National League / OCL

Auckland City FC - Thanks a Trillion

3775 replies · 869,710 views
almost 12 years ago
Lee Germon wrote:

Well done Auckland City for finishing 2nd in your group and qualifying for the semi finals. It should be considered a huge feat to match it with the big budgets of the Islands, who would have thought that little old New Zealand would have a shot at the big time. Keep up the great work!

Without trying to be smug about it, he does kinda have a point BM and I know 2nd Best made another one about Ricki and losing in the islands. It really does go to show that the conditions up there are a massive leveller. Ok the AWs did not prepare well but no one would ever accuse your side of that.

I bet you a million to one had this tournament been played in NZ, both NZ teams would qualify top of their group. Probably the best aspect is that's its a home and away play off and you really want to smash them hard here while the conditions are in your favour (or rather more favourable than playing away in their conditions).

 

Is the final a home and away or just a straight shoot out? If so, where?

Grumpy old bastard alert

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

one off final. I thought I read it was going to be in Auckland, but not sure where I got that from..

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

Now see if the final is in Auckland then that definitely favours ACFC. Again if we look at the teams, performance and results, they definitely do not want a final in the islands. I think a final in the islands would be a real stretch.

You would back to them to win this considering their strength and the fact they can potentially play 2/3 games in NZ in conditions that are better suited.

 


 

Grumpy old bastard alert

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
2ndBest wrote:

one off final. I thought I read it was going to be in Auckland, but not sure where I got that from..


Home and away ...sorry to ruin your self belief

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

Either way , semis first ...

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

Looks like OFC has changed the format mid competition and now Final will be home and away.  As per usual OFC Cluster F*$K.

Be very interesting how it pans out that Amical side looked good not sure where they got the funds to get all those imports OFC will be praying someone beats ACFC

UNDERDOG: One that is expected to lose a contest or struggle 

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
footballnut wrote:

Looks like OFC has changed the format mid competition and now Final will be home and away.  As per usual OFC Cluster F*$K.

Be very interesting how it pans out that Amical side looked good not sure where they got the funds to get all those imports OFC will be praying someone beats ACFC

It just takes one individual to put his hand in his pocket for the cause.

"At the end of the drive the lawmen arrive...

I'll take my chance because luck is on my side or something...

Her name is Rio, she don't need to understand...

Oh Rio, Rio, hear them shout across the land..."

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

I was nearly arrested for that once ...

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

While still difficult, I think a one off game in the Islands, is a far easier proposition than a tournament type situation. Heat and Humidity has a culumulative effect and couple of weeks is not time to acclimatise.

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
Jeff Vader wrote:
Lee Germon wrote:

Well done Auckland City for finishing 2nd in your group and qualifying for the semi finals. It should be considered a huge feat to match it with the big budgets of the Islands, who would have thought that little old New Zealand would have a shot at the big time. Keep up the great work!

Without trying to be smug about it, he does kinda have a point BM and I know 2nd Best made another one about Ricki and losing in the islands. It really does go to show that the conditions up there are a massive leveller. Ok the AWs did not prepare well but no one would ever accuse your side of that.

I bet you a million to one had this tournament been played in NZ, both NZ teams would qualify top of their group. Probably the best aspect is that's its a home and away play off and you really want to smash them hard here while the conditions are in your favour (or rather more favourable than playing away in their conditions).

 

Is the final a home and away or just a straight shoot out? If so, where?

I agree JV, playing a series of games in the tropics is draining for players from a temperate climate like NZ. Also island teams like Amicale and Dragon seem to have some serious backers who have spent big (by O League standards) on imports like the three Serbs and a Scot at Amicale. I think some people here still think the island teams are easybeats but the AWs showed that's not the case. ACFC were lucky that no secret deal was done behind the scenes to keep them out once they'd stumbled against Amicale.

Looking forward to the home and away semis and final. I think ACFC are back in the driving seat again.

By the way Lee Germon, spending millions doesn't always buy success, just look at the Phoenix's last two seasons. And no-one would ever accuse you of being smug JV, other things maybe but not that.

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

:o)

Grumpy old bastard alert

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago


Auckland City's most important match of the season so far at 2pm today and this morning's NZ Herald, Auckland's main newspaper, gives it how much pre-match coverage?

NONE!

Welcome to Rugby-town. 

"At the end of the drive the lawmen arrive...

I'll take my chance because luck is on my side or something...

Her name is Rio, she don't need to understand...

Oh Rio, Rio, hear them shout across the land..."

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
Jerzy Merino wrote:


Auckland City's most important match of the season so far at 2pm today and this morning's NZ Herald, Auckland's main newspaper, gives it how much pre-match coverage?

NONE!

