Half Time Heroes World Cup Interviews Socceroos Group D Ghana

Gary Al-Smith is an Accra-based sports journalist and writes for kicker Magazine, ESPN and is the Ghana blogger for http://ghana.worldcupblog.org/


Are you reading this Pim?

Half Time Heroes: After the World Cup draw was announced, some dubbed Group D containing the Socceroos, Germany, Serbia and Ghana as the third group of death. What was your first reaction when you saw the draw?
Gary Al-Smith: First reaction: damn! And it was that because I felt this to be a great chance for Ghana to show the world what we’ve got to offer once more after the Germany 2006 experience. Don’t forget that this was before most of our players started falling off injured like flies so my confidence was justified I think.

HTH: What’s been the reaction by the management of your respective teams? Do they see the Socceroos as a threat?
GAS: Since the World Cup was introduced 79 years ago, it has been dominated by Europe and South America. As South Africa 2010 nears, bold predictions of a first African win have already started. Leading the way is Abedi Ayew Pele, three-time African Footballer of the Year.

“We definitely will have one African team that goes far and when I say goes far I mean as far as raising the trophy. When I make this prediction people laugh, but I believe it.”

Generally, the football populace now has even more trust in this side especially after surprising even Ghanaians with the runner-up slot at the recently ended African Nations Cup in Angola.

HTH: Who do you consider to be your key players and what are your teams main strengths?
GAS: Michael Essien, obviously. Currently our most popular player around the world by a mile. Then we’ve got the so-called ‘core of the Germany 2006 team’ who are still around: Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan), Stephen Appiah (Bologna), John Mensah (Sunderland) and John Painstil (Fulham).

At the time of writing this Q&A, all three are injured but they’ll surely be back and ready for the mundial. Yet, we cant help but notice the growing wave of (justified?) views that Appiah and Mensah should not be added.

They cannot seem to put together seven or eight straight games without injuries – just check the records.
The strength of the team has for years been the midfield, yet the Nations Cup has shown a collective defensibility in the side that we haven’t seen in about ten years.

That said, this Ghana team is in transition and there are some great players coming through who may explode in South Africa. Eight of the team that won the Under-20 World Cup in Egypt were in Angola and some of them are really giving the coach headaches because he is suddenly spoilt for choice in certain areas.


HTH: Any weaknesses that you care to quietly mention?  A dodgy keeper or a suspect defender perhaps?
GAS: Straight up. It’s the left back. It has been our problem for ages. The coach said in December: “We have always had problems with the left back slot so this is a chance to try other players in that position,” he said.

About four players have been used in that role in the last few months and many teams find that as Ghana’s Achilles heel. However, certain players in the local premier league are mounting a strong challenge for that slot and fingers-crossed, we may get a natural left-back soon.

Striking is also a headache. We rely heavily on the midfield for goals. Strikers usually don’t bang in much however Kevin-Prince Boateng (Portsmouth) would soon be given the okay to represent Ghana. And Mario Balottelli of Inter is being persuaded to feature for us. Now that would be some attack!

HTH: What do you know about Australian football and are there any players you think your team should keep an eye on?
GAS: Australian football has been introduced to us in the last few years with a few games we’ve played together recently: drew 1-1 in November 2006 and Australia beat Ghana 1-0 in May 2008. However you’ll agree that times have changed since then and June 2010 will be a different ball game.

HTH: How do you think your team will adapt to the conditions in South Africa where teams can expect high altitude,  differing weather conditions and those ubiquitous vuvuzelas that will be blasting for the whole game?
GAS: Ghana camped for two weeks in the north-eastern town of Nelspruit in South Africa to acclimatize with regional conditions before the Nations’ Cup. Our FA has also booked the place in advance for the World Cup so it should be a familiar place for most of the team – that is if the bulk of them are chosen from the team that went to Angola.

