Settling for a call-up to a national football team is almost an impossible task, regardless of the country and level. Objective or subjective questions generate all kinds of opinions, both positive and negative.
But it’s good that every time the national team is formed, open controversy ensues. In the case of Cuba, a few days ago the group of 23 football players who will take part in the FIFA international match when they play against the visitors of the Dominican Republic on November 15th and 18th was dismissed.
DT Pablo Elier Sánchez and his coaching staff continue to give chances to players from the Cuban tournament and others from international leagues as they already have several regular players and are part of the indispensable backbone.
The almost immovable are goalkeeper Sandy Sánchez (Pantoja/Dominican Republic), defender Carlos Vázquez (Dornbirn/Austria), Dariel Morejón (Cariari Pococí/Costa Rica) and Yosel Piedra (San Carlos/Costa Rica). Captain Arichel Hernández (O&M University/Dominican Republic), Karel Espino (Communications/Guatemala), Dairon Reyes (Inter Miami/USA), Luis Paradela (Saprissa/Costa Rica) and Rolando Abreu repeat themselves in midfield (Santiago de Cuba). In attack are Maykel Reyes (Artemisa) and Willian Pozo (Notodden FK/Noruega).
As you can see, almost half of the squad (11) was there from the start of the 2022 World Cup qualifier in Qatar and this helps define a playing style and tactical attitude on the pitch.
The challenge for the Cuban high command is to complement the squad physically and footballingly with the best men available. On this occasion, the convocation of young talents playing in the domestic championship, such as the defenders from Cienfuegos, Jassael Herrera and Mario Peñalver, as well as the club Greibel Palma (Camagüey), is welcome. Goalkeeper Raico Arozarena (Forward Madison/USA), midfielder Cristian Flores (Municipal Pérez Zeledón/Costa Rica) and striker Daniel Díaz (San Carlos/Costa Rica) also earned the rank.
Other newcomers are defenders Osniel Ramos (Artemisa), Modesto Méndez (Inter Miami/USA) and Yunior Pérez (Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa/Guatemala), midfielder Davide Incerti (Olbia Calcio/Italy) and attacker Yasnier Matos (Municipal/Guatemala). Villa Clara’s Roberney Caballero returns to the group, a player who can help the team grow.
It just remains to be seen who will perform best on the pitch. Notwithstanding the fact that numbers are still missing, this tender is part of a broader process that includes participation in the Concacaf Nations League and the Gold Cup, both planned for 2023, so new faces are appearing in other tenders.