2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA™ - OCEANIA QUALIFYING REVIEW
Thursday, 19 November 09, 01:05 PM
The long road to determining the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ champions commenced in the Samoan capital of Apia way back on 25 August 2007. On that occasion New Caledonia captain Pierre Wajoka had the honour of scoring the first goal in the global campaign for South Africa 2010 with his ninth-minute penalty enough to edge Tahiti 1-0 in a Francophone derby. It proved to be the commencement of a solid campaign for the New Caledonians who were only admitted to FIFA in 2005.
The first stage of qualifying saw ten teams split into two groups with Group A comprised of Cook Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tahiti and Oceania Football Confederation associate member Tuvalu. Group B featured American Samoa, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.
Fiji and New Caledonia finished well clear of the opposition to claim their position in the semi-finals of Round 1, with Tahiti four points away from progressing. The Solomon Islands started their campaign in bright fashion as the Pacific football hotbed maintained momentum from their previous campaign which saw them finish ahead of New Zealand. The Solomon Islanders progressing to the semi-finals in imperious fashion winning all four matches and conceding just one goal.
Joining them were Vanuatu who had also impressed in the qualifying campaign for Germany 2006. Samoa, captained by Chris Cahill, elder brother of Australian superstar Tim, recorded two wins to finish ahead of Tonga and American Samoa with the latter scoring its first-ever FIFA World Cup goal through the boot of Ramin Ott.
The semi-final stage produced a major shock as the Solomon Islands lost firstly to 3-2 to New Caledonia, and then to 2-0 to Vanuatu in the play-off, to miss qualification for Stage 2. New Caledonia defeated Fiji 1-0 in the final, with both teams joined by Vanuatu in progressing to the next stage where New Zealand awaited.
There was little room for error with only six matches each in the four-nation Stage 2. New Zealand set up their campaign nicely with two tough away wins first-up in Fiji and Vanuatu, and the Kiwis never looked back, winning their first five matches to seal the title of Oceania champions. Fielding an under strength line-up the All Whites did lose their last group match against Fiji, who were edged from second spot by New Caledonia, seven points behind the Kiwis.
New Zealand had to wait 11 months to face the fifth-placed Asian nation in an intercontinental play-off for a berth to South Africa 2010. Bahrain defeated regional giants Saudi Arabia to book their meeting with New Zealand. The first leg in Manama was a hard-fought affair in oppressive heat and despite goal opportunities for both teams, the match finished scoreless.
The second leg in front of a record crowd in the New Zealand capital of Wellington saw Rory Fallow score in the final minute of the first half with what proved the only goal of the game. A second-half penalty save from Mark Paston helped ensure the All Whites first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1982.
Story courtesy FIFA.com
Like this blog? Help spread the word: 
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA™ - NEW ZEALAND FIND NEW HERO IN FALLON
Monday, 16 November 09, 04:15 AM
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
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA™ - OFC PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES ALL WHITES
Sunday, 15 November 09, 11:19 PM
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.”
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA™ - KIWIS QUALIFY FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Saturday, 14 November 09, 04:30 AM
In front of a capacity crowd at Wellington's Westpac Stadium on Saturday night, New Zealand repeated the efforts of the national team of 1982. The 35,194 boisterous fans, the largest crowd to watch a football match in New Zealand, made their presence felt with a continuous cacophony that started well before the opening whistle and continued long after referee Jorge Larrionda blew for full-time. The result gave the All Whites a 1-0 aggregate win following the goalless draw in Manama on 10 October.
"This group of players has given everything to achieve this dream, everything over the last four years," said New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert, who was a member of the defensive line that played in Spain. "It's incredible. We're back. We're there."
New Zealand skipper Ryan Nelsen, paid tribute to the 35,100 fans in Wellington - a record for a football match in the country. "The crowd was incredible and I don't know if we could have won it without them," he said. "They were our 12th man today and they got us home. I've played in some incredible atmospheres but this is right up there."
The hosts were under early pressure conceding two corners and having defender Ben Sigmund yellow-carded in just the third minute. They gave Bahrain goalkeeper Sayed Mohammed Jaffar his first test in the eighth minute when a Shane Smeltz header across the goalmouth from a Leo Bertos free-kick found Nelsen, but his looping header found the top of the net.
Striker Chris Killen almost broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when he sent a delightful left-foot volley from the edge of the penalty area beyond the Bahrain goalkeeper but off the crossbar. Soon after attacking midfielder Bertos, having made his presence felt with a number of early runs at the defence, sent a right-footed free-kick just wide of Jaffar's left-hand post.
All Whites goalkeeper Paston was on hand on the half-hour to dive low to his left and deny a snap volley in front of goal by Bahrain front man Jaycee John. Jaffar then produced a superb reflex save from a goalbound header by Fallon with half-time closing in, with Bertos again involved in the play in providing the cross.
But that was all in vain in the 45th minute when, from a Bertos corner, Fallon rose highest in the six-yard area to send a powerful header beyond Jaffar. On the balance of play the All Whites half-time lead was deserved, with Bertos and a Tony Lochhead providing most of the sting in the home side's attacking forays.
The drama intensified in the 50th minute when referee Larrionda pointed to the penalty spot after Lochhead fouled Abdulla Ismaeel Omar. However, the combination of a poor strike from Sayed Mohamed Adnan and a perfectly-timed dive by Paston to his right kept the All Whites in front.
Nelsen increasingly stamped his class on the match, organising the defence as the visitors pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Smeltz came close to doubling the tally with 20 minutes to play but his close-range strike flashed wide. Killen then sent an overhead kick on the six-yard box high over the cross bar with nine minutes remaining. Desperate defending from All Whites pair Ivan Vicelich and Nelsen spurred the home side on in the closing minutes.
