We spoke with Peter Alegi of our FISTF World Cup team in the latest installment of an interview series with the USA squad.
ASA: Can you describe the feeling of representing the USA at the FISTF World Cup?
PA: It’s serious fun to wear the US jersey! It’s also an emotional feeling to play the World Cup in Rome, the city where I was born and grew up, and where I played my first major tournament, the Guerin Subbuteo, in 1978.
ASA: It’s been four years since the last World Cup in Gibraltar: how has your game changed since then?
PA: Gibraltar was a turning point for me. My second World Cup. I won some games and contributed to the Open team’s amazing run to the quarterfinals. We placed second in our group (losing 1-2 to Belgium, beating Germany and Australia) and became the first U.S. team ever to reach the final eight. A memorable experience! Since 2018, I have improved my technical and tactical skills, and my mental toughness too.
ASA: How are you training for the World Cup?
PA: I will be in the Rome area for several weeks before the World Cup, training with Enrico Guidi and other friends. My aim is to play lots of quality games and get myself in the right frame of mind for the World Cup. And since I will be representing the U.S. in the Waddington Cup of traditional subbuteo, I’ll also train a bit with the old rules and equipment. Back to the future!
ASA: What are your individual goals for Rome?
PA: I want to give myself the best chance to advance to the knockout rounds in both the Waddington Cup and the Vets, and help the USA team as best I can.
ASA: What are the prospects for the U.S. team in the Open category?
PA: I believe this could be the strongest team we’ve ever had at the World Cup. I say this for three reasons. First, the team spirit is high. Without a strong sense of unity and purpose, it’s almost impossible to perform well. Second, we have the talent to compete against some of the best in the world, and we have substitute options. Third, our prior World Cup experiences have taught us the importance of keeping our focus, being relaxed and confident. If we play to our potential, I know we can reach the quarterfinals again.
