Ok, so to declare that I am counting the time it is fair to say an understatement. Football fever has hit the country again to the point where there is no hope but to just join on in and count each and every second. Maccas have the glasses...Sony have the tele's....Hahn have a free bag with every two cartons.... There is just simply no escaping it!
The weekend gone presented an opportunity for the boss and I to perform a sanity check and a practice pack. Which bags, how many shirts, but this doesn't go with this or that, do we really need them? Funny, due to a sudden burst of efficiency at one point I was elated in that it appeared that the baggage carrying had become not so much a burden but a pleasure....but then the echo around the house appeared...I'll just buy it over there, I'll just buy it over there. Oh well, the burden is only half as bad and become a 1 way journey. Sadly in the process of investigation for the implementation of "Plan B" (Project Spend Less), one discovered that banks now have world wide partners and that cards can be replaced in an instant. Travellers cheques anyone?
Some excellent news out of Asia this morning with the Matilda's winning the Asian Cup. Whilst the qualification for the game guaranteed a World Cup berth, the winning of a tournament by any national team, is in my eyes a significant step in world football for our country as a whole. I have been fortunate enough to see some of these girls progress over the last few years, and it is a credit to not only themselves as players but the FFA and subsequent associations to provide a pathway of some equivalence to their male counterparts.
So now to the next installment of the Socceroos adventure...South Africa is the event, Denmark is the opponent. Let's see how the team has progressed since the practice game against New Zealand...remember, don't say the "F" word! ("friendly" for those that have disassociated themselves with the Socceroos fanfare)
8 days, 2 hrs. Join in if you know the words, "99 bottles of Jim on the wall, 99 bottles of Jim...."
31 May 2010
25 May 2010
The Roos Depart
With just under 15 1/2 days until the official start of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the Socceroos have departed Melbourne with their 28 strong contingent bound for South Africa. I would assume that all of the squad departed will be filled with absolute excitement to be on their way across the Indian Ocean. Of course there will be a slight let down for those that are not named in the Fifa submission of 23, however I am sure along with the let down, the pure experience will be a memory that all of those players will never forget.
It's been a very short stint on the ground in Australia for the assembled squad, however I personally am impressed with the way the Australian camp engaged the nation through media outlets etc whilst they were available to be personal and give something back to their loyal supporters.
Whilst the Socceroos had a less than impressive performance against the All-Whites earlier in the week, I certainly hope that the Australian public don't jump to conclusions about the ability of the Green and Gold to succeed on the world stage. I am the first to admit that Australia should have performed better, but then playing New Zealand in Melbourne on the 24th of May 2010 does not win Australia the World Cup let alone get them 3 points. I can't help that think the emotion of a Trans Tasman loss may have over ridden the ability to apply a process...yeah I know, they are professional players, but forever the optimist!
For me personally, the pain of wait is driving me insane! Final preparations have begun with tickets arriving and merchandise packs being delivered....new hats, collector pins, stubby holders and bottle openers....information packs describing the surfing simulators and mechanical bulls, bars and eateries, and that's all within the confines of HQ Durban......just get me on the ground please!
It's been a very short stint on the ground in Australia for the assembled squad, however I personally am impressed with the way the Australian camp engaged the nation through media outlets etc whilst they were available to be personal and give something back to their loyal supporters.
Whilst the Socceroos had a less than impressive performance against the All-Whites earlier in the week, I certainly hope that the Australian public don't jump to conclusions about the ability of the Green and Gold to succeed on the world stage. I am the first to admit that Australia should have performed better, but then playing New Zealand in Melbourne on the 24th of May 2010 does not win Australia the World Cup let alone get them 3 points. I can't help that think the emotion of a Trans Tasman loss may have over ridden the ability to apply a process...yeah I know, they are professional players, but forever the optimist!
