Pim Verbeek will wait on the fitness of four players ahead of the clash with Uzbekistan, though Harry Kewell has been declared fit to play.
31 Mar 2009 08:43:37
On the eve of what could be the defining World Cup qualifying game of Group 1, Australia face Uzbekistan with head coach Pim Verbeek citing some injury concerns to key players, though a fit Harry Kewell is ready to go.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the man trusted to take Australia to the 2010 World Cup talked about how training had been going and how the luxury of a full week’s preparation has affected the team.
“We have had a great camp so far,” Verbeek said. “The first days we spent trying to get used to the time difference, to give the injured players the time to get ready for the training, to allow the players to spend time with their friend and families as they have not been for a long time in Australia.
“We had some good training sessions last week in Parramatta; it was very good for us.
“We had every player on the field yesterday morning for the first time. I know what I am going to do tomorrow; it all depends on the physical fitness of some of the players who are not in training last week.
“So let’s wait for the afternoon training session and I will make up my mind.”
The Socceroos have had a week’s preparation for the potentially decisive clash and the Australian boss was happy to have that time with his players.
He continued, “That makes a big difference. I have time to find out if a player is really fit enough to play."
The players that are in question for tomorrow’s game are Everton midfielder Tim Cahill, Palermo midfielder Mark Bresciano, Aalborg defender Michael Beauchamp as well as Grosseto’s Carl Valeri.
Can Cahill Last 90 mins?
“Tim Cahill is fit to play the match, the question is; is he is fit to play the 90 minutes?” Verbeek said.
With Tim Cahill a doubt, the former South Korean coach was confident the team could do without the goal-scoring midfielder
“There are 20 other players in the camp; I have enough players to win the game tomorrow.”
Bresciano Wait; Beauchamp/Valeri Doubts
The fitness of Serie A midfielder Marco Bresciano will be decided upon this afternoon by Verbeek, though the Palermo man has apparently trained successfully over the past few days.“
That is one of the players I have to think about after the training session [this afternoon],” Verbeek said.
“He trained on Saturday afternoon for half of the session and 100 per cent yesterday.“
From what I heard this morning, he had no complaints.”
On centre-back Michael Beauchamp, Verbeek was more circumspect as he has both Chris Coyne and Jade North to choose from, while he was still yet to make up his mind on Carl Valeri.
He added, “I will make that decision tonight, and worse case tomorrow morning if I have to wait for the one night rest to find out how the players come out of bed.“Then I know exactly what we are going to do.”
Verbeek Hails Turkey Effect
On star-man Harry Kewell, the Australia boss seemed to indicate that he was ready to play, though he was not giving much away.
“He looks very fit, he is very eager to be part of the team so that’s good,” the Dutchman explained.
“It’s the best Harry Kewell I‘ve seen since I’ve been here.“Physically and mentally I think Turkey is very good for him at the moment“
If he starts yes, I’m sure he can play 90mins - Harry is fitter than ever.”
Con Stamocostas, Goal.com
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
World Cup Fan-Vs-Fan: Australia - Uzbekistan
Ahead of Wednesday’s 2010 World cup qualifier between Australia and Uzbekistan in Sydney, Goal.com Asia talks to followers of each team
Australia could clinch qualification for South Africa with a win against their opponents. Uzbekistan picked up their first win of the campaign so far last weekend and are going for third place and the play-offs.
Answering the questions for Uzbekistan is journalist Behzod Nazarov while Con Stamocostas gives the lowdown from the Australian camp.
Uzbekistan
Can Uzbekistan still qualify?
Of course. If you have even a little chance, you must try to reach it and that is what the Uzbekistan national team must do also. I think. The Uzbek team will play the next matches as finals. If our team reaches seven or eight points Uzbekistan will qualify for the play-off stage. But our chances aren't good for the second place in the group.
The team was better in the third round of qualification... what happened?
Opponents weren't strong in the third round. Lebanon and Singapore are improving but they aren’t Japan or Australia. Yeah, we beat Saudi Arabia 3-0 but we lost 0-4 in Riyadh. In my opinion, tactics were wrong against Qatar in Doha. Uzbek team attacked too much from the start.
Was the dismissal of Rauf Inileyev a good idea?
It's a difficult question to answer what happened with Inileyev (best coach of Asia in 2007)? He was fired just because he couldn't get good results in two matches of the fourth round. But Inileyev made a clever and big team in 2007.
How about present coach Kasimov?
Kasimov was the best player of Uzbekistan in his career. The UFF gave him chance to lead national team. It was the right decision because he has all things to become a good coach. If he leads national team for the next three of four years, Kasimov will become successful.
Who has been the best player so far for you?
The best is Odil Ahmedov, I think. He has a great opportunity to play in European clubs. Ahmedov is one of the hearts of the national team and Pakhtakor.
What do fans think at the moment?
Fans always believe in their teams and Uzbek fans are the same. Many fans were angry after the loss to Bahrain in Tashkent but they were out in force for the game at home against Qatar.
Can you win in Australia?
Yes. Australia is the strongest team in Asia. The Socceroos have showed this especially in the fourth round. Playing against Australia is always difficult. If you play in Sydney, it will be more and more difficult. This team has many great players and they have a lot of experience. Kewell, Bresciano and other players take part in big championships in Europe. If we win in Australia, it'll be historical achievement for Uzbekistan.
Which Uzbek player should Australia be careful of?
Odil Ahmedov and Ignatiy Nesterov. I mentioned Odil earlier. What can I say about the goalkeeper? Ignatiy saved his club and national team several times.
Which Australian player is most dangerous?
For Asian teams all Socceroos are dangerous. If I say one or two names, I can cry to Uzbek players: Attention, please, Kewell, Bresciano, Wilkshire are coming!
What have Uzbekistan learned from world cup qualification?
We have learned many things from Australia and Japan. How we should play better, be more careful and make less mistakes. Now our players have great experience from big matches. It will be useful for Uzbekistan in the next qualifying stages of World Cup and Asian Cup
.
Australia
This must be a bit different than the usual play-off drama? Yes but the anxiety, anticipation and excitement is still there. Perhaps the fact that even if Australia win against Uzbekistan, qualification seems uncertain so the outpouring of emotion that swept through Australia like a tidal wave almost four years ago will be postponed until all the results are in and qualification is secured.
Will Australia win?
Yes I believe they will, but Uzbekistan will not be easy. They have come from a morale boosting 4-0 win over Qatar over the weekend. There players can take the confidence from that win. However if Australia play to their own strengths I believe they will be too strong for Uzbekistan.
Is there danger of complacency?
I don’t think there is. Players like Harry Kewell and Lucas Neill have been talking about keeping their minds on the job and so has the coach. The players are experienced and know what they have to do.
Are you concerned about the style of play that has been criticized of late?
Not really, qualifying for the World Cup is more important than style. A winning style is a good style and I’ll take that for the moment. However what happens at the world cup and how Australia play will be important there, if we qualify.
How much do you know about Uzbekistan?
I know that Djeperov is a really good player. I know they have a young squad, I know they missed out on qualifying for the last world cup in controversial circumstances. You can say they are the closest to a European in terms of their style and build. A lot of money has been invested in Uzbekistan football of late. They have been unlucky in some games of this second qualifying round, they are a good team.
Who is their danger man?
I would say midfielder Server Djeparov but their tall striker Farhod Tadjiyev scored a hat trick on the weekend so Australia must watch him as well.
Who is yours?
Everton midfielder Tim Cahill and Galatasaray star Harry Kewell of course. Tim might not play the whole game if he is not fully fit, so in that case Harry looks in good form at the moment for his club, he is looking reborn and I would particularly like to see something special from him.
