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Germans Shut Door On Subotic

October 17th, 2008 | By: Brooks Peck | 11 Comments »

When we last left the Neven Subotic saga, our young friend was reported to be on the verge of adding to his collection of nationalities by becoming a German citizen. There were rumors that the German national team was very interested in the up and coming defender and the citizenship process was moving quickly to reflect that. It was really all but a done deal. Subotic was in love with his current country of residence and they were drooling over the possibility of adding a young talent to their already strong mix.

But hold the knackwurst — this story has taken yet another turn. And this time, it could be in favor of the US.

According to German site Sueddeutsche (one of the country’s largest newspapers), the German Football Association has given up on Subotic since it’s become clear that because he didn’t have dual citizenship when he played for the US youth national teams (and that they won’t be able to grant him retroactive citizenship), he will not be able to play for Germany even if he does become a citizen now. In other words, they can’t get around FIFA’s pesky rules, so they said screw it.

So, with Germany out of the picture, that leaves Subotic’s two most likely national team choices at the US and Serbia, his father’s homeland. Since it seems Subotic does still harbor a bit of resentment toward the USSF and he has never given the Serbians much of a chance at his services, his decision looks like it will could come down to which side can do for him.

With the US, he would be almost guaranteed a spot in the World Cup every four years considering the growing gap in CONCACAF, and given his talent, he would be almost guaranteed a spot on the team.

Serbia, meanwhile, has a tougher road to the big competitions, given the higher quality in Europe. Although they currently lead their World Cup 2010 Qualifying group, they failed to qualify for Euro ‘08, Euro ‘04, and the 2002 World Cup. In Germany 2006, they did qualify, but failed to advance past the group stage.

On top of that, Subotic would be competing for playing time at center back with the likes of Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidić (26 years old) and Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanović (24), whereas with the US, he could be slotted in next to Gooch, with Boca possibly moving to left back. In fact, that sounds pretty awesome.

On the heels of Torres’ decision, could the US now be on the verge of getting another gifted youngster? I’m not holding my breath, but it does seem a bit more likely now.

[sueddeutsche via "Projekt4" on BigSoccer via Carter]

Tags: "News", Germany, Getting Greedy, Ivanovic, Neven Subotic, Serbia, Vidic, Youngster Watch

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Comments

By Mark | October 17th, 2008 at 11:56 pm

I don’t want him on the team. I don’t care how talented he is….I only want players whose hearts lie 100% with the United States of America. Because in the last 2 minutes of a world cup quarterfinal match, trying to hold a 1-0 lead…..that important characteristic will show, or in Subotic’s case….the lack of that important characteristic.

Posted from United States

By GS | October 18th, 2008 at 10:30 am

Mark you are definitely on the right track. I won’t go as far as saying I don’t want him but I think the US should definitely consider the recent events and recognize a lemon when they see one. In my meaningless opinion this kid seems like he could care less who he plays for as long as they are in love with him and are a world power. The second the US didn’t show him “the love” he peaced out and decided Germany was his home. You have to call a spade a spade…this kid is BS and we don’t need him if he’s not 100% for the US. As you stated…when you’re in a close game passion and heart mean everything and I don’t know if Neven has those two things…at least not for the US.

Whatever this kid or the US decides I’ll be fine with pearce, boca, gooch and dolo come south africa.

Posted from United States

By BMatthews | October 18th, 2008 at 10:35 am

I agree with you completely Mark. But I think that if he plays with the “youth revolution” for a few years, he could get over the disappointment of playing for the fatherland.

By Brooks Peck | October 18th, 2008 at 12:55 pm

While I appreciate the opinion you guys share, I can’t say I totally agree. To be honest, I really don’t care how much players love the country, I just care about putting the best collection of talent on the pitch as we possibly can.

In that scenario you gave, Mark, even if Subotic (or any other player) didn’t really care about the US, don’t you think they would still give their all simply out of a desire to win that all athletes at the top level possess?

No matter where Subotic ends up, I have no doubt that he will do everything in his power to help his side win, and if he doesn’t sing the national anthem before doing so, oh well.

By Marlon | October 18th, 2008 at 6:58 pm

Subotic might not ever feel very strongly for the United States as a country, but it’s not preposterous to think he could form camaraderie with the other young guys and play hard for his teammates.

Posted from United States

By Andrew C. | October 20th, 2008 at 12:36 am

Um, I’m all for it. Why not add a good player to the player pool? And, maybe I heard the story wrong, but didn’t he sort of get called out in a fairly unprofessional way by Nowak?
He’s young, he feels treated poorly, alright, fair enough. If he decides to play for the US, I’ll be pretty happy.

Posted from United States

By Bill in Md. | October 20th, 2008 at 8:04 am

Mark & Co. -

I think you’re being a bit harsh on Subotic. How long did he live in the U.S., six years? He’s decided to focus for the last year or two on his club career, and he’s very smart in doing that. Given how Thomas Rongen treated him at the U-20 level, I can understand some resentment on Subotic’s end.

By kyle | October 20th, 2008 at 8:08 am

We need all the players we can get. I hope he chooses us. Its in no way as bad as Rossi’s decision to play for Italy because he was actually born here and lived here his whole life.

Posted from United States

By Pseudinho | October 20th, 2008 at 11:17 am

Bring him in, make nice, kiss and make up and slide him in next to Gooch.

Posted from United States

By kyle | October 20th, 2008 at 1:54 pm

Yes Psuedinho. Subotic and Gooch in the middle pushing Bocanegra out left.

Posted from United States

By GS | October 20th, 2008 at 7:47 pm

Even though I’m not over Subotic’s slap in the face the idea of gooch and subotic in the middle and boca on the left makes me salivate.

Posted from United States

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