their quest to obtain Neven Subotic, and what Subotic’s options are from here.

For those of you playing catch-up, the current state we are at is that Subotic can choose between Bosnia, Serbia, and the good ole’ United States of America before he turns 21 on December 10.

At the end of Soccer America’s round-up of the current situation, they provided this interesting statement,

“Subotic told Soccer America via e-mail late last month that criticism in the press on his play by Rongen that had upset him would not impact his decision on which national team to play for”

Well, that sounds positive.

Previously that very “snub” of Subotic by U-20 coach Thomas Rongen was thought to be the reason Neven might snub the USA in return. But now it seems that because Germany is out of the question, maybe his feelings aren’t that hurt.

There is really no way to make a call on this situation, but the way I look at it is that playing for the USA puts you in the World Cup every four years, no questions asked. Serbia, and most certainly Bosnia, doesn’t grant you that. But with Serbia in the poll position in their European World Cup Qualifying group, who is to say where Neven will go.

Watch the clock friends. If no decision is made by Dec. 10, he is ours, as he has been capped by our youth system, playing 89 minutes in four games at the U-17 World Cup in 2005.