Welcome to Rugby-town. 



Looks like nothing has changed JM.

If you are old and wise you were probably young and stupid

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
Leggy wrote:
Jerzy Merino wrote:


Auckland City's most important match of the season so far at 2pm today and this morning's NZ Herald, Auckland's main newspaper, gives it how much pre-match coverage?

NONE!

Welcome to Rugby-town. 



Looks like nothing has changed JM.

No wonder you left, mate.

"At the end of the drive the lawmen arrive...

I'll take my chance because luck is on my side or something...

Her name is Rio, she don't need to understand...

Oh Rio, Rio, hear them shout across the land..."

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

Welcome to Terry Maddafords' soccer patch you mean. If Terry doesn't write it, then it never happened/mattered.

Grumpy old bastard alert

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
Jerzy Merino wrote:


Auckland City's most important match of the season so far at 2pm today and this morning's NZ Herald, Auckland's main newspaper, gives it how much pre-match coverage?

NONE!

Welcome to Rugby-town. 



How was this even a minor shock ?
And maddaford ...the epitome of crap journalism ....
Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

It seems like (and this is just a general observation, not a media one) - that the average fan cares very little about the O-League. Obviously it's quite an important league, but the general feeling and response I got from Twitter is that unless you're an ACFC or Waitakere fan, very few people care about the OFC CL at all.

Some potential reasons behind that, but I think the lack of general public interest may have unfortunately seeped into the media interest in this scenario.

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

Finished 3-0

Tade 36, 93 , Moreira 68.


Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

I was there but apart from the score favouring City left disappointed.

Rubbish promotion of the game = crap crowd numbers= crap atmosphere/interest. Not one NZF rep in attendance as is the norm.

Officialdom of the game left a bit to be desired.

After match speeches would have meant something if both teams had actually been in attendance.




Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
Gordy Bennett wrote:

I was there but apart from the score favouring City left disappointed.

Rubbish promotion of the game = crap crowd numbers= crap atmosphere/interest. Not one NZF rep in attendance as is the norm.

Officialdom of the game left a bit to be desired.

After match speeches would have meant something if both teams had actually been in attendance.





Are you a fan? If so, how do the statements in bold actually effect your match day experience? It's an amateur team in an amateur competition, what do you expect?
Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
Luis Garcia wrote:
Gordy Bennett wrote:

I was there but apart from the score favouring City left disappointed.

Rubbish promotion of the game = crap crowd numbers= crap atmosphere/interest. Not one NZF rep in attendance as is the norm.

Officialdom of the game left a bit to be desired.

After match speeches would have meant something if both teams had actually been in attendance.





Are you a fan? If so, how do the statements in bold actually effect your match day experience? It's an amateur team in an amateur competition, what do you expect?

Since when has a 500.000 USD prize purse seen as amateur in any sport Luis? FFS
NZF benefit greatly if ANY NZ team prevail and therefore a bit of interest and support wouldn't go a miss. 
If you're going to have after match speeches you need two to tango or it's a self abuse wank fest. 
Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

Just seems you're getting a bit wound up because everyone else doesn't care as much as you do.

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

Well done ACFC on a good win in the first leg of your semi final. Good luck in the return leg!!

 As a NZ football fan I want you to win the O league!

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
Luis Garcia wrote:

Just seems you're getting a bit wound up because everyone else doesn't care as much as you do.

Agree Luis. It's a bit of a cry baby here... They won 3-0. Who cares about the rest outside of football and if that affects your football experience, well then welcome to NZ - I'm sorry you are in the wrong country.

I also ask why NZF would be there officially? It's not their comp and if you are going to argue they should be as a potential financial benefactor then they have more business being at NRFL matches being a competition under their umbrella or a CL or Mainland game.
I guess the other point it highlights is that there is no interest in ASBP which we bag NZF for but also no interest in O League. Is that OFC's fault when they get attendances everywhere else in the pacific or just a case of facing reality that no one in NZ cares about football on any scale worth mentioning. It just highlights that really, no one cares and you'll never really change that. You can talk about wanting to make a difference and why should we accept that blah blah blah. Go for, go make that difference. We have a national body that can't so good luck to you. Before you rally me up, remember I'm ok watching good football in an empty paddock by myself.

Grumpy old bastard alert

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
Gordy Bennett wrote:
Luis Garcia wrote:
Gordy Bennett wrote:

I was there but apart from the score favouring City left disappointed.

Rubbish promotion of the game = crap crowd numbers= crap atmosphere/interest. Not one NZF rep in attendance as is the norm.

Officialdom of the game left a bit to be desired.

After match speeches would have meant something if both teams had actually been in attendance.