If qualification is secured, what would you like to see in the next few games?
I would like to see more young players used and a more attacking style of play. Utilising players like Gencleberligi duo Bruce Djite and James Troisi, Hull attacker Richard Garcia and the forgotten man of Australian football, the immensely talented Nicky Carle.
Australia could clinch qualification for South Africa with a win against their opponents. Uzbekistan picked up their first win of the campaign so far last weekend and are going for third place and the play-offs.
Answering the questions for Uzbekistan is journalist Behzod Nazarov while Con Stamocostas gives the lowdown from the Australian camp.
Uzbekistan
Can Uzbekistan still qualify?
Of course. If you have even a little chance, you must try to reach it and that is what the Uzbekistan national team must do also. I think. The Uzbek team will play the next matches as finals. If our team reaches seven or eight points Uzbekistan will qualify for the play-off stage. But our chances aren't good for the second place in the group.
The team was better in the third round of qualification... what happened?
Opponents weren't strong in the third round. Lebanon and Singapore are improving but they aren’t Japan or Australia. Yeah, we beat Saudi Arabia 3-0 but we lost 0-4 in Riyadh. In my opinion, tactics were wrong against Qatar in Doha. Uzbek team attacked too much from the start.
Was the dismissal of Rauf Inileyev a good idea?
It's a difficult question to answer what happened with Inileyev (best coach of Asia in 2007)? He was fired just because he couldn't get good results in two matches of the fourth round. But Inileyev made a clever and big team in 2007.
How about present coach Kasimov?
Kasimov was the best player of Uzbekistan in his career. The UFF gave him chance to lead national team. It was the right decision because he has all things to become a good coach. If he leads national team for the next three of four years, Kasimov will become successful.
Who has been the best player so far for you?
The best is Odil Ahmedov, I think. He has a great opportunity to play in European clubs. Ahmedov is one of the hearts of the national team and Pakhtakor.
What do fans think at the moment?
Fans always believe in their teams and Uzbek fans are the same. Many fans were angry after the loss to Bahrain in Tashkent but they were out in force for the game at home against Qatar.
Can you win in Australia?
Yes. Australia is the strongest team in Asia. The Socceroos have showed this especially in the fourth round. Playing against Australia is always difficult. If you play in Sydney, it will be more and more difficult. This team has many great players and they have a lot of experience. Kewell, Bresciano and other players take part in big championships in Europe. If we win in Australia, it'll be historical achievement for Uzbekistan.
Which Uzbek player should Australia be careful of?
Odil Ahmedov and Ignatiy Nesterov. I mentioned Odil earlier. What can I say about the goalkeeper? Ignatiy saved his club and national team several times.
Which Australian player is most dangerous?
For Asian teams all Socceroos are dangerous. If I say one or two names, I can cry to Uzbek players: Attention, please, Kewell, Bresciano, Wilkshire are coming!
What have Uzbekistan learned from world cup qualification?
We have learned many things from Australia and Japan. How we should play better, be more careful and make less mistakes. Now our players have great experience from big matches. It will be useful for Uzbekistan in the next qualifying stages of World Cup and Asian Cup
.
Australia
This must be a bit different than the usual play-off drama? Yes but the anxiety, anticipation and excitement is still there. Perhaps the fact that even if Australia win against Uzbekistan, qualification seems uncertain so the outpouring of emotion that swept through Australia like a tidal wave almost four years ago will be postponed until all the results are in and qualification is secured.
Will Australia win?
Yes I believe they will, but Uzbekistan will not be easy. They have come from a morale boosting 4-0 win over Qatar over the weekend. There players can take the confidence from that win. However if Australia play to their own strengths I believe they will be too strong for Uzbekistan.
Is there danger of complacency?
I don’t think there is. Players like Harry Kewell and Lucas Neill have been talking about keeping their minds on the job and so has the coach. The players are experienced and know what they have to do.
Are you concerned about the style of play that has been criticized of late?
Not really, qualifying for the World Cup is more important than style. A winning style is a good style and I’ll take that for the moment. However what happens at the world cup and how Australia play will be important there, if we qualify.
How much do you know about Uzbekistan?
I know that Djeperov is a really good player. I know they have a young squad, I know they missed out on qualifying for the last world cup in controversial circumstances. You can say they are the closest to a European in terms of their style and build. A lot of money has been invested in Uzbekistan football of late. They have been unlucky in some games of this second qualifying round, they are a good team.
Who is their danger man?
I would say midfielder Server Djeparov but their tall striker Farhod Tadjiyev scored a hat trick on the weekend so Australia must watch him as well.
Who is yours?
Everton midfielder Tim Cahill and Galatasaray star Harry Kewell of course. Tim might not play the whole game if he is not fully fit, so in that case Harry looks in good form at the moment for his club, he is looking reborn and I would particularly like to see something special from him.
If qualification is secured, what would you like to see in the next few games?
I would like to see more young players used and a more attacking style of play. Utilising players like Gencleberligi duo Bruce Djite and James Troisi, Hull attacker Richard Garcia and the forgotten man of Australian football, the immensely talented Nicky Carle.
World Cup Debate: Australia Have Unfinished Business
With memories of Francesco Totti's heartbreaking penalty still lingering, the Socceroos have demons to exorcise on the world stage.
On Saturday afternoon I arrived at a park in Parramatta where Socceroos captain Lucas Neil and arguably Australia’s greatest ever footballer, Harry Kewell, were playing around with the kids from the Granville Waratahs football club.
One of the kids was nominated to perform a few tricks for the cameras, so the team surrounded him and started chanting “Darrell, Darrell” as he tried a few keepy-ups before moving into a wonderful seal impersonation, expertly keeping the ball on his head for a few seconds.
It was there that the unveiling of the new Australian Football Awards - where Football Federation Australia (FFA) will recognise players at a professional and non-professional level, as well as volunteers, coaches and referees - took place.The Professional Footballers’ Awards (PFA) were announced as well, the PFA Footballer of the Year and the PFA Harry Kewell Medal, which will be awarded to Australia’s best young footballer.
It was almost a surreal experience. I have watched Kewell live and through a television screen for years; I was there in Melbourne in 1997 when an 18-year-old Harry put Australia 1-0 up early in the game against Iran.Australian fans know what happened later that evening.
If events shape history then that game was the catalyst for the success the Socceroos enjoy now.
Perhaps with memories of that fateful night, the Galatasaray star was cautious when talking about the World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan on Wednesday.
"Strange things do happen in this game and if I have learnt one thing from my career it's to take nothing for granted until its won or earnt," Kewell said.
And don’t Socceroos fans know it?
While all the kids' faces were beaming from joy at meeting their idols, I was struck by just how well-behaved they were. They weren’t being pushy for autographs, and they managed to keep the secret that they were going to meet their Socceroos heroes to themselves.
In fact, as I left the park after the Socceroos had finished with their commitments, it was the parents that got a bit excited - the sight of a mother chasing Kewell in the car park for an autograph will be kept with me for a while.
It’s no surprise to see them go a bit gaga over our Harry.
The Socceroos have been in Sydney since Tuesday and have been preparing for the biggest game of the World Cup qualifying campaign so far.
They have had all manner of media commitments since their arrival in Australia.
When Neill, the West Ham United captain, was asked how the preparation was going, he said, “Preparation has been a bit slow, little bit inconsistent, with various commitments, training in between public appearances but now it’s all been stopped we can focus solely on the game, which is why we are here.
“It’s always good to come back here and spend a bit of time with the public and raising the profile of the game. Now that’s done, the best way to raise the profile is to win the game that could possibly take us to South Africa.”
The one thing I have noticed when speaking to the Socceroos in the last week is their fierce determination.
