Among the euphoria of New Zealand’s historic and dramatic qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ was an unanticipated hero of the hour. While stalwarts such as captain Ryan Nelsen and Ivan Vicelich played an important role in the aggregate win over Bahrain, and goalkeeper Mark Paston has been lauded for his penalty save, the name that will certainly be long remembered is hitherto little-known striker Rory Fallon.

Much like Oceania Player of the Century Wynton Rufer, whose goal ultimately sealed the All Whites berth at Spain 1982, Fallon’s bullet header from a Leo Bertos corner in the final minute of the first half will live long in the annals of New Zealand sport. To add to the synergy surrounding New Zealand’s qualification, and that of the ’82 squad, Rory’s father Kevin was the assistant coach for that famous inaugural and only appearance on the world stage 28 years ago.

After playing for England at youth level, the Kiwi-born striker only debuted for New Zealand in September, but already he has made an impact for the Kiwis forcing teenage striker Chris Wood from the teamsheet. Now settling into regular starting appearances after three seasons with Plymouth Argyle, the future looks bright for the tall and athletic forward.

Living the dream
The slogan in the buld-up to the match was ‘one shot at glory’ and so it proved with Fallon’s goal the difference after a scoreless first-leg in Manama last month. After topping the Oceania qualification zone, New Zealand were faced with the prospect of overcoming Bahrain or missing South Africa with no chance for redemption.

“I saw the ‘82 team (being paraded around the ground) at the start of the warm up and I thought ‘we need to be in this world cup because these people are remembered for this long’,” said Fallon after the match. “(It was a case of) This is our greatest opportunity to do this and we can really do something good for the game and really change things in New Zealand."

It could have all been so different though with Bahrain goalkeeper Sayed Jaffar denying Fallon with a miraculous save from a near-identical position just minutes before the goal. “The first one (opportunity) I was quite upset with but I just prayed I would get another chance,” stated Fallon. “I always fancy myself when the boys put the balls in. I was visualising today and I just knew I could do it."

In the blood
Rory's father Kevin is a famous figure in New Zealand football, not only for his role in the legendary Spain 1982 qualification campaign, but also for a lengthy stint as All Whites boss. Despite a hard-nosed approach to the game, Kevin was reported to be in tears just prior to the match, to which Rory stated “that just goes to show how much it means to him.”

"I've got to thank him for all those trainings, waking up at six o'clock in the morning,” he continued. "And there's still more to go, I still have a lot more to accomplish. I just want to thank him for the time he's put into me." Invariably sought out for his views on the state of the game father Kevin was proud to talk on a subject closer to home than is usual: “Both from a coaching perspective and a parent's aspect, it's very, very emotional when your kid does something great, but this seems to be almost destiny," he said.

All Whites 1982 team skipper Steve Sumner perhaps summed it up the best: "What a proud moment for the Fallons. What a good player Rory is. We should bottle that blood!" But the final word goes to Rory who now will look to create another chapter in the history of New Zealand football. Asked if he would like England in New Zealand’s group in South Africa next year: “That would be my dream… England and Australia in the same group (with us).”

Story courtesy FIFA.com

Photo courtesy Getty Images

OFC President Reynald Temarii has congratulated the New Zealand All Whites after their historic 1-0 victory over Bahrain in Wellington at the weekend to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

A Rory Fallon goal in the 45th minute was enough to send the Oceania champions through to football's biggest stage – a feat they have not achieved since 1982.

President Temarii says it is a momentous occasion for New Zealand and for Oceania football.

“Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup™ is a moment to be savoured. It is something that this team has worked incredibly hard to achieve and something that will bring pride to thousands of football fans across the Pacific,” said President Temarii.

“I would like to pass on my congratulations to the All Whites and to New Zealand Football for believing in this dream and making it happen.”

Football fans have had to wait 27 years for New Zealand to qualify for their second FIFA World Cup™ but Temarii believes last night's victory could be the start of greater representation for OFC at FIFA's pinnacle event.

“This success will give confidence to the All Whites while also encouraging other Pacific Island nations that the goal of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup™ is within reach.”
 
Temarii says that the qualification is the outcome of strategic decisions taken in 2005 between FIFA, OFC, Football Federation Australia (FFA) and New Zealand Football (NZF).

“In 2006 Australia officially moved into the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) while at the same time OFC secured the right to play AFC’s fifth-place qualifier on the road to the World Cup – a more appealing proposition than the previous pathway of playing a COMNEBOL representative.
 
“On top of this, FFA, through an agreement with OFC, allowed a team from New Zealand (Wellington Phoenix) to play in the A-League which gave an opportunity for some of New Zealand's best footballers to play professionally.”

Temarii has always considered the departure of Australia into Asia as a wonderful opportunity for the emergence of other Pacific nations to compete on the world stage.
 
“The Solomon Islands at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2008 and FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009), Tahiti at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2009 and New Zealand playing in various other FIFA competitions since 2007 is a perfect illustration of that.
 
“I remain convinced that the positive and significant evolutions of NZF on the international football stage is first and foremost the fruit of the exemplary leadership of its new Chairman Frank van Hattum, elected just one year ago, and CEO Michael Glading with whom OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas is working closely.”

History is set to be created regardless of the victor in Saturday’s 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ Asia/Oceania play-off between New Zealand and Bahrain in Wellington. The New Zealand capital will play host to a match that will provide a new chapter in the annals of either New Zealand or Bahrain football.

For New Zealand, a win at the sold-out Westpac Stadium will mark the All Whites’s return to the global showpiece for the first time in 28 years since their FIFA World Cup debut at Spain 1982. Following a scoreless draw in Manama last month, visitors Bahrain know that a score draw will be enough to become the world’s smallest nation to progress to world football’s greatest stage.