Are you a fan? If so, how do the statements in bold actually effect your match day experience? It's an amateur team in an amateur competition, what do you expect?

Since when has a 500.000 USD prize purse seen as amateur in any sport Luis? FFS

NZF benefit greatly if ANY NZ team prevail and therefore a bit of interest and support wouldn't go a miss. 

If you're going to have after match speeches you need two to tango or it's a self abuse wank fest. 

So ACFC didn't attend their own aftermatch? Hmmm seems the problem is with the club, not the fans that didn't go. I guess get the team to take it serious first before getting us along. 

Grumpy old bastard alert

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago · edited almost 12 years ago · History
Jeff Vader wrote:
Gordy Bennett wrote:
Luis Garcia wrote:
Gordy Bennett wrote:

I was there but apart from the score favouring City left disappointed.

Rubbish promotion of the game = crap crowd numbers= crap atmosphere/interest. Not one NZF rep in attendance as is the norm.

Officialdom of the game left a bit to be desired.

After match speeches would have meant something if both teams had actually been in attendance.


Are you a fan? If so, how do the statements in bold actually effect your match day experience? It's an amateur team in an amateur competition, what do you expect?

Since when has a 500.000 USD prize purse seen as amateur in any sport Luis? FFS

NZF benefit greatly if ANY NZ team prevail and therefore a bit of interest and support wouldn't go a miss. 

If you're going to have after match speeches you need two to tango or it's a self abuse wank fest. 

So ACFC didn't attend their own aftermatch? Hmmm seems the problem is with the club, not the fans that didn't go. I guess get the team to take it serious first before getting us along. 

Looked to me like most of them were there. How else could Tade and Darren White accept their post-match prizes? And Pritch accept the applause for being only original ACFC player left? And the other players eat the meals that were laid on as usual? Albert Riera also present enjoying the company of old mates. Enjoyed the match too. Guess the Tahitians had to leave for the airport.

"At the end of the drive the lawmen arrive...

I'll take my chance because luck is on my side or something...

Her name is Rio, she don't need to understand...

Oh Rio, Rio, hear them shout across the land..."

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

Yes I was at the game yesterday. Agree a disappointing crowd .However, a lot of other football on and many out of Auckland on holiday due to the timing of Easter and Anzac Day . Alternatively, perhaps ACFC supporters are not so enthusiastic anymore when they find the team is mostly imports . The young NZ flavour is disappearing. Are Ramon and  Ivan slowly chocking this club?? Having forced Feneredis, McGeorge, Hogg  to other clubs . They  are still only young and had much to offer. Also I  note Dickinson and Bale now have departed. .

Is all not well within the so called 'Family' Club?

 I have heard the speeches of late are a bit arrogant . All ACFC!  which may be why supporters are not going up for after match .

Another factor may be that  you will soon,  no doubt, see the current ACFC players trotting out in Central colours trying to get the club out of relegation territory and trying to win the Chatham Cup.

Same Old , same Old. Perhaps a fresh approach with a new Coach is required. for ACFC.

I wish ACFC all the best in the O-league and will  continue to turn up week in week out but I am a bit disillusioned with the current regime and think the club continues to head in the wrong direction in regard to recruitment .   

 


 

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago


Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
charger1 wrote:

Yes I was at the game yesterday. Agree a disappointing crowd .However, a lot of other football on and many out of Auckland on holiday due to the timing of Easter and Anzac Day . Alternatively, perhaps ACFC supporters are not so enthusiastic anymore when they find the team is mostly imports . The young NZ flavour is disappearing. Are Ramon and  Ivan slowly chocking this club?? Having forced Feneredis, McGeorge, Hogg  to other clubs . They  are still only young and had much to offer. Also I  note Dickinson and Bale now have departed. .

Is all not well within the so called 'Family' Club?

 I have heard the speeches of late are a bit arrogant . All ACFC!  which may be why supporters are not going up for after match .

Another factor may be that  you will soon,  no doubt, see the current ACFC players trotting out in Central colours trying to get the club out of relegation territory and trying to win the Chatham Cup.

Same Old , same Old. Perhaps a fresh approach with a new Coach is required. for ACFC.

I wish ACFC all the best in the O-league and will  continue to turn up week in week out but I am a bit disillusioned with the current regime and think the club continues to head in the wrong direction in regard to recruitment .   

 


 

Sorry mate. All supposition. Load of bollocks.

"At the end of the drive the lawmen arrive...

I'll take my chance because luck is on my side or something...

Her name is Rio, she don't need to understand...

Oh Rio, Rio, hear them shout across the land..."

