as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com
Socceroo Mile Sterjovski has admitted his excitement at a fresh start at Derby County following a change of manager.
Sterjovski only made 15 appearances in a year at the club under previous manager Paul Jewell, but with new boss Nigel Clough ready to lead the Rams for the first time this weekend, the Australian international has claimed he is excited by the change of leadership.
The 29-year-old told the Evening Telegraph, "It has been frustrating and I honestly didn't know what was going on."
After joining Derby from Genclerbirligi OFTAS in January 2008, Sterjovski featured regularly under Jewell, making a dozen appearances as the team was relegated from the Premier League last season.
But the former Lille and FC Basel man's opportunities were vastly reduced this season having played just three times this term under Jewell. Sterjovski's lack of first-team action also led to suggestions he may leave Pride Park to return to the Hyundai A-League.
Late in December though, Jewell resigned from his post at Pride Park as the club struggled in the Championship. Derby moved to appoint Nigel Clough as their new manager and his arrival has excited Sterjovski.
"Now I am glad there is a new manager. It's a new start for me and, hopefully, I will get more chances," said Sterjovski.
"I feel like I have unfinished business at Derby."
Indeed, following the announcement of Clough's appointment, Sterjovski won a rare starting place for Derby, as they stunned Manchester United 1-0 in the Carling Cup. And while Clough wasn't officially in charge that day, Sterjovski's performance would have impressed in the incoming gaffer.
The rejuvenated Aussie added, "It has been a hard time for me but things have changed now and it's a good change."
"It's early days yet but everyone is positive and determined to get a place in the team. Everyone knows they have the chance to play now and everyone is working hard."
Sterjovski concluded, "The more match time myself and the other members of the squad get, the fitter we will become and the better it will be for everyone."
And the Australian could get an opportunity to get some more match time under his belt this Saturday, as Derby entertain QPR in the Championship.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Fed's Bid To Hold Onto The Gloves
as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com
Reading's Aussie shot-stopper Adam Federici looks likely to retain his place in goals for this weekend at least, despite regular Marcus Hahnemann returning to training.
Federici has deputised at Reading in the absence of Hahnemann, who injured a calf in early December against Blackpool in the Championship.
And the 23 year old Australian has done well during his opportunity, having conceded just three goals in five league games as the Royals moved up into second place on the Championship table with 11 points from the fixtures.
Hahnemann though has been back on the track this week at Madejski Stadium and is believed to be ready to return for the Royals.
But it seems unlikely Reading boss Steve Coppell will bring Hahnemann straight back into the Royals starting XI, with Federici performing more than adequately in the 36 year old American's absence.
Federici spoke to the Evening Post and admitted: “Obviously if I was dropped I wouldn’t be happy, but it’s not about me. It’s about the team winning.
“Marcus is training properly now and looking good again. I don’t expect anything. You can’t expect to play every week.
“If the gaffer thinks Marcus playing improves our chances of winning then it’s fine by me. It is diplomatic, but I understand the way football is."
He added: “It is obviously a hard decision because he’s a fantastic goalkeeper. He’s been here for so long and has been fantastic for the club.
“I am 23 years old, and he has been playing forever. I have heard about possession being nine-tenths of the law, but we’ll see."
Indeed, Federici has done his chances no harm with his recent performances and he cheekily added he would probably start this Saturday against Swansea City in the Championship, saying: "I am pretty sure I’m playing.”
Reading's Aussie shot-stopper Adam Federici looks likely to retain his place in goals for this weekend at least, despite regular Marcus Hahnemann returning to training.
Federici has deputised at Reading in the absence of Hahnemann, who injured a calf in early December against Blackpool in the Championship.
And the 23 year old Australian has done well during his opportunity, having conceded just three goals in five league games as the Royals moved up into second place on the Championship table with 11 points from the fixtures.
Hahnemann though has been back on the track this week at Madejski Stadium and is believed to be ready to return for the Royals.
But it seems unlikely Reading boss Steve Coppell will bring Hahnemann straight back into the Royals starting XI, with Federici performing more than adequately in the 36 year old American's absence.
Federici spoke to the Evening Post and admitted: “Obviously if I was dropped I wouldn’t be happy, but it’s not about me. It’s about the team winning.
“Marcus is training properly now and looking good again. I don’t expect anything. You can’t expect to play every week.
“If the gaffer thinks Marcus playing improves our chances of winning then it’s fine by me. It is diplomatic, but I understand the way football is."
He added: “It is obviously a hard decision because he’s a fantastic goalkeeper. He’s been here for so long and has been fantastic for the club.
“I am 23 years old, and he has been playing forever. I have heard about possession being nine-tenths of the law, but we’ll see."
Indeed, Federici has done his chances no harm with his recent performances and he cheekily added he would probably start this Saturday against Swansea City in the Championship, saying: "I am pretty sure I’m playing.”
Neill To Newcastle?
as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com
LUCAS Neill could be on the verge of a move to Newcastle United after the Magpies made an enquiry about a potential transfer for the current West Ham skipper.
The 30-year-old Australian international will be out of contract with the Hammers at the end of the season and as a result has been the subject of many transfer rumours.
But injury-ravaged Newcastle are ready to enter the transfer market and have written to West Ham and the Socceroo's agent to ask about buying Neill.
Neill would be an ideal addition for the relegation-threatened club, as injured current first-choice right-back Habib Beye is out of action for an estimated 10 weeks.
The transfer might happen swiftly too, with Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear admitting on Wednesday: "We've made two serious offers for decent money.
"When I say decent money, two £4m offers for two players. They're considering them now. We made the bids today."
Kinnear later added with regards to Neill: "We have spoken to his agent and it is ongoing at the moment, we are just waiting to see. We could get an answer at any time."
LUCAS Neill could be on the verge of a move to Newcastle United after the Magpies made an enquiry about a potential transfer for the current West Ham skipper.
The 30-year-old Australian international will be out of contract with the Hammers at the end of the season and as a result has been the subject of many transfer rumours.
But injury-ravaged Newcastle are ready to enter the transfer market and have written to West Ham and the Socceroo's agent to ask about buying Neill.
Neill would be an ideal addition for the relegation-threatened club, as injured current first-choice right-back Habib Beye is out of action for an estimated 10 weeks.
The transfer might happen swiftly too, with Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear admitting on Wednesday: "We've made two serious offers for decent money.
"When I say decent money, two £4m offers for two players. They're considering them now. We made the bids today."
Kinnear later added with regards to Neill: "We have spoken to his agent and it is ongoing at the moment, we are just waiting to see. We could get an answer at any time."
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Porter Worry For Gold Coast
as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com
Gold Coast United target Joel Porter will be out for weeks after his English club revealed the Australian is battling a painful Achilles problem that has left him unable to train.
Porter, who has scored 13 goals in all competitions for League One Hartlepool United this season, has been heavily linked with a deal with the new A-League franchise on the Gold Coast.
But his fantastic season may have hit a wall after the hitman was forced out of training since New Year aftr suffering tendinitis in his Achilles tendon.
"Since we've played Stoke (on January 3) Joel's not trained which is quite a concern," Hartlepool manager Chris Turner told BBC Tees.
"It's an injury that needs rest. The more you work them the worse they get. The physios are doing their best."
The 30-year-old Australian may now be facing an extended stay on the sidelines as battles back to full fitness again.
Porter's importance to the Hartlepool side has already been noticed, after he missed the 2-1 loss at Oldham on Monday. After the match, Turner bemoaned Hartlepool's lack of firepower in the absence of Australian.
