During the next month, HoustonDynamo.com will feature a series of weekly interviews with players and coaches regarding the 2006 World Cup. Next up is Venezuelan international and Houston Dynamo striker Alejandro Moreno.
HoustonDynamo.com: For all those of us that have never experienced it, what does it feel to be able to wear your national team jersey in a high-level competition like the World Cup?
Alejandro Moreno: It's a great honor, because you are not only representing your team, but you're representing an entire nation. You stand for everything, from your country's colors to your culture, and every single one of your fans. There is nothing like representing your country in international competitions.
HoustonDynamo.com: Of course. Playing for his or her national team is the highest accomplishment a player can reach.
A.M.: Definitely. As someone who's been involved with soccer for many years, I can tell you that playing for your national team is good, but making it to the World Cup is, obviously, even better. You are a member of one of the 32 best teams in the world, and that completes your career. Getting to the World Cup is every player's goal. Unfortunately for me, Venezuela is not participating in Germany, but we are getting better and, because of that, we are confident that in South Africa we will have our chance.
HoustonDynamo.com: You have 32 teams participating in Germany. Which one of them all tickles your fancy?
A.M.: I watch every game I can catch on TV; I read and try to keep myself informed on everything that goes on in the world of soccer, but right now I'm going to have to go with Brazil. I had the opportunity of playing them during the South American World Cup qualifiers, and their players are just phenomenal. They are fast, explosive, and very creative, and even though many people say they don't put enough effort on defense, I feel they defend only when they need to. I think that other teams are often so worried about what Brazil is going to do offensively, with players like Kaká, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo, that their offensive output is simply limited by that "fear", if you will.
HoustonDynamo.com: What can we expect to see in the first game of Germany 2006, between Costa Rica and Germany?
A.M: Germany comes in with a lot of pressure on its shoulders. They are the home team, and, as you know, the host is always expected to perform at a high level. Costa Rica, on the other hand, is under a different kind of pressure, because they know many consider them to be the underdogs. Ironically, this is something Costa Rica can also use to its advantage, because if Germany does not score as the game progresses, Costa Rica can use the Germans' impatience to get a good result using the counter attack. As far as the Ecuador-Poland game goes, I feel it will be very close, possibly even a tie, because both teams are organized on the field.
HoustonDynamo.com: We already know you like Brazil, but if Germany gets out of the group stage, do you think they have a chance to win the World Cup?
A.M.: They definitely have a chance. You always have to be careful with Germany, especially when they play at home. Playing at home, however, does have its disadvantages as well, and if the team does not produce good results, the good vibe that once existed within the team can change in an instant. That said we still can't count them off, because they have very talented players who can make their team's fortune change in an instant. It all starts tomorrow, and by the middle of next month we should have our answer.
Questions or suggestions are welcome at lgretsch@houstondynamo.com.
