Cuban sports teams visiting the US and other western countries seem to have to play short-handed more frequently than others. The Cuban Olympic soccer team was able to field only ten players in their qualifying match against Honduras in Florida last night because seven players left the team, apparently seeking asylum.
The Cuban coach put it in perspective nicely: "Playing with ten men is difficult, but it is something you have to accept." I can imagine similar quotes from other Cuban emissaries over the years: "Playing without a string section is difficult but it is something you have to accept," said the Cuban conductor.
