MLS Alums: The Miracle Worker
Milutinovic tackles biggest challenge with Iraq in Confederations Cup
Bora Milutinovic is the only coach to take five different nations to the World Cup. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
On Sunday, Iraq plays South Africa in the opening game of the tournament. At their helm will be a coach very familiar to American soccer fans -- former MetroStars and U.S. national team head coach Bora Milutinovic.
While Kazakhstan has Borat, soccer has Bora, and when the much-traveled coach drops in on a team he can stir up just as much controversy as any Sacha Baron Cohen creation. Milutinovic also has a huge reputation as a turnaround artist extraordinaire, being dubbed "the Miracle Worker" by former U.S. Soccer Federation president Alan Rothenberg. But last month, Milutinovic told Al-Jazeera.net that the Iraq job is "the biggest challenge in my career."
The legendary troubleshooter knows all about big soccer challenges. The Serbia-born Mexico City resident is the only coach to lead five different nations at the World Cup -- Mexico in 1986, Costa Rica in 1990, the U.S. in 1994, Nigeria in 1998 and China in 2002. Of that group, only China failed to advance to the second round.
At Italia '90, few expected Costa Rica to move on from a group that included Brazil, Scotland and Sweden, but the Milutinovic magic prevailed again as the Ticos beat both the Scots and the Swedes.
Four years later, most pundits predicted that the U.S. would be the first host nation to fall in the first round at the World Cup finals. But Milutinovic molded a young team stacked with big personalities that could embrace the moment, deny all the naysayers, and help launch a new era for soccer on these shores. That team not only reached the knockout phase, but put up a valiant fight against eventual champion Brazil in a memorable 1-0 second-round loss on the Fourth of July.
In his four years with the U.S. national team, Milutinovic posted a 30-35-31 record and, most importantly, helped raise the game's profile in one of soccer's last great wildernesses. That success stands in sharp contrast to his time with the MetroStars. Appointed to replace Alfonso Mondelo with one game left in the 1998 MLS regular season, "Bora Ball" was a giant-sized disappointment in the Meadowlands. The MetroStars posted a league-worst 4-25-3 record in 1999 and the coach was axed.
Following his MetroStars stint, Milutinovic got his passport stamped in many far-flung ports of call, including China, Jamaica, Honduras and Nigeria. He succeeded the architect of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup triumph, Brazilian Jordan Vieria, as Iraq head coach on April 8, 2009. Despite having performed his own spectacular miracle, Vieria was let go after Iraq's poor showing at the 2009 Gulf Cup in January (Iraq having already been eliminated from 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying in the third round). So far, Milutinovic's time with Iraq has matched the turbulence of his MetroStars tenure.
Last month at Iraq's training camp in Qatar, assistant coach Radhi Shnenaishil quit the team, claiming that he couldn't work for the new head coach, whom he branded "too theatrical" and "not qualified" for the job. As members of the U.S. World Cup class of '94 would no doubt confirm, Milutinovic works in mysterious ways to perform his soccer wonders. Now those mystical powers are being tested to the full. Star player Nashat Akram is struggling to be fit for the FIFA Confederations Cup, and Milutinovic has not yet snapped Iraq's 2009 winless streak. A 1-0 loss at Qatar and 1-1 tie to Poland in South Africa on Tuesday have him off to a 0-1-1 start.
FIFA may have blessed Bafana Bafana with a seemingly easy opening game with Iraq this Sunday, but Milutinovic has always embraced the underdog role. This time his greatest challenge will be to make the "Lions of Mesopotamia" roar. I doubt he can pull it off, but I wouldn't be the first person to underestimate a coach who has truly seen it all.