HTH: Australian fans have bought tickets in large numbers. What kind of support can your team expect in South Africa?(Ghana football fan in Germany 06 pic by Dario Sarmadi.)
GAS: We’ve got Supporters Unions that have been planning meticulously for the event. They went to the Nations’ Cup also to have a feel of the terrain. As to the ordinary man, South Africa 2010 has engendered many businesses here to spring up and travel packages are already available. Come the start of the World Cup, Ghana would have a good representation, no doubt especially as the country has a decent population in South Africa.

HTH: Are you happy with the coach and the way the team is playing leading in to the world cup and is there anything you would change?
GAS: Personally, except for one or two issues, the way he led the team to Angola pleased me. He played to our strengths and everyone agreed that the tactical discipline in this side was a new sight, to be honest. Let me say here, that the team that is playing now would not be the same as what will be seen this summer. Key players are injured and when they come, they’ll take their spots because we need the experience.

HTH: Tell us the player in your team that annoys you the most and why?
GAS: That should be Haminu Draman. He runs with the ball for miles and gives it away and his shooting is disastrous. Yet, he has proved very useful. You may see him in South Africa because though he blows hot and cold, he runs at defenders a lot and is able to create spaces for others.

HTH: The player you like the most?
GAS: Now that’s hard. I can’t say, though I can tell you I have a very high regard for Michael Essien and Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese) at the moment. Samuel Inkoom gets a mention and of course Anthony Annan and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu. Those last two are all Essien-lite!

HTH: Lastly please give me a prediction on how your team will progress and also who will be the winner and loser of the World Cup?
GAS: Let’s begin with winner: I’m seeing Brazil or Argentina. Ghana should go into the second round by the scruff of our neck and maybe then, the dream ends. Yet, I said the same thing before they went to Angola and see where they got to? The final! Maybe, a repeat is in order…you never know.

This Interview appeared in Half Time Heroes February

Half Time Heroes World Cup Interviews USA

Daniel Seco is editor in chief of: http://www.yanksarecoming.com           His cellphone once went off during a press conference with US coach Bob Bradley. Seco is still feeling the after effects of such jackleg-esque move. Reports remain unconfirmed if Bradley “wakes up in the morning feeling like P-Diddy.”


Half Time Heroes: Compared to some other groups you must have been happy with scoring Group C? You have the glamour game with England and you could say that Algeria and Slovenia are not really World Cup heavyweights are they? So what was you first reaction?
Daniel Seco: When I first found out that the US would be playing in Group C, my initial reactions were that of relief and optimism. We have a great first match against England and the other two teams are extremely beatable. While we might not win the group, I’d be surprised if the USMNT doesn’t advance to the next round.

HTH: What’s been the reaction by the management of the USA when they saw the draw? Save for England does your Coach Bob Bradley see your group C opponents as a threat?
DS: The words “cautiously optimistic” come to mind. Granted, what the team says to the media and what they really feel are two different things. I would surmise that my sentiments and theirs regarding the draw are probably pretty close.

HTH: Before the World Cup draw was made four years your then coach Bruce Arena said he thought that Australia would be one of the weakest teams, this caused Australian fans to get a bit agro. It ended up that the USA was knocked out of the group stage and the Socceroos made the round of 16. Care to make any such claims this time round?
DS: I’m not Bruce Arena as I generally have respect for all teams that have the wherewithal to actually make the field of 32. Simply put, best of luck to the Australian team.

HTH: The USA and Australia have many similarities when it comes to football. The first is a lot people in both countries love calling it Soccer (weeven have t-shirts that say It’s not Soccer Mate!). What’s your opinion on that? The second is that football/soccer is not the most popular sport in both countries. In Australia it faces radical opposition from so called local sports like AFL and the Rugby codes sometimes to the point of sabotage and getting into the mainstream media is a challenge. How is football in USA responding to challenge of your other big other sports?
DS: Soccer continues to grow in America. Hopefully Major League Soccer can continue to grow and become more commonplace in the everyday sports conversation. We’re still  a long way off, but soccer will become a major sport in America sooner rather than later.

