Hello,
First of all, I’d like to apologize for my broken English
My name is Nicolas and I am a French webmaster of a site which talks about all footballs around the world. The main goal of my website is to cover all leagues that are not covered by any French media (with results, articles, reports, videos and even live streaming).
To give some examples, I made a whole report on Australian A-league one year ago which included interviews with fans, I did the same with a report on Seattle Sounders (MLS) and more recently a topic dedicated to Ukrainian Dynamo Kiev with interview of a player agent.
If I come to see you today is because I am preparing many articles for the next world cup. As you can understand by reading this, the articles will be dedicated to teams that French medias won't even take into account :(.
So if you don't mind and if you can take some minutes for me, I'd like to ask you some questions about the All Whites :)
Here are the questions:
1- About New Zealand national team.
a. New Zealand national team will play its second World Cup, 28 years after the first one: Do you remember the first participation? Did this 1982 World Cup have an impact on national football (more people interested in this sport)? Do you think this one will have any (impact)?
b. You’ll play in a very tough group, what do you expect? The fact that New Zealand didn’t make a great Confederation Cup isn’t it a bit worrying for you?
c. Shane Smeltz is performing quite well with Gold Coast and, I think, will be one of your leading players during this World Cup. Who else should we follow when looking at your national team?
d. Australia was your biggest opponent when it was part of Oceania Confederation. In 2006, they left for Asian Confederation. Has this a negative impact for your national team?
2- About football in New Zealand.
a. We’ve seen Auckland playing the Club’s World Cup, being not so ridiculous (as almost all medias were expecting (you should have read it how big medias are denigrating other footballs, it was incredible). What is the level of New Zealand championship (I know Wellington is playing in A-league but you’re still living in New Zealand aren’t you? :))?
b. As I said, Wellington is playing in A-league: was it positive for New Zealand local football or not? In other terms, are Wellington Phoenix considered as a Standard-bearer of all New Zealand football? Is Wellington attracting all the best players of the country (this having consequences on the national league).
c. Last question: how popular is football in New Zealand. Is it easy to be a football fan or are you a bit outcasts compared to other sports?
Hope it's not too long (more questions could come depending on your answers :) ) and that I've put my topic in the right place (apologies if not).
Thank you in advance to all those who will take time to answer.
nicolas
lucarne2010-02-05 23:13:08
First of all, I’d like to apologize for my broken English
My name is Nicolas and I am a French webmaster of a site which talks about all footballs around the world. The main goal of my website is to cover all leagues that are not covered by any French media (with results, articles, reports, videos and even live streaming).
To give some examples, I made a whole report on Australian A-league one year ago which included interviews with fans, I did the same with a report on Seattle Sounders (MLS) and more recently a topic dedicated to Ukrainian Dynamo Kiev with interview of a player agent.
If I come to see you today is because I am preparing many articles for the next world cup. As you can understand by reading this, the articles will be dedicated to teams that French medias won't even take into account :(.
So if you don't mind and if you can take some minutes for me, I'd like to ask you some questions about the All Whites :)
Here are the questions:
1- About New Zealand national team.
a. New Zealand national team will play its second World Cup, 28 years after the first one: Do you remember the first participation? Did this 1982 World Cup have an impact on national football (more people interested in this sport)? Do you think this one will have any (impact)?
b. You’ll play in a very tough group, what do you expect? The fact that New Zealand didn’t make a great Confederation Cup isn’t it a bit worrying for you?
c. Shane Smeltz is performing quite well with Gold Coast and, I think, will be one of your leading players during this World Cup. Who else should we follow when looking at your national team?
d. Australia was your biggest opponent when it was part of Oceania Confederation. In 2006, they left for Asian Confederation. Has this a negative impact for your national team?
2- About football in New Zealand.
a. We’ve seen Auckland playing the Club’s World Cup, being not so ridiculous (as almost all medias were expecting (you should have read it how big medias are denigrating other footballs, it was incredible). What is the level of New Zealand championship (I know Wellington is playing in A-league but you’re still living in New Zealand aren’t you? :))?
b. As I said, Wellington is playing in A-league: was it positive for New Zealand local football or not? In other terms, are Wellington Phoenix considered as a Standard-bearer of all New Zealand football? Is Wellington attracting all the best players of the country (this having consequences on the national league).
c. Last question: how popular is football in New Zealand. Is it easy to be a football fan or are you a bit outcasts compared to other sports?
Hope it's not too long (more questions could come depending on your answers :) ) and that I've put my topic in the right place (apologies if not).
Thank you in advance to all those who will take time to answer.
nicolas
lucarne2010-02-05 23:13:08
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Those are some very astute questions for someone not familiar with NZ football.
Go to it team.
Go to it team.
Incredible stamina. No shame. Yellow Fever.
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1.
a.) Was born in 1990 so I can't say from experience.
b.) Lose to Italy, lose to Paraguay, and possibly snatch a result (even victory) against Slovakia. We didn't do great in the Confederations Cup, our performance vs South Africa being the low point but we got a point off Iraq and only lost 4-3 to Italy immediately before the tournament.
c.) Ryan Nelsen, Chris Killen, Winston Reid (if he declares for NZ), and the mighty Tim Brown!
d.) Australia leaving has given NZ more opportunities to compete on the world stage in numerous World Cups. If they'd stayed they would have gotten most of those spots. Though we have one less quality opposition to play now.