Players that have stood out for me this week have been Scott Chipperfield, a very relaxed character but also intense when need be.
Luke Wilkshire is the kind of guy that you feel you could share a joke with, and the Australia tattoo on his leg is a sign of his commitment to the cause.
All sorts of weird and wonderful questions are asked during a media scrum, including, “Is there much difference playing at home or overseas with such an important game on the line?”
I sometimes wonder if some of these folk have ever been to a football game.
My question to Lucas seemed to rile him a little bit, though:
“You've got unfinished business after that shocking penalty decision against Italy, does that drive you?”
He paused, shook his head and answered forcefully, “It’s not the reason why I want to go to the World Cup.
“We want to go to the World Cup because it’s the World Cup, to get the chance to play against Italy, Brazil and Croatia again, and try and emulate the mini success we had in the last World Cup, and go one step further and make sure it’s not a fluke.
“We didn’t want get there to go just once and say it was nice and to do it 30 years later.“Every four years we want to get there consistently, bring our rankings up in the world, and be a team and a force to be reckoned with all over, with respect.
”So perhaps that question is old news; Neill has been asked about 'that' penalty for years.
But with the spot-kick by Italy’s Franseco Totti being the last action the team experienced in 2006, you could say that all the Socceroos and their fans all have unfinished business, and I suspect most Australia supporters are eager to see them take care of that business on Wednesday night against Uzbekistan.
Con Stamocostas, Goal.com
On Saturday afternoon I arrived at a park in Parramatta where Socceroos captain Lucas Neil and arguably Australia’s greatest ever footballer, Harry Kewell, were playing around with the kids from the Granville Waratahs football club.
One of the kids was nominated to perform a few tricks for the cameras, so the team surrounded him and started chanting “Darrell, Darrell” as he tried a few keepy-ups before moving into a wonderful seal impersonation, expertly keeping the ball on his head for a few seconds.
It was there that the unveiling of the new Australian Football Awards - where Football Federation Australia (FFA) will recognise players at a professional and non-professional level, as well as volunteers, coaches and referees - took place.The Professional Footballers’ Awards (PFA) were announced as well, the PFA Footballer of the Year and the PFA Harry Kewell Medal, which will be awarded to Australia’s best young footballer.
It was almost a surreal experience. I have watched Kewell live and through a television screen for years; I was there in Melbourne in 1997 when an 18-year-old Harry put Australia 1-0 up early in the game against Iran.Australian fans know what happened later that evening.
If events shape history then that game was the catalyst for the success the Socceroos enjoy now.
Perhaps with memories of that fateful night, the Galatasaray star was cautious when talking about the World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan on Wednesday.
"Strange things do happen in this game and if I have learnt one thing from my career it's to take nothing for granted until its won or earnt," Kewell said.
And don’t Socceroos fans know it?
While all the kids' faces were beaming from joy at meeting their idols, I was struck by just how well-behaved they were. They weren’t being pushy for autographs, and they managed to keep the secret that they were going to meet their Socceroos heroes to themselves.
In fact, as I left the park after the Socceroos had finished with their commitments, it was the parents that got a bit excited - the sight of a mother chasing Kewell in the car park for an autograph will be kept with me for a while.
It’s no surprise to see them go a bit gaga over our Harry.
The Socceroos have been in Sydney since Tuesday and have been preparing for the biggest game of the World Cup qualifying campaign so far.
They have had all manner of media commitments since their arrival in Australia.
When Neill, the West Ham United captain, was asked how the preparation was going, he said, “Preparation has been a bit slow, little bit inconsistent, with various commitments, training in between public appearances but now it’s all been stopped we can focus solely on the game, which is why we are here.
“It’s always good to come back here and spend a bit of time with the public and raising the profile of the game. Now that’s done, the best way to raise the profile is to win the game that could possibly take us to South Africa.”
The one thing I have noticed when speaking to the Socceroos in the last week is their fierce determination.
Players that have stood out for me this week have been Scott Chipperfield, a very relaxed character but also intense when need be.
Luke Wilkshire is the kind of guy that you feel you could share a joke with, and the Australia tattoo on his leg is a sign of his commitment to the cause.
All sorts of weird and wonderful questions are asked during a media scrum, including, “Is there much difference playing at home or overseas with such an important game on the line?”
I sometimes wonder if some of these folk have ever been to a football game.
My question to Lucas seemed to rile him a little bit, though:
“You've got unfinished business after that shocking penalty decision against Italy, does that drive you?”
He paused, shook his head and answered forcefully, “It’s not the reason why I want to go to the World Cup.
“We want to go to the World Cup because it’s the World Cup, to get the chance to play against Italy, Brazil and Croatia again, and try and emulate the mini success we had in the last World Cup, and go one step further and make sure it’s not a fluke.
“We didn’t want get there to go just once and say it was nice and to do it 30 years later.“Every four years we want to get there consistently, bring our rankings up in the world, and be a team and a force to be reckoned with all over, with respect.
”So perhaps that question is old news; Neill has been asked about 'that' penalty for years.
But with the spot-kick by Italy’s Franseco Totti being the last action the team experienced in 2006, you could say that all the Socceroos and their fans all have unfinished business, and I suspect most Australia supporters are eager to see them take care of that business on Wednesday night against Uzbekistan.
Con Stamocostas, Goal.com
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Richard Garcia And Mile Sterjovski Battle To Replace Brett Emerton For Australia
The Hull City and Derby County players are the likeliest candidates to replace Australia's injured star.
Richard Garcia and Mile Sterjovski are set to fight for the honour of starting against Uzbekistan in Australia’s right-midfielder berth, which has been vacated by the injured Brett Emerton.
The Socceroos had vastly contrasting fortunes to the ends to their respective seasons in English football last term.
Hull attacker Richard Garcia played a massive 57 games and scored a cracking individual goal during his team’s 6-1 aggregate victory over Watford during the semi-final of the Championship play-offs. Hull eventually gained promotion to the English top flight for the first in their 105 year history.
Derby, meanwhile, dropped down to the Championship from the Premier League and the 27-year-old was completely frozen out of the first team by manager Paul Jewell.
This season has seen both players have to work hard to retain their place in their respective teams.
Garcia: I Just Want To Play
The 27-year-old Hull City player had to do with limited time on the field as Hull City won six out of their first nine matches, losing only once, and along the way beating Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Hull returned to the relegation pack and the Tigers now lie perilously close to the drop zone, only four points away from 18th placed Newcastle.
Describing his up and down season, the Perth-born attacker spoke at a press conference at Santa Sabina college.
“We still have the belief but things are just not going our way at the minute,” Garcia said.
“Hopefully we can get more wins and get the points on the board that we need.”
When asked how he was handling life in the English Premier League, Garcia talked about the confidence playing in the top flight has given him.
“It’s fantastic, I had a bit of a taste of it when I was younger at West Ham, though not as much as I would have liked,” he said.
“Now I’m comfortable, it’s been really good.
"I’m just happy I got to that level, know I can play at that level and be comfortable at that level.”
The former Hammers player is now looming as a possible replacement for the injured Brett Emerton for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan.
He continued, “At the moment he [national team boss Pim Verbeek] has got me playing on the right hand side of midfield but what he’s got in mind for me I don’t really know.”
Naturally an attacker or right-winger, when asked where he preferred to play Garcia concluded, “I’m not really bothered as long as I play.”
Sterjovski Hails Clough Effect
Mile Sterjovski could also play on the right of midfield during next Wednesday’s crucial qualifier - the Socceroos are hoping to be the first team to secure their place at the 2010 World Cup with victory.
Nigel Clough’s introduction at Derby has seen the midfielder’s fortunes change for the better following Jewell's departure.