After a resolute defensive showing in the first-leg, All Whites coach Ricki Herbert has vowed to show his team’s offensive strengths in what has been dubbed by local media as the nation’s “most important match in 27 years”. The visitors, despite failing to convert their dominance into a first-leg home win, have significant experience in their line-up and are led by wily Czech mentor Milan Macala.

The stakes
Bahrain enter the contest seeking their first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup but it is their second consecutive appearance in the intercontinental play-off stage. The Bahrainis narrowly losing to Trinidad and Tobago four years ago, when Dennis Lawrence famously headed the only goal in the second leg sealing the CONCACAF side’s qualification at the Gulf nation's expense. With another qualifying decider awaiting them, the Bahrainis know all too well that old lessons must be learned if they are to make amends this time around.

Though the home side have only limited recent experience against Asian opposition, the greatest moment in All Whites history is heavily intertwined with the continent. In the 15-match qualification campaign for Spain 1982, New Zealand stunned Saudi Arabia 5-0 before outstripping China 2-1 to book qualification. A regular fixture in the line-up was none other than current All Whites coach Ricki Herbert, whose experience in the emotion-charged atmosphere of a FIFA World Cup qualifier will be invaluable.

The preparation
Herbert has been blessed by the availability of all his players allowing the entire 18-man squad from the first leg in Manama to be retained. An added bonus is the recent scoring form of the overseas-based contingent, with even captain Ryan Nelsen grabbing a rare goal in Blackburn Rover's Premier League win last weekend. Also last weekend, striker Rory Fallon scored the winner against Doncaster which fired his Plymouth Argyle out of the drop zone in the English Championship. At the same time, Shane Smeltz continued his remarkable form in the A-League with the winner for Gold Coast United against leaders Sydney FC.

In contrast, Bahrain will sorely miss striker Ala’a Hubail, who tore cruciate ligaments in his right knee just days after the first-leg. Another forward, Hussail Ali is also in recovery mode from a knee injury, limiting Macala’s striking options. Despite the difficulties, the side skippered by Mohamed Salmeen proved they still have firepower after routing 2006 FIFA World Cup finalists Togo 5-1 in a recent friendly.

Players to watch
With a FIFA World Cup berth on the line, the Kiwis will be buoyed by a record 35,000 home crowd. Spearheading the attacking line will be the 28-year-old Smeltz, who won A-League's Golden Boot last season with 12 goals. He has maintained his prolific form this season, scoring eleven goals in only nine matches for Gold Coast United.

Ismail Abdullatif, who scored a brace against Togo, is expected to fill the breach left by Hubail’s absence. The form of Abdullatif could prove key with the 23-year-old scorer of the dramatic injury-time equaliser against Saudi Arabia in the Asian play-off to set up the meeting with against Kiwis.

The stat
6 – The number of countries Milan Macala has coached with the 66-year-old yet to take a nation to the FIFA World Cup.

The words
"There will be plenty of opportunities in the game and I expect it to be an open game. One goal may be enough for us but we never make it easy for ourselves," Milan Macala, Bahrain coach.

"We need to go into the game very much on the front foot and very positive. There needs to be that passion and adrenaline pumping through the veins or we haven't got the right people in the squad," Ricki Herbert, New Zealand coach.

Story courtesy FIFA.com

Photo courtesy FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

WELLINGTON – The All Whites ramped up their build up for Saturday’s FIFA World Cup playoff against Bahrain in an off-limits training session that included practicing penalties.

After three very public trainings at Endeavour Park in Whitby, New Zealand secreted themselves away to the slightly more secluded Newtown Park to run through set pieces.

At the same time as Bahrain’s private jet full of players, management and fans were touching down from the warmer climes of Sydney, the All Whites took turns at replicating the lonely journey from the halfway line to the penalty spot, just in case the tie reaches it’s most nerve-jangling climax.

Even the goalkeepers stepped up to take a spotkick to cover all possibilities.

Saturday’s second leg would need to finish goalless after 90 minutes, like the first leg in Manama, and remain so through 30 minutes of extra time for the match to go to a shootout, as a score draw would see

Bahrain progress on the away goals rule.

New Zealand must win the tie to return to the World Cup after a 27 year absence and the simpler equation has led to a positive mindset from Herbert and his players who are determined to get on the front foot early and take the match to the favoured Bahrainis.

Meanwhile, Simon Elliott upped his participation in training, including taking full part in some team drills as he races to recover from a hip injury.

New Zealand complete their on-field preparation with Friday night's official run at Westpac Stadium.

2010 FIFA World Cup
Asia/Oceania Playoff
Second Leg
New Zealand v Bahrain
8pm, November 14
Westpac Stadium, Wellington

New Zealand (from): 1-Mark PASTON (GK), 2-Aaron SCOTT, 3-Tony LOCHHEAD, 4-Ben SIGMUND, 5-Ivan VICELICH, 6-Ryan NELSEN (Captain), 7-Simon ELLIOTT, 8-Tim BROWN, 9-Shane SMELTZ, 10-Chris KILLEN, 11-Leo BERTOS, 12-Michael MCGLINCHEY, 13-Chris WOOD, 14-Rory FALLON, 15-David MULLIGAN, 16-Andrew BOYENS, 17-Andy BARRON, 18-James BANNATYNE (GK).
Coach: Ricki Herbert

Bahrain (from): 1-Sayed Mohamed Jaffar (GK), 2-Mohamed Husain Mohamed, 3-Ahmed Hassan Taleb, 4-Abdulla Baba Fatadi, 5-Mohamed Ahmed Hubail, 6-Hussain Salman Maki, 8-Jaycee John, 7-Sayed Mahmood Jala9-Hussain Ali Ahmed, , 10-Mohamed Ahmed Salmeen (captain), 11-Ismaeel Abdullatif Ismaeel, 12-Faouzi Mubarak Aaish, 13-Mahmood Abdulrahman Mohamed, 14-Salman Isa Ali, 15-Abdulla Ismaeel Omar, 16-Sayed Mohamed Adnan, 17-Husain Ali Hassan, 18-Abbas Ahmed Ali (GK), 22-Abdulla Mohamed Al-Kaabi (GK).
Coach: Milan Máčala

Story and photo couresy NZF Media

For the latest NZ Football news visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

AUCKLAND – All Whites defender Ivan Vicelich has committed himself to the rest of New Zealand’s 2010 World Cup campaign, ending speculation about his international future.