And while Hartlepool may rue Porter's absence, the Australian's injury problem will also concern those at Skilled Park where he seems certainly destined next season.
Gold Coast United target Joel Porter will be out for weeks after his English club revealed the Australian is battling a painful Achilles problem that has left him unable to train.
Porter, who has scored 13 goals in all competitions for League One Hartlepool United this season, has been heavily linked with a deal with the new A-League franchise on the Gold Coast.
But his fantastic season may have hit a wall after the hitman was forced out of training since New Year aftr suffering tendinitis in his Achilles tendon.
"Since we've played Stoke (on January 3) Joel's not trained which is quite a concern," Hartlepool manager Chris Turner told BBC Tees.
"It's an injury that needs rest. The more you work them the worse they get. The physios are doing their best."
The 30-year-old Australian may now be facing an extended stay on the sidelines as battles back to full fitness again.
Porter's importance to the Hartlepool side has already been noticed, after he missed the 2-1 loss at Oldham on Monday. After the match, Turner bemoaned Hartlepool's lack of firepower in the absence of Australian.
And while Hartlepool may rue Porter's absence, the Australian's injury problem will also concern those at Skilled Park where he seems certainly destined next season.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Bresc On Target At Palermo
as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com
Just days after saying he wanted to score more goals, Socceroo Mark Bresciano has netted in the 3-2 win for Palermo over Atalanta Bergamo on Sunday.
The 28-year-old Australian midfielder, who hadn't scored since the opening weekend of the Serie A season, arrived unmarked in the box to hit home Fabrizio Miccoli's pass in the 39th minute of the clash.
Earlier, Bresciano had threatened to open the scoring after a dangerous piece of play on the left led to Atalanta goalkeeper Ferdinando Coppola palming away the Australian's cross-cum-shot. The loose ball fell into the path of Bresciano's teammate Fabio Simplicio, but he missed the resulting tap-in.
Palermo would take the lead in the first-half on 22 minutes, when Miccoli smashed a shot past Coppola.
Miccoli again was involved later in the half, when his low curling pass found an unmarked Bresciano who slid in to double Palermo's advantage.
But in the second stanza, Atalanta turned the match around with goals from Sergio Floccari and Adrian Ferreira Pinto to stun the Renzo Barbera crowd.
The hosts though, found an 80th minute winner through Edinson Cavani who hit an angled volley into the bottom corner of the net to rescue the victory for Palermo.
Bresciano, who has been linked to a Premier League move during the January transfer window, would have impressed his potential suitors with a decent display and was amongst Palermo's best, playing a rare full game.
The result sees Palermo leapfrog Atalanta, along with Catania, up into eighth on the Serie A table.
Just days after saying he wanted to score more goals, Socceroo Mark Bresciano has netted in the 3-2 win for Palermo over Atalanta Bergamo on Sunday.The 28-year-old Australian midfielder, who hadn't scored since the opening weekend of the Serie A season, arrived unmarked in the box to hit home Fabrizio Miccoli's pass in the 39th minute of the clash.
Earlier, Bresciano had threatened to open the scoring after a dangerous piece of play on the left led to Atalanta goalkeeper Ferdinando Coppola palming away the Australian's cross-cum-shot. The loose ball fell into the path of Bresciano's teammate Fabio Simplicio, but he missed the resulting tap-in.
Palermo would take the lead in the first-half on 22 minutes, when Miccoli smashed a shot past Coppola.
Miccoli again was involved later in the half, when his low curling pass found an unmarked Bresciano who slid in to double Palermo's advantage.
But in the second stanza, Atalanta turned the match around with goals from Sergio Floccari and Adrian Ferreira Pinto to stun the Renzo Barbera crowd.
The hosts though, found an 80th minute winner through Edinson Cavani who hit an angled volley into the bottom corner of the net to rescue the victory for Palermo.
Bresciano, who has been linked to a Premier League move during the January transfer window, would have impressed his potential suitors with a decent display and was amongst Palermo's best, playing a rare full game.
The result sees Palermo leapfrog Atalanta, along with Catania, up into eighth on the Serie A table.
ACL Promises More For 2009
as seen on www.insidefutbol.com
The draw for the 2009 Asian Champions League (ACL) took place in Dubai earlier this week, with much excitement and optimism ahead of the beginning of the new and revamped continental tournament.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are aiming to begin a new professional era for football on the massive continent, with the new ACL leading the way.
In 2009, the ACL will take a new format with 32 teams competing in the tournament rather than 28. Other changes in the format include the increase to two qualifiers per group through to the knockout stage which will start with a round of 16. And in a first, the final will be played at a neutral venue, in Japan in a one-off grand match.
But the make-up of the competitors in the tournament will also take up a different look with the AFC enforcing strict new measures for participation in the ACL. The tough criteria includes on-field performance, attendance figures and organisational and governance standards as the AFC strives to reach a new level of professional.
And while the revamped competition immediately presents plenty of new and exciting opportunities for many, there are also plenty of losers with the AFC’s strict new measures freezing several confederations out of the tournament.
In fact under the AFC’s new rules, only 10 Member Assocations have earned direct entry into the group stages of the ACL, making teams like 2006 runners-up Al Karama (Syria) or 2008 AFC Cup winners Muharraq (Bahrain) ineligible for the competition.
But AFC president Mohammed Bin Hammam believes all these new measures are for the long-term development of Asian football.
"Asian football needs a big reformation process to make it professional and successful, and I know radical changes might not please everybody, but we must have the courage of our conviction," Bin Hammam said.
Indeed under the new regulations, the Syrians for example, don’t meet the AFC’s criteria because of their poor off-field governance and therefore are ineligible for the ACL. Other nations like Vietnam and Thailand have been punished for their poor on-field performances and weak crowd attendances.
Speaking at the launch of the new ACL, Bin Hammam added, “We had to implement tough measures to ensure that the clubs and leagues they represented are truly professional in the way they are run and play football.
“This is the only way to build up the credibility of this tournament. At the end of the day, Asian football benefits and we are delighted to see that so many associations and clubs are doing their best to meet our competition criteria.
“This is an exciting time in Asian football and we are looking forward to a fantastic competition in 2009.”
Indeed, following the draw for the 2009 Asian Champions League the anticipation for the tournament has only grown, with all of the groups looking tantalising.
Group B throws up a massive contest between two of West Asia’s best supported clubs in Al Shabab Riyadh and Persepolis of Tehran while Group C looks to be the ‘group of death’.
Amongst the teams in Group C are Al Jazeera Abu Dhabi (UAE), Esteghlal (Iran) and Al Ittihad Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) who are all currently flying in their respective domestic leagues, along with up-and-coming Qatari club Umm Salal SC, in what AFC Vice President Yousef Al Serkal described as a ‘tasty draw’.
Elsewhere, a new rivalry may emerge in Group D, when Iranians Sepahan and Uzbeki side Bunyodkor face off once again, after the Tashkent club got the better of the Esfahan side in last year’s group stage of the tournament.
While over in the East Asian part of the draw the supremacy of the Japanese clubs, who have won the last two Champions League editions, will be put to the test.
Indeed, the intense rivalry amongst the Chinese, Japanese and Koreans will only be enhanced by the fact all four East Asian groups have a team from each respective domestic league.
The Koreans, in particular, will be keen to prove a point against the J.League clubs who have recently nabbed away a lot of K-League stars to the island nation including Cho Jae-Jin who left Jeonbuk Motors for current Asian champions Gamba Osaka last month.