For me personally, the pain of wait is driving me insane! Final preparations have begun with tickets arriving and merchandise packs being delivered....new hats, collector pins, stubby holders and bottle openers....information packs describing the surfing simulators and mechanical bulls, bars and eateries, and that's all within the confines of HQ Durban......just get me on the ground please!
21 May 2010
Handbags at 10 paces?
The Gloves are off....
It appears that New Zealands Rory Fallon is intent on disrupting the Socceroos preparation for South Africa in any way possible. Rory launched a media declaration that "when it comes to playing Australia, all bets are off" and stating that "I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few injuries." And so the mind games begin...
Rory, (whom I believe by the way doubles as the mascot for the Brisbane Roar), probably got the response he was after from Vinnie Grella and Craig Moore, catapulting Rory himself into the media's attention. There is probably no surprise in the comment given the local rivalry in Trans Tasman sports, but it might have been a better idea to actually include an introduction of himself in the interview first. At least this way, we all wouldn't have had to look up google to see if he was actually a football player, let alone named in the Kiwi squad. I can forgive the interviewer for thinking Fallon's workplace of choice "Argyle", was the bar and restaurant of which Sydney siders regularly haunt in the Rock's district.
I must admit I would be very interested in the sports bet odds for Mr Fallon's current contract nearing an end! Was it merely a toe in the water with the A-League clubs? Oh well, you can't help getting excited when you are about to play the biggest game of your life against Australia at the MCG...Just wait until he gets to South Africa, I can't wait to see what he says about the Italians!
What would really take the cake, is discovering that Peter Hore is this guys manager!
Mr Fallon, let's all hope for your sake that karma isn't named in the first 11 for the Socceroos this Monday night at the MCG!
It appears that New Zealands Rory Fallon is intent on disrupting the Socceroos preparation for South Africa in any way possible. Rory launched a media declaration that "when it comes to playing Australia, all bets are off" and stating that "I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few injuries." And so the mind games begin...
Rory, (whom I believe by the way doubles as the mascot for the Brisbane Roar), probably got the response he was after from Vinnie Grella and Craig Moore, catapulting Rory himself into the media's attention. There is probably no surprise in the comment given the local rivalry in Trans Tasman sports, but it might have been a better idea to actually include an introduction of himself in the interview first. At least this way, we all wouldn't have had to look up google to see if he was actually a football player, let alone named in the Kiwi squad. I can forgive the interviewer for thinking Fallon's workplace of choice "Argyle", was the bar and restaurant of which Sydney siders regularly haunt in the Rock's district.
I must admit I would be very interested in the sports bet odds for Mr Fallon's current contract nearing an end! Was it merely a toe in the water with the A-League clubs? Oh well, you can't help getting excited when you are about to play the biggest game of your life against Australia at the MCG...Just wait until he gets to South Africa, I can't wait to see what he says about the Italians!
What would really take the cake, is discovering that Peter Hore is this guys manager!
Mr Fallon, let's all hope for your sake that karma isn't named in the first 11 for the Socceroos this Monday night at the MCG!
18 May 2010
20 Days to Departure......
As previously suspected, time now seems to be gathering moss! With 5 weeks to go I couldn't believe how seamless the wait was for the World Cup... oh how that has changed. Excitement now reigns supreme, as even the office staff (some of which are sadly Man Utd fans) begin the murmurings of "how hot is Harry" and "how long until you go?". It appears World Cup fever is emerging all around me, and I simply can't do enough to make the time pass more quickly!
On the weekend past, the Travelling Committee gathered on the Gold Coast to discuss the finite details and logistics for our upcoming departure. "Have you bought your new jersey?"..."Have you got spare batteries for the electronics?..."What time does the HQ Durban bar open?"...The topic that I found the most amusing was the girls advising that they would keep their luggage to an absolute minimum. Immediately my mind wondered to a picture of the mandatory wardrobe in the suitcase routine and the two of us guys standing on the lid of the case to make sure it will close..."Excess baggage? Who me? No Way?!"