In the end it was one shot for glory, and Fallon and New Zealand, took it.
Story courtesy FIFA.com
Photo courtesy NZF Media
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
OFC FACILITATE BROADCAST OF WORLD CUP PLAY OFF ACROSS THE PACIFIC
Thursday, 12 November 09, 09:49 PM
OFC in co-operation with New Zealand Football, World Sport Network and Sky TV has secured the rights for all Pacific Island broadcasters.
TVNZ Pacific Services and OFC are building on their existing O-League partnership to distribute this live feed free of charge to regional stations between 7:50PM NZT and 9:30PM NZT.
OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas says it is highly pleasing that so many football fans around Oceania will be able to enjoy this important match.
“This All Whites versus Bahrain game is the most eagerly anticipated match to take place in New Zealand in over two decades.
While thirty four thousand fans will be cheering on the All Whites in Wellington, it’s exciting to know that many thousands more will be able to share in the excitement around the Oceania region,” Nicholas says.
Saturday night’s game represents the culmination of two long and demanding 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualification campaigns for Asia’s fifth ranked side Bahrain and Oceania’s top qualifier New Zealand.
The home team must win to qualify for only their second ever FIFA World Cup, 28 years after New Zealand’s World Cup debut in 1982. Bahrain, however, need only draw with goals to progress after the first leg match was drawn 0-0 in Manama last month.
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA™ - PLAY-OFF RIVALS SET FOR HISTORY
Thursday, 12 November 09, 03:20 AM
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
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA™ - ALL WHITES PRACTICE SHOOTOUT
Thursday, 12 November 09, 03:11 AM
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
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP NIGERIA 2009 - HESTER LANDS SEMI FINAL APPOINTMENT
Tuesday, 10 November 09, 02:14 PM
Strong performances by New Zealand referee Mike Hester and his assistants Tevita Makasina (TON) and Jan Hendrik Hintz (NZL) at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 have led to the Oceania trio being appointed to the semi final match between Colombia and Switzerland on 12 November.
The trio have officiated in four matches over the course of the tournament while Hester has also been involved in a fifth match as fourth official.
Vanuatu’s Harry Atisson will oversee the semi final as referee assessor making it an important occasion for Oceania referees. Atisson says he is proud to be representing Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) at this time.
With appointments for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ still to be decided, the U-17 tournament acts as an important part of the screening process.
Hester, who has attended several FIFA events including the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa earlier this year, says he is enjoying the challenge.
"This tournament presents a realistic opportunity to press our claim for selection at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ but ultimately you’ve got to take it one match at a time so that’s our approach," said Hester.
A Lieutenant Commander in the New Zealand Navy, Hester started refereeing in 2001 but is already one of New Zealand’s most respected officials, refereeing age-group and senior internationals along with a host of New Zealand Football Championship matches.
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP NIGERIA 2009 - U-17 CHAMPIONS OUST TEN-MAN NEW ZEALAND
Thursday, 05 November 09, 04:29 PM
An unbeaten record throughout the group stages had earned the Young All Whites a place in the history books as the first kiwi team to reach the knockout stages of a FIFA event, but three goals in 30 minutes and a 35 minute red card to Cameron Lindsay for a rash tackle effectively ended the match as a contest.
New Zealand coach Steve Cain was quick to praise his side’s effort in reaching the last 16 and label the hosts favourites to claim a record fourth U-17 crown.
“I’m immensely proud of my team’s performance,” Cain said.
“It was a bridge too far for us tonight. They were too quick, too strong and too clever. With eleven men on the park it was difficult, with ten it was impossible. They’re a hell of a side.”
“I’ve always thought Nigeria were favourites, but didn’t say it because I didn’t want to frighten my players. If any one beats them they’ll deserve to win the tournament.”
Edafe Egbedi helped himself to a first half double, his goals sandwiching Stanley Okoro’s 24th minute effort, with two of Nigeria’s first three goals taking deflections on their way past Coey Turipa.
In the second half, the three-time champions were content to reserve energy for an impending quarterfinal against Korea, until super-sub Sani Emmanuel came off the bench to score a quick fire double and extend the final damage to 5-0.
After soaking up early pressure, New Zealand captain Gordon Murie headed an early chance over the bar but it wasn’t long before the weight of Nigerian chances told with Egbedi strolling to the edge of the New Zealand 18-yard box and unleashing a shot which Turipa appeared to have covered until an attempted block by Murie deflected it past him.
The kiwis could have been back on level terms just moments later but Lindsay misdirected his unmarked header from a Zane Sole free-kick.
That was as much warning as the Golden Eaglets needed, with fullback Aigbe Oliha unleashing a thundering volley which Turipa did well to beat away, but only as far as Okoro whose close range follow up bounced off the leg of a desperate defender.
Egbedi’s second, a first time scoop with the outside of his foot into the far top corner of the goal, was the goal of the game, although Emmanuel’s late cameo with two clinical goals set up by the impressive Okoro made sure the 35,000 strong home crowd went home singing.
There were plenty of other chances for a dominant Nigerian side, with New Zealand defenders chasing shadows for large portions of the game, especially when down a man, and while there was to be no dramatic comeback as with New Zealand’s previous two games, the kiwis departed with their heads held high.
“With what this group has achieved in a very short space of time, we should be very proud of them,: Cain said.
Today, against a World-class opponent, became a lesson that we need to go back to the drawing board on a number of things, learn from it and come back stronger next time.”
FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009
October 25 - November 15
Round of 16
Abuja
New Zealand: 0
Nigeria: 5 (Edafe EGBEDI 14, 28, Stanley OKORO 24, Sani EMMANUEL 75, 79)
Halftime: 0-3
New Zealand: 1-Coey TURIPA (GK), 3-Adam THOMAS, 5- Gordon MURIE (Captain / 4-Luis ESTEVEZ 66), 7-Josh MORRISON, 10-Zane SOLE,13-Michael BUILT (19-Andrew BEVIN 79), 14-Thomas SPRAGG (12-Tane GENT 60), 15-Andrew MILNE, 16-Jamie DORIS, 17-Cameron LINDSAY, 18-Ashton PETT.
Substitutes not used 2-Matt GIBBONS, 6-Tim PILKINGTON, 8-Stephen KIBBY, 9-Nikolai MOLIJN, 11-Jack Hobson-MCVEIGH, 20-Alex CARR (RGK), 21-Patrick GEORGE (RGK).
Coach: Steve CAIN (ENG)
Nigeria: 1-Dami PAUL (GK), 2-Aigbe OLIHA, 3-Mohammed ALIYU, 5-Fortune CHUKWUDI, 6-Kenneth OMERUO, 8-Stanley OKORO, 9-Abdul AJAGUN (15-Yusuf OTUBANJO 83), 11-Terry ENVOH, 13-Omoh OJABU (14-Sani EMMANUEL 74), 18-Edafe EGBEDI (10-Olarenwaju KAYODE 76), 20-Ramon AZEEZ.
Substitutes not used: 4-Ogenyi ONAZI7-White AGWUOCHA, , 12-Chukwujike MGBAM, 16-Amos IZUCHUKWU (RGK), 17-Obinna OKORO, 19-Deji JOEL, 21-John FELAGHA (RGK).
Coach: John OBUH (NGA)
Cautions: Jamie DORIS (NZL)
Red Cards: Cameron LINDSAY (NZL)
Story courtesy NZF Media
For the latest FIFA U-17 World Cup news visit FIFA.com
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP NIGERIA 2009 - YOUNG ALL WHITES FULLY FOCUSSED
Wednesday, 04 November 09, 12:03 AM
The unbeaten teenagers dramatically achieved a notable first for New Zealand football teams by reaching the knockout stage of a FIFA event with Jack Hobson-McVeigh’s stunning injury-time strike securing a 1-1 draw against Group D winners Turkey, on Sunday.
But their coach admitted he acted swiftly to extinguish any thoughts from his players that the playoffs were now “bonus territory,” instead demanding that the bar be raised higher.
“I gave them all a real dressing down on Monday because at the end of the day we’re not here to make up the numbers, we’re here to win the tournament,” Cain said.
“No-one is going to sit back on their laurels because we haven’t won anything yet.”
“If we lift the trophy, we’ll say yeah, well done, but for now we are going to into this match with 100 per cent focus aiming to make it into the quarterfinals.”
After three tough group games, all ending in 1-1 draws, and requiring second-half fight backs in the last two matches, a few New Zealand players were understandably showing signs of wear and tear.
Gordon Murie (dead leg), Tim Pilkington (concussion), Thomas Spragg (ankle) all picked up injuries against Turkey while Jamie Doris is the latest player to pick up a 24-hour stomach bug that has so far swept through two-thirds of the camp and is currently in isolation.
Cain was confident each would be fit for selection and could now welcome back Waitakere United midfielder Zane Sole back from a one game suspension.
Sole, Doris, Hobson-McVeigh, Stephen Kibby and Cameron Lindsay have all been used in different combinations within a central midfield trio, and present Cain with his toughest selection choice. Not even the goalscoring hero from Sunday, Hobson-McVeigh was assured of a start against the Golden Eaglets.
“He [Hobson-McVeigh] has certainly done enough to cause me a selection problem. We can’t fit six or seven players into five spots so one or two of them will have to miss out. But they will all have a part to play.”
Patience and pressure will be the key for a New Zealand side that has shown that it has the mental resilience and defensive organisation to stay in games against more fancied opposition.
“If we stay organised and don’t make mistakes, which has been a strength of ours so far, we can frustrate these teams quite significantly.
“With the pressure on Nigeria as the home nation, and the expectation from the crowd of a home win, we can build that frustration and take advantage when they find things aren’t going their way.”
“There’s pressure on us as the underdogs but there’s a lot more of them.”
The match kicks off at 7am on Friday (NZT)
FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009
October 25 - November 15
Round of 16
November 6
New Zealand v Nigeria
Abuja
Kick off: 7am (NZT)
Live coverage on Sky Sport 1
New Zealand (from): 1-Coey TURIPA (GK), 2-Matt GIBBONS, 3-Adam THOMAS, 4-Luis ESTEVEZ, 5- Gordon MURIE (captain), 6-Tim PILKINGTON, 7-Josh MORRISON, 8-Stephen KIBBY, 9-Nikolai MOLIJN, 10-Zane SOLE, 11-Jack Hobson-MCVEIGH, 12-Tane GENT, 13-Michael BUILT, 14-Thomas SPRAGG, 15-Andrew MILNE, 16-Jamie DORIS, 17-Cameron LINDSAY, 18-Ashton PETT,19-Andrew BEVIN, 20-Alex CARR (GK), 21-Patrick GEORGE (GK).
