Team World Day 3: “Improvement unbelievable” Coach Warren Craney (VIDEO 4x)

The World Team led by head coach GREG MARSHALL completed a third day of practices in preparation to take on the U.S. Under 19 National Team, assembled by USA Football at Austin Westlake Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday, February 2.

The Team USA vs. The World game will match a World team composed of the best players aged 19 and under selected from International Federation of American Football (IFAF) member countries against 45 of the top high school seniors from the United States. More information can be found at the event website: www.USAvWorld.com/2011, www.IFAF.org and www.facebook.com/USAvsWorld.

The combination of 45 World Team and 35 Development Team players, who when combined come from a total of 15 countries, have made great strides in a short space of time since their first day of practices just three days ago. The offensive and defensive formations have come together and the team is working as one unit. Defensive Coordinator Warren Craney has been impressed by progression.

“The improvement of this team has been unbelievable,” said Craney. “Coach Marshall has done a great job of getting those kids to gel. After the first practice, I took a step back and was slightly concerned, but now we are six practices in and they are really getting it. So it has been exciting to watch that unfold.”

This is Coach Craney’s second year as the World team offensive coordinator and he has noted some differences between the two teams.

“The biggest difference this year is that we are a lot younger on the defensive line but seem more experienced at linebacker and defensive backs. So our coverages are developing a lot faster this year.”

Two returning players who bring defensive experience to the World Team are American Samoan TAVITA KATINA and Canadian defensive back SOON CHA who have both assumed leadership roles this year.

“The team is in much better shape this year,” said Cha. “We have a great coaching staff and the practices are very organized. And for me personally, the second time around is more competitive and I really want to win the game.”

Katina expressed a similar feeling, adding: “I am kind of ticked off about losing last year, so this year I want it a little more.

“Even though we are from different countries, we all have the same goal and that is to beat USA. I know we will do well, so long as we gelled together on Wednesday, put everything aside and just come ready to play.”

Cha plays football at the University of Ottawa and Katina has committed to playing at the University of Hawaii this fall.

The World Team returns to Austin Westlake High School for two more practices on Monday at 10am and 5pm on Monday, January 31. For more information on Team USA vs. The World, visit www.usavworld.com.

The Team USA vs. The World series kicked off in January 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Team USA earned a 17-0 victory. The World Team held the hosts scoreless until the final play of the first half, suggesting that the gap in quality between international junior football players and their counterparts from the United States is narrowing as the game’s popularity spreads around the world.

The second annual game kicks off Wednesday, February 2 at 7:30pm CT at Austin Westlake Stadium in Austin, Texas. Tickets cost $8 and are available at www.usavworld.com/2011/.