I must admit that the luggage issue may not quite be isolated to the female travelling partners. Along with the release of all the merchandise you can think of by retail outlets in Green and Gold colours, comes the obligatory spend to ensure that you have at least one of each of those items....regardless of whether it will ever get worn! My mate it seems has bought himself so many items in green and gold, that I am seriously starting to think that full body painting might have been a much cheaper option to provide our support to the Socceroos.
Speaking of which, tomorrow morning announces the beginning of the official training camp for our beloved elite. I have read through the week how impressed Pim has been with his squad and how he sees this group as the most professional group of players he has worked with. Ok, so Pim hasn't reached the great heights of others such as "Aussie Guus", but it certainly is a great compliment to the players and also our nation as a whole...we all well know that if sport was the solution for world hunger we would be the Global Leader! If anyone doubts the hunger of this player group to succeed, then you must be living in Mordor. (Harry Kewell was so excited he injured his groin in the rush to try and get here.) Several players arrived in over the weekend to commence training, and it appears that almost the whole of the 31 players are now on deck and working, even though the official date for commencement is tomorrow. I personally get sick of the ney sayers...they are not as good as the 2006 squad...blah blah blah. Being honest, in all the excitement I personally wouldn't care if the Wiggles took the park, as long as Geoff stays awake!
At Least the Wiggles have remained fit at most...poor old Germany have awoken to the news that their captain and midfielder Michael Ballack has torn ligaments in his ankle and will be unable to take his place in the German squad. I feel sorry for anyone that is forced out of the greatest show on earth by injury...except Michael Ballack! Sorry Michael, but lets face it, anything that may assist us in reaching the final rounds is a bonus in my eyes. Maybe you can join us at HQ Durban to provide your outlook on the first game?
For those of you who thought they would like to have gone to South Africa to support the Roos, you may well still have a chance? I notice that Nova is holding a competition for one lucky winner and his mate to "Pitch a Tent" in South Africa with the Fanatics. I can assure you it is worth a look if you are keen to make the final effort to obtain a free trip to the greatest spectacle on earth with your fellow aussie supporters.
20 days, 1 hour, 10 minutes and 59 secs....20 days, 1 hour, 10 minutes and 58 secs....
On the weekend past, the Travelling Committee gathered on the Gold Coast to discuss the finite details and logistics for our upcoming departure. "Have you bought your new jersey?"..."Have you got spare batteries for the electronics?..."What time does the HQ Durban bar open?"...The topic that I found the most amusing was the girls advising that they would keep their luggage to an absolute minimum. Immediately my mind wondered to a picture of the mandatory wardrobe in the suitcase routine and the two of us guys standing on the lid of the case to make sure it will close..."Excess baggage? Who me? No Way?!"
I must admit that the luggage issue may not quite be isolated to the female travelling partners. Along with the release of all the merchandise you can think of by retail outlets in Green and Gold colours, comes the obligatory spend to ensure that you have at least one of each of those items....regardless of whether it will ever get worn! My mate it seems has bought himself so many items in green and gold, that I am seriously starting to think that full body painting might have been a much cheaper option to provide our support to the Socceroos.
Speaking of which, tomorrow morning announces the beginning of the official training camp for our beloved elite. I have read through the week how impressed Pim has been with his squad and how he sees this group as the most professional group of players he has worked with. Ok, so Pim hasn't reached the great heights of others such as "Aussie Guus", but it certainly is a great compliment to the players and also our nation as a whole...we all well know that if sport was the solution for world hunger we would be the Global Leader! If anyone doubts the hunger of this player group to succeed, then you must be living in Mordor. (Harry Kewell was so excited he injured his groin in the rush to try and get here.) Several players arrived in over the weekend to commence training, and it appears that almost the whole of the 31 players are now on deck and working, even though the official date for commencement is tomorrow. I personally get sick of the ney sayers...they are not as good as the 2006 squad...blah blah blah. Being honest, in all the excitement I personally wouldn't care if the Wiggles took the park, as long as Geoff stays awake!
