I think the reality here is that football is a way of life in Uruguay. In New Zealand, football is a hobby.
This!!!
I see De Jong's lad got his obligatory 10 minute run out.
cynical much - i thought Andre did quite well for the 10 mins he was out there - certinaly linked play well.
I am cynical. Totally. And I thought he did pretty well too, but sadly he will be forever tarnished by his old man's involvement.
sadly because people like you can't seem to seperate their feelings for administrator and player.
That's not true. I quite like Fred as a bloke, and I have no feelings for Andre.
Mine's more a factual position. When your dad is technical director, and is the guy walking down the line being introduced like "somebody" to the other team, it is hard to imagine the coach (who your dad is the boss of) doesn't feel some pressure to play you. And when you come on for 9 minutes and 30 seconds at the end of a game, well that sort of reinforces the point...
It is inescapable.
Just like at my job, if someone's child gets a job - even though they have to go through the standard interview process - it is inescapable that their relationship to mum/dad had some positive impact.
Fred and family just have to live with it.