So one group for particular attention will be Group G, were the current J.League and K-League champions, Kashima Antlers and Suwon Bluewings respectively, have been drawn against one another.
Throw in the new Australian A-League clubs, represented by the Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners, and these groups promise plenty.
Indeed, the new format of the competition adds plenty too, with the top two sides going through from the groups rather than as previously just one. This not only eliminates some of dead-rubbers which were cursing the tournament but also increases competition for the next round.
Along with that, the AFC have managed to vastly increase the prize-money for the competition too, going from the $US4 million on offer in 2008, up to $US20 million for 2009.
Needless to say, the participating clubs will be tempted to make the continental competition more of a priority than they previously may have, with the financial gains on offer.
But the AFC are also eager to point out a victory in the group stages of the ACL will be worth $US40,000 which is a great incentive for smaller clubs from smaller leagues.
Indeed, what is on offer in the 2009 edition of the ACL is a massive incentive for leagues in places such as Syria, Bahrain or Vietnam who were deemed ineligible from the tournament, to improve and make themselves eligible and ultimately become more professional.
And as Bin Hammam continually reiterates, it is all about improving the professionalism of the Asian football and while it may seem unfair in the short-term, perhaps in the long-term the likes of Al Karama and Muharraq have plenty to win.
The draw for the 2009 Asian Champions League (ACL) took place in Dubai earlier this week, with much excitement and optimism ahead of the beginning of the new and revamped continental tournament.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are aiming to begin a new professional era for football on the massive continent, with the new ACL leading the way.
In 2009, the ACL will take a new format with 32 teams competing in the tournament rather than 28. Other changes in the format include the increase to two qualifiers per group through to the knockout stage which will start with a round of 16. And in a first, the final will be played at a neutral venue, in Japan in a one-off grand match.
But the make-up of the competitors in the tournament will also take up a different look with the AFC enforcing strict new measures for participation in the ACL. The tough criteria includes on-field performance, attendance figures and organisational and governance standards as the AFC strives to reach a new level of professional.
And while the revamped competition immediately presents plenty of new and exciting opportunities for many, there are also plenty of losers with the AFC’s strict new measures freezing several confederations out of the tournament.
In fact under the AFC’s new rules, only 10 Member Assocations have earned direct entry into the group stages of the ACL, making teams like 2006 runners-up Al Karama (Syria) or 2008 AFC Cup winners Muharraq (Bahrain) ineligible for the competition.
But AFC president Mohammed Bin Hammam believes all these new measures are for the long-term development of Asian football.
"Asian football needs a big reformation process to make it professional and successful, and I know radical changes might not please everybody, but we must have the courage of our conviction," Bin Hammam said.
Indeed under the new regulations, the Syrians for example, don’t meet the AFC’s criteria because of their poor off-field governance and therefore are ineligible for the ACL. Other nations like Vietnam and Thailand have been punished for their poor on-field performances and weak crowd attendances.
Speaking at the launch of the new ACL, Bin Hammam added, “We had to implement tough measures to ensure that the clubs and leagues they represented are truly professional in the way they are run and play football.
“This is the only way to build up the credibility of this tournament. At the end of the day, Asian football benefits and we are delighted to see that so many associations and clubs are doing their best to meet our competition criteria.
“This is an exciting time in Asian football and we are looking forward to a fantastic competition in 2009.”
Indeed, following the draw for the 2009 Asian Champions League the anticipation for the tournament has only grown, with all of the groups looking tantalising.
Group B throws up a massive contest between two of West Asia’s best supported clubs in Al Shabab Riyadh and Persepolis of Tehran while Group C looks to be the ‘group of death’.
Amongst the teams in Group C are Al Jazeera Abu Dhabi (UAE), Esteghlal (Iran) and Al Ittihad Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) who are all currently flying in their respective domestic leagues, along with up-and-coming Qatari club Umm Salal SC, in what AFC Vice President Yousef Al Serkal described as a ‘tasty draw’.
Elsewhere, a new rivalry may emerge in Group D, when Iranians Sepahan and Uzbeki side Bunyodkor face off once again, after the Tashkent club got the better of the Esfahan side in last year’s group stage of the tournament.
While over in the East Asian part of the draw the supremacy of the Japanese clubs, who have won the last two Champions League editions, will be put to the test.
Indeed, the intense rivalry amongst the Chinese, Japanese and Koreans will only be enhanced by the fact all four East Asian groups have a team from each respective domestic league.
The Koreans, in particular, will be keen to prove a point against the J.League clubs who have recently nabbed away a lot of K-League stars to the island nation including Cho Jae-Jin who left Jeonbuk Motors for current Asian champions Gamba Osaka last month.
So one group for particular attention will be Group G, were the current J.League and K-League champions, Kashima Antlers and Suwon Bluewings respectively, have been drawn against one another.
Throw in the new Australian A-League clubs, represented by the Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners, and these groups promise plenty.
Indeed, the new format of the competition adds plenty too, with the top two sides going through from the groups rather than as previously just one. This not only eliminates some of dead-rubbers which were cursing the tournament but also increases competition for the next round.
Along with that, the AFC have managed to vastly increase the prize-money for the competition too, going from the $US4 million on offer in 2008, up to $US20 million for 2009.
Needless to say, the participating clubs will be tempted to make the continental competition more of a priority than they previously may have, with the financial gains on offer.
But the AFC are also eager to point out a victory in the group stages of the ACL will be worth $US40,000 which is a great incentive for smaller clubs from smaller leagues.
Indeed, what is on offer in the 2009 edition of the ACL is a massive incentive for leagues in places such as Syria, Bahrain or Vietnam who were deemed ineligible from the tournament, to improve and make themselves eligible and ultimately become more professional.
And as Bin Hammam continually reiterates, it is all about improving the professionalism of the Asian football and while it may seem unfair in the short-term, perhaps in the long-term the likes of Al Karama and Muharraq have plenty to win.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Bresc's New Premier Link
as seen on au.fourfourtwo.comPalermo-based Socceroo star Mark Bresciano has been linked with a move to the English Premier League with four top flight clubs apparently interested in the 28-year-old
Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers have all today been linked with the Australian international who had a proposed move to Manchester City collapse in August 2007.
Palermo's Director of Sport Walter Sabatini told Italian channel Radio Kiss Kiss recently, "There is a great deal of interest in Bresciano at European level.
“Despite being in the shade last season, he is held in a lot of esteem and there will be no problems finding him a new club.”
Bresciano stated last November that he was happy with life in Italy and wasn't desperate for a move to England after the disappointment of his failed Manchester City move.
But the Australian admitted more recently, "I’d love to give it a go, because it’s come to the stage where I would like to try it out just to try something different.”
“Obviously because a lot of my team-mates in the Aussie team are there so I think there’d be a good chance to get there.”
And having failed to regularly hold down a first-team spot at Palermo this season, perhaps Bresciano is thinking about a Premier League move?
Friday, January 9, 2009
Moyes: Cahill In Top Form Again
as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com
Everton manager David Moyes has praised his Australian international Tim Cahill saying the Socceroo has returned to his best form in the last month.
Cahill had a slow start to this season after a foot injury but recently he has been used very effectively by Moyes as a front man in the wake of a series of injuries at Everton, with the Socceroo netting winners in December against Manchester City and Middlesbrough.
Speaking to Evertonfc.com, Moyes claimed, “Tim has done a really good job for us in the last few weeks.
"He has relished playing up front and maybe that’s the reason he has come back into top form again - he’s enjoying playing with a little bit more freedom.
“It’s giving him the opportunity to attack more and it’s released him from the job he’d had to do before.