HTH: It seems that the World Cup bid is shaping as a European tournament in 2018 and the 2022 tournament looks like a face-off between the USA, Australia, Japan and South Korea. How is your bid going? And how the hell will you guys me able to afford it, isn’t the country broke?
DS: I’d like to think we have a great shot to secure the bid for 2022. Just look back to 1994 – America hosted one of the most successful World Cups in history – even if the mascot was ridiculous. America is broke, but we’ll find a way; we always do.

HTH:  What is your honest assessment of the quality of the MLS on the field and off the field?
DS: The league is struggling a bit as the players and owners are trying to come to an agreement over contracts and free agency. I think the product on the field is adequate and should continue to get better. Will it ever become the EPL? Of course not, but it doesn’t need to be. The fans are good and continue to be supportive of their teams. You have to love what the supporters in Seattle and Philadelphia do for their respective teams.

HTH: David Beckham brought a lot of attention to US Soccer  on and off the field. One ofmy favourite moments was David Beckham trying to teach Snoop Dog’s kids to play fooball and then going out and eating some fried chicken after. Did the Beckham experiment work in your opinion?

DS: I always appreciated Beck’s style of play, but as one of my colleagues puts it: “He’s a philanthropist, socialite and sometime soccer player.”

HTH: Back to the World Cup, what are your teams main strengths?

DS: We have a great goalie, strong midfielders and a defense that continues to improve.

HTH: Any weaknesses that you see in the team? 

DS:An inability to score goals. I’d love to discover that Wayne Rooney is actually from Bergen County, New Jersey. Alas, he is not.

HTH: How do you think your team will adapt to the conditions in South Africa where teams can expect high altitude, differing weather conditions and those ubiquitous vuvuzelas that will be blasting for the whole game?

DS: The Yanks are a professional bunch. There’s no reason to believe it will affect them any more than any other team. We’ll be fine.

HTH: What kind of support can your team expect in South Africa?

DS: I imagine the U.S. will have a strong presence in South Africa. We’re sending two of our writers, but I won’t be making the trip. Hopefully we’ll have more supporters there.

HTH: Are you happy with the Coach and the way the team is playing leading in to the World Cup and is there anything you would change?

DS: I respect Coach Bradley a great deal and think he is the right man for the job. The team has dealt with injuries fairly well and seems to be in a great place to make a run come June.

HTH: Tell us the  player in your team that annoys you the most in team USA and why?

DS: Wow, great question. There are so many players to choose from: Dempsey, Landon, Junior Bradley. All of these guys can be great, but often disappear, disappoint or disgust me from time to time.

HTH: The player you like the most in team USA?

DS: Jozy Altidore, our young striker, has shown a lot for his 20 years of age. If the Yanks want to play well in South Africa, it relies on Altidore’s ability to score goals. 

HTH: Any good young players to watch out for?

DS: Besides Altidore, Junior Bradley is still pretty young and a major part of the team. Let’s just hope he doesn’t get a few silly red cards that have him on the bench early and often.

HTH: Lastly please give me a prediction on how your team will progress and also who will be the winner and loser of the World Cup?

DS: Spain takes it and England implodes early. As for the Yanks? I won’t say where they will end up in terms of a round, but they will surprise people with their play.

This interview first appeared in Half Time Heroes March

Half Time Heroes Interview World Cup Brazil

Duvel Pierre is a law student and resident of Kansas City, Missouri. His mother’s family is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He has been the writer for the Brazil World Cup Blog for over a year.  

Half Time Heroes: What was your first reaction upon hearing that Group G contained your country Brazil, surprise finalist North Korea, African heavy weights Ivory Coast and one of your fiercest football rivals Portugal? Portuguese midfielder Simao told FIFA .com recently that : “It’s the toughest group at the competition” Do you agree with him?
Duvel Pierre: Its a difficult group, no question about it. When it originally came out I thought it was the group of death. I worry a little more about the Ivory Coast than I do Portugal, who we crushed 6-2 in our last match against one another. However, Ivory Coast underachieved at the African Cup of Nations. They have star power in a few positions, but this is not a complete side.