At the request from coach Ricki Herbert, Vicelich came out of international retirement earlier this year to help marshal the All Whites defence at the FIFA Confederations Cup, a tournament where they earned their first ever point at a FIFA event.

Back at home, and with time to reflect on his All Whites involvement, the 69 cap defender and says he wants to play his part in helping the team through a monumental two legged World Cup playoff against Saudi Arabia or Bahrain later this year.

“When Ricki asked me come back for the Confederations Cup, the World Cup playoff and finals were on the table as well but I didn’t want cloud the focus for that first campaign either for myself or the team,” Vicelich said.

“It felt great to be involved in that team environment again but I still wanted to be able to take a step back after Africa and assess things, so that if I was on board it was absolutely 100 per cent."

Ultimately, Vicelich says, the decision to re-join the World Cup campaign after featuring in the first three qualifiers in 2007 was an easy one to make.

“We’re potentially just two games away from the World Cup. It’s such a massive year for the All Whites and a huge opportunity for the game. It’s something every player would want to be a part of.”

The All Whites face the winner of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia away on October 10 and in Wellington on November 14, with a New Zealand Football also working on a trip to the Middle East for the September international window.

Herbert welcomed the news that he would again be able to draw on the veteran defender for those games.

“Someone of Ivan’s experience and history in the game is invaluable and having him on board with two crucial games on the horizon is fantastic,” Herbert said.

Meanwhile Herbert also confirmed he has recently spoken to former Celtic and now Central Coast Mariners midfielder Michael McGlinchey and to Plymouth Argyle striker Rory Fallon about pulling on New Zealand colours.

In June, FIFA relaxed rules that had previously made the pair ineligible for the All Whites because they represented Scotland and England respectively at age-group level.

“I’ve talked to both Michael and Rory and they’ve both extremely interested in the campaign,” Herbert said “and so we’ll be looking to move those discussions forward in the next couple of weeks.”

Story courtesy of NZF Media

For the latest NZ Football news visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

Representatives of Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and the Pacific Games Council (PGC) came together in Fiji yesterday to sign an agreement aimed at enhancing the capacity of the four-yearly Pacific Games (formerly known as the South Pacific Games).

Beginning in 1963, the Pacific Games is a multi-sport event similar to the Olympics or Commonwealth Games but on a smaller scale, with entry open exclusively to countries in the South Pacific. It includes a football competition that doubles as the first stage of qualifying for the all-important FIFA World Cup™ tournaments.

The agreement signed yesterday by PGC President Vidhya Lakhan and OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas, on behalf of OFC President Reynald Temarii, details how both organisations will work closely together to ensure successful delivery of the football component of future Pacific Games. Nicholas says the aim is to build on the success of the XIII Games in Samoa in 2007.

“In Samoa we had 19 teams from 11 countries competing in the men’s and women’s football and it was a wonderful showcase of Oceania’s elite,” said Nicholas.

“Media interest was also high because Samoa 2007 marked the beginning of the road for 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifying  - not only in Oceania, but the world.

“Following on from that success, we are committed to working side by side with PGC to maximize the potential of this event.”

As stated in the Memorandum of Understanding, OFC will help to promote future Pacific Games and support football infrastructure while designating a Technical Delegate to work directly with the Organising Committee.

PGC and OFC will also work together to use the Games as a tool for education, capacity building, cultural exchanges, empowerment of women, health promotion and economic development.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Priscilla Duncan
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5651
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 884 018
E: priscilla@oceaniafootball.com 

Joel Tiller
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5654
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 994 520
E: joel@oceaniafootball.com

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has welcomed the announcement by SBS Australia yesterday that it will work with Fiji’s MAI TV to ensure free-to-air coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ to millions of fans across the Pacific region next year.

As the Official Broadcaster of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, SBS has signed an Oceania sub-licence agreement with Mai TV which OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas says will bring significant benefits to Oceania’s football family.

“This agreement means that a large number of Pacific territories will be able to show the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and other FIFA tournaments on free-to-air television,” said Nicholas, speaking at a press conference in Fiji. 

MAI TV Managing Director Richard Broadbridge says his company is delighted to have the responsibility of sub-licensing the FIFA World Cup™ rights into the Oceania territories of American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

“For such a young broadcaster – only thirteen months old – MAI TV is extremely happy to be awarded this task,” said Broadbridge.

“With the acquisition of FIFA content, football will be lifted to a new level in the Pacific region with more support for Oceania football as well as local associations.”

SBS Managing Director Shaun Brown explained that MAI TV will transmit SBS Australia’s broadcast and commentary for all LIVE matches in the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

“SBS is well respected in the Australian market for its experience and expertise in broadcasting some of the biggest sporting events from around the globe, and the FIFA World Cup™ is considered the pinnacle,” said Brown.

“We are delighted to be working with MAI TV to ensure even greater coverage of FIFA events throughout Oceania.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Priscilla Duncan
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5651
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 884 018
E: priscilla@oceaniafootball.com

Joel Tiller
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5654
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 994 520
E: joel@oceaniafootball.com

AUCKLAND - The All Whites' World Cup fate will be decided in Wellington after Westpac Stadium was chosen by New Zealand Football (NZF) as the venue for the crucial home leg of their intercontinental playoff against Bahrain or Saudi Arabia on November 14.