“We couldn’t be happier with him. I’d go as far as saying his performances have been the best from centre-forward that we have had this season. His effort has been tremendous.”
Moyes went onto admit Cahill had struggled for form earlier this season after surgery on his foot, adding, “Maybe it took him a bit longer than we expected to get over the injury. But he’s looking sharp and working hard.
"The way he goes about his job has been pleasing to see. I have always thought that Tim had the talent to play as centre-forward. I’m not surprised he has done so well in that role.”
Cahill could continue up front this weekend, when Everton host Hull City at Goodison Park in the English Premier League.
Everton manager David Moyes has praised his Australian international Tim Cahill saying the Socceroo has returned to his best form in the last month.Cahill had a slow start to this season after a foot injury but recently he has been used very effectively by Moyes as a front man in the wake of a series of injuries at Everton, with the Socceroo netting winners in December against Manchester City and Middlesbrough.
Speaking to Evertonfc.com, Moyes claimed, “Tim has done a really good job for us in the last few weeks.
"He has relished playing up front and maybe that’s the reason he has come back into top form again - he’s enjoying playing with a little bit more freedom.
“It’s giving him the opportunity to attack more and it’s released him from the job he’d had to do before.
“We couldn’t be happier with him. I’d go as far as saying his performances have been the best from centre-forward that we have had this season. His effort has been tremendous.”
Moyes went onto admit Cahill had struggled for form earlier this season after surgery on his foot, adding, “Maybe it took him a bit longer than we expected to get over the injury. But he’s looking sharp and working hard.
"The way he goes about his job has been pleasing to see. I have always thought that Tim had the talent to play as centre-forward. I’m not surprised he has done so well in that role.”
Cahill could continue up front this weekend, when Everton host Hull City at Goodison Park in the English Premier League.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Carle Wisens Up
as seen on euroos.blogspot.com
Australian star Nick Carle has admitted his frustration at his continued Socceroos snub but believes his experience at Crystal Palace has matured him to his benefit.
Carle has been left out of Pim Verbeek's Australia squads for last three World Cup qualifiers (against Uzbekistan, Qatar and Bahrain) and the Socceroos boss has admitted the ex-Newcastle Jets man needs a change if he's to get back in the national team frame.
But Carle remains optimistic about his Socceroos chances and thinks his recent experiences in England with Championship club Crystal Palace have wisened him up.
In November, Carle lost his spot in the Palace side after some poor form but the former Johnny Warren Medallist explained to the London News Shopper that he had bounced back stronger from the experience.
"I think I’m old enough and wise enough to know that there are going to be ups and downs and not to let my head down when I get dropped, but work harder to get back in," Carle said.
Indeed, Carle has won back his spot at Palace and only last weekend scored a late equaliser in a crucial match against Sheffield United. And Carle would love to replicate his experiences with his club on the international scene.
“Unfortunately, there are some good players who play in my position who are doing the business in top leagues such as Tim Cahill, Mark Bresciano - who plays in Serie A - and Harry Kewell.
“There are so many players who can play in my position and I’ve just mentioned a few, so I have to work as hard as I can.
"If I do get my chance, then I’ve got to be ready to take it because there’s no bigger honour than playing for your national team.”
Verbeek had explained Carle's absence from the national team as a result of playing in the wrong league. The Australia boss believes Carle would be better suited in a more technical league perhaps on the continent.
But Carle countered that argument saying, “I think the Championship is a very good level, but these boys (Cahill, Bresciano etc.) are doing it in the Premiership and Serie A.
“That’s no disrespect to the Championship because I feel it’s a great league.
“There are so many internationals playing in this league and it’s the best second league in the world, I don’t think anywhere else compares to it.
“I’m really happy to be playing here, but I’m one of those who are a bit unfortunate because our midfield is the strong point in our national team.”
Australian star Nick Carle has admitted his frustration at his continued Socceroos snub but believes his experience at Crystal Palace has matured him to his benefit.Carle has been left out of Pim Verbeek's Australia squads for last three World Cup qualifiers (against Uzbekistan, Qatar and Bahrain) and the Socceroos boss has admitted the ex-Newcastle Jets man needs a change if he's to get back in the national team frame.
But Carle remains optimistic about his Socceroos chances and thinks his recent experiences in England with Championship club Crystal Palace have wisened him up.
In November, Carle lost his spot in the Palace side after some poor form but the former Johnny Warren Medallist explained to the London News Shopper that he had bounced back stronger from the experience.
"I think I’m old enough and wise enough to know that there are going to be ups and downs and not to let my head down when I get dropped, but work harder to get back in," Carle said.
Indeed, Carle has won back his spot at Palace and only last weekend scored a late equaliser in a crucial match against Sheffield United. And Carle would love to replicate his experiences with his club on the international scene.
“Unfortunately, there are some good players who play in my position who are doing the business in top leagues such as Tim Cahill, Mark Bresciano - who plays in Serie A - and Harry Kewell.
“There are so many players who can play in my position and I’ve just mentioned a few, so I have to work as hard as I can.
"If I do get my chance, then I’ve got to be ready to take it because there’s no bigger honour than playing for your national team.”
Verbeek had explained Carle's absence from the national team as a result of playing in the wrong league. The Australia boss believes Carle would be better suited in a more technical league perhaps on the continent.
But Carle countered that argument saying, “I think the Championship is a very good level, but these boys (Cahill, Bresciano etc.) are doing it in the Premiership and Serie A.
“That’s no disrespect to the Championship because I feel it’s a great league.
“There are so many internationals playing in this league and it’s the best second league in the world, I don’t think anywhere else compares to it.
“I’m really happy to be playing here, but I’m one of those who are a bit unfortunate because our midfield is the strong point in our national team.”
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Spiranovic Stays On Track
as seen on euroos.blogspot.com
Socceroo Matt Spiranovic is back in Australia for Christmas but he's working hard after suffering a bad ankle injury at training in November with his German club FC Nürnberg.
Spiranovic sustained the injury just days prior to Australia's recent Bahrain match, thus ruling out the young defender from Socceroos duty on that occasion. The injury was diagnosed as a ruptured ankle tendon and it is estimated he'll be out until mid-February.
But despite the setback, Spiranovic is determined to fight his way back into the Australia frame having made his debut for the Socceroos against Ghana in May this year.
And even though the 20-year-old has returned to home town Geelong to enjoy the festive season with family and friends, he's still working hard to get back onto the park and having rehabilitation at the local clinic in Corio Bay.
Speaking to the Geelong Advertiser recently, Spiranovic said, "I'm doing everything from massage to electro-therapy and a bit of aqua jogging in the pool."
Spiranovic's injury came at a bad time for the youngster, as he confirmed when he said, "I was actually selected for the team (Socceroos team against Bahrain) and pretty much had my bags packed when this happened. I had played the last nine games (with Nürnberg), everything was falling into place."
But Spiranovic has remained professional and is on track for a February recovery.
The injury meant Spiranovic had to have screws inserted in his ankle to hold the tendon together and he is scheduled to have surgery to remove the screws on January 5 back in Germany. From there, hopefully Spiranovic will be back at training two weeks after the surgery.
Nonetheless, Spiranovic admitted it was nice to be back in Australia adding, "I'm just enjoying being back home, it takes my mind off things a bit.
"When I'm over in Germany you feel pressure on yourself and it can be frustrating ... it's good to get away from it here."
