International Soccer puts sports into a larger perspective

One of the many joys of World Cup Qualifying competitions is that small countries with not that much in terms of political or economic influence can for a brief moment have a moment in the sun. With the way FIFA schedules Qualifying the smaller countries of the world have a chance to play world-class team in their own stadiums. Otherwise, a team like England would never travel to Malta for a soccer game. In most areas this works out to be a great success, has every country can put aside it's political differences to play the world's sport. Even blood enemies Armenia and Turkey played each other twice this year, not bad for two countries that have had 3 armed conflicts since independence. However in other areas of the world security can not be guaranteed, especially in areas with political turmoil. That is when the problem of the safety concerns of fans, athletes, and coaching staff becomes a chief concern.

This is true in no other area than the CONCACAF region (North and Central America as well as the Caribbean Nations). Due to Cold-War Politics and Drug Wars, some of the nations in Central America and the Caribbean are not exactly 'away-fan friendly' environment. While other ares and teams deal with this, such as Iraq who has not played an authentic home match since 2003, playing on the road for all of their matches. Back the the region that the US calls home, and you will see that CONCACAF has had a history of environments that were 'too hostile' to collect a win, or even get back to the team bus alive.

This is currently going on in the region with the upcoming October fixture between the United States and Honduras. Quick CNN style update on the Central American nation of Honduras. The nation is in political turmoil as Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was overthrown via a coup three months ago. Recently, the nation has seen a growth of violence as Zelaya has returned to Honduras after a quick exile, and is currently being housed in the Brazilian Embassy to Honduras. Violence has hit the streets between the side that supports Zelaya, and those who support the new government, formed by the military coup.

This has left FIFA, CONCACAF, and US Soccer in a predicament. While it is Honduras' right to host the match against the US, as the schedule states, there are safety concerns. The US team is not new to traveling to hostile environments as the Yanks have traveled to Costa Rica, Haiti, and Panama, during times when those nations were not the safest places to be. However, as violence starts to near to the cite where the match is scheduled to play, options are being considered.

Right now the plan is to keep the game as scheduled, but here are the alternatives. 1. Play the game at a latter date, wait for things to cool down. 2. Move the game to the United States, and play in a more stable environment, (political violence in American only come from angry Red Necks at town hall meetings). 3. Move the match to a neighboring Central American Nation 4. Play the game in Honduras with no crowd, it's been done before.

While looking at these solutions there are pros and cons to each. Playing the match at a latter date might be wise, wait and see if the political situation will cool down. Maybe, if other results go just right, both teams can qualify with needing to play the game (don't count on that, that is SERIOUS wishful thinking). Playing at a latter date, will not be ideal, but it looks to be a solid plan. Moving the match to the US will seem like an easy choice, but this robs Honduras of a home game, and give the US an extra-home match. This is not only un-fair to Honduras, but all the other teams fighting for a spot in the region. Mexico and Costa Rica will not be happy if the US were to receive 6 home games, and that be the difference in the Final Standing. The other solutions are my least favorite, moving it to another site will kill the atmosphere as a neutral-site qualifier will have no atmosphere to it. And it would be a tragedy to have no fans admitted to the match for security purposes.

Whatever the result, the most important thing is safety. At times like these we really notice how insignificant sports can be compared to what happens in the world. But as the US learned in the attacks of September 11th, sports can heal. They can unite a nation and rally the people behind the flag. I wish the best for those who are in Honduras, and those who might travel to compete there, but I believe it is in Honduras' best interest to host the match, and have people support their team. Honduras is looking in a great position to qualify for it's second World Cup ever, first since 1982. While soccer can not cure the political turmoil, or end violence in an area. For 90 minutes, soccer can unite a nation, as countrymen together cheer, hope, and celebrate as a united nation. A united Honduras.