2.
a.) NZ championship (NZFC) is quite low, certainly far lower than the A-League. But Auckland City were great weren't they?
b.) Phoenix aren't attracting all the best players. Many of NZ's top players try their hand in America or Europe before coming back home. I think the Phoenix have been good for NZ. We have 6(?) All Whites who performed phenomenally well in our World Cup play-off against Bahrain. Also, the Phoenix have helped to develop some players in a professional environment who'd otherwise be stuck in the NZFC. Should be noted that their are a number of people who are opposed to the Phoenix and think they hurt NZ football.
c.) Cricket, Rugby, Rugby League and possibly Netball are more popular in terms of the media support they get. But football is the most played sport here by far and the All Whites recent success and the Phoenix nearing the A-League play-offs has only increased footballs popularity further.
a.) Was born in 1990 so I can't say from experience.
b.) Lose to Italy, lose to Paraguay, and possibly snatch a result (even victory) against Slovakia. We didn't do great in the Confederations Cup, our performance vs South Africa being the low point but we got a point off Iraq and only lost 4-3 to Italy immediately before the tournament.
c.) Ryan Nelsen, Chris Killen, Winston Reid (if he declares for NZ), and the mighty Tim Brown!
d.) Australia leaving has given NZ more opportunities to compete on the world stage in numerous World Cups. If they'd stayed they would have gotten most of those spots. Though we have one less quality opposition to play now.
2.
a.) NZ championship (NZFC) is quite low, certainly far lower than the A-League. But Auckland City were great weren't they?
b.) Phoenix aren't attracting all the best players. Many of NZ's top players try their hand in America or Europe before coming back home. I think the Phoenix have been good for NZ. We have 6(?) All Whites who performed phenomenally well in our World Cup play-off against Bahrain. Also, the Phoenix have helped to develop some players in a professional environment who'd otherwise be stuck in the NZFC. Should be noted that their are a number of people who are opposed to the Phoenix and think they hurt NZ football.
c.) Cricket, Rugby, Rugby League and possibly Netball are more popular in terms of the media support they get. But football is the most played sport here by far and the All Whites recent success and the Phoenix nearing the A-League play-offs has only increased footballs popularity further.
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1a - Too young to remember the 1982, but there does seem to be a general consensus that New Zealand Football wasted a lot of oppourtunities back them to really give the game a massive boost. Wasted money etc... The talk this time has been about learning from those errors and making the most of it this time.
1b - personally don't expect us to get a point, and know a few who feel similar. But of course we all know what Football can be like. I didn't particularly expect us to come through against Bahrain. They missed lots of chances and we took one. Hoping for something similar. Good set pieces will probably be crucial and a lot of our squad training together for a fair while before the World Cup can hopefully work to our advantage there. Slovakia would be the team most would probably think we've got the best chance again. I haven't really seen them much, but they've had some results it's hard to dream of New Zealand getting.
1c - Nelson is our highest performing club footballer obviously. Bertos isn't in the greatest form for the Phoenix, but he's worth watching as someone to create things. Set up our goal against Bahrain to get us through. Wood hasn't been starting, but he's a really good young striker who looked great off the bench against Bahrain. A lot of shots will be coming our way so Paston in goal could be a hero again - saved a penalty against Bahrain in the 2nd leg.
1d - Australia leaving has created some positives - our youth teams can get into more underage world cups as Oceania gets automatic entry. They obviously would've struggled to qualify against Australia. We mightn't have qualified for this World Cup if we had to play Australia to get through.
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1
a) another born to late, but as above said, have heard that it was a wasted opportunity to blow the game. Things seem to be progressing a lot better the last couple of years so hopefully we are in a place to take the game further,
b)Would be happy with a point, over the moon with a win. Don't necessarily expect either to happen, but if we can not get blown out in any games, and look to play football in some rather than just 'parking the bus' (playing negatively) I would be ok.
c)Most of the names mentioned above. Nelsen is our best player by a long way, and a lot of how we go will be on his ability to settle our defense get his foot on the ball and stop us from panicking. Killen is an underrated striker who hasn't been getting game time at Celtic. Bertos will be our main attacking outlet down the wing, and a player to look out for to make an impact up front off the bench is Chris Wood who is 17/18 playing for West Brom who looks to have something special.
d)It has definitely had a positive impact in that we no longer need to get past Australia in a one off or home and away game (which I think every Asian team would struggle to do). However remaining in Oceania still leaves us very short of competitive football, and there are lots of people (myself included) who would love to see a restructure that would either see us part of Asia, or would see the top (2?) Oceania qualifiers joining the Asian group stage playoffs, rather than playing 1 home and away series.
a) another born to late, but as above said, have heard that it was a wasted opportunity to blow the game. Things seem to be progressing a lot better the last couple of years so hopefully we are in a place to take the game further,
b)Would be happy with a point, over the moon with a win. Don't necessarily expect either to happen, but if we can not get blown out in any games, and look to play football in some rather than just 'parking the bus' (playing negatively) I would be ok.