Socceroo Matt Spiranovic is back in Australia for Christmas but he's working hard after suffering a bad ankle injury at training in November with his German club FC Nürnberg.Spiranovic sustained the injury just days prior to Australia's recent Bahrain match, thus ruling out the young defender from Socceroos duty on that occasion. The injury was diagnosed as a ruptured ankle tendon and it is estimated he'll be out until mid-February.
But despite the setback, Spiranovic is determined to fight his way back into the Australia frame having made his debut for the Socceroos against Ghana in May this year.
And even though the 20-year-old has returned to home town Geelong to enjoy the festive season with family and friends, he's still working hard to get back onto the park and having rehabilitation at the local clinic in Corio Bay.
Speaking to the Geelong Advertiser recently, Spiranovic said, "I'm doing everything from massage to electro-therapy and a bit of aqua jogging in the pool."
Spiranovic's injury came at a bad time for the youngster, as he confirmed when he said, "I was actually selected for the team (Socceroos team against Bahrain) and pretty much had my bags packed when this happened. I had played the last nine games (with Nürnberg), everything was falling into place."
But Spiranovic has remained professional and is on track for a February recovery.
The injury meant Spiranovic had to have screws inserted in his ankle to hold the tendon together and he is scheduled to have surgery to remove the screws on January 5 back in Germany. From there, hopefully Spiranovic will be back at training two weeks after the surgery.
Nonetheless, Spiranovic admitted it was nice to be back in Australia adding, "I'm just enjoying being back home, it takes my mind off things a bit.
"When I'm over in Germany you feel pressure on yourself and it can be frustrating ... it's good to get away from it here."
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Shanghai's Perennial Underachievers
as seen on www.insidefutbol.com
A fortnight ago, on the final day of the 2008 Chinese Super League season, Shandong Luneng were dramatically crowned the champions of China, but behind the winners it was a familiar story for serial-runners-up Shanghai Shenhua.
Shenhua, or the Blue Devils as they are known by fans, have a history of falling short and when you consider during the club’s brief 15 year history they have finished runners-up in the Chinese top flight eight times, you begin to realize it isn’t only a case of hard luck.
Heading into the final day of the 2008 season, Shenhua trailed Shandong by two points and could leapfrog their rivals and win the championship if they won and Shandong didn’t.
Both sides would be playing at home against midtable sides in their respective fixtures, with Shenhua facing Zhejiang Lucheng while Shandong hosted Guangzhou Yiyao.
Shandong with their two point advantage coming into the game were favourites to take out the title.
But it wouldn’t be easy going for the Jinan-based club as they were frustratingly held goalless by Guangzhou in the first-half of the contest.
Elsewhere, with the games played simultaneously, Shenhua had taken an early lead against Zhejiang only to surrender that advantage before scoring again minutes before the break to lead 2-1 at half-time.
If the results stayed the way they were, Shenhua would take out the title.
For the Blue Devils, a club who have come so close so many times, it was a great opportunity.
But as former Shenhua coach Wu Jingui explained, “The team tends to make mistakes at critical moments.”
Indeed, Shenhua would make those ‘mistakes’ during those ‘critical moments’.
With Shandong’s match remaining deadlocked, the pressure increased on Shenhua and they began to feel it in the second-half. Shanghai’s former English Premier League star Hamilton Ricard would miss a penalty before the Blue Devils wilted under the pressure to concede with around quarter of an hour to go, as Tang Yang equalized for Zhejiang.
Scores would end that way, as Shandong claimed the title despite being held to a goalless draw at home. For Shenhua, it was another disappointing runners-up finish for the club who hadn’t won the league title since 2003.
Unfortunately, Shenhua will know coming second is something which has occurred all too much in Shanghai. And it isn’t for a shortage of resources, as the club are a Chinese powerhouse with strong financial backing from owner Zhu Jun along with big companies like Shanghai SVA Group, SMEG and Huangpu Investment Ltd.
Indeed, the club’s financial power have afforded it several high profile players including internationals such as Costa Rica’s Erick Scott, Colombian Ricard and Honduran Emil MartÃnez along with Chinese national team members including Sun Xiang, Du Wei, Mao Jianqing and Xiao Zhanbo.
Wu Jingui, who coached the club recently before having to leave his post due to health problems, argues, “Shenhua takes the lead but doesn’t know how to keep it. It has been a problem for the team for years.”
Indeed, Shenhua’s problems have been occurring for years as their history suggests, with runners-up finishes in the old Jia-A League in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2001. It should be noted, they did manage to win the title in 1995 and 2003 but the story doesn’t get any brighter in the new Chinese Super League, as the Blue Devils have fallen short again in 2005 and 2006 along with their latest failure in 2008.
So perhaps you could say it is endemic of the club to not be able to handle pressure.
Indeed, a fine indicator of that point is the club’s fortunes in the top level AFC Champions League.
Being a powerhouse club who continually finishes near the top of the Chinese top flight, Shenhua have qualified many times for the continental competition, but have struggled to handle the pressure of high-class football.
No more proof of that point is during the 2007 AFC Champions League when they were in a group along with Japanese giants Urawa Red Diamonds, Australian glamour club Sydney FC and Indonesian side Persik Kediri.
What seemed a difficult group on paper was too much for Shenhua who capitulated in the tournament losing their first three games.
But once they were out of the running in the tournament and with the pressure off, Shenhua’s fortunes turned around dramatically as they finished off the group stage with draws against eventual Asian champions Urawa and Sydney before a 6-0 rout of Persik.
Indeed, it is a peculiar club which is struggling to mature into the beast it could be.
Shenhua, which means ‘flower of Shanghai’ in Chinese, is a club wanting to spawn into something greater but it can not find a way to shake off its fragile past.
Following the 2008 season’s final day failure, Shenhua owner Zhu Jun philosophically commented, "Our players tried their best today and did well the whole season."
Perhaps Zhu Jun is in denial because for a club with so much financial might and muscle, their best shouldn’t be second best.
How China’s perennial underachievers should try to resolve their recurring problems is a difficult question to answer. It seems Wu Jingui is right that Shenhua tend to make mistakes at critical moments and have been doing so for years.
Maybe they need to acknowledge there is a problem first and foremost and in the modern sporting culture of club psychologists, therapists and psychiatrists who knows what lengths Shenhua’s big backers might go to in order to fix the club’s endemic mental fragility.
For now though, they’ll have several months to mull over it, before the 2009 Chinese Super League begins again in March.
A fortnight ago, on the final day of the 2008 Chinese Super League season, Shandong Luneng were dramatically crowned the champions of China, but behind the winners it was a familiar story for serial-runners-up Shanghai Shenhua.Shenhua, or the Blue Devils as they are known by fans, have a history of falling short and when you consider during the club’s brief 15 year history they have finished runners-up in the Chinese top flight eight times, you begin to realize it isn’t only a case of hard luck.
Heading into the final day of the 2008 season, Shenhua trailed Shandong by two points and could leapfrog their rivals and win the championship if they won and Shandong didn’t.
Both sides would be playing at home against midtable sides in their respective fixtures, with Shenhua facing Zhejiang Lucheng while Shandong hosted Guangzhou Yiyao.
Shandong with their two point advantage coming into the game were favourites to take out the title.
But it wouldn’t be easy going for the Jinan-based club as they were frustratingly held goalless by Guangzhou in the first-half of the contest.
Elsewhere, with the games played simultaneously, Shenhua had taken an early lead against Zhejiang only to surrender that advantage before scoring again minutes before the break to lead 2-1 at half-time.
If the results stayed the way they were, Shenhua would take out the title.
For the Blue Devils, a club who have come so close so many times, it was a great opportunity.