The two Middle East nations clash on September 5 and 9 with the All Whites meeting the winner on October 10 (away) and November 14 (home) for a place among the 32 nations in South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

New Zealand Football received formal bids from three venues - Westpac Stadium, North Harbour Stadium and Waikato Stadium - to host New Zealand's home game, but NZF CEO Michael Glading said player preference and Westpac's extra capacity ultimately gave it the edge over North Harbour Stadium, which has built a reputation as the home of football since 1997.

"All three bids were fantastic and had support from their respective city councils but it came down to a choice between Wellington and Auckland," Glading said.

"We've had a great relationship with North Harbour Stadium and it's worth stressing that they didn't take that for granted in their pitch for this game.

"However, with a match of this magnitude we need to give ourselves the best possible chance of qualifying. If players feel more comfortable in one venue and we can get an extra 8000 fans playing their part, that could just be the edge needed to realise the dream of reaching the World Cup again."

Sixteen members of the All Whites' recent 23-man FIFA Confederations Cup squad have played club football in Wellington at some stage of their career.

The capacity of Westpac Stadium without temporary seating is 34,500 compared to 26,500 for North Harbour Stadium and 25,800 for Waikato Stadium.

Ticket sales are likely to go on sale by the end of July and Glading was confident of filling the stadium.

"Even in 1982, the final games of the campaign were played offshore, so this fixture is easily the most important football match ever played in New Zealand. The World Cup always captures the imagination of New Zealand sports fans and with our own team so close to qualifying, the country will be right behind the All Whites."

Story and photo courtesy of NZF Media

For the latest NZ Football news visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

AUCKLAND – The 23-man All Whites squad for the next month’s FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa has a bit of everything – big names, late runs and a couple of good old-fashioned bolters.

New Zealand’s third appearance at FIFA’s tournament for continental champions will feature matches against Spain, Iraq and the hosts between June 14 and 20 with a dream date against World Champions Italy crowning a series of three friendlies to warm up for the event.

While captain Ryan Nelsen was part of both 1999 and 2003 Confederations Cup campaigns, and Simon Elliott, Chris Killen, Shane Smeltz, Duncan Oughton, David Mulligan and Mark Paston were all part of the 2003 All Whites squad that competed in France, some newer faces have successfully pressed their claims for inclusion alongside them.

Chris Wood’s rapid rise through the ranks of Premiership side West Bromwich Albion this year is matched by the 17-year-old’s first senior international call up.

The former U-17 international began sending loud signals to All Whites coach Ricki Herbert’s radar with impressive goal scoring form with the club’s U-18 and reserve teams, before becoming just the fifth kiwi to play in the Premier League with a debut as a substitute against Portsmouth last month.

“When I first took the job in 2005,” said Herbert, “I said age wasn’t a barrier to selection, and that if we found a young guy he we thought was good enough we’d put him in the team.

“Chris has gone to a good club, spent a decent amount of time in a very competitive environment and been good enough to pave his way through to coming off the bench in a Premier League game. That speaks volumes and he thoroughly justifies his place in the squad.”

Given the level Wood has reached, the tag of ‘bolter’ would probably sit more comfortably with goalkeeper James Bannatyne, who grabbed headlines in February by scoring from beyond the half way line with a freak free kick in the penultimate round of the New Zealand Football Championship.

The Team Wellington glove man was included as backup to Mark Paston for New Zealand’s opening World Cup qualifier in Fiji in October 2007, and while the 33-year-old but has not featured in All Whites squads since then, the need for experienced back-up in South Africa earns him the nod ahead of younger candidates.

Meanwhile, Waitakere United fullback Aaron Scott and Greece-based striker Kris Bright have held their places after strong showings against Thailand recently; Kilmarnock’s recent recruit Steven Old earns a recall after missing that trip to South East Asia; and Bannatyne’s Team Wellington team mate Andy Barron in included on the back of a stand out NZFC season.

Also on the comeback trail are Wellington Phoenix duo Leo Bertos and Ben Sigmund, working their way back to full fitness after off-season surgery. The length of Ben Sigmund’s rehabilitation was initially thought to rule the passionate defender out of contention but he progressed faster than expected and received the green light from medical staff on Wednesday.

The New Zealand based squad members depart for Africa on May 27, setting up camp in Botswana ahead of opening friendlies against Botswana and Tanzania. On June 9, the All Whites move to South Africa to prepare for the Italy friendly and the eight-nation Confederations Cup, which also includes Brazil, Italy, Egypt and USA in Group B.

New Zealand squad for Confederations Cup
South Africa – June 14-28

(Club – caps/goals)

Goalkeepers:
James BANNATYNE (Petone/Team Wellington – 5/0)
Glen MOSS (Melbourne Victory – 10/0)
Mark PASTON (Wellington Phoenix – 19/0)

Defenders:
Andrew BOYENS (New York Red Bulls – 8/0)
Tony LOCHHEAD (Wellington Phoenix – 20/0)
David MULLIGAN (Wellington Phoenix – 23/3)
Ryan NELSEN (Captain / Blackburn Rovers – 38/10)
Steven OLD (Kilmarnock – 19/1)
Aaron SCOTT (Melville United/Waitakere United – 2/0)
Ben SIGMUND (Wellington Phoenix – 8/1)

Midfielders:
Andy BARRON (Petone/Team Wellington – 6/1)
Leo BERTOS (Wellington Phoenix – 22/0)
Tim BROWN (Vice-captain / Wellington Phoenix – 19/0)
Jeremy CHRISTIE (Wellington Phoenix – 17/1)
Simon ELLIOTT (San Jose Earthquakes – 58/8)
Chris JAMES (Tampere United – 12/1)
Duncan OUGHTON (Columbus Crew – 25/2)