Coach: Steve CAIN (ENG)
Nigeria (from): 1-Dami PAUL (GK), 2-Aigbe OLIHA, 3-Mohammed ALIYU, 4-Ogenyi ONAZI, 5-Fortune CHUKWUDI, 6-Kenneth OMERUO, 7-White AGWUOCHA, 8-Stanley OKORO, 9-Abdul AJAGUN, 10-Olarenwaju KAYODE, 11-Terry ENVOH, 12-Chukwujike MGBAM, 13-Omoh OJABU, 14-Sani EMMANUEL, 15-Yusuf OTUBANJO, 16-Amos IZUCHUKWU (GK), 17-Obinna OKORO, 18-Edafe EGBEDI, 19-Deji JOEL, 20-Ramon AZEEZ, 21-John FELAGHA (GK).
Coach: John OBUH (NGA)
Story courtesy NZF Media
Photo courtesy Action Images
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP NIGERIA 2009 - OFC PRESIDENT COMMENDS YOUNG ALL WHITES
Sunday, 01 November 09, 09:34 PM
OFC President Reynald Temarii has passed on his congratulations to the New Zealand U-17 team who became the first Kiwi side to qualify for the knock-out stages of a FIFA tournament at the weekend.
As Oceania’s representative at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009, New Zealand qualified in dramatic fashion with an injury-time strike by Jack Hobson-McVeigh against Turkey in Calabar on Saturday evening to give the unbeaten Young All Whites their third straight draw (1-1) of the tournament.
Turkey progressed as Group D winners, while Burkina Faso – who won their final group match against Cost Rica in Enugu – finished second and New Zealand went through as one of the top third-place finishers.
New Zealand are now the only Oceania country outside of Australia to qualify for the second round of a FIFA event.
President Temarii says the historic achievement is a positive sign for Oceania football.
“OFC is continually striving to improve the standard of football in the region and prepare Oceania’s representatives for success on the world stage and we are now seeing those efforts paying off,” said President Temarii.
“Reaching the knock-out stages of a FIFA World Cup is a remarkable feat and I would like to congratulate New Zealand Football on behalf of the entire Oceania football family. I know the team will now be looking to go even further in the tournament and I wish them the best of luck against Nigeria in the second round later this week.”
The Young All Whites face Nigeria on Thursday evening (local time) at Abuja National Stadium where an expected crowd of over 40,000 will be cheering on the home side. The Golden Eaglets qualified top of a ‘group of death’ after defeating Honduras (1-0) and Argentina (2-1) and drawing with Germany (3-3). Other second round action will see Argentina vs. Colombia, Italy vs. USA, Switzerland vs. Germany, Turkey vs. UAE, Spain vs. Burkina Faso, Mexico vs. Korea Republic and Iran vs. Uruguay.
The highest placing by an OFC representative at the FIFA U-17 World Cup was in 1999 when Australia finished runners-up behind Brazil.
For the latest FIFA U-17 World Cup news visit FIFA.com
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP NIGERIA 2009 - YOUNG ALL WHITES FACE HOSTS IN SECOND ROUND
Sunday, 01 November 09, 08:55 PM
AUCKAND – The Young All Whites’ second round opponents at the FIFA U-17 World Cup will be hosts Nigeria in front of an intimidating crowd of over 40,000 and their coach couldn’t be happier.
With group play completed this morning and the top 16 teams all confirmed, the final pieces of the playoff puzzle could be placed.
While Nigeria qualified top of a ‘group of death’ featuring Argentina, Germany and Honduras, taking on the hosts at the 60,000 seat Abuja National Stadium is a prospect that excites New Zealand coach Steve Cain.
“The occasion will be absolutely fantastic. The crowd will be huge and the atmosphere will be absolutely magical,” Cain said.
“The African people have been very friendly to us and very complimentary to us when we’ve played. We’ve won some hearts and minds and we’d like to continue that with a game against the host nation.”
“It’s exactly what we’d hope for. It’s an occasion and something that will stick in the boys’ minds for a lifetime.
At a World Cup, every team you play is going to be hard so you’d rather have a game in front of a full house. We’ve backed ourselves all tournament and we’ll do so again against Nigeria. We’ve shown we’re a very hard team to beat.
FIFA U-17 World Cup
Round of 16
Nov 4
Argentina v Colombia, Ijebu Ode
Italy v USA, Kaduna
Switzerland v Germany
Turkey v UAE, Enugu
Nov 5
Spain v Burkina Faso, Kano
Mexico v Korea Republic, Bauchi
Iran v Uruguay, Calabar
Nigeria v New Zealand, Abuja (7am Friday Nov 6 NZT)
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
NEW ZEALAND - VANUATU INTERNATIONAL TO THE 'FOUR' IN NZFC
Sunday, 01 November 09, 05:23 PM
Vanuatu striker Seule Soromon has put New Zealand Football Championship (NZFC) defences on red alert after he bagged all four goals in YoungHeart Manawatu's 4-0 win over Team Wellington at Newtown Park today.
The win capped off the perfect start to the season for YoungHeart Manawatu coach Bob Sova, whose team moved into second place.
Elsewhere, reigning champions Auckland City remained in top spot despite a 0-0 draw at Otago United while Waitakere United moved into third thanks to a 1-0 win at home to Canterbury United. Waikato FC – thrashed 5-0 by Auckland City last week – enjoyed their first win of the season with a 4-2 win over Matt Chandler’s Hawke’s Bay United.
Soromon began the YoungHeart Manawatu rout with a 25th minute close range tap in while Team Wellington nearly drew level in the 39th minute only for Greg Draper’s effort to hit the post. Seule Soromon put the match beyond the hosts when he scored two quickfire strikes in the 54th and 55th minutes to give the visitors a commanding 3-0 lead.
YoungHeart Manawatu confirmed victory in the 73rd minute after another coolly taken finish by Soromon. Soromon could have grabbed his and YoungHeart's fifth goal after he rounded goalkeeper Jim Bannatyne only to see his effort cleared off the line by Team Wellington’s Chris Davies with eight minutes remaining.