But as former Shenhua coach Wu Jingui explained, “The team tends to make mistakes at critical moments.”
Indeed, Shenhua would make those ‘mistakes’ during those ‘critical moments’.
With Shandong’s match remaining deadlocked, the pressure increased on Shenhua and they began to feel it in the second-half. Shanghai’s former English Premier League star Hamilton Ricard would miss a penalty before the Blue Devils wilted under the pressure to concede with around quarter of an hour to go, as Tang Yang equalized for Zhejiang.
Scores would end that way, as Shandong claimed the title despite being held to a goalless draw at home. For Shenhua, it was another disappointing runners-up finish for the club who hadn’t won the league title since 2003.
Unfortunately, Shenhua will know coming second is something which has occurred all too much in Shanghai. And it isn’t for a shortage of resources, as the club are a Chinese powerhouse with strong financial backing from owner Zhu Jun along with big companies like Shanghai SVA Group, SMEG and Huangpu Investment Ltd.
Indeed, the club’s financial power have afforded it several high profile players including internationals such as Costa Rica’s Erick Scott, Colombian Ricard and Honduran Emil MartÃnez along with Chinese national team members including Sun Xiang, Du Wei, Mao Jianqing and Xiao Zhanbo.
Wu Jingui, who coached the club recently before having to leave his post due to health problems, argues, “Shenhua takes the lead but doesn’t know how to keep it. It has been a problem for the team for years.”
Indeed, Shenhua’s problems have been occurring for years as their history suggests, with runners-up finishes in the old Jia-A League in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2001. It should be noted, they did manage to win the title in 1995 and 2003 but the story doesn’t get any brighter in the new Chinese Super League, as the Blue Devils have fallen short again in 2005 and 2006 along with their latest failure in 2008.
So perhaps you could say it is endemic of the club to not be able to handle pressure.
Indeed, a fine indicator of that point is the club’s fortunes in the top level AFC Champions League.
Being a powerhouse club who continually finishes near the top of the Chinese top flight, Shenhua have qualified many times for the continental competition, but have struggled to handle the pressure of high-class football.
No more proof of that point is during the 2007 AFC Champions League when they were in a group along with Japanese giants Urawa Red Diamonds, Australian glamour club Sydney FC and Indonesian side Persik Kediri.
What seemed a difficult group on paper was too much for Shenhua who capitulated in the tournament losing their first three games.
But once they were out of the running in the tournament and with the pressure off, Shenhua’s fortunes turned around dramatically as they finished off the group stage with draws against eventual Asian champions Urawa and Sydney before a 6-0 rout of Persik.
Indeed, it is a peculiar club which is struggling to mature into the beast it could be.
Shenhua, which means ‘flower of Shanghai’ in Chinese, is a club wanting to spawn into something greater but it can not find a way to shake off its fragile past.
Following the 2008 season’s final day failure, Shenhua owner Zhu Jun philosophically commented, "Our players tried their best today and did well the whole season."
Perhaps Zhu Jun is in denial because for a club with so much financial might and muscle, their best shouldn’t be second best.
How China’s perennial underachievers should try to resolve their recurring problems is a difficult question to answer. It seems Wu Jingui is right that Shenhua tend to make mistakes at critical moments and have been doing so for years.
Maybe they need to acknowledge there is a problem first and foremost and in the modern sporting culture of club psychologists, therapists and psychiatrists who knows what lengths Shenhua’s big backers might go to in order to fix the club’s endemic mental fragility.
For now though, they’ll have several months to mull over it, before the 2009 Chinese Super League begins again in March.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Reading Boss Backs Federici
as seen on euroos.blogspot.com
Reading manager Steve Coppell has labelled Socceroos shot-stopper Adam Federici a 'terrific' goalkeeper and explained he has full confidence in the Australian international.
Coppell's comments come in the wake of a calf injury to Royals number one Marcus Hahnemann which has resulted in the 23-year-old Australian earning an opportunity in between the sticks in the American's absence.
Reading will host Norwich City at Madejski Stadium this weekend and Federici will make his first Championship start for the Royals in the fixture.
And Coppell declared, “We have an able deputy. Adam has been very patient. We all feel he’s ready for this challenge. It is a great opportunity for him."
The Royals boss went onto say, "Fedders is ready. He's been looking forward to it and this is a great opportunity. I've got no qualms about him, none. He's been out on loan and played well.
"Everybody has confidence in him, not just me. The players and staff do too and I'm sure in time the fans will see that."
Federici's has had to wait for an opportunity at Reading, with the consistent Hahnemann having played 100 consecutive league games for the Royals. Indeed, the Australian shot-stopper has a hard act to follow considering the 36-year-old American's performances over the last four years at Reading.
Coppell added, "Is he the same as Marcus? No, but what we might lose from Marcus we gain with Fedders. He's a different type of goalkeeper. He might not have the experience or may not possibly have the presence - as yet.
"Once he starts playing he'll quickly gain respect from everyone. In football it's easy to say 'have patience' but he's done that and bided his time because of Marcus' form.
"Now it's the chance for him to do that. We feel he's a terrific goalkeeper and I'm sure he will show that to everyone.
"He works tremendously hard, he's been supportive of Marcus, always backing him up in their banter and I'm sure he will return the favour now."
And when Coppell was pressed on whether Federici had a chance of retaining his spot in goals when Hahnemann eventually returned from injury, the Royals boss commented, “Everyone is judged on performance. If he does his stuff then possession is nine tenths of the law. It’s Marcus’ job to move him out of there, but let’s see how he does before we make decisions."
Third-placed Reading host 20th Norwich City in the English Championship on Saturday.
Reading manager Steve Coppell has labelled Socceroos shot-stopper Adam Federici a 'terrific' goalkeeper and explained he has full confidence in the Australian international.Coppell's comments come in the wake of a calf injury to Royals number one Marcus Hahnemann which has resulted in the 23-year-old Australian earning an opportunity in between the sticks in the American's absence.
Reading will host Norwich City at Madejski Stadium this weekend and Federici will make his first Championship start for the Royals in the fixture.
And Coppell declared, “We have an able deputy. Adam has been very patient. We all feel he’s ready for this challenge. It is a great opportunity for him."
The Royals boss went onto say, "Fedders is ready. He's been looking forward to it and this is a great opportunity. I've got no qualms about him, none. He's been out on loan and played well.
"Everybody has confidence in him, not just me. The players and staff do too and I'm sure in time the fans will see that."
Federici's has had to wait for an opportunity at Reading, with the consistent Hahnemann having played 100 consecutive league games for the Royals. Indeed, the Australian shot-stopper has a hard act to follow considering the 36-year-old American's performances over the last four years at Reading.
Coppell added, "Is he the same as Marcus? No, but what we might lose from Marcus we gain with Fedders. He's a different type of goalkeeper. He might not have the experience or may not possibly have the presence - as yet.
"Once he starts playing he'll quickly gain respect from everyone. In football it's easy to say 'have patience' but he's done that and bided his time because of Marcus' form.
"Now it's the chance for him to do that. We feel he's a terrific goalkeeper and I'm sure he will show that to everyone.
"He works tremendously hard, he's been supportive of Marcus, always backing him up in their banter and I'm sure he will return the favour now."
And when Coppell was pressed on whether Federici had a chance of retaining his spot in goals when Hahnemann eventually returned from injury, the Royals boss commented, “Everyone is judged on performance. If he does his stuff then possession is nine tenths of the law. It’s Marcus’ job to move him out of there, but let’s see how he does before we make decisions."