c)Most of the names mentioned above. Nelsen is our best player by a long way, and a lot of how we go will be on his ability to settle our defense get his foot on the ball and stop us from panicking. Killen is an underrated striker who hasn't been getting game time at Celtic. Bertos will be our main attacking outlet down the wing, and a player to look out for to make an impact up front off the bench is Chris Wood who is 17/18 playing for West Brom who looks to have something special.
d)It has definitely had a positive impact in that we no longer need to get past Australia in a one off or home and away game (which I think every Asian team would struggle to do). However remaining in Oceania still leaves us very short of competitive football, and there are lots of people (myself included) who would love to see a restructure that would either see us part of Asia, or would see the top (2?) Oceania qualifiers joining the Asian group stage playoffs, rather than playing 1 home and away series.
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2
a)NZFC is an amateur (semi pro) competition of a lowish standard, definitely below A-league standard.
b)The Phoenix are fantastic for NZ Football. They provide a shop front for NZ Football as NZFC and regional leagues get (and got prior to the Phoenix existence) very little media coverage. Also provides a place for mid level NZ players not yet good enough or that haven't had opportunities to go overseas to play at a good level and to play professionally.
c)Football is definitely behind rugby/cricket/netball/league in terms of media coverage, and there is somewhat of a 'cultural cringe' of glorifying everything european, and disparaging everything local, but it is also has the highest playing numbers of any sport in NZ, particularly at junior level.
Hope this all helps, and good luck with your project
a)NZFC is an amateur (semi pro) competition of a lowish standard, definitely below A-league standard.
b)The Phoenix are fantastic for NZ Football. They provide a shop front for NZ Football as NZFC and regional leagues get (and got prior to the Phoenix existence) very little media coverage. Also provides a place for mid level NZ players not yet good enough or that haven't had opportunities to go overseas to play at a good level and to play professionally.
c)Football is definitely behind rugby/cricket/netball/league in terms of media coverage, and there is somewhat of a 'cultural cringe' of glorifying everything european, and disparaging everything local, but it is also has the highest playing numbers of any sport in NZ, particularly at junior level.
Hope this all helps, and good luck with your project
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thank you for these answers.
I'll quote few things to go further with few questions.
d)It has definitely had a positive impact in that we no longer need to get past Australia in a one off or home and away game (which I think every Asian team would struggle to do). However remaining in Oceania still leaves us very short of competitive football, and there are lots of people (myself included) who would love to see a restructure that would either see us part of Asia, or would see the top (2?) Oceania qualifiers joining the Asian group stage playoffs, rather than playing 1 home and away series.
- Interesting point.
Playing regularly teams like Japan, South Korea or Western Asian team like Saudi Arabia or Qatar wouldn't it be a good way to improve the quality of your national team ? I have the feeling that Australian team improved even more after joining Asian Confederation.
Your leading team is Wellington (BTW good job this week-end) but the NZ representative team was Auckland which does not belong to A-league and, as I understand, plays at a very lowest level. Isn't this ambiguous situation a negative element for the development of NZ football at the local level ? I mean, the hidden question is : one way to improve local NZ football would'nt be to incorpore more NZ teams to A-league ? Would this be possible, is this something people are talking about ?
On the other hand, is it possible to improve Oceanian football level without a huge restructuration ?
lucarne2010-02-08 12:25:33
I'll quote few things to go further with few questions.
d)It has definitely had a positive impact in that we no longer need to get past Australia in a one off or home and away game (which I think every Asian team would struggle to do). However remaining in Oceania still leaves us very short of competitive football, and there are lots of people (myself included) who would love to see a restructure that would either see us part of Asia, or would see the top (2?) Oceania qualifiers joining the Asian group stage playoffs, rather than playing 1 home and away series.
- Interesting point.
Playing regularly teams like Japan, South Korea or Western Asian team like Saudi Arabia or Qatar wouldn't it be a good way to improve the quality of your national team ? I have the feeling that Australian team improved even more after joining Asian Confederation.
Your leading team is Wellington (BTW good job this week-end) but the NZ representative team was Auckland which does not belong to A-league and, as I understand, plays at a very lowest level. Isn't this ambiguous situation a negative element for the development of NZ football at the local level ? I mean, the hidden question is : one way to improve local NZ football would'nt be to incorpore more NZ teams to A-league ? Would this be possible, is this something people are talking about ?
On the other hand, is it possible to improve Oceanian football level without a huge restructuration ?
lucarne2010-02-08 12:25:33
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Yes, we definitely would improve with regular competitive matches. This is exactly why I would like to see the top 2 OFC teams go into final Asain group stage. This would also improve island football immensely.
There are issues with the Phoenix in the A-League at the moment. FFA (Australia) and FIFA both want us there, but Asia (AFC) has said that unless we are removed from the competition or become an Australian team, A-League sides will be ineligible for the Asian Champions League. This (and the fact that FFA are only very slowly expanding the A-League so as not to spread the quality players to thin) means that more A-League teams from NZ in the short to medium term are unlikely to happen.