At Least the Wiggles have remained fit at most...poor old Germany have awoken to the news that their captain and midfielder Michael Ballack has torn ligaments in his ankle and will be unable to take his place in the German squad. I feel sorry for anyone that is forced out of the greatest show on earth by injury...except Michael Ballack! Sorry Michael, but lets face it, anything that may assist us in reaching the final rounds is a bonus in my eyes. Maybe you can join us at HQ Durban to provide your outlook on the first game?
For those of you who thought they would like to have gone to South Africa to support the Roos, you may well still have a chance? I notice that Nova is holding a competition for one lucky winner and his mate to "Pitch a Tent" in South Africa with the Fanatics. I can assure you it is worth a look if you are keen to make the final effort to obtain a free trip to the greatest spectacle on earth with your fellow aussie supporters.
20 days, 1 hour, 10 minutes and 59 secs....20 days, 1 hour, 10 minutes and 58 secs....
14 May 2010
The Stadia - Soccer City
Stadium: Soccer City
City: Johannesburg
Built: 1987
Construction: major upgrade
Completion: 2009
Gross Capacity: 88,460
One of the most artistic venues on the African continent, the newly-reconstructed Soccer City Stadium is the host for the first and final matches of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The ground's design is inspired by the iconic African pot known as the calabash, and its aesthetic appeal will be heightened when the stadium is lit at night. Soccer City is located in Johannesburg's southwest and is only a short distance from one of the country's football-crazy townships, Soweto.
The stadium is widely regarded as the hub of football in South Africa as it has been the host of many important matches through history. In the mid 80s, officials came together to build the first international football stadium in the country and the construction was funded by the football community. Soccer City also hosted the first mass rally of Nelson Mandela after his release from prison in 1990.
The original stadium, which was known as the FNB Stadium, had a capacity of 80,000. Upgrades involved extending the upper tier to increase the capacity to 94,700, adding 99 more suites to bring the number to 184, constructing an encircling roof and adding new changing room facilities and installing new floodlighting.
11 May 2010
And then there was 31....
In a presentation in Syndey's Qantas hangers, Pim Verbeek today named is preliminary 31 man squad for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. From a personal point of view there were certainly no surprises at most, in the names that were provided. That said I am sure lips are tingling with the words of "Shane who?".
I must admit I can't recall having heard of the youngster Shane Lowry, which then prompted me to turn to my good friend wikipedia. As it turns out he moved to Aston Villa in 2005 and has since been loaned out to Plymouth Argyle and more recently Leeds Utd where he assisted them in achieving promotion. Shane was born in Australia, however he has also represented the Republic of Ireland at the U17 and U21 level due to his heritage.
I am sure there will much conjection over omissions and inclusions, but all in all my opinion is that Pim has got it right. Simon Colosimo would have to think himself unlucky, and there are many that believe that big Sash Ognenovski should have been a front runner over Micheal Beachamp. The one highlight from today's announcement for this World Cup is that Australia has certainly improved the quality of depth, however the sustainability of that depth I am sure will be tested over the next World Cup campaign.
For those that missed the announcement, the Australian 31 man squad is as follows:
Michael Beachamp, Marco Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Nick Carle, David Carney, Scott Chipperfield, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Adam Federici, Eugene Galekovic, Richard Garcia, Vincenzo Grella, James Holland, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Brad Jones, Joshua Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Shane Lowry, Scott McDonald, Mark Milligan, Craig Moore, Lucas Neill, Jade North, Thomas Oar, Nikita Rukavytsya, Mark Schwarzer, Carl Valeri, Dario Vidosic, Luke Wilkshire, Rhys Williams.