Forwards:
Kris BRIGHT (Panserraikas FC – 2/1)
Jeremy BROCKIE (North Queensland Fury – 11/0)
Chris KILLEN (Celtic FC – 28/15)
Shane SMELTZ (Gold Coast United – 23/13)
Jarrod SMITH (Seattle Sounders FC – 14/0)
Chris WOOD (West Bromwich Albion – 0/0)

Schedule

International friendlies
New Zealand v Tanzania
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
June 3, 4pm (1am, June 4 NZT)

New Zealand v Botswana
Garborone, Botswana
June 6, 4pm (2am, June 7 NZT)

New Zealand v Italy
Pretoria, South Africa
June 10, 8.45pm (6.45am, June 11 NZT)

FIFA Confederations Cup, South Africa
New Zealand v Spain
Rustenburg
June 14, 8.30pm (6.30am, June 15 NZT)

New Zealand v South Africa
Rustenburg
June 17 (6.30am, June 18 NZT)

New Zealand v Iraq
Johannesburg
June 20 (6.30am, June 21 NZT)

Story courtesy of NZF Media

For the latest NZ Football news visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

AUCKLAND – A brace of goals from All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen earned New Zealand a 2-2 draw with Thailand ‘A’ to finish their Bangkok camp on Wednesday morning.

Nelsen struck in the 20th and 58th minutes to draw New Zealand level after twice falling behind in the first half.

The Blackburn Rovers defender smashed a volley from 12 yards after Andy Boyens nodded a corner back into his path, then met a wide free kick with a powerful header for New Zealand’s second.

He would later have a strong penalty claim turned down and also put another header wide as a potential first international hat trick went begging.

New Zealand were forced to play the last 25 minutes with 10 men after fullback Tony Lochhead was sent off for two questionable bookings, although the first yellow card was rescinded after the match due to a case of mistaken identity by the local referee.

Thailand coach Peter Reid utilised many of the same players from Sunday’s match and his ‘A’ side took the lead after just seven minutes through a precise 25-yard free-kick that sailed into the top corner.

They restored their advantage two minutes before halftime when a ball played over the defence caused indecision between Boyens and goalkeeper Glen Moss and allowed a Thai striker to pinch a 2-1 lead.

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert said the side had lifted its performance from Sunday morning’s loss to Thailand.

“I was very pleased tonight, we dictated 60 to 65 percent of the game,” Herbert said.

“We fell behind to a hell of a strike and it was a defensive error for the second with a couple of players getting caught in no man’s land, but apart from that I think we only allowed one shot the second half.

“It was a step up, which was important for us to achieve tonight so onwards and upwards.”

Herbert was particularly pleased with the way the side responded to playing with ten men on another hot Bangkok night and the performance of the four changes to the starting line-up.

“To play that last 30 with ten men, we only went to the bench once and the guys really had to dig deep on what was a pretty sapping night anyway.

“We’ve nursed everybody through. The new players we brought in played extremely well. Glen Moss, Chris James and Jeremy Christie all played well and Aaron Scott looked very comfortable at right back.”

All Whites vice captain Tim Brown said the week-long camp had helped forge a close-knit group heading into New Zealand’s next internationals – likely to be warm-up matches en route to South Africa at the end of May, he acknowledged that there was still work to be done on the field.

“I think if we qualify for the World Cup no-one’s going to remember these games. In saying that, there were things that needed to be done better and the message has certainly been shared that some things weren’t good enough,” said Brown.

“But there’s a bigger picture. We’re two games away from playing at a World Cup and that’s the focus, even throughout the Confederations Cup. We need to improve, we need to be better and we will be come May-June.”

New Zealand vs. Thailand 'A' Friendly International

March 31 (April 1 NZT)
Supachalasai Stadium, Bangkok

New Zealand: 2 (Nelsen 20, 58)
Thailand ‘A’: 2

New Zealand: Glen MOSS (GK), Aaron SCOTT, Ryan NELSEN (Captain), Andrew BOYENS, Tony LOCHHEAD, Simon ELLIOTT, Tim BROWN, Jeremy CHRISTIE, Jeremy BROCKIE (Kris BOUCKENOOGHE 83), Chris JAMES, Shane SMELTZ.
Substitutes not used: Mark PASTON (RGK), David MULLIGAN, Duncan OUGHTON, Kris BRIGHT.
Unavailable through injury: Chris KILLEN, Jarrod SMITH.
Coach: Ricki HERBERT

Story and photo courtesy of NZF Media

For the latest in NZ Football news visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

AUCKLAND – Thai Airways All Whites coach Ricki Herbert will use Wednesday morning’s match against Thailand ‘A’ in Bangkok to introduce some fresh players and test a positional switch.

Herbert has made four changes from the side that lost 1-3 to Thailand in sapping 35 degree heat, with Glen Moss replacing Mark Paston in goal, while Jeremy Christie and Chris James come in for Duncan Oughton and first game goal scorer Kris Bright.

Aaron Scott, who made his All Whites debut from the bench on Sunday morning (NZT), now gets his first start in the match against Thailand’s second stringers.

“There were some pretty tired bodies after Saturday night, and we need to make sure we get as many fresh ones on the park as we can,” Herbert said.

James will line up behind Shane Smeltz in a 4-4-1-1 formation, giving the 21-year-old Tampere United and former Fulham midfielder more attacking influence.

The tour is a chance for a normally far-flung squad to spend valuable time together while allowing Herbert to cast a watchful eye over different combinations and fringe players with ahead of June’s Confederations Cup and the October-November World Cup playoff.

“It’s important that we keep the objectives we set that we came over here with.”

Injured forwards Chris Killen and Jarrod Smith – who missed Sunday’s friendly – are again sidelined by calf and thigh strains respectively, giving Herbert less license for change than he ideally would have liked in the second match of the week-long camp.

