USA Subbuteo News

Christian Filippella excelled in this debut event of traditional Subbuteo at the FISTF World Cup. He achieved his second podium in a row across two World Cups by finishing in third place. His effort was of diligence and class. Christian’s success for the USA has been magnificent. He competed in the semi final losing to the eventual winner from Italy, Morgan Croce (as seen in the photo below).

We spoke with Daniel Cranston of our FISTF World Cup team in the sixth installment of the interview series with members of the USA squad going to Rome.

ASA: Can you describe the feeling of representing the USA at the FISTF World Cup?

DC: I’ve had the privilege of representing the USA five times at the FISTF World Cup. Each time I always try to take a step back on the Saturday morning with all the players in the hall kitted out in matching uniforms from their national association and take the scenes in. It is always super motivating to see table soccer players from all over the world come together, make friends and relationships, and compete. Traveling, sightseeing, and playing with teammates from the USA also brings our community closer together by making new memories and bonds between players from across our vast country.

We spoke with Benny Nuger of our FISTF World Cup team in the fifth installment of the interview series with members of the USA squad going to Rome.

ASA: Can you describe the feeling of representing the USA at the FISTF World Cup?

BN: When I tell people that I’m representing the USA in a hobby of mine people’s eyes light up and ask me a billion questions about it, which is a cool feeling. Most people never get to have that opportunity, so to be able to represent my country in a hobby I love is very special.

We spoke with Varant Kurkeyerian of our FISTF World Cup team in the fourth installment of the interview series with members of the USA squad going to Rome.

ASA: Can you describe the feeling of representing the USA at the FISTF World Cup?

VK: It’s an amazing feeling and honor to represent the USA! This will be the third time I have in the past eight years. One of the greatest memories I had was listening to our National Anthem, on September 11, 2015, in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy, while embraced in the arms of my teammates. Still gives me goosebumps!

We spoke with Bryan Arnold of our FISTF World Cup team in the third installment of an interview series with the USA squad.

ASA: Can you describe the feeling of representing the USA at the FISTF World Cup?

BA: I feel thrilled!! Absolutely joyful and honored to represent the ASA overseas. The experience remains a singular motivation in my midlife. I am very gratified to refine my skills and support my teammates.

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.

We spoke with our FISTF World Cup team captain, Christian Filippella, in the first of a series of interviews with USA team members.

ASA: Can you describe the feeling of representing the USA at the World Cup?

CF: Playing for the US has a very special meaning, having played for my birth country, Italy, in the first part of my table soccer life. The US represents my new home, my new citizenship, and my new life. Wearing the US shirt and playing in the World Cup again feels like a rebirth to me.