The reason Auckland rather than Wellington Phoenix went to the World Club champs is that the Phoenix is an Asain club, so not eligible for the OFCs spot in the tournament (although due to the AFC issues above we are also unable to qualify through Asia). Auckland play at the highest level in NZ, which is improving, but needs more coverage and investment.
As to your last question, I have my doubts, but I also don't see a huge restructure happening any time soon.
There are issues with the Phoenix in the A-League at the moment. FFA (Australia) and FIFA both want us there, but Asia (AFC) has said that unless we are removed from the competition or become an Australian team, A-League sides will be ineligible for the Asian Champions League. This (and the fact that FFA are only very slowly expanding the A-League so as not to spread the quality players to thin) means that more A-League teams from NZ in the short to medium term are unlikely to happen.
The reason Auckland rather than Wellington Phoenix went to the World Club champs is that the Phoenix is an Asain club, so not eligible for the OFCs spot in the tournament (although due to the AFC issues above we are also unable to qualify through Asia). Auckland play at the highest level in NZ, which is improving, but needs more coverage and investment.
As to your last question, I have my doubts, but I also don't see a huge restructure happening any time soon.
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I have the feeling that the main problem for NZ football development is the close proximity of Australia.
By leaving OFC, they let your national team alone in this confederation to play against very low level teams (I suppose for most, still at amateur level). Okay it gives you one more chance to reach World Cup, but, as I (we) could see it during the Confederation Cup, you are clearly missing more international games against strong teams.
By including only Wellington in A-league, it splitted local football in two parts : Wellington, the professionnal team, and the others (like Auckland), still at the amateur level (if I well understand).
I've red the topic about this (http://www.yellowfever.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11654) and looking from France, I totaly agree with the fact that FIFA has to resolve this matter. Your point with the 2 top OFC teams to join Asian group stage is a very interesting one. This would help to improve local football without killing OFC as the departure of Australia to AFC seems to help (to my opinion).
One thing I didn't get : if wellington qualify for the next AFC Champion's league, they won't be allowed to enter in it next year because they are NZ ? To which federation Wellington does belong NZ or Australia ?
By leaving OFC, they let your national team alone in this confederation to play against very low level teams (I suppose for most, still at amateur level). Okay it gives you one more chance to reach World Cup, but, as I (we) could see it during the Confederation Cup, you are clearly missing more international games against strong teams.
By including only Wellington in A-league, it splitted local football in two parts : Wellington, the professionnal team, and the others (like Auckland), still at the amateur level (if I well understand).
I've red the topic about this (http://www.yellowfever.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11654) and looking from France, I totaly agree with the fact that FIFA has to resolve this matter. Your point with the 2 top OFC teams to join Asian group stage is a very interesting one. This would help to improve local football without killing OFC as the departure of Australia to AFC seems to help (to my opinion).
One thing I didn't get : if wellington qualify for the next AFC Champion's league, they won't be allowed to enter in it next year because they are NZ ? To which federation Wellington does belong NZ or Australia ?
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We cant qualify for the ONC or the ACL. Oceania says we're an australian club,asia says we're a NZ club. To put it simply,we're stuck in the middle.
Allegedly
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I think they have let us in the Asian Champions League until 2011 if we qualify.
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We cant qualify for the ONC or the ACL. Oceania says we're an australian club,asia says we're a NZ club. To put it simply,we're stuck in the middle.
Oceania should join CONCACAF (North America) they have 3.5 World Cup spots and they need extra competition. Seeing the USA and Mexico qualify from there all the time tells me they're a joke.
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We cant qualify for the ONC or the ACL. Oceania says we're an australian club,asia says we're a NZ club. To put it simply,we're stuck in the middle.
Oceania should join CONCACAF (North America) they have 3.5 World Cup spots and they need extra competition. Seeing the USA and Mexico qualify from there all the time tells me they're a joke.
What?
Incredible stamina. No shame. Yellow Fever.
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I have the feeling that the main problem for NZ football development is the close proximity of Australia.
By leaving OFC, they let your national team alone in this confederation to play against very low level teams (I suppose for most, still at amateur level). Okay it gives you one more chance to reach World Cup, but, as I (we) could see it during the Confederation Cup, you are clearly missing more international games against strong teams.
By including only Wellington in A-league, it splitted local football in two parts : Wellington, the professionnal team, and the others (like Auckland), still at the amateur level (if I well understand).
I've red the topic about this (http://www.yellowfever.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11654) and looking from France, I totaly agree with the fact that FIFA has to resolve this matter. Your point with the 2 top OFC teams to join Asian group stage is a very interesting one. This would help to improve local football without killing OFC as the departure of Australia to AFC seems to help (to my opinion).
One thing I didn't get : if wellington qualify for the next AFC Champion's league, they won't be allowed to enter in it next year because they are NZ ? To which federation Wellington does belong NZ or Australia ?
By leaving OFC, they let your national team alone in this confederation to play against very low level teams (I suppose for most, still at amateur level). Okay it gives you one more chance to reach World Cup, but, as I (we) could see it during the Confederation Cup, you are clearly missing more international games against strong teams.