Ryan Nelsen and Andy Boyens will back-up in the centre of defence while left back Tony Lochhead, striker Smeltz and midfielders Simon Elliott, Jeremy Brockie and Tim Brown will all line-up for their second start in four days.

New Zealand v Thailand ‘A’
March 31
Supachalasai Stadium, Bangkok
Kick-off: 6.30pm (12.30am April 1 NZT)

New Zealand: Glen MOSS (GK), Aaron SCOTT, Ryan NELSEN (Captain), Andrew BOYENS, Tony LOCHHEAD, Simon ELLIOTT, Tim BROWN, Jeremy CHRISTIE, Jeremy BROCKIE, Chris JAMES, Shane SMELTZ.
Substitutes: Mark PASTON (RGK), David MULLIGAN, Duncan OUGHTON, Kris BRIGHT, Kris BOUCKENOOGHE.
Unavailable: Chris KILLEN, Jarrod SMITH.
Coach: Ricki HERBERT

Story and photo courtesy of NZF Media

For all the latest NZ Football news visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

AUCKLAND – Thai Airways All Whites coach Ricki Herbert says he his relishing the chance to spend valuable time with his squad during a week long trip to Thailand.

Herbert named an almost full strength squad for matches against Thailand and Thailand ‘A’ on March 28 and 31 respectively – with just Leo Bertos and Ben Sigmund unavailable through injury, and young players Kris Bright and Aaron Scott given an opportunity to impress.

The New Zealand-based All Whites departed Auckland on Tuesday for Bangkok, where they will meet up with their overseas-based team-mates.

Given the All Whites diaspora now spreads from Greece and Belgium through Scandinavia and Britain to Australia and North America, it’s not surprising that Herbert is looking forward to what has essentially become a seven day camp with the cancellation of a second friendly in Indonesia.

“Time together is hugely important,” Herbert said.

“When you look around the world now, and even at our close neighbours Australia who have managed to get camps where they can bring players in. The difficulty we have when we play big crucial matches is a lack of time.”

“We’ve got players scattered around the world now, and it’s not easy from a logistical point of view.
The two matches – the first of 2009 – are part of the final build-up to June’s Confederations Cup and the hugely anticipated World Cup playoff in October and November. The All Whites boss already had one eye on those dates.

“This tour is about us, spending time with the players, looking at what we need to achieve later this year as well,” Herbert said.

“I think if we can bed that down, put some clarity around it and get players comfortable with those aims then that’ll only help in the long run.

“It’s seven days working together, seeing the players, having time to communicate face-to-face and having a look at the tactics and strategies we’re going to evolve later on.”

Herbert admits to not knowing much about Thailand apart from acknowledging their recent results that include a draw with powerhouse Iran and a narrow 1-2 loss to Saudi Arabia, both of whom the All Whites could potentially meet later in the year.

“Thailand are in good form and their results recently have been very interesting.”

“We don’t know a great deal about them, and are a little in the dark in that respect, but it’ll be about trying things ourselves, because there are bigger important things later in the year.

“We do know they’ll be mobile, technically very good have pace around the pitch. There’ll probably be a daunting number of people watching in the crowd but a lot of our players have gone through that already.”

All Whites in Thailand

March 28
New Zealand v Thailand
International Friendly
Supachalasai Stadium, Bangkok
Kick-off: 6.30pm (12.30am Mar 29 NZT)

March 31
New Zealand v Thailand ‘A’
International Friendly
Supachalasai Stadium, Bangkok
Kick-off: 6.30pm (12.30am Apr 1 NZT)

All Whites Squad to Thailand

Goalkeepers: Mark PASTON (Wellington Phoenix), Glen MOSS (Melbourne Victory)
Defenders: Kris BOUCKENOOGHE (Club Roeselare, Belgium), Andrew BOYENS (New York Red Bulls), Tony LOCHHEAD (Wellington Phoenix), David MULLIGAN (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan NELSEN (Blackburn Rovers), Aaron SCOTT (Waitakere United),
Midfielders: Tim BROWN (Wellington Phoenix), Jeremy CHRISTIE (Wellington Phoenix), Simon ELLIOTT (San Jose Earthquakes, USA), Chris JAMES (Tampere United, Finland), Duncan OUGHTON (Columbus Crew, USA),
Forwards: Kris BRIGHT (Panserraikas FC, Greece), Jeremy BROCKIE (North Queensland Fury), Chris KILLEN (Celtic), Shane SMELTZ (Gold Coast United), Jarrod SMITH (Seattle Sounders)

Story courtesy of NZF Media

For the latest news in NZ Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

AUCKLAND – The All Whites will begin their biggest season in 27 years with most of their big names on board, after Ricki Herbert named a strong 18-man squad for the March 28 friendly in Thailand.

New Zealand’s match against Thailand in Bangkok is the first outing in a busy season for the All Whites with the June’s FIFA Confederations Cup and a home-and-away World Cup playoff the obvious highlights.

New Zealand Football expecte to secure a second match in the region on April 1 to replace a friendly against Indonesia cancelled by the Indonesian FA for security reasons on Monday.

Wellington Phoenix pair Ben Sigmund and Leo Bertos are the most notable absentees as both recently underwent off-season surgery to respective hip and leg injuries.

Sigmund is almost certain to miss the Confederations Cup in June and Bertos is likely to face a 10-week recovery.

Head coach Ricki Herbert said the Thailand trip was a great way to begin the All Whites momentous year that ends with another trip to Asia as part of a World Cup playoff.

“It’ll be good to get 2009 underway. Thailand have recently drawn with Iran, so the game gives us a good cross section of where we need to be come October and November,” Herbert said.

“Whilst some of the squad are at the back-end of their season and have had a bit of a break it’ll be really good to get the squad together again.