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
charger1 wrote:

Yes I was at the game yesterday. Agree a disappointing crowd .However, a lot of other football on and many out of Auckland on holiday due to the timing of Easter and Anzac Day . Alternatively, perhaps ACFC supporters are not so enthusiastic anymore when they find the team is mostly imports . The young NZ flavour is disappearing. Are Ramon and  Ivan slowly chocking this club?? Having forced Feneredis, McGeorge, Hogg  to other clubs . They  are still only young and had much to offer. Also I  note Dickinson and Bale now have departed. .

Is all not well within the so called 'Family' Club?

 I have heard the speeches of late are a bit arrogant . All ACFC!  which may be why supporters are not going up for after match .

Another factor may be that  you will soon,  no doubt, see the current ACFC players trotting out in Central colours trying to get the club out of relegation territory and trying to win the Chatham Cup.

Same Old , same Old. Perhaps a fresh approach with a new Coach is required. for ACFC.

I wish ACFC all the best in the O-league and will  continue to turn up week in week out but I am a bit disillusioned with the current regime and think the club continues to head in the wrong direction in regard to recruitment .   

 


 


Blah blah

Auckland City FC

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

Alireggae sent a tweet along the lines of "ew I'm in Wellington home of the evil Phoenix. My head might just implode" and an ACFC buddy replied "shhh you might just escape before they know you're there"

The official Auckland city FC twitter account then retweeted both of these tweets.

I can then safely assume that the official stance of the club is that ACFC are anti-nix.

Interesting.....


Allegedly

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
Tegal wrote:

Alireggae sent a tweet along the lines of "ew I'm in Wellington home of the evil Phoenix. My head might just implode" and an ACFC buddy replied "shhh you might just escape before they know you're there"

The official Auckland city FC twitter account then retweeted both of these tweets.

I can then safely assume that the official stance of the club is that ACFC are anti-nix.

Interesting.....

"At the end of the drive the lawmen arrive...

I'll take my chance because luck is on my side or something...

Her name is Rio, she don't need to understand...

Oh Rio, Rio, hear them shout across the land..."

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
Tegal wrote:

Alireggae sent a tweet along the lines of "ew I'm in Wellington home of the evil Phoenix. My head might just implode" and an ACFC buddy replied "shhh you might just escape before they know you're there"

The official Auckland city FC twitter account then retweeted both of these tweets.

I can then safely assume that the official stance of the club is that ACFC are anti-nix.

Interesting.....


I think the only official stance that the ACFC Twitter account has it to RT anything and everything. "Turn off retweets" turned out to be a very valuable resource.
Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
N-Bomb wrote:
Tegal wrote:

Alireggae sent a tweet along the lines of "ew I'm in Wellington home of the evil Phoenix. My head might just implode" and an ACFC buddy replied "shhh you might just escape before they know you're there"

The official Auckland city FC twitter account then retweeted both of these tweets.

I can then safely assume that the official stance of the club is that ACFC are anti-nix.

Interesting.....


I think the only official stance that the ACFC Twitter account has it to RT anything and everything. "Turn off retweets" turned out to be a very valuable resource.

Retweeting something usually means you agree with it. 

Allegedly

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

Aftermatch function well attended, but Tahitians had to leave early to go to airport. Crowd down for the game because winter league games being played at same time. City supporters were enthusiastic nevertheless. O League picked Saturday for game so Tahitians could return that day. A great win and City on course to final (home and away).

The nonsense being touted out by some of you criticising ACFC is ridiculous. Clutching at any straws.

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

I just watched the highlights on YouTube - WOW. Where did they find that referee from? Jesus.... ACFC could have been 6-0 and tie would have been done and dusted. If you lose up there, you guys have every right to claim you were hard done by. I count 2 pens missed and they should have been with 10 men in the 1st half.

Grumpy old bastard alert

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago
N-Bomb wrote:
Tegal wrote:

Alireggae sent a tweet along the lines of "ew I'm in Wellington home of the evil Phoenix. My head might just implode" and an ACFC buddy replied "shhh you might just escape before they know you're there"

The official Auckland city FC twitter account then retweeted both of these tweets.

I can then safely assume that the official stance of the club is that ACFC are anti-nix.

Interesting.....


I think the only official stance that the ACFC Twitter account has it to RT anything and everything. "Turn off retweets" turned out to be a very valuable resource.

Yeah they either support the statement or don't know how to use twitter. Probably a bit of both. 

Allegedly

Permalink Permalink
almost 12 years ago

i think your just taking it too seriously - it's a poor piece of banter from the two ACFC fans and the ACFC twitter page retweeted it as a bit of a laugh - after all twitter is a bit of a informal way of communicating.

FYI - in my opinion people dismiss generally insulting behavior as banter when it's in their favour and get upset when it's not - can't have it both ways..

Permalink Permalink