By including only Wellington in A-league, it splitted local football in two parts : Wellington, the professionnal team, and the others (like Auckland), still at the amateur level (if I well understand).
I've red the topic about this (http://www.yellowfever.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11654) and looking from France, I totaly agree with the fact that FIFA has to resolve this matter. Your point with the 2 top OFC teams to join Asian group stage is a very interesting one. This would help to improve local football without killing OFC as the departure of Australia to AFC seems to help (to my opinion).
One thing I didn't get : if wellington qualify for the next AFC Champion's league, they won't be allowed to enter in it next year because they are NZ ? To which federation Wellington does belong NZ or Australia ?
Apart from the difficulty that the Australia joining the AFC has created for the Wellington Phoenix, Australia leaving the OFC has been very good for us. Previously we still only played Aussie once or twice every few years, at all levels, while now we have at all levels (bar senior mens) almost automatic access to World Cup matches every 2 (age group) or 4 (senior women) years.
Wellington joining the A-League didn't really split football here, it added another level that was previously unavailable. The level of NZFC has not really changed since the Phoenix were introduced.
As to your last question, that is what everyone is asking. Ask the OFC and they will tell you it is and AFC team, and ask the AFC and they will tell you it is an OFC team. We are stuck in the middle.
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We cant qualify for the ONC or the ACL. Oceania says we're an australian club,asia says we're a NZ club. To put it simply,we're stuck in the middle.
Oceania should join CONCACAF (North America) they have 3.5 World Cup spots and they need extra competition. Seeing the USA and Mexico qualify from there all the time tells me they're a joke.
�
What?
Lol, why not join UEFA, we;ll get 12 or so quality national games every 2 years, UEFA Champions League qualifying round access for NZFC Champions, Europa League access. Would be awesome.
Or Africa. If the All Blacks can play in South Africa every year, why shouldn't New Zealand Football be part of the CAF?aitkenmike2010-02-09 14:18:26
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We cant qualify for the ONC or the ACL. Oceania says we're an australian club,asia says we're a NZ club. To put it simply,we're stuck in the middle.
Oceania should join CONCACAF (North America) they have 3.5 World Cup spots and they need extra competition. Seeing the USA and Mexico qualify from there all the time tells me they're a joke.
Though nice thinking outside the square 
Allegedly
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thank you for the answers.
I'll start to put everything together this week-end and come back to you if I have other questions ;)
I'll start to put everything together this week-end and come back to you if I have other questions ;)
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We cant qualify for the ONC or the ACL. Oceania says we're an australian club,asia says we're a NZ club. To put it simply,we're stuck in the middle.
Oceania should join CONCACAF (North America) they have 3.5 World Cup spots and they need extra competition. Seeing the USA and Mexico qualify from there all the time tells me they're a joke.
�
What?
Lol, why not join UEFA, we;ll get 12 or so quality national games every 2 years, UEFA Champions League qualifying round access for NZFC Champions, Europa League access. Would be awesome.
Or Africa. If the All Blacks can play in South Africa every year, why shouldn't New Zealand Football be part of the CAF?
It's outside the square thinking boys, but at least it's better than me saying 'f..k off out of the A-League Wellington'. Something is better than nothing. Learn to appreciate it.
aikenmike, why am I not surprised at your response on here...Like I said above, at least I didn't say "f..k off Wellington" and tried to offer something to the table.
Learn to appreciate things son.
diego's son2010-02-14 07:57:32
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I have the feeling that the main problem for NZ football development is the close proximity of Australia.
By leaving OFC, they let your national team alone in this confederation to play against very low level teams (I suppose for most, still at amateur level). Okay it gives you one more chance to reach World Cup, but, as I (we) could see it during the Confederation Cup, you are clearly missing more international games against strong teams.
By including only Wellington in A-league, it splitted local football in two parts : Wellington, the professionnal team, and the others (like Auckland), still at the amateur level (if I well understand).
I've red the topic about this (http://www.yellowfever.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11654) and looking from France, I totaly agree with the fact that FIFA has to resolve this matter. Your point with the 2 top OFC teams to join Asian group stage is a very interesting one. This would help to improve local football without killing OFC as the departure of Australia to AFC seems to help (to my opinion).
One thing I didn't get : if wellington qualify for the next AFC Champion's league, they won't be allowed to enter in it next year because they are NZ ? To which federation Wellington does belong NZ or Australia ?
By leaving OFC, they let your national team alone in this confederation to play against very low level teams (I suppose for most, still at amateur level). Okay it gives you one more chance to reach World Cup, but, as I (we) could see it during the Confederation Cup, you are clearly missing more international games against strong teams.
By including only Wellington in A-league, it splitted local football in two parts : Wellington, the professionnal team, and the others (like Auckland), still at the amateur level (if I well understand).
I've red the topic about this (http://www.yellowfever.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11654) and looking from France, I totaly agree with the fact that FIFA has to resolve this matter. Your point with the 2 top OFC teams to join Asian group stage is a very interesting one. This would help to improve local football without killing OFC as the departure of Australia to AFC seems to help (to my opinion).