So to answer your question, after thinking about this longer, I think Group D is the group of death. You have three nations who reached the Round of 16 in 2006, plus an extremely talented Serbian team.

HTH: What’s been the reaction by the management of the Brazilians? Does your Coach Dunga see your group G opponents as a threat?
DP: I think the overall attitude from Dunga and company is that the group is what it is. There wasn’t a panic, and he fully anticipates winning this group.


HTH: Everyone loves the Brazilians for their Joga bonito and all that but what about this team? Do they still have the same strengths that has characterized Brazilian football over the years?
PT: I think the team still plays with flair, but Dunga has certainly brought a more disciplined brand of football to the national team. One characteristic about this team versus the past, is that its world class at three of the defensive positions and keeper. Julio Cesar was arguably the top keeper in the world in 2009. Lucio is in top form, and was outstanding at the Confederations Cup. The other central defense spot is played by Juan, Thiago Silva, and Luisao, all excellent defenders. So this is certainly a newer strength for the national team.
One past strength that is probably lacking would be in the midfield. Brazil under Dunga relies on the counter attack and plays with two defensive midfielders, Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo. Kaka and Elano/Ramires make up the other two spots. Brazil basically plays a 4-3-1-2 with this lineup. As a result, the midfield is very dependent on the play of Kaka. Dunga’s tactics have made some matches a bit of a grind. It might not be as fun to watch at times, but this style has been successful in the modern World Cup.

HTH: Any weaknesses that you see in the team? Does stories like Robinho buying bags of condoms during the World Cup qualification series and partying with the boys after the game while his club team cannot find him, and tales of Ronaldinho’s partying worry you?  Can Dunga keep the teams discipline?
DP: I think Dunga can keep this team disciplined during the World Cup. We didn’t hear of any incidents when the team was in South Africa for the Confederations Cup. The CBF has picked a small town in Angola as their training site immediately before the tournament starts. I saw a picture of the hotel they will be staying at during that time period and it probably is the worst hotel anyone on the national team has stayed during their careers. In comparison, the team trained at posh spot in Switzerland in 2006.
The national team has been focused when it counts under Dunga. There was a big backlash against the partying after 2006. As a result, I think everyone will take a serious, business-like approach to this summer.

HTH: Speaking  of Ronaldinho he is in great form for AC Milan but Dunga does not appear to like him? Will he make the World Cup squad for South Africa?

DP: Dunga has obviously been asked this question a lot. He has been rather defensive when the question comes up. He has only given very general statements about Dinho not being in his plans right now. I think when all is said and done Dunga is going to have to pick him. The team currently is a Kaka injury from throwing in the towel for 2010. Even if Dinho is not in the starting XI, at his current form he is capable of replacing Kaka.

HTH: Brazil played Australia at the last World Cup and I’m sure some players from that group game still have the scars to prove it. What do you know about Australian football?

DP: I know that it is an improving brand year after year. Pim Verbeek has maintained the progress that was made under Guus Hiddink. I think there is quality in the midfield with Tim Cahill and the very underrated Mark Bresciano. If Australia makes it to the knockout stages again I would not be stunned.

HTH: How do you think your team will adapt to the conditions in South Africa where teams can expect high altitude, differing weather conditions and those ubiquitous vuvuzelas that will be blasting for the whole game?

PD: Well we obviously had the benefit of getting a taste of these conditions during the Confederations Cup. Additionally, during qualification, we have to go Quito and La Paz, two cities with insanely high altitudes. Its a challenge, no doubt about it. However, Brazil is probably more prepared to handle the conditions than any nation except South Africa clearly.

HTH: What kind of support can your team expect in South Africa?

PD: Brazil is the most popular national team in the world. I think in every match, except perhaps the Ivory Coast match, the crowd will be overwhelmingly supporting the team. 

HTH: Are you happy with the Coach and the way the team is playing leading in to the World Cup and is there anything you would change?

PD: Dunga has produced results, plain and simple. We won the Copa America, the Confederations Cup, and finished first in the daunting South American qualifiers We won in Argentina for the first time in a billion years. In 2009, the team was very consistent in their play. My problem with Dunga is the player selections more than anything else.