Otago United’s draw with Auckland City ended a run of seven consecutive defeats against the champions that stretches back to season 2006-07. Otago has only beaten Auckland City once in their last ten attempts. Despite a draw City maintained it’s unbeaten start to the season and has yet to concede a goal in it’s three competitive matches in all competitions to date while Otago sit in 5th place in the table.
Former New Zealand international striker Brent Fisher repaid the faith of coach Neil Emblen with a debut headed goal from a Neil Sykes’ freekick after 31 minutes to hand Waitakere United an opening day NZFC victory. The 1-0 victory ensured Waitakere sit among the early leaders in the race for an NZFC play-off spot and guarantees that competition for places in United’s frontline remains intense with Fijian striker Roy Krishna only used as a late substitute.
Meanwhile, Centennial Park, Ngaurawahia was the scene of a six-goal thriller as Waikato FC defeated Hawke’s Bay United for the first time in three seasons.
Goals by Waikato FC strikers Dan Peat and Michael Gwyther helped kick-start their club’s campaign with a 4-2 win at home over the visitors.
A first half brace by Dan Peat in the 19th and 27th minutes complemented a 23rd minute close range header by Michael Gwyther.
Leon Birnie threw Hawke’s Bay a lifeline with a goal on the stroke of halftime but Waikato FC restored their two goal buffer in the 71st minute through a Joey Simpkins penalty after Mikael Munday was brought down in the box.
A 76th minute Andrew Abba volley set up a tense finish but it wasn’t enough to deny a first ever NZFC win for new player/coach Che Bunce.
Story and photo courtesy NZF Media
For the latest NZFC news visit NZFC.co.nz
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
NEW ZEALAND - AUCKLAND WOMEN HIT SEVEN AS TITLE DEFENCE BEGINS
Sunday, 01 November 09, 05:15 PM
The defending champions were given the bye in week one and two goals in as many minutes from Yallop midway through the first half showed Auckland weren’t keen to waste any more time in their Northern Conference opener.
A fine solo goal from Brittany Dudley-Smith pulled a goal back for the teenagers in the 66th minute but from the kickoff Auckland surged forward and earned a corner which Kristy Hill nodded home to restore the two goal cushion.
Dana Humby fired a fourth in from long-range in the 75th before Yallop completed her hat trick five minutes later.
Auckland weren’t finished there as Rebecca Tegg got in on the action as the clock ticked down before setting up Yallop for her fourth in injury time.
Meanwhile in the Southern conference, Capital Football got their campaign underway with a 2-0 win over Mainland Pride thanks to a goal in each half from Sarah Gregorius.
Gregorius’ day didn’t happily, leaving the field with a knee injury late in the second half with her side also losing Football Fern Hannah Wall and age-group international Yumi Nguyen in an injury-plague second half.
The Pride still lead the Southern standings on goal difference thanks to a heavy win over Football South last weekend, but Capital can leapfrog them next week by avoiding defeat in Dunedin next Sunday.
Auckland are also on the road, travelling to Taupo to take on Waikato-BOP Football on Saturday.
Story and photo courtesy NZF Media
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP NIGERIA 2009 - NEW ZEALAND MAKE MIRACLE MOMENT
Saturday, 31 October 09, 03:45 PM
New Zealand have made history today by becoming the first Kiwi side to advance to the knock-out round of a FIFA World Cup tournament.
In dramatic fashion, an injury-time strike by Jack Hobson-McVeigh against Turkey in Calabar on Saturday evening gave the Young All Whites their third straight draw (1-1) of the tournament and was enough to send them through to the round of sixteen.
Even with four regular starters waiting in the wings, Turkey looked a far superior side in the early going. After just five minutes they carved out an opening via some lovely midfield interplay, but Engin Bekdemir could only hammer his shot high and wide from 20 yards. The move deserved better than the finish provided. Five minutes later, Ahmet Sari had the ball in the net, but the header was waved away for a foul on the Kiwi goalkeeper.
Just up the other end, captain Gordon Murie fired a warning by bullying the ball home from close range after a deflection. The strike, however, was also ruled out, this time for offside. The dream of keeping up with the Turks didn't last, though, as Bekdemir wriggled around his man and lobbed the keeper from 18 yards to open the scoring an t he 17th minute.
The Kiwis were keen to keep themselves in the game, but their spirits must have sunk when Josh Morrison missed the chance of a lifetime in the 29th minute. Getting first to the ball after a goal-mouth scramble, he could only conspire to hit over from five yards out. Minutes later, Sari saw a try cleared off the line as the action was getting fast and furious.
The hard-charging Kiwis seemed to go off the boil a bit at the start of the second half, just as the Turks began to up the tempo in search of a second goal. Enes Baykan had a chance to score in the 60th minute, but he couldn't steer his close-range shot through a forest of legs. Seconds later, a free-kick by the busy Bekdemir stung the palms of Coey Turipa in the New Zealand goal.
Just as it looked like it was all over for the tired Kiwis, Hobson-McVeigh fired a stunning goal to the top corner in stoppage time to, miraculously, send the islanders through when all seemed lost
The Turks are through to the round of sixteen as section winners, while Burkina Faso - who won their game in Enugu - finish second and New Zealand sneak through as one of the top third-place finishers. Costa Rica are officially out.
Photo courtesy Action Images
For the latest news and results from the FIFA U-17 World Cup visit FIFA.com
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA™ - ALL WHITES UNCHANGED FOR BAHRAIN
Wednesday, 28 October 09, 11:00 PM
A gutsy goalless draw in Manama on October 10 and a capacity 35,000 home crowd have created a mouth-watering challenge for the All Whites, who would earn a place at the World Cup finals for the first time since 1982 with a win on home soil.