It was quite clear from Pim that Galekovic would be the 4th goalkeeper, but was introduced in the event one of the keepers was not available. He also mentioned that Australia would be taking 26 or 27 players to cover for any injuries etc to the final 23 man squad presented to Fifa. No doubt about it, the final cut is most certainly going to be hard to swallow for those 3 or 4 that don't make the plane next month.
I must admit I can't recall having heard of the youngster Shane Lowry, which then prompted me to turn to my good friend wikipedia. As it turns out he moved to Aston Villa in 2005 and has since been loaned out to Plymouth Argyle and more recently Leeds Utd where he assisted them in achieving promotion. Shane was born in Australia, however he has also represented the Republic of Ireland at the U17 and U21 level due to his heritage.
I am sure there will much conjection over omissions and inclusions, but all in all my opinion is that Pim has got it right. Simon Colosimo would have to think himself unlucky, and there are many that believe that big Sash Ognenovski should have been a front runner over Micheal Beachamp. The one highlight from today's announcement for this World Cup is that Australia has certainly improved the quality of depth, however the sustainability of that depth I am sure will be tested over the next World Cup campaign.
For those that missed the announcement, the Australian 31 man squad is as follows:
Michael Beachamp, Marco Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Nick Carle, David Carney, Scott Chipperfield, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Adam Federici, Eugene Galekovic, Richard Garcia, Vincenzo Grella, James Holland, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Brad Jones, Joshua Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Shane Lowry, Scott McDonald, Mark Milligan, Craig Moore, Lucas Neill, Jade North, Thomas Oar, Nikita Rukavytsya, Mark Schwarzer, Carl Valeri, Dario Vidosic, Luke Wilkshire, Rhys Williams.
It was quite clear from Pim that Galekovic would be the 4th goalkeeper, but was introduced in the event one of the keepers was not available. He also mentioned that Australia would be taking 26 or 27 players to cover for any injuries etc to the final 23 man squad presented to Fifa. No doubt about it, the final cut is most certainly going to be hard to swallow for those 3 or 4 that don't make the plane next month.
10 May 2010
Socceroos Past and Present
Robbie SlaterRobbie Slater was born on the 22nd of November 1964 in Lancashire, England. Slater moved to Australia as a young lad and started his playing career in Australia. He played for various clubs in his youth before joining St George Saints in the National Soccer League in 1982. He won the NSL with St George in 1983, and the following season trialled with Nottingham Forest. The issue for Slater was that St George and Nottingham Forest were unable to agree terms and he returned to Australia.
From St George Slater moved to Sydney Croatia in 1987 before an aborted move to Hajduk Split was quickly followed by a transfer to Anderlecht. Unfortunately, Slater did not see much playing time in Belgium and moved to then Ligue 2 club Lens, which was promoted during his tenure at the club (1990-94).
At the end of the 1993-94 season Robbie moved to Blackburn Rovers, which is where he became the first Australian to win the English Premier League. He was then sold to West Ham United at the end of the season and also went on to play at both Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers during his remaining time in England.
At the end of the 1997-98 season, Slater moved back to Australia to captain a new team in the National Soccer League, the Northern Spirit. He would play with them until his retirement at the end of the 2000-01 season. In 2002, he was player-coach of Manly-Warringah.
Slater was capped on 44 occasions for the Socceroos and his final appearance for Australia was against Saudi Arabia in the 1997 Confederations Cup. Slater is also a member of the Football Federation Australia Football Hall of Fame.
These days, Slater is obviously no stranger to the Australian football enthusiast appearing as an analyst and commentator for Fox Sports, which include the English Premier League, the Australian A-League and appearing on Fox Sports FC.
08 May 2010
Injured Kewell in doubt for Cup - Socceroos - Fox Sports
News has emerged that Harry Kewell has re-injured his now infamous groin. Whilst Harry has been ruled out of the rest of the Turkish season, it appears there is still a faint hope that Kewell may take his place in the Socceroos squad for South Africa.