With his then-new manager in the stands he produced a great performance against Manchester United in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final, providing an assist that led to a surprise 1-0 victory for the Rams.
The 39-cap Socceroo spoke of his difficult time and the effect Nigel Cough has had on him. “There was quite a long time where I was left out,” he lamented. “I was working hard, I was doing all things that I normally do and for whatever reason it wasn’t happening.“
To get Nigel Clough in was breath of fresh air. He has given me a chance and I’m grateful for that.
“We have a very good relationship; I really like his training and his methods.
“The only thing I would like is to have more game time. Hopefully things will turn round in that aspect, things have improved a lot and I have a good relationship with him.”
When asked about the role former Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek wants him to play next Wednesday; Sterjovski replied thoughtfully, “I don’t know at the moment, I’m working towards getting a start. I’m hungry to play and I love playing for Australia. I’ve got a few days to try and convince the coach to start me.”
When quizzed on his lack of game-time and its effect on his international chances, Sterjovski was realistic. “[It] definitely makes it harder," he said. “I’ve had a few games recently that I’ve played in the past and that will help my cause. We will see what happens at the end of the week.”
Richard Garcia and Mile Sterjovski are set to fight for the honour of starting against Uzbekistan in Australia’s right-midfielder berth, which has been vacated by the injured Brett Emerton.
The Socceroos had vastly contrasting fortunes to the ends to their respective seasons in English football last term.
Hull attacker Richard Garcia played a massive 57 games and scored a cracking individual goal during his team’s 6-1 aggregate victory over Watford during the semi-final of the Championship play-offs. Hull eventually gained promotion to the English top flight for the first in their 105 year history.
Derby, meanwhile, dropped down to the Championship from the Premier League and the 27-year-old was completely frozen out of the first team by manager Paul Jewell.
This season has seen both players have to work hard to retain their place in their respective teams.
Garcia: I Just Want To Play
The 27-year-old Hull City player had to do with limited time on the field as Hull City won six out of their first nine matches, losing only once, and along the way beating Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Hull returned to the relegation pack and the Tigers now lie perilously close to the drop zone, only four points away from 18th placed Newcastle.
Describing his up and down season, the Perth-born attacker spoke at a press conference at Santa Sabina college.
“We still have the belief but things are just not going our way at the minute,” Garcia said.
“Hopefully we can get more wins and get the points on the board that we need.”
When asked how he was handling life in the English Premier League, Garcia talked about the confidence playing in the top flight has given him.
“It’s fantastic, I had a bit of a taste of it when I was younger at West Ham, though not as much as I would have liked,” he said.
“Now I’m comfortable, it’s been really good.
"I’m just happy I got to that level, know I can play at that level and be comfortable at that level.”
The former Hammers player is now looming as a possible replacement for the injured Brett Emerton for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan.
He continued, “At the moment he [national team boss Pim Verbeek] has got me playing on the right hand side of midfield but what he’s got in mind for me I don’t really know.”
Naturally an attacker or right-winger, when asked where he preferred to play Garcia concluded, “I’m not really bothered as long as I play.”
Sterjovski Hails Clough Effect
Mile Sterjovski could also play on the right of midfield during next Wednesday’s crucial qualifier - the Socceroos are hoping to be the first team to secure their place at the 2010 World Cup with victory.
Nigel Clough’s introduction at Derby has seen the midfielder’s fortunes change for the better following Jewell's departure.
With his then-new manager in the stands he produced a great performance against Manchester United in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final, providing an assist that led to a surprise 1-0 victory for the Rams.
The 39-cap Socceroo spoke of his difficult time and the effect Nigel Cough has had on him. “There was quite a long time where I was left out,” he lamented. “I was working hard, I was doing all things that I normally do and for whatever reason it wasn’t happening.“
To get Nigel Clough in was breath of fresh air. He has given me a chance and I’m grateful for that.
“We have a very good relationship; I really like his training and his methods.
“The only thing I would like is to have more game time. Hopefully things will turn round in that aspect, things have improved a lot and I have a good relationship with him.”
When asked about the role former Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek wants him to play next Wednesday; Sterjovski replied thoughtfully, “I don’t know at the moment, I’m working towards getting a start. I’m hungry to play and I love playing for Australia. I’ve got a few days to try and convince the coach to start me.”
When quizzed on his lack of game-time and its effect on his international chances, Sterjovski was realistic. “[It] definitely makes it harder," he said. “I’ve had a few games recently that I’ve played in the past and that will help my cause. We will see what happens at the end of the week.”
I’m A Football Man Now – FFA CEO Ben Buckley
Goal.com's Con Stamocostas catches up with Australian football supremo Ben Buckley ahead of the crucial qualifier against Uzbekistan
Football Federation Australia CEO and former Aussie Rules supremo Ben Buckley says he’s
certainly a football man now, as the Socceroos look to secure a consecutive World Cup appearance at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The former AFL chief operating officer was hired by the FFA in 2006, after former CEO John O’Neil left his post to return back to Rugby union.
In his time as CEO, Ben Buckley has ridden the qualification wave with the rest of the country, with Australia potentially about to become the first team to book its place in South Africa with a win over Uzbekistan on Wednesday.
Speaking exclusively to Goal.com, the Australian football chief claimed to have been engulfed by a game with which he had no previous experience.“
Well, if the level of anxiety is the measure of being a football person, then yes I am one!” Buckley declared.“It’s a bit like being an expectant father; we have sort of been qualifying for the last 18 months and hopefully we can give birth to another World Cup journey.”
With a historic back to back World Cup qualification berth potentially awaiting the Socceroos next Wednesday evening, the 42-year-old Tasmanian summed up the mood in the camp.“
It’s very positive, the atmosphere is exciting, the players know that they are on the cusp of going back-to-back, which is what their goal is and has been from day one.
“It’s the first time we have qualified through Asia.“I just truly believe that the players have been focused from day one; we don’t want to let 2006 become a one hit wonder."
With a crowd of between 50-60,000 expected in the 82,000 capacity ANZ Stadium on April 1, the FFA CEO pushed Sydney residents to support the Socceroos.“
There is no doubt, a big crowd and a passionate crowd and vocal crowd plays a big role,” Buckley continued.“
You might be sitting in the stands but you are assisting the team, and you are assisting them to qualify for the World Cup.
"I would encourage every Football fan that is out there to get along and support the team - don’t by any means think that we are qualified.”
A watchful tone then emerged, as Buckley added to Australia international Harry Kewell’s earlier comments at a press conference on Saturday.
“It can still go very wrong,” Kewell warned.
“The teams that we are playing in the next four games are very good teams, especially the next one [Uzbekistan] on Wednesday.”
Football Federation Australia CEO and former Aussie Rules supremo Ben Buckley says he’s
certainly a football man now, as the Socceroos look to secure a consecutive World Cup appearance at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The former AFL chief operating officer was hired by the FFA in 2006, after former CEO John O’Neil left his post to return back to Rugby union.
In his time as CEO, Ben Buckley has ridden the qualification wave with the rest of the country, with Australia potentially about to become the first team to book its place in South Africa with a win over Uzbekistan on Wednesday.
Speaking exclusively to Goal.com, the Australian football chief claimed to have been engulfed by a game with which he had no previous experience.“
Well, if the level of anxiety is the measure of being a football person, then yes I am one!” Buckley declared.“It’s a bit like being an expectant father; we have sort of been qualifying for the last 18 months and hopefully we can give birth to another World Cup journey.”
With a historic back to back World Cup qualification berth potentially awaiting the Socceroos next Wednesday evening, the 42-year-old Tasmanian summed up the mood in the camp.“
It’s very positive, the atmosphere is exciting, the players know that they are on the cusp of going back-to-back, which is what their goal is and has been from day one.