While Herbert has ultimately retained the same matchday 18 from the first leg, the All Whites coach says it wasn’t necessarily a straightforward decision.
“It’s never easy to go with final squad for the most important game but I think there has been consistency with this group of players that has gone through Jordan and Bahrain and we just feel it’s important to keep that intact,” Herbert said.
Injury and illness concerns over two key players have been allayed with captain Ryan Nelsen confirmed to have avoided the swine flu scare at Blackburn Rovers and Rory Fallon recovering well from a calf strain that saw him hobble out of Plymouth Argyle’s match against Ipswich Town last weekend.
“Rory is making very good progress and I spoke to Ryan last night and he’s in good health so as we stand we’ve got no injury concerns or medical problems.”
As injury cover, Herbert has named five players on a non-travelling standby list comprising Steven Old, Jeremy Brockie, Jeremy Christie, Kris Bright and also Jacob Spoonley, who provided goalkeeping cover in Manama but did not make the matchday 18.
The All Whites assemble in Wellington on Tuesday 10 November, and while the eight Wellington-based players won’t need to travel far, the northern hemisphere contingent of players will need to quickly shake of the jet lag and adjust their body clocks before playing the biggest game of their careers.
While a New Zealand victory would confirm qualification for South Africa, a score draw would be enough for Bahrain to progress on the away goals rule.
A repeat of the 0-0 first leg score line would send the fixture into extra time and then to a penalty shootout if no further goals were scored. FIFA confirmed to NZF this week that [away] goals scored by Bahrain in extra time would also count double if the match remains tied after the extra 30 minutes.
New Zealand Squad for FIFA World Cup Asia/Oceania Playoff (second leg)
November 14, 2009
Goalkeepers:
James BANNATYNE (Team Wellington – 5/0)
Mark PASTON (Wellington Phoenix – 22/0)
Defenders:
Andrew BOYENS (New York Red Bulls – 14/0)
Tony LOCHHEAD (Wellington Phoenix – 20/0)
David MULLIGAN (Wellington Phoenix – 30/3)
Ryan NELSEN (Captain, Blackburn Rovers – 40/9)
Aaron SCOTT (Waitakere United – 5/0)
Ben SIGMUND (Wellington Phoenix – 11/1)
Ivan VICELICH (Auckland City – 71/7)
Midfielders:
Andy BARRON (Team Wellington – 12/1)
Leo BERTOS (Wellington Phoenix – 29/0)
Tim BROWN (Wellington Phoenix – 26/0)
Simon ELLIOTT (San Jose Earthquakes – 66/8)
Michael MCGLINCHEY (Central Coast Mariners – 2/0)
Forwards:
Rory FALLON (Plymouth Argyle – 2/1)
Chris KILLEN (Celtic – 25/17)
Shane SMELTZ (Gold Coast United – 30/17)
Chris WOOD (West Bromwich Albion – 4/0)
Management: Ricki Herbert (Coach), Brian Turner (Assistant Coach), Clint Gosling (Goalkeeper Coach), Raul Blanco (Technical Advisor), Phil Warbrick (Manager), Roland Jeffery (Physiotherapist), Wade Irvine (Massage Therapist), Celeste Geertsema (Doctor), Kenny McMillan (Sports Scientist), Jamie Scott (Media Officer).
2010 FIFA World Cup Asia/Oceania Playoff
First Leg (October 10, Manama)
Bahrain 0
New Zealand 0
Second Leg
New Zealand v Bahrain
November 14, 2009
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Local kick-off: 8pm
Story and photo courtesy NZF Media
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP NIGERIA 2009 - HISTORY SPURS YOUNG ALL WHITES
Tuesday, 27 October 09, 04:04 PM
AUCKLAND – The chance to achieve two notable firsts is driving the Young All Whites in the FIFA U-17 World Cup clash against Burkina Faso in Enugu, Nigeria on Thursday morning (NZT).
After a promising draw against Costa Rica on Monday, the heat goes on the Young All Whites in more ways than one as a victory over the Africans in mid afternoon Enugu heat and humidity will almost certainly earn them a place in the second round – a first for a New Zealand team at a FIFA event.
But victory over an African team on their home continent would be another first, and New Zealand coach Steve Cain is weary of a side wounded after a 0-1 loss to Turkey on Monday morning.
“It’s shaping as a mini final this one as both teams will be looking for three points to get some sort of foothold in the final 16,” Cain said.
“We’ve never beaten an African team in Africa and playing at four o’clock in 30 degree temperatures and 95 per cent humidity so it’ll be difficult but these are the things we have to deal with.”
Thunder storms are scheduled for the region on match day but the Young All Whites are brimming with a quiet belief that they can produce another lightning strike after leading the Costa Ricans early in their Group D opener.
“We have to back ourselves heading into this game and if we can repeat the defensive effort from the Costa Rica match and can be a bit more sensible and positive with the ball at our feet then we can get something out of this game.”
Recovery has been the focus in the immediate 24 hours of a match that saw New Zealand lose three players to cramp in the stifling conditions. Birkenhead midfielder Jack Hobson-McVeigh returns from a suspension he picked up in qualifying to give Cain the option of fresh in midfield, although the performance of Jamie Doris, Cameron Lindsay and the combative Zane Sole may prompt a retention of the status quo.
While Nigerian and Ghanaian teams have dominated previous World Cups and the Burkinabe finished third in 2001, the current side remain somewhat of an unknown quantity for the Young All Whites although video analysis will go someway to removing that mystery.