One thing I didn't get : if wellington qualify for the next AFC Champion's league, they won't be allowed to enter in it next year because they are NZ ? To which federation Wellington does belong NZ or Australia ?
Lucarne, I seem to remember you posting on the Melbourne Victory website a year or 2 ago, hello to you.
Australia exited Oceania (as of 31 December 2005) and entered Asia on 1 January 2006. Australia needed the agreement of Oceania, Asia and FIFA to make the move.
New Zealand is now the 'top dog' in Oceania, where the double edge sword is that NZ virtually gets a easy qualifying path to all major FIFA events except the World Cup.
It doesn't get regular competition against high-quality teams as a result, this was part of the reason Australia sought an exit from Oceania.
For extra information, go here:
www.theworldgame.com.au
www.the-afc.com
www.footballaustralia.com.au
Hope that helps.
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We cant qualify for the ONC or the ACL. Oceania says we're an australian club,asia says we're a NZ club. To put it simply,we're stuck in the middle.
Oceania should join CONCACAF (North America) they have 3.5 World Cup spots and they need extra competition. Seeing the USA and Mexico qualify from there all the time tells me they're a joke.
USA and Mexico are no joke. For instance, Mexico constantly qualify past the group stages of the World Cup.
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We cant qualify for the ONC or the ACL. Oceania says we're an australian club,asia says we're a NZ club. To put it simply,we're stuck in the middle.
Oceania should join CONCACAF (North America) they have 3.5 World Cup spots and they need extra competition. Seeing the USA and Mexico qualify from there all the time tells me they're a joke.
�
What?
Lol, why not join UEFA, we;ll get 12 or so quality national games every 2 years, UEFA Champions League qualifying round access for NZFC Champions, Europa League access. Would be awesome.
Or Africa. If the All Blacks can play in South Africa every year, why shouldn't New Zealand Football be part of the CAF?
It's outside the square thinking boys, but at least it's better than me saying 'f..k off out of the A-League Wellington'. Something is better than nothing. Learn to appreciate it.
aikenmike, why am I not surprised at your response on here...Like I said above, at least I didn't say "f..k off Wellington" and tried to offer something to the table.
Learn to appreciate things son.
hahahaha. Sorry DS. Your right. I should agree with everything you say because you are not wanting the Phoenix kicked out. It was an idea that I personally think has as much merit as the two options I put forward. We are in no way part of North/Central America, geographically or politically.
"Learn to appreciate things son" condecending much?aitkenmike2010-02-14 13:41:50
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We cant qualify for the ONC or the ACL. Oceania says we're an australian club,asia says we're a NZ club. To put it simply,we're stuck in the middle.
Oceania should join CONCACAF (North America) they have 3.5 World Cup spots and they need extra competition. Seeing the USA and Mexico qualify from there all the time tells me they're a joke.
What?
Lol, why not join UEFA, we;ll get 12 or so quality national games every 2 years, UEFA Champions League qualifying round access for NZFC Champions, Europa League access. Would be awesome.
Or Africa. If the All Blacks can play in South Africa every year, why shouldn't New Zealand Football be part of the CAF?
It's outside the square thinking boys, but at least it's better than me saying 'f..k off out of the A-League Wellington'. Something is better than nothing. Learn to appreciate it.
aikenmike, why am I not surprised at your response on here...Like I said above, at least I didn't say "f..k off Wellington" and tried to offer something to the table.
Learn to appreciate things son.
hahahaha. Sorry DS. Your right. I should agree with everything you say because you are not wanting the Phoenix kicked out. It was an idea that I personally think has as much merit as the two options I put forward. We are in no way part of North/Central America, geographically or politically.
"Learn to appreciate things son" condecending much?
I'm not a big fan of yours mate. I'll give you a chance, as it's a bit hard to judge someone over the net, but for now I'm not a big fan of yours.
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Well DS, saying USA and Mexico are joke football nations is a bit of a laugh.
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saying that USA and Mexico qualifying shows that the region is joke is a pretty stupid thing to say. as is saying we should join their federation
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Surely one could suggest that Japan and Korea always qualifying makes Asia confederation a bit of a joke.
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Not to mention that Germany and Italy always qualifying clearly means that qualifying from UEFA is a complete joke.
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Just as a aside, as I don't want to raise this after tonight, but look at this article which I found originally in the Melbourne Herald Sun newspaper today, it talks about NZ cricket assisting US cricket. With what I've read about on here about a lot of NZ blokes going to US colleges for sport and all that, there if there are strong NZ/US sporting ties, what stopping NZ from getting US assistance to join CONCACAF?
Australia had Japan's support when it went to Asia, and also a lot of these 'sporting alliances' have come off with Australia since it joined Asia.
I don't see why NZ (or greater Oceania) for that matter should not look into this, at least at a feasibility study level.
http://cricket.yahoo.com/cricket/news/article?id=item/2.0/-/story/cricket.ani.com/new-zealand-poised-play-international-cricket-us-20100213/
Australia had Japan's support when it went to Asia, and also a lot of these 'sporting alliances' have come off with Australia since it joined Asia.