Third-placed Reading host 20th Norwich City in the English Championship on Saturday.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
New Zealand Awaits
as seen on www.insidefutbol.com
Of all the nations in the world, it might come as a surprise to some, that other than the hosts it is New Zealand who are the closest team to qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The New Zealand national football team, or the All Whites as they are affectionately known, are just 180 minutes away from a spot in the World Cup finals.
The All Whites as Oceania champions, will face the fifth best AFC nation over two legs in the inter-continental Playoff in November next year to decide who goes to South Africa.
And for New Zealand, who haven’t reached the World Cup finals since 1982, qualification for South Africa would be a welcome boost for football in the rugby-mad nation.
Indeed, in New Zealand football takes a backseat to other sports such as rugby union, cricket, rugby league and netball. Nonetheless, the nation’s governing body of football, New Zealand Football (NZF), is a modest yet ambitious organization and eager to promote its code in the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’.
And for NZF, they see qualification for 2010 as crucial to developing their code in New Zealand. Thus for the current campaign, NZF has channeled a lot of their humble resources into this task, making the success of the All Whites their main focus.
Unfortunately, in the current economic climate of New Zealand, it seems the success of the national team is essential for the code as the sport faces an increasingly uncertain future.
Just weeks prior to the beginning of the eight team domestic league, the New Zealand Football Championship (NZFC), a crisis of funding emerged creating uncertainty about the league, resulting in NZF having to take drastic action to make changes to the competition.
As NZF CEO Michael Glading explained, “The current economic environment along with a reduction in trust funding has hit some franchises more than others, but all of them have worked together with NZF to find the best possible solution for this season.”
That solution was to reduce the regular league season from 21 to 14 matches and to extend the playoffs. Despite the immediate changes, Glading worryingly admitted a January review would take place to assess the future viability of the competition beyond this season.
To make matters worse for NZF, earlier this month AFC president Mohammed Bin Hammam spoke about removing New Zealand’s Wellington Phoenix from the Australian A-League when their licence expires in 2011 because he couldn’t see why a club from the Oceania confederation should play in a league in the Asian confederation.
The Phoenix, who compete in Australia’s top flight, is home to many current All Whites including 2007 New Zealand Player of the Year Shane Smeltz. The Wellington-based club’s existence is crucial to the development of football in New Zealand but the AFC president’s comments have put that in doubt.
So with these problems in mind, getting the All Whites to South Africa in 2010 is NZF’s main focus.
The All Whites, coached by Ricki Herbert, a former New Zealand international who played in the nation’s only World Cup finals in 1982, have passed their first test on the road to qualification, having successfully passed Oceania’s challenges, disposing of the likes of Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
But November 2009 is when the All Whites will face their true test and they know it.
So preparation is the key for Herbert’s men who have surged from 111th to 54th in the FIFA rankings on the back of their performances in becoming champions of Oceania.
To ready themselves for November’s test, the All Whites are desperate to secure friendlies and March 28 and April 1 have been penciled in as dates for these matches. In the past though, New Zealand have struggled to attract quality opponents for friendly matches, but, buoyed by their improved FIFA ranking, NZF are optimistic they can organize some preparation matches for the All Whites.
The All Whites also, as Oceania champions, are guaranteed the exciting opportunity of competing in next June’s Confederations Cup in South Africa. The tournament will be a fantastic chance to prepare for their November World Cup qualifying playoff.
New Zealand have been drawn in the same group as European champions Spain, Asian champions Iraq and hosts South Africa for the tournament.
Herbert was excited by the draw saying, “To play the number one team in the world (Spain) is fantastic.”
The All Whites boss was also pleased with the draw pitting New Zealand against an Asian opponent, saying, “Obviously Iraq, coming out of Asia as champions, and leading through to a World Cup playoff out of that group in November, it gives us a great chance to benchmark ourselves and see what work is needed after that.”
“It’s the one team (Iraq) in the event that gives us something that’s needed, so it’s a perfect draw for us,” Herbert added.
The All Whites boss previously was desperate to play Middle East or Asian teams in friendlies prior to November’s inter-continental playoff, to ready themselves against potential opponents, but drawing Iraq in the Confederations Cup has eased his anxiety.
Herbert added on the topic of the March 28 and April 1 friendlies, “My preference was to head into the Middle East or Asia but given the context of the teams that we’ve drawn in the Confederations Cup, there may be some flexibility to track into a different area.”
“We want to pit ourselves against top quality opposition in 2009 because that will be that will be the only thing that stands us in good stead come November,” Herbert concluded.
It seems clear that the All Whites main concern is preparation, and considering they have at their disposal the likes of Blackburn Rovers skipper Ryan Nelsen, Celtic-based striker Chris Killen and New York Red Bulls defender Andrew Boyens along with their Wellington Phoenix brigade of stars, they do boast the quality to reach South Africa in 2010.
But for now, even though they might be just 180 minutes of football away from the World Cup, the All Whites have over 11 months to wait before they get their chance to prove their wares and win their place in the finals.
So for the time being, NZF and Herbert know they need to be planning meticulously to ensure the All Whites have the best chance to break their 28 year drought and give New Zealand football a lifeline when it needs it most.
Of all the nations in the world, it might come as a surprise to some, that other than the hosts it is New Zealand who are the closest team to qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.The New Zealand national football team, or the All Whites as they are affectionately known, are just 180 minutes away from a spot in the World Cup finals.
The All Whites as Oceania champions, will face the fifth best AFC nation over two legs in the inter-continental Playoff in November next year to decide who goes to South Africa.
And for New Zealand, who haven’t reached the World Cup finals since 1982, qualification for South Africa would be a welcome boost for football in the rugby-mad nation.
Indeed, in New Zealand football takes a backseat to other sports such as rugby union, cricket, rugby league and netball. Nonetheless, the nation’s governing body of football, New Zealand Football (NZF), is a modest yet ambitious organization and eager to promote its code in the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’.
And for NZF, they see qualification for 2010 as crucial to developing their code in New Zealand. Thus for the current campaign, NZF has channeled a lot of their humble resources into this task, making the success of the All Whites their main focus.
Unfortunately, in the current economic climate of New Zealand, it seems the success of the national team is essential for the code as the sport faces an increasingly uncertain future.
Just weeks prior to the beginning of the eight team domestic league, the New Zealand Football Championship (NZFC), a crisis of funding emerged creating uncertainty about the league, resulting in NZF having to take drastic action to make changes to the competition.
As NZF CEO Michael Glading explained, “The current economic environment along with a reduction in trust funding has hit some franchises more than others, but all of them have worked together with NZF to find the best possible solution for this season.”
That solution was to reduce the regular league season from 21 to 14 matches and to extend the playoffs. Despite the immediate changes, Glading worryingly admitted a January review would take place to assess the future viability of the competition beyond this season.
To make matters worse for NZF, earlier this month AFC president Mohammed Bin Hammam spoke about removing New Zealand’s Wellington Phoenix from the Australian A-League when their licence expires in 2011 because he couldn’t see why a club from the Oceania confederation should play in a league in the Asian confederation.
The Phoenix, who compete in Australia’s top flight, is home to many current All Whites including 2007 New Zealand Player of the Year Shane Smeltz. The Wellington-based club’s existence is crucial to the development of football in New Zealand but the AFC president’s comments have put that in doubt.
So with these problems in mind, getting the All Whites to South Africa in 2010 is NZF’s main focus.
