CUBA

music:Gloria Estefan-Mi Tierra

Baseball, boxing and track and field have traditionally been this country's sport passions but Cuba can boast of an early World Cup appearance. They are now taking new steps to establish temselves as CONCACAF players. Their 2002 World Cup campaign only ended on penalty kicks to Barbados while their 2006 run ended only on goal differential to Costa Rica.

Cuba somehow managed to get invited to the 1938 World Cup and acquitted itself well in the first round of the tournament, beating Romania 2-1 to get the second round where they were outclassed by Sweden, 8-0.

Other sports have eclipsed soccer in Cuba since that early apperance and like the Domincan Republic, tout baseball as their #1 sport. But they have since appeared in CONCACAF's Gold Cup in recent years so they are making the efforts to recapture past glory.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Cuba's best known player had been Lazaro Dalcourt. Former goal scoring leader Alberto Delgado defected in 2002. Now Lester Moré has developed into an important goal scorer for the Cubans. Odelin Molina turned a fine performance in the nets during the 2003 Gold Cup as well.


Lester Moré showed well for Cuba
at the 2003 Gold Cup (AP)


Bottom line:
Cuba is one of the Caribbean teams that lack international experience but there are some talented players that may help Cuba make some noise in CONCACAF down the road


CUBA FACTS:
Association: Asociación de Fútbol de Cuba
Founded: 1924
Soccer Confederation: CONCACAF
Colors: Red & White
National Stadium: Estadio Pedro Marrero
Location: Havana
Coach: Raul Gonzalez
World Cup appearances:
1938

HONORS:


Cuba News and Scores

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