I don't see why NZ (or greater Oceania) for that matter should not look into this, at least at a feasibility study level.
http://cricket.yahoo.com/cricket/news/article?id=item/2.0/-/story/cricket.ani.com/new-zealand-poised-play-international-cricket-us-20100213/
New Zealand poised to play international
cricket in US
Ani, ANI, 13 February 2010
Auckland, Feb 13(ANI): The New Zealand cricket team is poised to play international games in the United States this year following a series of discussions between administrators of both countries.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Justin Vaughan said that a "strategic partnership" had been formed with the USA Cricket (USACA), which would be of commercial benefit to both parties.
According to reports, New Zealand will play a series of three ODIs against Sri Lanka in Lauderhill, Florida in late May following the Twenty20 World Cup in West Indies.
"Over the past months, we have advanced discussions with USA Cricket regarding the structure of our relationship, and both parties are very happy with how this is taking shape," The New Zealand Herald quoted Vaughan, as saying in a statement.
"We are looking to help introduce cricket to a wider audience, and to attract new investment into the sport. It is widely accepted there is significant commercial opportunity for cricket within the USA market, and the introduction such investment would greatly assist the overall development and growth of cricket in the USA, which would be great for the game throughout the world," the statement added.
Vaughan said the games against Sri Lanka were yet to be confirmed, but was "optimistic" they would take place.
"It would be a real first for cricket in the USA to stage this series and a great way for New Zealand Cricket to launch our partnership with USA Cricket," he said.
The Pakistan team is already planning to tour the US later this year, with the USACA having offered to host a series between them and India.
There have also been reports of the Indian Premier League games being played in the US. (ANI)
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Thats not even close to being the same thing. Thats more similar to the AWs playing their friendly in the USA,not joining their confederation despite being geographically not even close to it.
Allegedly
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We are not in North nor Central America.
NZ cricket helping US cricket is (i'm sure) completely irrelevant to US Soccer. I'm sure if you asked them they a) wouldn't know NZ had any link to US cricket and b) wouldn't know what cricket was.
NZ players use US Uni's as a pathway in football as a lot don't have Euro passports so find it hard to get work permits to play in europe as a developing player so this becomes the next best option. It also gives the more academic minded players access into some fantastic universities - see Craig Henderson and Dartmouth.
Its not really a US Soccer/NZ Football partnership, just individual players making there way to private universities (the NCAA runs College football over there not US Soccer) so there isn't really 'sporting ties' to lean on there.
More importantly, we aren't in North nor Central America.
NZ cricket helping US cricket is (i'm sure) completely irrelevant to US Soccer. I'm sure if you asked them they a) wouldn't know NZ had any link to US cricket and b) wouldn't know what cricket was.
NZ players use US Uni's as a pathway in football as a lot don't have Euro passports so find it hard to get work permits to play in europe as a developing player so this becomes the next best option. It also gives the more academic minded players access into some fantastic universities - see Craig Henderson and Dartmouth.
Its not really a US Soccer/NZ Football partnership, just individual players making there way to private universities (the NCAA runs College football over there not US Soccer) so there isn't really 'sporting ties' to lean on there.
More importantly, we aren't in North nor Central America.
edit: Moved this into this thread and out of cricket thread - didn't realise it was a double post, and this is probably a more appropriate topic.aitkenmike2010-02-18 08:05:01
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We are not in North nor Central America.
NZ cricket helping US cricket is (i'm sure) completely irrelevant to US Soccer. I'm sure if you asked them they a) wouldn't know NZ had any link to US cricket and b) wouldn't know what cricket was.
NZ players use US Uni's as a pathway in football as a lot don't have Euro passports so find it hard to get work permits to play in europe as a developing player so this becomes the next best option. It also gives the more academic minded players access into some fantastic universities - see Craig Henderson and Dartmouth.
Its not really a US Soccer/NZ Football partnership, just individual players making there way to private universities (the NCAA runs College football over there not US Soccer) so there isn't really 'sporting ties' to lean on there.
More importantly, we aren't in North nor Central America.
NZ cricket helping US cricket is (i'm sure) completely irrelevant to US Soccer. I'm sure if you asked them they a) wouldn't know NZ had any link to US cricket and b) wouldn't know what cricket was.
NZ players use US Uni's as a pathway in football as a lot don't have Euro passports so find it hard to get work permits to play in europe as a developing player so this becomes the next best option. It also gives the more academic minded players access into some fantastic universities - see Craig Henderson and Dartmouth.
Its not really a US Soccer/NZ Football partnership, just individual players making there way to private universities (the NCAA runs College football over there not US Soccer) so there isn't really 'sporting ties' to lean on there.
More importantly, we aren't in North nor Central America.
edit: Moved this into this thread and out of cricket thread - didn't realise it was a double post, and this is probably a more appropriate topic.
Mikey, I did the double post to get some attention to it. But all good mate.
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No problem, but this means I can discuss it without feeling guilty for highjacking a much loved thread 
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i wouldnt want to bring anymore attention to this idea if i were you
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No problem, but this means I can discuss it without feeling guilty for highjacking a much loved thread
Fair enough, if the comments are suited here then leave it here. I was just trying to get some exposure for it.