The All Whites, coached by Ricki Herbert, a former New Zealand international who played in the nation’s only World Cup finals in 1982, have passed their first test on the road to qualification, having successfully passed Oceania’s challenges, disposing of the likes of Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
But November 2009 is when the All Whites will face their true test and they know it.
So preparation is the key for Herbert’s men who have surged from 111th to 54th in the FIFA rankings on the back of their performances in becoming champions of Oceania.
To ready themselves for November’s test, the All Whites are desperate to secure friendlies and March 28 and April 1 have been penciled in as dates for these matches. In the past though, New Zealand have struggled to attract quality opponents for friendly matches, but, buoyed by their improved FIFA ranking, NZF are optimistic they can organize some preparation matches for the All Whites.
The All Whites also, as Oceania champions, are guaranteed the exciting opportunity of competing in next June’s Confederations Cup in South Africa. The tournament will be a fantastic chance to prepare for their November World Cup qualifying playoff.
New Zealand have been drawn in the same group as European champions Spain, Asian champions Iraq and hosts South Africa for the tournament.
Herbert was excited by the draw saying, “To play the number one team in the world (Spain) is fantastic.”
The All Whites boss was also pleased with the draw pitting New Zealand against an Asian opponent, saying, “Obviously Iraq, coming out of Asia as champions, and leading through to a World Cup playoff out of that group in November, it gives us a great chance to benchmark ourselves and see what work is needed after that.”
“It’s the one team (Iraq) in the event that gives us something that’s needed, so it’s a perfect draw for us,” Herbert added.
The All Whites boss previously was desperate to play Middle East or Asian teams in friendlies prior to November’s inter-continental playoff, to ready themselves against potential opponents, but drawing Iraq in the Confederations Cup has eased his anxiety.
Herbert added on the topic of the March 28 and April 1 friendlies, “My preference was to head into the Middle East or Asia but given the context of the teams that we’ve drawn in the Confederations Cup, there may be some flexibility to track into a different area.”
“We want to pit ourselves against top quality opposition in 2009 because that will be that will be the only thing that stands us in good stead come November,” Herbert concluded.
It seems clear that the All Whites main concern is preparation, and considering they have at their disposal the likes of Blackburn Rovers skipper Ryan Nelsen, Celtic-based striker Chris Killen and New York Red Bulls defender Andrew Boyens along with their Wellington Phoenix brigade of stars, they do boast the quality to reach South Africa in 2010.
But for now, even though they might be just 180 minutes of football away from the World Cup, the All Whites have over 11 months to wait before they get their chance to prove their wares and win their place in the finals.
So for the time being, NZF and Herbert know they need to be planning meticulously to ensure the All Whites have the best chance to break their 28 year drought and give New Zealand football a lifeline when it needs it most.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Jet-Setter Coyne Focuses On Club
as seen on euroos.blogspot.com
Socceroos defender Chris Coyne is looking forward to the break from the national team to focus on reclaiming his spot in the Colchester United side.
The Colchester club skipper has played almost as many games for his country as he has his club lately, with his national team duties, and frequent flying, proving somewhat detrimental to his opportunities with the U's.
But the 29-year-old Pim Verbeek favourite is now looking forward to an opportunity to focus on his club form, with the Socceroos not involved in a World Cup qualifier until February.
“It's about three months before the next World Cup qualifier, so now I've got a chance to cement my position in the team,” Coyne told the Ipswich Evening Star.
Australia will be involved in Asian Cup qualifiers early in the new year, with a match against Indonesia in Jakarta in January, but Coyne and several other high-profile players are likely to be rested.
The Colchester defender explained the situation, “there are a few Asian Cup qualifiers on the horizon, but the manager (Verbeek) has already said that he will pick the home-grown players for these games, because he understands the burden placed on the players who have to travel so far away from their clubs,”
So the opportunity to focus solely on club matters is one which Coyne is excited by as he explained, “I want to start helping Colchester to climb the table. Playing for your country is a fantastic experience, but as I've said before, it's been detrimental to my form for the club.
“I've tended to play a couple of games, then go away for a couple of games, play once more and then miss three on the trot.
“You need to be playing continually so that it becomes second nature. You need to be in the team week in, week out."
The jet-setting defender also admitted all the international travel did take its toll, saying, "the national set-up does everything possible to get you back to your clubs as quickly as possible. That's what happened after the match in Bahrain. I was back on the plane at 1.30 local time, though I only managed three or four hours sleep.
Coyne added, “I couldn't play at Peterborough, because I couldn't even bend my leg after picking up a dead leg in Bahrain. But I rested over the weekend, and I was back in training with the lads today (Tuesday)."
“The bruising has come out and the leg is feeling fine. I'm ready and waiting, if selected. I'm champing at the bit," Coyne said.
Coyne's Colchester, 21st in League One at the moment, have the opportunity to jump out of relegation when they host 19th-placed Yeovil Town tonight.
Socceroos defender Chris Coyne is looking forward to the break from the national team to focus on reclaiming his spot in the Colchester United side.The Colchester club skipper has played almost as many games for his country as he has his club lately, with his national team duties, and frequent flying, proving somewhat detrimental to his opportunities with the U's.
But the 29-year-old Pim Verbeek favourite is now looking forward to an opportunity to focus on his club form, with the Socceroos not involved in a World Cup qualifier until February.
“It's about three months before the next World Cup qualifier, so now I've got a chance to cement my position in the team,” Coyne told the Ipswich Evening Star.
Australia will be involved in Asian Cup qualifiers early in the new year, with a match against Indonesia in Jakarta in January, but Coyne and several other high-profile players are likely to be rested.
The Colchester defender explained the situation, “there are a few Asian Cup qualifiers on the horizon, but the manager (Verbeek) has already said that he will pick the home-grown players for these games, because he understands the burden placed on the players who have to travel so far away from their clubs,”
So the opportunity to focus solely on club matters is one which Coyne is excited by as he explained, “I want to start helping Colchester to climb the table. Playing for your country is a fantastic experience, but as I've said before, it's been detrimental to my form for the club.
“I've tended to play a couple of games, then go away for a couple of games, play once more and then miss three on the trot.
“You need to be playing continually so that it becomes second nature. You need to be in the team week in, week out."
The jet-setting defender also admitted all the international travel did take its toll, saying, "the national set-up does everything possible to get you back to your clubs as quickly as possible. That's what happened after the match in Bahrain. I was back on the plane at 1.30 local time, though I only managed three or four hours sleep.
Coyne added, “I couldn't play at Peterborough, because I couldn't even bend my leg after picking up a dead leg in Bahrain. But I rested over the weekend, and I was back in training with the lads today (Tuesday)."
“The bruising has come out and the leg is feeling fine. I'm ready and waiting, if selected. I'm champing at the bit," Coyne said.
Coyne's Colchester, 21st in League One at the moment, have the opportunity to jump out of relegation when they host 19th-placed Yeovil Town tonight.
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Holiday Is Over
I just wanted to inform everyone that my travelling has come to an end and I am back to work.I've enjoyed my holidays through the United Kingdom over to Germany and into the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg but now it is time to return to the office.
Anyway, I've already launched a new blog (www.euroos.blogspot.com) which is all about Australians playing football in Europe. Currently I reside in Bonn in Germany, so I'm lucky enough to witness alot of football here, so I thought such a blog was a good idea. Already in it's first week I've had an average of 100 hits a day. It is a good start.
Beyond that though, having just got back into the swing of things I am searching for an opportunity to write and contribute to various websites. I will endeavour to find such opportunities over the next few weeks and hopefully their will be plenty more to read from me.
Thanks alot
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)