Despite the amount of time that has passed, there remains a Giuseppe Rossi-sized wound in the psyche of American soccer fans. The New Jersey-born Rossi, son of Italian immigrants and an immense talent by every American standard, chose to play for the country of his heritage rather than the nation of his birth.


For Rossi, the decision likely had as much to do with self-identification as it did with soccer pedigree. Italy are multiple world champions, a historical powerhouse, and playing for the national team is an honor of almost mythical soccer proportions; so if Rossi thought of himself as Italian, was good enough to have a shot at glory with Italy, and chose the prestige of the Azurri over the new relevance of the Yanks, who are we to blame him?


Yet some still have, and Rossi has been labelled a "traitor" by American soccer fans who let passion blind their appreciation of the young striker's choice. Hate the situation, not the player; the day will come, and has in lesser profile cases, where the United States will secure the services of young stars facing the same decision. Until then, the rightful direction for disdain is coaches and administrators who fail in their jobs (a la Neven Subotic), not players who are well within their rights to follow a non-American path.


For those that still despise Rossi for "turning his back" on the US National Team, perhaps the news that he failed to make Italy pre-World Cup squad released on the weekend seems like a bit of karmic retribution. It's not a binding list, and Rossi could still very well be in the final World Cup roster for Italy; but that's not a slam dunk by any means, and the Azurri tends to lean heavily on domestically-based stars. Rossi, of course, plays his club soccer in Spain.


Whether Rossi does or does not end up in South Africa, the point remains that his decision to play for Italy is beyond reproach. If you found yourself chuckling with the news that a roster omitted him, or hoped that it meant he wouldn't be in South Africa, you should be ashamed. Focus your energy on cheering for the men that do play for the United States rather than hating on those that chose not to.


If you're not guilty of any of that, forget I said anything. Let's just move on...