“It’s good to have all the players on board and looking forward to a long a challenging 2009.”

Belgium-based utility Christian Bouckenooghe makes his first travelling squad since March 2007, while uncapped Waitakere United fullback Aaron Scott – an unused substitute when an under-strength New Zealand side lost to Fiji in November – is given another chance to impress.

“We’ve included Aaron Scott as someone we can have a little bit more of a look at, since we didn’t get to see him play in the Fiji encounter.

“We would’ve liked to seen Kris [Bouckenooghe] during World Cup qualifiers but from an injury point of view we weren’t able to do that, so it’ll be good to bring him back into the fold now before we make further decision leading into the bigger competitions.”

Blackburn’s Ryan Nelsen regains the captaincy – Ben Sigmund lead New Zealand against Fiji – and Tim Brown returns as vice-captain.

Glen Moss is free to play in the South East Asian friendlies, despite being sent off in New Zealand’s last international against Fiji.

As that game was a World Cup qualifier, the lengthy four-match ban imposed by FIFA will apply to World Cup matches only, ruling him out of the Asia-Oceania playoff in October and November, and the first two matches of either the 2010 FIFA World Cup or New Zealand’s 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Story and photo courtesy of NZF Media

For the full squad and fixture list schedule please visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

NZF chairman Frank van Hattum said an unaudited surplus of $360,000 for 2008 after a deficit of $499,000 in 2007 – represented an $859,000 turnaround off the field and mirrored a year packed with on-field highlights.

The result was in line with assumptions in a financial recovery plan put to stakeholders across the country last year.

“The most satisfying thing about the way the sport has pulled together after a tough period is that the game continues to go from strength to strength,” van Hattum said.

“We had to make changes that cut to the core of how we deliver, but we are delivering and plan to deliver even more strongly in the years ahead.”

“New Zealand played over 50 matches last year and our international stock continues to rise with four different teams achieving results at Olympic Games or World Cups, and the All Whites qualifying for the Confederations Cup and also earning a huge home and away playoff for the 2010 World Cup.

“The U-17 Women’s World Cup captured the imagination of New Zealanders and was successfully hosted within FIFA’s budget. It was cost-neutral to us and the benefits to the sport, especially the women’s game, are huge.”

Looking ahead, van Hattum said he hoped 2009 would ultimately be remembered as the year New Zealand’s men qualified for their second World Cup, but NZF was intent on ensuring there were plenty of other developments to look forward to, both in and out of the public eye.

“It’s a good time to be a football fan in New Zealand.

“Football has momentum here and while the men’s build-up to the Confederations Cup in June and the World Cup playoffs in October will dominate the landscape, behind the scenes we will continue to seek out new opportunities to become the country’s number one participation sport for all ages, and to achieve significant growth in the women’s game.

“We’ll also review how we meet the changing needs of all participants from juniors and informal players right through to the elite level. This will include looking at different football offers, whether small-sided games, unstructured kick rounds or football festivals to name a few.

“Whatever can inspire people to get out and kick a ball be it at a local park or a fully-fledged game can only be good for people’s health, welfare and entertainment, especially in tough economic times.

“We’ve come through an extremely tough economic crisis within the game, have now produced a healthy surplus and remain extremely positive about where the sport is heading.”

Van Hattum said expenditure reduction and implementation of tighter business controls have been at the heart of the financial turnaround. He also acknowledged the support of Kiwibank, SPARC and the Oceania Football Confederation.

A $1.5m Kiwibank loan issued in March 2008 – with interest costs over the three-year term met by SPARC – helped ease NZF’s cash flow troubles after four consecutive years of deficits.

“Their help was tremendously important in getting us through a very challenging time but we’ve turned things around and are now meeting all our agreed financial targets, and our obligation to the game itself.”

New Zealand Football remained cautiously optimistic it could safely navigate the current recession.

“We expect increased competition for funding from gaming trusts in the current climate but with prudent management and effective spending we can still deliver on strategy and business plans.”

The support of football’s regional federations in collectively working on solutions to the common issues had been instrumental in rapid progress, and resulted in an agreed new strategy for the total game, not just NZF. A partnership agreement signed by all federations and NZF reflected a new way of communicating and operating and was fundamental to the game’s future success, van Hattum said.

Story courtesy NZF Media

Photograph courtesy Getty Images/NZF Media

For the latest news in NZ football please visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

Fiji Football Association (FFA) president Doctor Muhammad Shamsud din Sahu Khan is ready to get his hands dirty this season by taking an active role in the ground work of Fiji soccer.

First on the list is assistance to soccer districts affected in the recent flash flooding as the Ba-based lawyer, after the Fiji FA Board of Control meeting on Sunday, will take an active leadership role to close critics’ mouths.

“We have agreed that I will lead a development committee as we have a very revamped programme for 2009. We have changed a lot of programmes starting with the changes of dates for our calendars because of the recent bad weather,” he added.

“We have set aside $200,000 which will be sorely used for development. Starting this year every Super Premier district must have an Under-18 league which will supplement the needs of the Under-20 division. They are also required to have at least two women’s football clubs.”

“We are going to be strong on development where full time development officers will be employed in the West (2), South (2) and also the North. They will be charged with development programmes and I will personally see that work will be done because we have set aside a substantial amount of money for this programme.”

Dr Sahu Khan led the ground work immediately after the BOC assessing damages to his districts from the recent flash flooding.

“Some of our affiliate districts were severely affected and we would provide technical assistance to help them start the new season.”

He said the bad weather forced a redraw in the 2009 fixtures starting with the Pillay Garments Champion Versus Champion Series between Ba and Lautoka on February 7 & 21.  Ba will also play in the Oceania League on February 14 while the National Soccer League, which a sponsor is expected to be announced tomorrow, will kick-off on February 28.