“It’s the first time we have qualified through Asia.“I just truly believe that the players have been focused from day one; we don’t want to let 2006 become a one hit wonder."
With a crowd of between 50-60,000 expected in the 82,000 capacity ANZ Stadium on April 1, the FFA CEO pushed Sydney residents to support the Socceroos.“
There is no doubt, a big crowd and a passionate crowd and vocal crowd plays a big role,” Buckley continued.“
You might be sitting in the stands but you are assisting the team, and you are assisting them to qualify for the World Cup.
"I would encourage every Football fan that is out there to get along and support the team - don’t by any means think that we are qualified.”
A watchful tone then emerged, as Buckley added to Australia international Harry Kewell’s earlier comments at a press conference on Saturday.
“It can still go very wrong,” Kewell warned.
“The teams that we are playing in the next four games are very good teams, especially the next one [Uzbekistan] on Wednesday.”
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Chance For Genclerbirligi's Mile Jedinak To Shine For Australia
The Turkey-based defensive midfielder could have a huge chance to establish himself with the Socceroos against Uzbekistan.
Mile Jedinak could be playing the biggest game of his career next Wednesday night, as Australia take on Uzbekistan in a potentially decisive World Cup qualifier.
The Socceroos could clinch a place at the 2010 World Cup with a victory against the Uzbeks, as long as other results go their way in Group A of the Asian qualifying sector.
Last to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany under Guus Hiddink, Australia could be the first team to secure their passage to South Africa.
And Turkey-based Jedinak is one player who has emerged as a recent contender for a place in Pim Verbeek’s 2010 squad, set to replace injured defensive midfielder Vince Grella next week.
Since securing a move to Genclerbirligi in January, the former Central Coast Mariners midfield man has played every minute of every game for his new club, where he lines up alongside fellow Aussies James Troisi and Bruce Djite.
“So far the competition has been a great step up for me and I’ve enjoyed my time there,” Jedinak said. “I think I have settled in there quite comfortably; I feel right at home which is great.“
One thing I really wanted to do when I got there was to settle down as quickly as possible."
Jedinak was recently singled out by Pim Verbeek in an exclusive to Goal.com, his importance emphasised in the wake of Grella’s absence.
“He is doing well, I need him in the midfield since Grella is not there,” Verbeek said.
Culina Praise
Fellow Socceroo and international veteran Jason Culina also hinted that he and Jedinak could play in the two holding midfield positions that Aussie coach Verbeek favours.
“I think he is good enough to play now; we could possibly play in midfield together,” Culina said.
The 24-year-old Jedinak also returned the praise to his ex-Sydney united team-mate.
He continued, “I admire Jason, I’ve known him now for a while, I followed him in his Sydney United days when I was there as a youngster, watching him train and stuff.”
Turkish Delight
Jedinak also feels he made the right decision moving to Turkey with a place in Verbeek’s World Cup squad a reality.
“You always have the national team in your mind when you make these decisions,” Jedinak said.
“It was a big factor for me; I want to try and play as much as I can for the national team and I knew that moving to Turkey, the opportunity would be a lot greater than if I was to stay in Australia.”
The Genclerbirligi player also said that the presence of his fellow countrymen has made his transition into Turkish football a smoother one.
He continued, “It’s good to see Bruce and James, I’ve known them for a while now.“Having them there was a great thing for me, it helped me settle in a lot quicker, they showed me the ropes and just having them around is good.
“We are always spending time together, it’s always good to have your own people around you.“It’s going good for them, the boys are doing fantastic.”
Competition
With Italy-based midfielder Carl Valeri being the other option for the second holding midfield role alongside Jason Culina in Verbeek’s 4-2-3-1 formation, Jedinak realises his starting place is not assured in Sydney.“
It's good to have a lot of competition here, with great players around me,” he said.
“Carl Valeri is the same age as me, we have played in the under-20s together.“Hopefully if I get an opportunity I can cement my place in the team.
"Until then there are players in front of me; I’m not going to look ahead of myself too much.”
Mile Jedinak could be playing the biggest game of his career next Wednesday night, as Australia take on Uzbekistan in a potentially decisive World Cup qualifier.
The Socceroos could clinch a place at the 2010 World Cup with a victory against the Uzbeks, as long as other results go their way in Group A of the Asian qualifying sector.
Last to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany under Guus Hiddink, Australia could be the first team to secure their passage to South Africa.
And Turkey-based Jedinak is one player who has emerged as a recent contender for a place in Pim Verbeek’s 2010 squad, set to replace injured defensive midfielder Vince Grella next week.
Since securing a move to Genclerbirligi in January, the former Central Coast Mariners midfield man has played every minute of every game for his new club, where he lines up alongside fellow Aussies James Troisi and Bruce Djite.
“So far the competition has been a great step up for me and I’ve enjoyed my time there,” Jedinak said. “I think I have settled in there quite comfortably; I feel right at home which is great.“
One thing I really wanted to do when I got there was to settle down as quickly as possible."
Jedinak was recently singled out by Pim Verbeek in an exclusive to Goal.com, his importance emphasised in the wake of Grella’s absence.
“He is doing well, I need him in the midfield since Grella is not there,” Verbeek said.
Culina Praise
Fellow Socceroo and international veteran Jason Culina also hinted that he and Jedinak could play in the two holding midfield positions that Aussie coach Verbeek favours.
“I think he is good enough to play now; we could possibly play in midfield together,” Culina said.
The 24-year-old Jedinak also returned the praise to his ex-Sydney united team-mate.
He continued, “I admire Jason, I’ve known him now for a while, I followed him in his Sydney United days when I was there as a youngster, watching him train and stuff.”
Turkish Delight
Jedinak also feels he made the right decision moving to Turkey with a place in Verbeek’s World Cup squad a reality.
“You always have the national team in your mind when you make these decisions,” Jedinak said.
“It was a big factor for me; I want to try and play as much as I can for the national team and I knew that moving to Turkey, the opportunity would be a lot greater than if I was to stay in Australia.”
The Genclerbirligi player also said that the presence of his fellow countrymen has made his transition into Turkish football a smoother one.
He continued, “It’s good to see Bruce and James, I’ve known them for a while now.“Having them there was a great thing for me, it helped me settle in a lot quicker, they showed me the ropes and just having them around is good.
“We are always spending time together, it’s always good to have your own people around you.“It’s going good for them, the boys are doing fantastic.”
Competition
With Italy-based midfielder Carl Valeri being the other option for the second holding midfield role alongside Jason Culina in Verbeek’s 4-2-3-1 formation, Jedinak realises his starting place is not assured in Sydney.“
It's good to have a lot of competition here, with great players around me,” he said.
“Carl Valeri is the same age as me, we have played in the under-20s together.“Hopefully if I get an opportunity I can cement my place in the team.
"Until then there are players in front of me; I’m not going to look ahead of myself too much.”
Socceroo Luke Wilkshire's Russian Adventure
Australia international and Dinamo Moscow man Luke Wilkshire talks to Goal.com about life in the Russian Premier League
Before the last World Cup, Luke Wilkshire was playing his club football for Bristol City in English football’s third tier, an unknown in football circles in Australia
save for family and friends and folk in Shellharbour and Albion Park where he played as a youth.
When then-Socceroos manager Guus Hiddink included him in his squad for the 2006 World Cup, many fans raised their eyebrows – more were raised when he started Australia’s first group match against Japan.
A lot has changed in football in Australia since that time and Wilkshire is now considered one of his country’s most senior players.
Signing for FC Twente after the World Cup following Guus Hiddink’s instructions to him to find a “proper club”, he enjoyed two successful years in Holland and helped the club to a UEFA Champions League qualifying spot.
