D.C. United midfielder Branko Boskovic has been called into the Montenegro national team for its upcoming 2012 European Championship playoff against the Czech Republic, a two-legged series with matches on Nov. 11 in Prague and Nov. 15 in Podgorica.
Boskovic, of course, hasn’t played a competitive match since suffering a serious left knee injury during a U.S. Open cup qualifying game with D.C. United in April.
Here’s my conversation with Boskovic last month about Euro 2012.
Montenegro head coach Branko Brnovic is aware of Boskovic’s injury and recovery.
“Branko is back in training and I believe he can help us,” Brnovic said. “He was a regular in the team before his injury and deserves to be with us for these crucial matches.”
While we await official word from D.C. United on whether or not Boskovic will indeed make the trip, consider the reasons for and against.
Against: To repeat, Boskovic hasn’t played since April. The idea that his first competitive soccer in seven months, following knee surgery, would come on the international stage is a dangerous one. First, there’s the simple matter of his health. Second, it could also be perceived as somewhat disingenuous to D.C. United, which has invested so much in helping Boskovic return to health over the last seven months. Boskovic could certainly rule himself out of his national team, both as a preventative measure and as a display of his dedication to D.C. United.
For: There is little to suggest that Boskovic’s commitment to D.C. United has wavered in the least during his recovery. He has remained in Washington throughout the recovery process, putting himself in D.C. United’s hands when, as a foreigner, it wouldn’t have been a total surprise if he had decided to go back to somewhere he was more comfortable in Europe. He has stated repeatedly to me that he’s determined to play for D.C. United next season. His contract expires during the summer.
It is also important to understand that Boskovic is co-captain of the Montenegro team, one of their most experienced players, one who carries himself with a positive attitude, and someone who can provide a valuable presence around the team – there is certainly the likelihood and expectation, at some level, that he wouldn’t play – and every little bit of inspiration could make the difference. The assumption here is that Brnovic and his staff are smart enough not to force Boskovic onto the field if he’s not ready.
And by the way, it’s also not so bad for the D.C. United brand to get some play abroad, particularly in the offseason.
Think he should go or stay?