But a brief glimpse of their opponents at the stadium hasn’t changed the New Zealand players’ view that they can rise to the challenge.
“From the 20 minutes of the match we saw before our game it was clear they press high and all over the pitch,” said New Zealand winger Thomas Spragg.
“While we need to treat them with respect there is not reason not to go into the game confident of causing an upset.”
FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009
October 25 - November 15
Group D
New Zealand vs. Burkina Faso
Enugu
October 29
New Zealand: 1-Coey TURIPA (GK), 2-Matt GIBBONS, 3-Adam THOMAS, 4-Luis ESTEVEZ, 5- Gordon MURIE (captain), 6-Tim PILKINGTON, 7-Josh MORRISON, 8-Stephen KIBBY, 9-Nikolai MOLIJN, 10-Zane SOLE, 11-Jack Hobson-MCVEIGH, 12-Tane GENT, 13-Michael BUILT, 14-Thomas SPRAGG, 15-Andrew MILNE, 16-Jamie DORIS, 17-Cameron LINDSAY, 18-Ashton PETT,19-Andrew BEVIN, 20-Alex CARR (GK), 21-Patrick GEORGE (GK).
Coach: Steve CAIN (ENG)
Burkina Faso: 1-Germain SANOU (GK), 2-Adama HAIKI, 3-Mouhamed OUATTARA, 4-Delwende YANOGO, 5-Ibrahim BARRY, 6-Ismael ZAGRE, 7-Louckmane OUEDRAOGO, 8-Victor NIKIEMA, 9-Abdoulaye IBRANGO, 10-Fadil SIDO, 11-Abdoul NIKIEMA, 12-Zidane ZOUNGRANA, 13-Moussa DAO, 14-Dalhata SORO, 15-Ousmane DERRA, 16-Lassane NIKKIEMA (GK), 17-Bertrand TRAORE, 18-Farouck KABORE, 19-Aboubacar TRAORE, 20-Patrick MALO, 21-Abdouraziz GUIRE (GK)
Coach: Rainer WILLFELD (GER)
Group D Standings
| Team |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Pts |
| 1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
|
| 1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
| New Zealand |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| 1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 – New Zealand results/fixtures
October 25 - November 15
October 26
New Zealand 1 (Michael BUILT 18)
Costa Rica 1 (Joel CAMPBELL 35)
October 29
New Zealand v Burkina Faso
Enugu
November 1
New Zealand v Turkey
Calabar
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA™ - FIFA APPOINTS OFFICIALS FOR ALL WHITES PLAYOFF
Monday, 26 October 09, 08:58 PM
Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) is pleased to confirm the FIFA-appointed match officials for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ second leg play-off match between New Zealand and Bahrain in Wellington on 14 November.
Urguay’s Jorge Luis Larrionda Pietrafesa will referee the match at Westpac Stadium with compatriats Pablo Javier Fandino Abate and Mauricio Espinosa Rodriguez as his assistants plus Roberto Carlos Silvera Calcerrada, also from Uruguay, as the fourth official.
Larrionda has been an international referee since 1998 and has officiated at a number of FIFA tournaments including the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™.
The referee assessor will be Carlos Alberto Alarcon Rios from Paraguay while USA’s Joseph Machnik will serve as the match commissioner.
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA™ – PRELIMINARY COMPETITION
Intercontinental Play-off Matches – Second leg
New Zealand vs. Bahrain
14 November 2009
Westpac Stadium
Wellington
Local kick-off: 20H00
Referee: LARRIONDA PIETRAFESA Jorge Luis [Uruguay]
Assistant Referee 1: FANDINO ABATE Pablo Javier [Uruguay]
Assistant Referee 2: ESPINOSA RODRIGUEZ Mauricio [Uruguay]
Fourth Official: SILVERA CALCERRADA Roberto Carlos [Uruguay]
Referee Assessor: ALARCON RIOS Carlos Alberto [Paraguay]
Commissioner: MACHNIK Joseph [USA]
Photo courtesy FIFA.com
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
NEW ZEALAND - KIWI REFEREES IMPRESS FIFA
Monday, 26 October 09, 08:53 PM
AUCKLAND – The chances of Mike Hester and Peter O’Leary officiating at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa have been boosted by extra appointments at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria.
Hester, along with his assistants Jan Hintz (New Zealand) and Tevita Makasina (Tonga) were in charge during Switzerland’s 2-0 upset of Mexico on Sunday and their performance has been rewarded with an appointment to Thursday morning’s clash between Group C leaders Iran and Colombia in Calabar.
Meanwhile, Peter O’Leary, who has barely finished refereeing duty at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt with assistants Brent Best (New Zealand) and Mathew Taro (Solomon Islands), was given the role of fourth official for a pair of matches at the U-17 edition in Kaduna today.
O’Leary has previously refereed at the 2007 U-20 World Cup in Canada and both of the previous two FIFA Club World Cups in Japan, while Hester has officiated at the Beijing Olympics and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Both Kiwi-led trios are on a FIFA shortlist of 38 vying for selection for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.
Story courtesy NZF Media
Photo courtesy FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP NIGERIA 2009 - KIWIS AND TICOS SHARE SPOILS
Sunday, 25 October 09, 05:14 PM
The Young All Whites ignored the script when winger Michael Built gave them an 18th minute lead but first-half pressure from Costa Rica – and oppressive humidity – caught up with New Zealand when an uncharacteristic defensive lapse allowed Joel Campbell to equalise in the 35th minute.
The draw – New Zealand’s first after a solitary win and eight losses in three previous FIFA U-17 World Cup campaigns – leaves the Steve Cain-coached Young All Whites two points shy of Turkey who lead Group D after a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso.