Luke next set his sights on Russia and became the first Australian ever to play in the Russian Premier League, moving to Dinamo Moscow in August 2008, playing thirteen games and scoring twice during the second half of the season.
Upon his return to Australia for a potentially decisive World Cup Qualifier against Uzbekistan next Wednesday, Goal.com spoke to him about his rise to prominence at both domestic and international level.
“It’s all been gradual for me, I’ve had opportunities and I’ve taken them,” Wilkshire said. “I’ve learnt and you could say I’ve matured.“Sometimes in football it’s about timing; you’ve got to wait for that opening or that opportunity and take it.
”The Dinamo Moscow man also remains unconcerned about the fact that the Russian Premier League is perhaps not as recognised as the more established European club competitions.He continued, “I think that Russia is now starting to get noticed a bit more and is getting a lot more recognition because of what the national team has been doing, and what the clubs have been doing in Europe in recent years.“
But of course the English Premier League, the Serie A and La Liga [Spanish Primera Division] are the big ones.”Despite the fact that Russia presents a number of cultural challenges, the 27 year-old continues to take changes to lifestyle in his stride.
At the weekend, Wilkshire played a full game during his side’s 3-2 home win over FC Khimki and the presence of snow didn’t dampen the Australian’s spirits.
He continued, “It was quite refreshing! I think the first game the sun was out, it was a very dry day and then we come out on the weekend the snow was there, so it was definitely fresh.“I actually enjoyed it. I’m pretty used to the cold.”
Con Stamacostas and Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com
Before the last World Cup, Luke Wilkshire was playing his club football for Bristol City in English football’s third tier, an unknown in football circles in Australia
save for family and friends and folk in Shellharbour and Albion Park where he played as a youth.
When then-Socceroos manager Guus Hiddink included him in his squad for the 2006 World Cup, many fans raised their eyebrows – more were raised when he started Australia’s first group match against Japan.
A lot has changed in football in Australia since that time and Wilkshire is now considered one of his country’s most senior players.
Signing for FC Twente after the World Cup following Guus Hiddink’s instructions to him to find a “proper club”, he enjoyed two successful years in Holland and helped the club to a UEFA Champions League qualifying spot.
Luke next set his sights on Russia and became the first Australian ever to play in the Russian Premier League, moving to Dinamo Moscow in August 2008, playing thirteen games and scoring twice during the second half of the season.
Upon his return to Australia for a potentially decisive World Cup Qualifier against Uzbekistan next Wednesday, Goal.com spoke to him about his rise to prominence at both domestic and international level.
“It’s all been gradual for me, I’ve had opportunities and I’ve taken them,” Wilkshire said. “I’ve learnt and you could say I’ve matured.“Sometimes in football it’s about timing; you’ve got to wait for that opening or that opportunity and take it.
”The Dinamo Moscow man also remains unconcerned about the fact that the Russian Premier League is perhaps not as recognised as the more established European club competitions.He continued, “I think that Russia is now starting to get noticed a bit more and is getting a lot more recognition because of what the national team has been doing, and what the clubs have been doing in Europe in recent years.“
But of course the English Premier League, the Serie A and La Liga [Spanish Primera Division] are the big ones.”Despite the fact that Russia presents a number of cultural challenges, the 27 year-old continues to take changes to lifestyle in his stride.
At the weekend, Wilkshire played a full game during his side’s 3-2 home win over FC Khimki and the presence of snow didn’t dampen the Australian’s spirits.
He continued, “It was quite refreshing! I think the first game the sun was out, it was a very dry day and then we come out on the weekend the snow was there, so it was definitely fresh.“I actually enjoyed it. I’m pretty used to the cold.”
Con Stamacostas and Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Aussie Boys Are Turkish Delights; Will Socceroos Be First To Qualify For South Africa?
Aussie Boys Are Turkish Delights; Will Socceroos Be First To Qualify For South Africa?
Much has changed since Australia's last friendly international against Turkey, writes Goal.com's Con Stamacostas.
In 2004 Australia played two games against 2002 World Cup semi-finalists Turkey. In Sydney the Socceroos lost 3-1 and in Melbourne 1-0.
The football landscape is vastly different now.
That was the Frank Farina era and most of the crowd were Turkish supporters. These days the Socceroos play to full houses and enjoy enthusiastic support. And at the moment, Sydney and Australia are buzzing as the country looks towards a history-making second World Cup berth in a row; and potentially the honour - outside the hosts - to be the first country to qualify for South Africa 2010.
Sitting next to Ben Buckley at the FFA (Football Federation Australia) headquarters on Tuesday was Consul-General of the Republic of Turkey Mr Renan Sekeroglu.
Both men were there to announce an annual event that will see football matches played between the two countries in either Turkey or Australia in alternating years, starting with two Under-16 matches to be held next month in Canakkale and Gelibolu (Gallipoli), Turkey.
“Turkish people love football passionately, it’s a national past time for many Turks, and the fact that there are many Australian players in Turkey, including Harry Kewell, is of course another important aspect of the relations in football between our countries,” Sekeroglu said.
“I believe they are doing a very good job; they are also football ambassadors in Turkey.”Kewell, Mile Jedinak, Bruce Djite, James Troisi and Micheal Petkovic are all playing in Turkey this season - the importance of these players cannot be understated to the national team, as Goal.com has reported in the last couple of days.
Kewell, Jedinak and Petkovic will be joining the Socceroos squad tomorrow and while Djite (now a confirmed late call-up) and Troisi are on the stand by list, they both know they are in Pim Verbeek’s World Cup plans, as Goal.com exclusively reported.
When asked about how the Turkish public perceives Australian football, Sekeroglu was glowing in his praise.
“Of course the Turkish concept of Australian football was maybe much weaker if you asked me that question two years ago, but now that we have a footballer named Harry Kewell who plays for Galatasaray I think they have a much better idea, not only because of Mr Kewell’s contribution but the other players in the league as well.”
Looking towards next Wednesday's World Cup qualifier, Buckley was asked if a win against Uzbekistan would make up for the Socceroos' unspectacular showings of late.
“Well, if you are talking about some recent performances where we have won three games and draw one and are sitting top of the table, I think that is a pretty good outcome to what you might perceive as some not-pretty-good performances,” the FFA chief executive said.
“We won’t be satisfied until it's mathematically impossible for us not to qualify. That is what we are hoping to achieve and winning next week will be a step in the right direction.
“It doesn’t mean that we will have qualified, it certainly means that we are in a very, very good position to qualify, but I won’t be satisfied, and I know the coaching staff won’t be satisfied, and I know the players won’t be satisfied until it’s mathematically over the line.”
When asked about the responsibility to entertain because of fan disenchantment, Buckley was adamant.
He said, “I think the coaching staff's responsibility is to qualify, and to make sure we participate at the World Cup in 2010.“That is our absolute priority - it’s our only priority, and the style and the tactics is left up to the coaching staff on the day, to achieve that outcome.”
Con Stamacostas, Goal.com
Much has changed since Australia's last friendly international against Turkey, writes Goal.com's Con Stamacostas.
In 2004 Australia played two games against 2002 World Cup semi-finalists Turkey. In Sydney the Socceroos lost 3-1 and in Melbourne 1-0.
The football landscape is vastly different now.
That was the Frank Farina era and most of the crowd were Turkish supporters. These days the Socceroos play to full houses and enjoy enthusiastic support. And at the moment, Sydney and Australia are buzzing as the country looks towards a history-making second World Cup berth in a row; and potentially the honour - outside the hosts - to be the first country to qualify for South Africa 2010.