Injured Kewell in doubt for Cup - Socceroos - Fox Sports
Fingers are crossed!
Injured Kewell in doubt for Cup - Socceroos - Fox Sports
Fingers are crossed!
07 May 2010
04 May 2010
Pim's Army to be revealed
It has been announced that Pim Verbeek's preliminary 27 man squad will be declared 1 week from today, on the 11th of May 2007. Given that FIFA only allow 23 players to be named by each country for the World Cup, there will be some very anxious individuals awaiting the final outcome before departure to Johannesburg.
As per one of my previous posts, there has been much debate around the final make up of the squad for South Africa. It is looking ever more promising that Pim will have all possible players available for selection, of course aside from Patty Kisnorbo who fell short to a terrible injury.
Was the use of Tommy Oar to display the new look jersey a hint that he will be on the plane?
All will be revealed next week , so stay tuned for FFA CEO Ben Buckley and Mr Verbeek's press conference at the QANTAS Jet Base in Sydney.
If I was going to take a punt...
1. Mark Schwarzer
2. Lucas Neil
3. Craig Moore
4. Vince Grella
5. Harry Kewell
6. Marco Bresciano
7. Brett Emerton
8. Josh Kennedy
9. Jason Culina
10. Luke Wilkshere
11. Tim Cahill
12. Carl Valeri
13. Richard Garcia
14. Rhys Williams
15. Brett Holman
16. Scott Chipperfield
17. Dario Vidosic
18. Scott MacDonald
19. Mark Milligan
20. David Carney
21. Tommy Oar
22. Adam Federici
23. Eugene Galekovic
I believe though that Pim is a big fan of Mile Jedinak, so no surprises if he makes his way into the 23!
As per one of my previous posts, there has been much debate around the final make up of the squad for South Africa. It is looking ever more promising that Pim will have all possible players available for selection, of course aside from Patty Kisnorbo who fell short to a terrible injury.
Was the use of Tommy Oar to display the new look jersey a hint that he will be on the plane?
All will be revealed next week , so stay tuned for FFA CEO Ben Buckley and Mr Verbeek's press conference at the QANTAS Jet Base in Sydney.
If I was going to take a punt...
1. Mark Schwarzer
2. Lucas Neil
3. Craig Moore
4. Vince Grella
5. Harry Kewell
6. Marco Bresciano
7. Brett Emerton
8. Josh Kennedy
9. Jason Culina
10. Luke Wilkshere
11. Tim Cahill
12. Carl Valeri
13. Richard Garcia
14. Rhys Williams
15. Brett Holman
16. Scott Chipperfield
17. Dario Vidosic
18. Scott MacDonald
19. Mark Milligan
20. David Carney
21. Tommy Oar
22. Adam Federici
23. Eugene Galekovic
I believe though that Pim is a big fan of Mile Jedinak, so no surprises if he makes his way into the 23!
The Stadia - Green Point Stadium
Name: Green Point
City: Cape Town
Construction: new
Completion: 2009
Gross Capacity: 66,005
One of the most artistic football venues in South Africa, the newly-built Green Point Stadium is situated in one of the much sought-after areas in the city of Cape Town. Green Point Stadium is one of the two semi-final venues for the World Cup.
This multi-purpose venue is also going to be used to stage major events and concerts. Fans will be a short distance away from the ocean and the mountains of Cape Town will also provide the backdrop for matches. The location is ideal as it is a short walk from the transportation hub of the city. The new stadium has been partly built on land that was previously used as a golf course.
The stadium, which has an exterior that is covered with noise-reducing cladding has a capacity of approx 70,000 and was completed in December 2009. The Green Point Common, on which the new 2010 stadium is built, was originally much larger than what now remains, and included most of the land between the sea and Signal Hill, stretching from the city centre towards Sea Point.
The Green Point Stadium is likely to be used by some of the Cape Town-based professional football outfits that include Ajax Cape Town and Santos post the 2010 World Cup.
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