“I’ve been told it’s the second best result for a New Zealand team at a FIFA U-17 World Cup but to be honest we’re a little disappointed because we’ve set our stall out to score goals and not concede,” Cain said.
“I think we did very well but all in all we should’ve been good enough to keep the lead and we’re very disappointed that we didn’t.”
“We gave the ball away very cheaply just before their goal and it’s a lesson for young players, and let’s not forget these are 16- and 17-year-olds, that you if you give the ball away against quality opposition they’ll punish you.
“Costa Rica are very strong and skilful, but the longer the game went on the more comfortable we looked and if out set piece runs had been better we may have even found a winner.”
The Young All Whites play the Africans on Thursday seeking an upset victory then or next Sunday against Turkey to become the first New Zealand team to reach the second round of a FIFA tournament.
“The Burkina Faso game is a huge one for both of us as they’ve got zero points and we’ve got one.”
“With an afternoon kick off, the heat and humidity will be even tougher and playing an African team in Africa will always be difficult.”
“But we’ve got a good team here and we back ourselves in every game we play.”
From the outset New Zealand were quicker into the match than the Costa Ricans and the first chance came in just the 8th minute when captain Gordon Murie headed a near post chance wide.
An Ashton Pett speculator drifted over the bar minutes later but Built made no mistake when Andrew Milne held up a Josh Morrison throw inside the area long enough for Built to lash it past Costa Rican goalkeeper Mauricio Vargas.
Rosbin Mayorga squandered a close range chance to equalise almost immediately but for the most part New Zealand’s back four of Murie, Adam Thomas, Josh Morrison and Ashton Pett looked calm and composed.
After a bright start in 30 degree heat and 90 per cent humidity, New Zealand sat back on their lead allowing Costa Rica to enjoy more possession.
A mix up between Adam Thomas and Gordon Murie – the only blot on New Zealand’s defensive copybook – allowed the ever-threatening Joel Campbell in to slide the ball past Turipa and level the scores.
Just before halftime a powerful swerving shot from Thomas Spragg drew a the very best out of Vargas to keep it out of the top corner of his goal and the scores locked at halftime.
Refreshed after the break, the Young All Whites pushed forward with more frequency and looked a threat from set pieces.
Midway through the half Cameron Lindsay flicked a Zane Sole free kick just inches out of Milne’s reach at the back post, while a late long range effort from substitute Luis Estevez looked briefly like it might claim all three points for New Zealand.
The young Al Whites lost Spragg and goal scorer Built to cramp in the second half but stood firm amongst a couple of injury time Costa Rican efforts to claim a well-deserved point.
Elsewhere on Monday, Iran shot to the top of Group C with a 2-0 win over Gambia in Calabar while Colombia lie in second place after a 2-1 win over the Netherlands.
The top two in each of six four-team groups are joined in the second round by the four best third-placed teams.
FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009
October 25 - November 15
Group D
Enugu
October 26
New Zealand: 1 (Michael BUILT 18)
Costa Rica: 1 (Joel CAMPBELL 35)
Halftime: 1-1
New Zealand line-up: 1-Coey TURIPA (GK), 3-Adam THOMAS (8-Stephen KIBBY 67), 5- Gordon MURIE (captain), 7-Josh MORRISON, 10-Zane SOLE, 13-Michael BUILT (12-Tane GENT 64), 14-Thomas SPRAGG (4-Luis ESTEVEZ 89), 15-Andrew MILNE, 16-Jamie DORIS, 17-Cameron LINDSAY, 18-Ashton PETT.
Substitutes not used: 2-Matt GIBBONS, 6-Tim PILKINGTON, 9-Nikolai MOLIJN, 19-Andrew BEVIN, 20-Alex CARR (GK), 21-Patrick GEORGE (GK).
Unavailable: 11-Jack Hobson-MCVEIGH (suspended).
Coach: Steve CAIN (ENG)
Costa Rica line-up: 18-Mauricio VARGAS (GK), 5-Pablo MARTINEZ, 6-Jeisson PENA, 8-Juan GOLOBIO, 10-Deyver VEGA (12-Dylan FLORES 64), 11-Joel CAMPBELL (19-Irving HUERTAS 87), 14-Rosbin MAYORGA (7-Danny BLANCO 60), 15-Joseph MORA, 16-Ariel SOTO, 17-Yeltsin TEJEDA, 20-Adrian MORA.
Substitutes not used: 1-Ricardo ROJAS (GK), 2 -Nicholas ARLERS, 3-Josue AGUILAR, 4-Alejandro CALDERON, 9-Jonathan MOYA, 13-Federico CRESPO, 21-Luis RODRIGUEZ (GK).
Coach: Juan Diego QUESADA (CRC)
Cautions: Pablo MARTINEZ (CRC), Yeltsin TEJEDA (CRC), Zane SOLE (NZL), Jeisson PENA (CRC).
Story and photo courtesy NZF Media
For the latest results visit FIFA.com
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
-
Pablo said:I was a kid in 1982, but remember the participation of All Whites in Spain, spe...
On 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA™ - OFC PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES ALL WHITES
roydriver74 said:I hope now OFC will ask for a Full qualify spot for the 2014 World Cuo.
On 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA™ - PLAY-OFF RIVALS SET FOR HISTORY
Pablo said:Welcome Adrienne, I will write to you to get info about Samoa Soccer.
Best re...
Megslazah said:Thankyou boyz for your hard work even though we lost but maintain the skill ok....
On ALFATEH FUTSAL CUP - KURUKURU GO DOWN FIGHTING AGAINST LIBYA
On 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA™ - PLAY-OFF RIVALS SET FOR HISTORY