Sitting next to Ben Buckley at the FFA (Football Federation Australia) headquarters on Tuesday was Consul-General of the Republic of Turkey Mr Renan Sekeroglu.
Both men were there to announce an annual event that will see football matches played between the two countries in either Turkey or Australia in alternating years, starting with two Under-16 matches to be held next month in Canakkale and Gelibolu (Gallipoli), Turkey.
“Turkish people love football passionately, it’s a national past time for many Turks, and the fact that there are many Australian players in Turkey, including Harry Kewell, is of course another important aspect of the relations in football between our countries,” Sekeroglu said.
“I believe they are doing a very good job; they are also football ambassadors in Turkey.”Kewell, Mile Jedinak, Bruce Djite, James Troisi and Micheal Petkovic are all playing in Turkey this season - the importance of these players cannot be understated to the national team, as Goal.com has reported in the last couple of days.
Kewell, Jedinak and Petkovic will be joining the Socceroos squad tomorrow and while Djite (now a confirmed late call-up) and Troisi are on the stand by list, they both know they are in Pim Verbeek’s World Cup plans, as Goal.com exclusively reported.
When asked about how the Turkish public perceives Australian football, Sekeroglu was glowing in his praise.
“Of course the Turkish concept of Australian football was maybe much weaker if you asked me that question two years ago, but now that we have a footballer named Harry Kewell who plays for Galatasaray I think they have a much better idea, not only because of Mr Kewell’s contribution but the other players in the league as well.”
Looking towards next Wednesday's World Cup qualifier, Buckley was asked if a win against Uzbekistan would make up for the Socceroos' unspectacular showings of late.
“Well, if you are talking about some recent performances where we have won three games and draw one and are sitting top of the table, I think that is a pretty good outcome to what you might perceive as some not-pretty-good performances,” the FFA chief executive said.
“We won’t be satisfied until it's mathematically impossible for us not to qualify. That is what we are hoping to achieve and winning next week will be a step in the right direction.
“It doesn’t mean that we will have qualified, it certainly means that we are in a very, very good position to qualify, but I won’t be satisfied, and I know the coaching staff won’t be satisfied, and I know the players won’t be satisfied until it’s mathematically over the line.”
When asked about the responsibility to entertain because of fan disenchantment, Buckley was adamant.
He said, “I think the coaching staff's responsibility is to qualify, and to make sure we participate at the World Cup in 2010.“That is our absolute priority - it’s our only priority, and the style and the tactics is left up to the coaching staff on the day, to achieve that outcome.”
Con Stamacostas, Goal.com
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Australia And Turkey On The Playing Field Of Peace
The two countries have reached an historic agreement that will see their shared past celebrated upon the pitch..
24 Mar 2009 05:46:52
Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced a new annual event to emphasise the strong links between Australia and Turkey.
The deal will see football matches played between the two countries in either Turkey or Australia in alternating years, starting with two mens’ Under-16 matches to be held next month in Canakkale and Gelibolu (Gallipoli), Turkey, on April 24 and 26.
“Everyone knows Australia and Turkey has a long and shared history, this announcement builds on our shared history in a very unique way for football in particular,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.
Buckley said that the date of the annual football event was selected to coincide with Anzac Day (25 April) for Australia and National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (23 April) for Turkey.
The plan has the strong support of both governments, with Australia’s Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith, and Defence Minister, Joel Fitzgibbon, expected to attend one of the matches.
A special reception will be hosted by the FFA in Turkey and both the Australian and Turkish governments will attend those events.
Buckley continued, “This kind of announcement is what makes football special, the fact that two nations can come together, two nations with a shared history, a proud history and a history now that is built on a peaceful basis and one of great mutual respect.”
Next year Turkey will visit Australia, the teams will be decided upon the availability of both men’s and women’s teams on annual basis.
Regarding the prospect of both the senior men’s national teams playing, Buckley said, “Of course it would be a fantastic opportunity for our man’s national teams to play in and around those dates at sometime in the future, that’s what we’ll be looking to do.”
Building For The Future
Australian Institute of Sport coach Jan Versleijen will take an under-16 team to Europe for a series of matches around that time, which will include a Turkish-born immigrant who will line up for the Aussies - Sydney FC youth player Kerem Bulut.
“This is the future of Australian football, and hopefully the core of that team will go on to bigger and better things as we look to qualify for the 2014 World Cup and of course to host and play in the final of the 2018 World Cup,” Buckley said.
Sitting next to him at FFA’s new headquarters on Oxford Street was the Consul-General of the Republic of Turkey.
He opened with remarks about Australia and Turkey’s special relationship:
“We are all aware the two countries enjoy a unique friendship, fraternity, no doubt the common past we shared on the battlefields of Gallipoli contributes highly to this fraternity.
“Anzacs and other Turkish soldiers who fell there could not have known that within a few decades, because of honouring the dead on both sides, this campaign would bring Turkey and Australia closer together.
“Therefore the Turkish government and the Turkish FA are proud to announce these matches.
“When Mr Buckley and his colleagues at the FFA approached our consulate a couple of months ago we were delighted.
“We look forward to being inaugural hosts of the event with the two matches on April 24 and 26.
“We believe that these matches will add another dimension to the friendly and unique relations.
“The fact that many Australian players are playing in Turkey, including Harry Kewell, is another important aspect of the football relations we have, they are football ambassadors in Turkey."
Australian visitors to Gallipoli in 2009 wanting to support their team can do so on:
April 24: Canakkale Stadium, Ataturk Cad, Canakkale. Kick-off 14:00 local.
April 26: Gelibolu Stadium, Gelibolu (Gallipoli). Kick-off 14:00 local.
24 Mar 2009 05:46:52
Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced a new annual event to emphasise the strong links between Australia and Turkey.
The deal will see football matches played between the two countries in either Turkey or Australia in alternating years, starting with two mens’ Under-16 matches to be held next month in Canakkale and Gelibolu (Gallipoli), Turkey, on April 24 and 26.
“Everyone knows Australia and Turkey has a long and shared history, this announcement builds on our shared history in a very unique way for football in particular,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.
Buckley said that the date of the annual football event was selected to coincide with Anzac Day (25 April) for Australia and National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (23 April) for Turkey.
The plan has the strong support of both governments, with Australia’s Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith, and Defence Minister, Joel Fitzgibbon, expected to attend one of the matches.
A special reception will be hosted by the FFA in Turkey and both the Australian and Turkish governments will attend those events.
Buckley continued, “This kind of announcement is what makes football special, the fact that two nations can come together, two nations with a shared history, a proud history and a history now that is built on a peaceful basis and one of great mutual respect.”
Next year Turkey will visit Australia, the teams will be decided upon the availability of both men’s and women’s teams on annual basis.
Regarding the prospect of both the senior men’s national teams playing, Buckley said, “Of course it would be a fantastic opportunity for our man’s national teams to play in and around those dates at sometime in the future, that’s what we’ll be looking to do.”
Building For The Future
Australian Institute of Sport coach Jan Versleijen will take an under-16 team to Europe for a series of matches around that time, which will include a Turkish-born immigrant who will line up for the Aussies - Sydney FC youth player Kerem Bulut.
“This is the future of Australian football, and hopefully the core of that team will go on to bigger and better things as we look to qualify for the 2014 World Cup and of course to host and play in the final of the 2018 World Cup,” Buckley said.
Sitting next to him at FFA’s new headquarters on Oxford Street was the Consul-General of the Republic of Turkey.
He opened with remarks about Australia and Turkey’s special relationship:
“We are all aware the two countries enjoy a unique friendship, fraternity, no doubt the common past we shared on the battlefields of Gallipoli contributes highly to this fraternity.