Other 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup notes
Bora Milutinovic isn't the only former MetroStars coach at the Confederations Cup in South Africa. Bob Bradley leads the U.S. national team in the World Cup dress rehearsal after an eventful week of World Cup qualifiers that saw a bewildered U.S. team lose 3-1 at Costa Rica on June 3, and secure a critical come-from-behind 2-1 win against Honduras at Soldier Field on Saturday night. Along with six current MLS players, Bradley's 23-man squad includes nine former MLS players -- Freddy Adu, Jozy Altidore, DaMarcus Beasley, Carlos Bocanegra, Michael Bradley, Danny Califf, Clint Dempsey, Brad Guzan and Tim Howard. The U.S. plays in Group B, kicking off against Italy on June 15, followed by Brazil on June 18, and Egypt on June 21.Former New England Revolution defender Tony Lochhead started for New Zealand in the Kiwis' 2-1 loss at Tanzania on June 3. That game was the first of three Confederations Cup warmup games for the All Whites. Struggling with a stomach bug that affected several members of the team, Lochhead played only as a sub in New Zealand's 0-0 tie at Botswana on June 7. Current MLS players Simon Elliott (Columbus Crew), Duncan Oughton (San Jose Earthquakes), Andrew Boyens (New York Red Bulls) and Jarrod Smith (Seattle Sounders) all saw playing time as well. New Zealand wraps up its preparations with a game against world champions Italy in Pretoria, South Africa on Wednesday, June 10. In Confederations Cup Group A, New Zealand will play Spain in Rustenburg on June 14, South Africa in Rustenburg on June 17 and Iraq in Johannesburg on June 20.
2010 FIFA World Cup news
Soccer's version of the Hail Mary play saved Portugal's blushes and most likely ex-MetroStars coach Carlos Queiroz's job (at least for the time being) in Albania on Saturday. Portugal and Albania were tied 1-1 late in stoppage time when, with nearly the last kick of the game, Portugal's Jose Bosingwa launched a long high ball into the box. The Albania backline stood transfixed and watched in horror as Bruno Alves ghosted in at the back post to beat goalkeeper Islli Hidi to the ball and head it into the open net for a 2-1 Portugal win. That result, combined with Denmark's 1-0 victory at Sweden, put the Danes firmly at the top of Group 1. With Portugal and Sweden laying third and fourth, respectively, in the standings behind Denmark and Hungary, it would take a remarkable change in fortunes for two of the world's top players, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, to both be in South Africa next year. Next up for Portugal is a visit to Denmark on Sept. 5.Former LA Galaxy assistant coach Ashin Ghotbi was at the Iran helm for the first time in a World Cup qualifying game on Saturday, gaining a precious point in a 0-0 tie at North Korea. Fourth in Asian Group 2, Iran would have to win its last two games, at home to the United Arab Emirates on June 10 and at South Korea on June 17, to have a shot at an automatic bid. South Korea has already punched its ticket to South Africa, leaving Iran to battle North Korea and Saudi Arabia for the second spot. The team that finishes third in the group will still have a shot at South Africa, facing a playoff with the Group 1 third place team for the right to play New Zealand for a spot in the Finals.
Former Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes striker Junior Agogo rode the bench as Ghana won 2-0 at Mali on Sunday to remain atop of Africa's Group D. Agogo, who has not played in three months due to a dispute with his Egyptian side El-Zamalek, is expected to remain in the squad for Ghana's next game at Sudan on June 20.
Former LA Galaxy defender Michael Umana exchanged hugs with ex-teammate Landon Donovan during the traditional pregame player handshakes before Costa Rica's 3-1 win against the U.S. on June 3. Umana played the full 90 in the Ticos' dominant performance. Another MLS alumnus, Andy Herron, started for Costa Rica as well. Both players were also starters in Costa Rica's 3-2 win at Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday. Former MetroStars defender Pablo Brenes was also in the Ticos' starting lineup for the Trinidad game. That six-point double dip propelled Costa Rica to the top of the standings.
In the loss to Costa Rica, Trinidad's ex-Toronto FC striker Collin Samuel came into the game for the second half and scored T&T's second goal. Former Colorado Rapids defender Keyeno Thomas was an unused substitute. Trinidad & Tobago play at Mexico on Wednesday, June 10.
On Saturday at Soldier Field, Honduras fielded two former MLS players in its starting XI against the U.S., ex-Galaxy striker Carlos Pavon and FC Dallas and Chivas USA alumnus Ramon Nunez. In a shaky opening first 20 minutes for the U.S. both players made significant contributions as Honduras held the early 1-0 initiative. Pavon tired quickly in the second half and was subbed out in the 66th minute. Surprisingly, 12 minutes later with Honduras trailing 2-1, Nunez also came out of the game. Both players are expected to start as Honduras hosts El Salvador on Wednesday, June 10.