I think most of the key people on here have seen it now. My job is done - I should walk away now and retire gracefully from this website whilst on a high.
diego's son2010-02-18 08:12:47
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i wouldnt want to bring anymore attention to this idea if i were you
See my comments above. Whatever you think of the idea is your business, but hey, it's something.
diego's son2010-02-18 08:15:14
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Lucarne, I seem to remember you posting on the Melbourne Victory website a year or 2 ago, hello to you.[/QUOTE]
yep, one year ago when I was preparing my report on A-league ;)
Hello to you ;)
I have to say that I am quite late, to much work to do (launching two other websites in 2 weeks). To be honest : I went also on a Auckland City fans forum to have opinion from the other side of Kiwi's football but things went bad and I prefered to stop everything with them. I was quite disapointed and this had some consequences on my motivation. Now motivation is back, and I'm working on this report now. My plan is to publish it on monday.
So just to tell you that I didn't forget you and that I'll get back to you then ;)
EDIT : one hour later, I finished my translation et come back to you.
One very interesting point raising from what was writen here is really this strange position in which NZ is now since Australia left for AFC. What is quite interesting is this :
[quote]New Zealand is now the 'top dog' in Oceania, where the double edge sword is that NZ virtually gets a easy qualifying path to all major FIFA events except the World Cup.
It doesn't get regular competition against high-quality teams as a result, this was part of the reason Australia sought an exit from Oceania.
yep, one year ago when I was preparing my report on A-league ;)
Hello to you ;)
I have to say that I am quite late, to much work to do (launching two other websites in 2 weeks). To be honest : I went also on a Auckland City fans forum to have opinion from the other side of Kiwi's football but things went bad and I prefered to stop everything with them. I was quite disapointed and this had some consequences on my motivation. Now motivation is back, and I'm working on this report now. My plan is to publish it on monday.
So just to tell you that I didn't forget you and that I'll get back to you then ;)
EDIT : one hour later, I finished my translation et come back to you.
One very interesting point raising from what was writen here is really this strange position in which NZ is now since Australia left for AFC. What is quite interesting is this :
[quote]New Zealand is now the 'top dog' in Oceania, where the double edge sword is that NZ virtually gets a easy qualifying path to all major FIFA events except the World Cup.
It doesn't get regular competition against high-quality teams as a result, this was part of the reason Australia sought an exit from Oceania.
The main problem I see is that they can't allow NZ to join AFC. This would mean the end of OFC, for sure. But now, they can't bring Australia back to OFC. Don't you think this incredible situation isn't one of the main problem that could slow football development in NZ ?
One other point concerns your favorite team : I can understand that introducing Wellington to A-league didn't split NZ football in two parts but rather added one more professional football. But how improving the level of one local football if we introduce one kind of hybrid team (if I can say it like this) that belongs to a AFC league, is part of one OFC country and, as it can happen this year if you qualify for it (I hope you will), won't be allowed to play AFC Champion's league and can also not represent NZ during Club World cup (even if in this situation, this is logical) ?
I will probably sound a little provocative (that's not the goal), but looking from my french point of view, one solution wouldn't be to make OFC becoming one of AFC region ?lucarne2010-02-27 12:55:44
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It would be a solution however would cause a few problems. I'm pretty sure that AFC already has the most member countries in its federation, and adding the OFC would mean that it stretched across around 1/3 of the globe, meaning travel costs (especially for the smaller island nations) would be horrendous. Regional initial qualifying may solve some of this problem though. Don't worry about the insular knobs on the ACFC forums. They are a little scared of outsiders, but hey, some of them also seem to think beating the champions of Africa makes them the champions of Africa (So the champions of Mexico are the champions of the OFC?). Your always welcome here.
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To be honest : I went also on a Auckland City fans forum to have opinion from the other side of Kiwi's football but things went bad and I prefered to stop everything with them.
Zut alors... je suis all�e au forum ACFC et suis �tonn�e par le paranoia extreme que vous avez rencontr�! Et quelques entr'eux se demandent pourquoi ACFC trouve un peu de difficult� alloger des nouveaux fans... Je suis aucklandaise, moi, mais je pr�f�re beaucoup le culture des fans Phoenix.
Ramming liberal dribble down your throat since 2009
This forum needs less angst and more Kate Bush threads
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@Doloras : oui, c'est dommage. J'aurais aim� avoir les deux avis. Mais ce n'est pas grave :)
I was forgetting something : will there be a World Cup fever in NZ ? I mean are people invited to join big events like public projections of NZ world cup games, are TV already talking about it or the fact that All White are far from hoping any qualification killed any enthusiasm (is there some general enthusiasm at least ?)
I was forgetting something : will there be a World Cup fever in NZ ? I mean are people invited to join big events like public projections of NZ world cup games, are TV already talking about it or the fact that All White are far from hoping any qualification killed any enthusiasm (is there some general enthusiasm at least ?)
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Did anybody else read the sh*t lucarne was given at the ACFC forum? Just as well we all aren't like that.
What a shame.
Good luck with your project.
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