“Anzacs and other Turkish soldiers who fell there could not have known that within a few decades, because of honouring the dead on both sides, this campaign would bring Turkey and Australia closer together.
“Therefore the Turkish government and the Turkish FA are proud to announce these matches.
“When Mr Buckley and his colleagues at the FFA approached our consulate a couple of months ago we were delighted.
“We look forward to being inaugural hosts of the event with the two matches on April 24 and 26.
“We believe that these matches will add another dimension to the friendly and unique relations.
“The fact that many Australian players are playing in Turkey, including Harry Kewell, is another important aspect of the football relations we have, they are football ambassadors in Turkey."
Australian visitors to Gallipoli in 2009 wanting to support their team can do so on:
April 24: Canakkale Stadium, Ataturk Cad, Canakkale. Kick-off 14:00 local.
April 26: Gelibolu Stadium, Gelibolu (Gallipoli). Kick-off 14:00 local.
Russian Premier League: Sunday Round-Up, Monday Preview
Goal.com takes a look back on the last of the weekend action in Russia and looks ahead to CSKA Moscow's clash tonight...
Sunday’s action in the Russian Premier League saw Zenit record their first win of the season. There were stalemates in the other two games though, as champions, Rubin Kazan were held at Spartak Nalchik and FK Rostov and Lokomotiv Moscow also shared the points in their encounter.
12:00 Zenit St Petersburg 2-1 Saturn Moscow Oblast
Because of a tasteless and offensive banner that was paraded at the last home game of season 2008, Zenit’s first home game was ordered to be played behind closed doors by the Russian FA. A huge slur on Russian football legend, Lev Yashin, by Zenit fans was the reason. Last week Zenit fans also set fire to several thousand seats at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
A rare goal by defender Ivica Krizanac opened the scoring for Zenit in the first half, before Marko Topic levelled for Saturn.
In the 67th minute, substitute Fatih Tekke received a great cross on the right and scored with a diving header.
There was time for Anatoliy Tymoschuck to miss a penalty but Zenit held on for the win.
14:30 Spartak Nalchik 0-0 Rubin Kazan
Last week, champions Rubin Kazan thrashed Kuban Krasnodar 3-0 while Spartak Nalchik lost 1-0 away to Terek Groznyi. Prior to kick-off, Rubin were considered favourites.
A crowd of 16,000 at the Spartak Stadium saw a game with no goals as both sides drew a blank.
Rubin are only the third non-Moscow team to win the championship and they can look forward to a UEFA Champions League debut in 2009/10. However, they will be disappointed they did not pick up the three points in this game.
17:00 FK Rostov 1-1 Lokomotiv Moscow
The team from Rostov hosted Lokomotiv Moscow, rounding out the last game on Sunday.
A crowd of 14,500 at the SKA SKVO Stadium saw both teams share the spoils as a 90th minute goal from Lokomotiv’s 22-year-old midfielder Dennis Glushakov cancelled out Branimir Petrovic 40th minute strike.
Both teams have now recorded two draws each from the first two games played.Monday
Preview17:00 CSKA Moscow – Tom Tomsk
CSKA Moscow are one of the favourites for the championship this year and are coached by former Japan and Fenerbahce boss Zico, who has signed a three-year contract. The 55-year-old replaced Valery Gazzayev, who quit the club at the end of last season after steering them to second place in the Russian league and the last 32 of the UEFA Cup.
Zico, regarded as one of Brazil's greatest players, led Bunyodkor to the Uzbek league and cup double in his first season and guided them to the Asian Champions League semi-finals last year.
CSKA have one of the strongest squads in the RPL and top striker and Brazilian international Vagner Love has agreed to stay another year to work under his fellow Brazilian.
Yuri Zhirkov was named Russian Player of the Year in 2008 and there are reports that Chelsea are closing in on a deal for midfielder.
The 25-year-old played an influential role as Russia reached the semi-finals of Euro 2008, too.
Zhirkov's CSKA and Russia team-mate Igor Akinfeev was named as the best goalkeeper while another CSKA player, 18-year-old midfielder Alan Dzagoev, was chosen as the nation's most promising youngster.
CSKA Moscow have already added silverware to the cabinet this season as they won the first trophy of the 2009 season. They beat the reigning league champions Rubin Kazan 2-1 after extra-time in the Super Cup final a fortnight ago.
They will be heavy favourites to beat Tom Tomsk after thrashing Saturn 3-0 last week.
Con Stamocostas, Goal.com
Sunday’s action in the Russian Premier League saw Zenit record their first win of the season. There were stalemates in the other two games though, as champions, Rubin Kazan were held at Spartak Nalchik and FK Rostov and Lokomotiv Moscow also shared the points in their encounter.
12:00 Zenit St Petersburg 2-1 Saturn Moscow Oblast
Because of a tasteless and offensive banner that was paraded at the last home game of season 2008, Zenit’s first home game was ordered to be played behind closed doors by the Russian FA. A huge slur on Russian football legend, Lev Yashin, by Zenit fans was the reason. Last week Zenit fans also set fire to several thousand seats at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
A rare goal by defender Ivica Krizanac opened the scoring for Zenit in the first half, before Marko Topic levelled for Saturn.
In the 67th minute, substitute Fatih Tekke received a great cross on the right and scored with a diving header.
There was time for Anatoliy Tymoschuck to miss a penalty but Zenit held on for the win.
14:30 Spartak Nalchik 0-0 Rubin Kazan
Last week, champions Rubin Kazan thrashed Kuban Krasnodar 3-0 while Spartak Nalchik lost 1-0 away to Terek Groznyi. Prior to kick-off, Rubin were considered favourites.
A crowd of 16,000 at the Spartak Stadium saw a game with no goals as both sides drew a blank.
Rubin are only the third non-Moscow team to win the championship and they can look forward to a UEFA Champions League debut in 2009/10. However, they will be disappointed they did not pick up the three points in this game.
17:00 FK Rostov 1-1 Lokomotiv Moscow
The team from Rostov hosted Lokomotiv Moscow, rounding out the last game on Sunday.
A crowd of 14,500 at the SKA SKVO Stadium saw both teams share the spoils as a 90th minute goal from Lokomotiv’s 22-year-old midfielder Dennis Glushakov cancelled out Branimir Petrovic 40th minute strike.
Both teams have now recorded two draws each from the first two games played.Monday
Preview17:00 CSKA Moscow – Tom Tomsk
CSKA Moscow are one of the favourites for the championship this year and are coached by former Japan and Fenerbahce boss Zico, who has signed a three-year contract. The 55-year-old replaced Valery Gazzayev, who quit the club at the end of last season after steering them to second place in the Russian league and the last 32 of the UEFA Cup.
Zico, regarded as one of Brazil's greatest players, led Bunyodkor to the Uzbek league and cup double in his first season and guided them to the Asian Champions League semi-finals last year.
CSKA have one of the strongest squads in the RPL and top striker and Brazilian international Vagner Love has agreed to stay another year to work under his fellow Brazilian.
Yuri Zhirkov was named Russian Player of the Year in 2008 and there are reports that Chelsea are closing in on a deal for midfielder.
The 25-year-old played an influential role as Russia reached the semi-finals of Euro 2008, too.
Zhirkov's CSKA and Russia team-mate Igor Akinfeev was named as the best goalkeeper while another CSKA player, 18-year-old midfielder Alan Dzagoev, was chosen as the nation's most promising youngster.
CSKA Moscow have already added silverware to the cabinet this season as they won the first trophy of the 2009 season. They beat the reigning league champions Rubin Kazan 2-1 after extra-time in the Super Cup final a fortnight ago.
They will be heavy favourites to beat Tom Tomsk after thrashing Saturn 3-0 last week.
Con Stamocostas, Goal.com
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