All the best from a Sydneysider

 

Been reading your forums for the past week or so in the leadup to the big match on Saturday.

 

I am a Lebanese-Australian from Sydney (as my username shows) and I am a regular on The World Game Forum and for those that are members of that forum (username is Saudi Madrid), I have started a pre-match thread for this clash which has now reached over 140 replies (mostly news articles relating to both teams posted by me lol).

 

Anyway enough about me and onto the match. I really am looking forward to this one as the nation I proudly support, Australia, was in the same situation for many years in World Cup qualifying.

 

I, like millions of Australians, experienced the heartache of missing out on the World Cup at the final hurdle a number of times. For me, the tragedy of falling to Iran in 97 and Uruguay 2001 was hard to take, especially in 1997. But words could not describe the emotion, joy and happiness when we qualified in 2005. I was one of the 80K people who were lucky enough to be at Telstra Stadium on that historic night on 16 November 2005. Was the best night of my life.

 

Not only will I forget the night we qualified, but all the pre-match build up and excitement going into the game was truly memorable.

 

This is the same excitement that you guys are currently experiencing. Be sure to enjoy it and soak it up.

 

As for the match itself, it really is a tough one to call. Bahrain have that away goal which if they score, will change the game. But the All Whites have strikers who can do damage up front and are capable of taking their chances.

 

I'll be closely glued to the TV for this, which starts at 6pm AEDST.

 

The way I see it for myself, its a win win for whoever goes through to the World Cup. If Bahrain make it, it would be one more member from the AFC being represented. If New Zealand make it, it would be great for our neighbours and for football in the country and it would mean good international exposure for the A-League.

 

All the best for Saturday!!!

 

Sydney Rovers FC.

 

I still go to Sydney FC games when I can.

 

Bring on 2011!!!