Former D.C. United player Eliseo Quintanilla scored what might prove to be, for the U.S., one of the most important goals of the qualifying tournament when he converted an 85th-minute penalty kick to upset Mexico, 2-1, in El Salvador on Saturday night. That victory elevated El Salvador to third place in the standings and dropped Mexico to fifth.
In Bolivia on Sunday, former Dallas Burns and MetroStars midfielder Joselito Varca started as the home side lost 1-0 to Venezuela. On Wednesday night, Bolivia plays at in-form Chile, who beat Paraguay on the road 2-0 on Saturday and currently are third in the South American standings.
Elsewhere around the world
In Australia, former FC Dallas midfielder Victor Sikora underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on June 5. The Dutchman, currently with Perth Glory, scored one goal in six games for Dallas in 2008. Perth officials say Sikora should be ready for the start of the A-League season at the beginning of August.In Brazil, despite World Cup qualifying games being on the docket for the national team, Week 5 of the Campeonato Brasileirao was in full swing. Fluminense's 1-0 win, on an 88th-minute goal from World Cup veteran Fred, over Botafogo on Sunday eased the pressure on ex-MetroStars head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. Former MetroStars defender Danilo Silva dropped to the bench as Internacional's four-game winning streak to start the season came to end with a 1-1 tie at Cruzeiro. Silva came into the game as a second-half substitute in the 59th minute, replacing Marcelo. Internacional remain atop the standings.
In Italy, former New England Revolution goalkeeper Walter Zenga was named head coach of Serie A side Palermo. Zenga, who also coached the Revs, signed a three-year deal. He had resigned as head coach of Catania last month.
In Jamaica, the short John Barnes reign as the Reggae Boyz national team head coach came to end with a 3-2 victory against Panama on Sunday. Khari Stephenson, who played nine games for the Kansas City Wizards over the course of 2004 and 2005, saw playing time for Jamaica as a second-half substitute. Luis Tejada, who played in one game for Real Salt Lake in 2007, scored Panama's second goal.
In Scotland, Glasgow Rangers 2007 MLS Rookie of the Year Maurice Edu underwent surgery in London on June 4 to repair ligament damage in his left knee. The Rangers midfielder is expected to be out of action until September, missing the start of the SPL season and the U.S. World Cup qualifier at Mexico in August.
In Vietnam, fans burned seats and hurled objects (and plenty of verbal abuse) at the field as former Brazil 2002 FIFA World Cup winner Denilson was a no show for his new team Hai Phong Cement in Saturday's 2-0 home loss to Danang. According to reports Hai Phong had raised ticket prices 30 percent for the advertised debut of the ex-FC Dallas midfielder. Agence France Presse reported on Tuesday that Denilson asked fans to be patient, claiming, "With my ability, I can bring you wonderful matches." That would certainly put him on better footing with the Cement fans.
Tradewinds
Napoli head coach and former MetroStars midfield general Roberto Donadoni made his first big signing of the summer, landing the signature of Fabio Quagliarella on a five-year contract. Donadoni had given the former Udinese striker his international debut for Italy and took him to Euro 2008 last summer.
Performance of the week
Former D.C. United player Eliseo Quintanilla held his nerve as the rain hammered down on a sodden field Saturday night in San Salvador to score the winning penalty kick goal in the 85th minute to give El Salvador a 2-1 win over Mexico. That victory sparked jubilation in the stands and could prove critical to U.S. qualification hopes. With all the CONCACAF big guns -- Costa Rica, Mexico and the U.S., holding serve at home in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying hexagonal so far, Mexico's loss in El Salvador offset the U.S. reverse in Costa Rica and means even if Mexico wins its midweek home game with Trinidad & Tobago and its upcoming Azteca showdown with the U.S. in August, Bob Bradley's team will still hold a one-point edge over Mexico heading down the home stretch. That margin could prove crucial on the road to South Africa.Mark C. Young is an Emmy Award-winning freelance writer/TV producer who has covered several FIFA World Cups and Olympic Games. He is a contributor to Goal.com and also writes for the blog "No Mas."
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