pornopants

I am in Nelson, but played in Auckland for a year and I see little if any difference. Some of the poms who play here are funny, it seems that they think they should play, not because of any football talent, but because of their accent

Maybe I am just not good enough anymore..............but I really can't see that

adamlt1972

They qualified on a regular basis in the past but their record in the final itself is poor, they've never got out of the group stages of any tournament, and apart from an Archie Gemmill inspired perfomance against the Dutch have barely had a win against a decent team to their name.

They're miles behind the Dutch in their qualification group at the moment, but the strange system of European qualification means that they're in a with real good chance of making the play offs, and making it through to South Africa.

Its amazing to think of all the world class players they've had (Law, Dalglish, Gemmill, Souness, Hansen, Jordan, Walk and Collins), and they're now dependent on the likes of Fletcher.

THR

Good luck to NZ in their game tonight! They have a considerably weaker opposition compared to that of three days ago.

Perry Groves

And Nigel Quashie, not exactly Ronaldo

THR

I must say that the primary reason why you in NZ don't do well at football is your location. Until only recently the Aussies always went past yoy easily, yeah?

Now that the Aussiesare in the Asian qualification-groups and no longer in your way, you think that it is an open road.

Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Why do you think the Aussies left Oceania? Because they thought it is a very low competition. Nowadays the Aussies will certainly qualify every time from Asia.

In my humble,opinion, the Asian and Oceanian systems should be merged and you will certainly have a chance.

In my opinion, the kiwis have a very good team but only playing with the kinds of Vanuatu etc will get you nowhere. The match against Spain which you lost 0-5, the level you played at would still have given you a 5-0 win over your neighbours.

adamlt1972

The Aussies were frustrated in qualifying for the World Cup for years as the winner of the Oceania group often played a South American team in a play off, and suffered as a result. The fact that in recent years these play offs take place against the 5th placed Asian team gives them a reasonable chance of qualification as anything can happen over a two legged tie. I do however think that the All Whites would be found out if they had to play a longer qualifying capaign in Asia. Playing a two legged tie against Bahrain will be much easier than trying to get into the top two of a group containing countries like Australia, Japan, Iraq, Iran, and North or South Korea.

I don't think you can read too much into them getting battered by Spain, the Spaniards even embarrassed England (who according to FIFA are the 6th best team in the world) recently, not to mention what the Barcelona midfield did to Man United in Rome.

More worrying though is the perfomance against a poor South African team, which to me showed the All Whites for what they are, a pretty poor team who could use favourable qualifying circumstances to scrape into the 2010 World Cup

Batty

This reminds me of an English boyfriend who, when he was watching his first GAA game, started shouting at the ref for a penalty because they'd 'handled the ball'

Cricket in NZ actually comes a closer second to Rugby than League does - it's only because of the Warriors that League has started to achieve a higher profile here in recent times. And actually Netball might be even more popular than League Soccer (yes, in NZ it's soccer because football is rugby) does seem to be a growing sport - give it time. I was dead proud of them doing such a good job on Italy but then Ireland beat them recently too so maybe the Italians aren't so shit hot at the moment.

THR

Is there any preference for the Kiwis whether they would like to play against Bahrain or Saudi-Arabia? Those two countries are in the Asian play-off and the winner of that will meet NZ.

adamlt1972

I'd imagine the Kiwis would rather face Bahrain; the Saudis have regularly qualified for the WC and would have more big game experience. I'd imagine the crowds in Saudi could be pretty intimidating too.

THR

I must say that I got some perspective on the topic when I checked the statistics of the qualification-matches NZ played. They played in a four team-group and therefore three home-matches. The attendance at each was 4500,2000 and 8000 respectively. The match which had 8000 spectators was played in Auckland. perhaps the upcoming play-off will attract larger crowds but those numbers speak for themselves. Probably some second division rugby-matches in NZ attract crowds of a similar size.

AlanEll

Not much attendance at the last game as it was the sheep's ball

southerner

let me guess - you're from the west island forum. Good to see the natives' uncomplicated (and unoriginal sense) of humour has rubbed off on you.

Bellasmum

You may be interested in this link THR. There is a link to the history of soccer in NZ.

http://www.geocities.com/colosseum/s...nzhistory.html

As noted soccer has had a good junior league.

I can't speak for what happens today but I can tell you that up until around the early 70's the vast majority of Kiwi juniors played rugby. Something to do the psyche of Kiwi men I think.

When my youngest son who is now 32 came along it was OK to play soccer but like a lot of he club mates at 11-12 he moved on to rugby.

THR

Thanks Bellasmum for the link. In fact your link confirmed what I have thought all along about soccer in NZ.

However, hopably there will be a change.

sjake

Slightly off topic, but does anyone know if is there a strong colts set up for cricket particularly in & around Auckland? Any info. would be helpful.