Julio Baptista is a good example of this. Here you have a player who never starts for his club team. Only really plays in the last couple minutes of Roma matches, if at all. I think he has scored once this year for Roma. However, he is selected over Diego and Ronaldinho. He is the guy that will be called upon to replace Kaka if he were injured, and you would be crazy to think he is capable at pulling that off.

At left back, Dunga has played musical chairs at this position. In the last two years we have seen Filipe, Marcelo, Juan, Kleber, Michel Bastos, Andre Santos, Gilberto, and Fabio Aurelio get called up to the national team to try and nail down this spot. Fabio Aurelio’s call-up was for the England friendly, but he had to pull out with injury. If you are uncertain about a position, I think it makes to most sense to pick our most experienced and consistent player in Fabio Aurelio, but for whatever reason Dunga is thinking of something else.

HTH: Tell us the player in your team that annoys you the most and why?

PD: Robinho. The guy shows up to play in the big games, however he is garbage at every other time. Nilmar has outplayed him on the national team for the past year in my opinion. His step over move is the worst kept secret in sports.

HTH: The player you like the most?

PD: Lucio. World class player. Absolutely consistent. Monster in the air, and makes a huge runs down the pitch. John Terry has nothing on Lucio.

HTH: Any good young players to watch out for?

HTH: Well Nilmar is still fairly young. I think he is a guy who could have a big tournament. Michel Bastos, who has been stellar at Lyon this year is another. I think he could be the starting left back this summer.

HTH: Lastly please give me a prediction on how your team will progress and also who will be the winner and loser of the World Cup?

DP: I think that Brazil will host the 2014 World Cup as the cup-holders. I think the Ivory Coast match will be difficult. However we know Lucio, as he did this week in the Champions League, will neutralize Drogba. I fully expect us to win all three group stage matches. In the final, I have gone back and forth on who will be the challenger. Spain is the attractive pick, but I don’t think they’ll get there. Like the 1994 World Cup I think we’ll face a tough Netherlands side in the quarters, and in a surprise, will play Italy in the final again.

This is interview appeared in Half Time Heroes March

Half Time Heroes World Cup Interviews Germany

JAN DALDRUP is the German blogger for the excellent World Cup web site http://www.worldcupblog.org/. The March issue of Half Time Heroes focuses on the World Cup favorites Germany Italy and Brazil as the count down to South Africa gets closer. http://germany.worldcupblog.org/



HALF TIME HEROES: After the World Cup draw was announced, some dubbed Group D containing the Socceroos, Germany, Serbia and Ghana has the third group of death. What was your first reaction when you saw the draw?

JAN DALDRUP: I thought that this is a group where Germany can’t afford a slow start into the tournament. Most parts of the team need to click straight away, otherwise Germany could be in for a rude awakening.

HTH: What’s been the reaction by the German management team, do they see the Socceroos as a threat?

JD: The management was relieved that some of the - on paper - big names were drawn into the other groups. But they were also careful to point out that Serbia, Ghana and Australia shouldn’t be underestimated. Australia wasn’t mentioned/singled out in particular though.

HTH: Who do you consider to be your key players and what are your teams main strengths?

JD: Michael Ballack has proven that he is still the one to pull the strings in the center of midfield. Young creative midfielders like Mesut Özil - or potentially Toni Kroos - will also be key to a good tournament for Germany.

A main strength of the team is an offense that can break most defenses both through the center or from the wings with a series of quick passing moves. You can check out the goals against Russia in both WC qualifiers as good examples. Otherwise the team has been a big work-in progress to really single out other qualities. I wouldn’t predict what other qualities the team can bring to the table in time for the tournament.

HTH: Any weaknesses that you care to quietly mention?  A dodgy keeper or a suspect defender perhaps?

JD: The fullback positions (minus Philipp Lahm) are still a weak spot. There are enough talented central defenders available, but Jogi Löw has struggled to build a strong defense with them nonetheless so far. 

