David Beckham will not be representing one of his countries (Great Britain, as opposed to England) in the Olympics this summer after manager Stuart Pearce selected three overage players, omitting Beckham from his list: Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards. Beckham is understandably upset, releasing this statement:
“Everyone knows how much playing for my country has always meant to me, so I would have been honored to be part of this unique Team GB squad. Naturally I am very disappointed, but there will be no bigger supporter of the team than me. And like everyone, I will be hoping they can win the gold.”
The "unique Team GB squad" to which Beckham refers has nothing to do with a gravity bong competition, though I seem to remember a friend of mine forming the ORIGINAL Team GB back in college. Anywho, while FIFA allows non-nations England, Wales and Scotland to compete separately in international competitions, at the 2012 London Olympics the soccer team will be composed of players from across Great Britain. That's why Bellamy and Giggs, both of whom are Welsh, are allowed on the squad.
There are a couple general opinions that seem to have surfaced on the Beckham issue. First, some people feel that players like Bellamy and Giggs, who never had a chance to make a name for themselves on the international stage because they play for Wales, deserve a chance to compete for a medal. I say that if you're born in Wales, tough shit.
Others think that Beckham's diminished soccer skills justify his exclusion from the squad. I say that's horseshit. Beckham lobbied vigorously to bring the Olympics to London, and he's made no secret of his desire to play for his country. Just put him on the team!
Even from a purely soccer perspective, it makes sense to include Beckham. Have you seen what his free kicks do in MLS? Check out this one, which never would have gone in against a top-notch European 'keeper. But against inexperienced goalies -- like the ones that will be playing this summer in what is essentially a U-23 tournament except for the three overage players allowed per squad -- Beckham is deadly. Having a set piece specialist would have been invaluable.
Then again, I'm always happy to root against the Brits, and London 2012 will offer me the perfect platform to criticize them. Nice call, dickheads!
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Follow on Ology: Anthony Schneck | Summer Olympics
Follow on Twitter: @AnthonyOlogy | @OlogySports
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