He said the Fiji Bitter FACT will be in Suva on the Queen’s Birthday Holiday in June, the Battle of the Giants which will be played over two weeks could be in Labasa, while Nadi will close the curtains with the Courts Homecentres IDC at the Vodafone Prince Charles Park.

Dr Sahu Khan added that the future of national coach Juan Carlos Buzzetti is under discussion after Fiji’s performances in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Oceanian Qualifiers, 2008 OFC Nations Cup, OFC Men's Olympic Football Tournament and OFC U-20 Championship last season.  

Story courtesy www.fijilive.com

The Thai Airways All Whites meet Spain, South Africa and Iraq at the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa this June. The application process for Team Specific Tickets (tickets that follow New Zealand) closes this Thursday 22 January so get in quick to apply. Other tickets will continue to be sold on a first-come-first-served basis until March 31.

FIFA’s ticketing website allows you to request Team Specific Tickets for the all matches played by New Zealand at the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009. You can choose Categories 1, 2 or 3 for the following Matches:

NZL vs Spain - 14 JUNE 2009 - Rustenburg
RSA vs NZL - 17 JUNE 2009 - Rustenburg
Iraq vs NZL - 20 JUNE 2009 – Johannesburg

You can also request tickets for the following matches, conditional upon New Zealand qualifying for such matches:

Semifinal

3rd / 4th Place Match

Final

Visit http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/organisation/ticketing/index.html for information and to purchase tickets.

You will be able to claim a refund on such tickets should New Zealand fail to qualify. You can request up to 20 Tickets per Match.

You will need to register online and will need a credit card to make the purchase.

AUCKLAND – New Zealand Football chairman Frank van Hattum has paid tribute to retiring “All White great” Vaughan Coveny but says he wouldn’t be surprised to see him involved in future international teams – in the dugout.

Wellington Phoenix striker Coveny, 37, announced his retirement from professional football on Thursday, two years after ending his 14-year All Whites career as New Zealand’s leading all-time goal-scorer.

Coveny’s 30 goals from 75 matches, and 28 goals from 64 ‘A’ internationals, are both All Whites records, with his last two goals sealing a 3-1 win over Georgia in 2006 – New Zealand’s first win on European soil.

“His record speaks for itself,” said van Hattum.

“He was no-nonsense and no-fuss – a gentleman off the field but a hard, fast and exciting player on it.

“He’s great with the public, especially kids, and also with the media. He is a consummate professional and was a very proud All White.

Van Hattum – a member of the 1982 World Cup All Whites team that travelled to Spain –didn’t believe Coveny’s retirement spelled the end of his contribution to football in New Zealand.

“It’s a mark of the man that Vaughan has already offered his future services to the game here in any way he can. I know he plans to pursue his coaching badges and we’ll be keeping in touch on his progress, because he still has a lot to offer.”

Vaughan Coveny’s New Zealand Career

Caps/goals: 75/30
‘A’ Internationals/goals: 64/28
Debut: v St Albans, UK, Feb 1992
First ‘A’ International: v Fiji, Auckland, June 1992
Last match: v Brazil, Geneva, June 2006.

Vaughan Coveny’s International Hit List

Goals for New Zealand

18-Jun-92 Dutch Amateurs - 1
19-Jun-95 Turkey - 1
25-Jan-97 South Korea - 1
11-Jun-97 Papua New Guinea - 3
18-Jun-97 Fiji - 1
28-Sep-98 Vanuatu - 4
29-Jun-99 Singapore - 1
6-Jun-01 Tahiti -  3
10-Jun-01 Solomon Is - 2
12-Jun-01 Vanuatu -  3
24-Jun-01 Australia -  1
9-Jun-03 USA -  1
2-Jun-04 Vanuatu -  2
4-Jun-04 Tahiti -  3
6-Jun-04 Fiji -  1
27-May-06 Georgia - 2

New Zealand's leading goal-scorers (‘A’ International goals in brackets)
30 (28) – Vaughan Coveny
28 (16) – Jock Newall
27 (22) – Steve Sumner
25 (21) – Brian Turner
25 (16) – Keith Nelson
21 (12) – Michael McGarry
20 (10) – Roy Coxon

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Player of the Year 2007 winner Shane Smeltz reaffirmed his reputation as the leading marksmen amongst his peers after scoring a brace for his club in the Hyundai A-League at the weekend.

Smeltz has cut a swathe through defences at club and international level over the past two seasons and the German-born striker was in potent form as his club defeated Newcastle Jets 3-0 at Westpac Trust Stadium in Wellington.

Fellow New Zealand international Leo Bertos opened the scoring on 62 minutes with Smeltz doubling Wellington Phoenix lead five minutes later when his audacious lob beat Jets goalkeeper Ante Covic. Smeltz completed his double from the penalty spot six minutes from time after team-mate Troy Hearsfield was bundled down in the box by James Virgili.

The win propels Wellington Phoenix firmly into play-off contention in the Hyundai A-League with Smeltz goal tally for the season now 11 strikes. Smeltz has now scored twenty one goals for the Wellington Phoenix in the Hyundai A-League since his move from English non-league club AFC Wimbledon in 2007.

Smeltz scored eight goals in six matches for New Zealand as the All Whites won the 2008 OFC Nations Cup thus qualifying for both the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 and a 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Qualification play-off with the fifth placed team in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) scheduled for later this year. New Zealand will face Iraq, Spain and host nation South Africa at the FIFA Confederations Cup in June 2009.

Wellington Phoenix stand on the threshold of becoming the first New Zealand-based club to qualify for the play-offs in either the Hyundai A-League or now defunct National Soccer League (NSL).

Smeltz will sign for Gold Coast United on a three year deal at the conclusion of the 2008/09 Hyundai A-League season.

Photograph courtesy www.nzfootball.co.nz