There are still some question marks over who might partner up with Ballack in the center of midfield and a couple of strikers aren’t having the best of times at their clubs or are still coming back from long term injury.

HTH: What do you know about Australian football and are there any players you think your team should keep an eye on?

JD: I don’t follow the Australian league and I only kept an eye on the Asian World Cup qualifiers in terms of results. I haven’t seen Australia play 90 minutes of football since the last World Cup. In other words, I really don’t know a lot. I know that Australia has kept it Dutch in terms of coaching and I could name a few players. 

Though, I don’t follow any of the teams/leagues they play in to know whether they are in or out of form etc. In short, Australia will be a surprise package for me.

HTH: How do you think your team will adapt to the conditions in South Africa where teams can expect  high altitude,  differing weather conditions and those ubiquitous Vuvuzelas that will be blasting for the whole game?  

JD: I would be surprised if any of the things you mentioned really caused a problem. Wintry temperatures also won’t affect the team.

HTH: Australian fans have bought tickets in large numbers. What kind of support can your team expect in South Africa?

JD: Initially a rather lukewarm response had been reported, but it seems sales have picked up. I recently read an article that around 7,000 of 21,000 tickets available to German fans had already been sold.

HTH: Are you happy with the coach and the way the team is playing leading in to the world cup and is there anything you would change?

JD: No, I’m neither happy with the coach nor with the way the team is playing. Most of the games have been lacklustre and forgettable affairs, problems in the defense couldn’t be fixed, Jogi Löw’s man management kept being rather underwhelming etc. I have to arrange myself with Jogi Löw’s coaching and decision making, but I have hope that a very strong generation of young players can give a rather dead team the fresh impulses it needs for a successful World Cup.

HTH: Tell us the  player in your team that annoys you the most and why?

JD: Heiko Westermann. He is a cool guy and all, but he’s not one to anchor a defence and Jogi Löw for some reason seems to think otherwise.

HTH: The player you like the most?
JD: Miroslav Klose. An experienced, quiet, cool team player who doesn’t just boast an amazing goal record but also sets up almost as many goals for others.


HTH: Lastly please give me a prediction on how your team will progress and also who will be the winner and loser of the World Cup?

JD: I currently find it difficult to predict how Germany will do. With the team that made it through the qualifiers, Germany won’t achieve a lot. With a fresh and revamped side Germany could once again challenge for a top four finish.

 Well, Spain or Brazil is probably the easy answer for World Cup winner, and in reality it will probably be a surprise team like France.

This interview appeared in March half Time Heroes

Half Time Heroes World Cup Interviews Italy

Julian De Martinis is an avid Italy and Roma fan and one of two bloggers who writes for the Italy WorldCupBlog http://italy.worldcupblog.org/



HALF TIME HEROES: What was your first reaction upon hearing that  Group H contained your country Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia. Pretty easy hey?
Julian De Martinis: Considering the alternative draws that we could’ve had, I was pretty happy. Italy managed to avoid most of the big guns- France wasn’t placed into their group, and  both Brazil and Argentina were also avoided. That being said, this group does have quite a bit of quality running through it. Paraguay had a tremendous qualifying campaign, beating both Brazil and Argentina.

Italy fans know how good Marek Hamsik is, so his Slovakia team is no pushover either. But, all in all, about as good as it could’ve been. If any team made it as far as the group stage, it means they are pretty good at the least, so while I don’t think it’s a piece of cake I do think we avoided the Group of death for the first time in at least 2 tournaments.

HTH: What’s been the reaction by the management of the Italians? Does your Coach Marcelo Lippi see any of your group H opponents as a threat?
JDM: Lippi is always a tough character to read. He tends to do what he wants, and given his resume, I personally give him the benefit of the doubt. Many Italy fans think he’s stubborn and over-reliant on age to the detriment of incorporating youth, as the core of this Italy side is the same that won the World Cup four years ago.


Italy are notoriously slow starters at tournaments, and with the first game being against Paraguay- probably the toughest opponent in the group-I don’t think Lippi will under-estimate our opponents.
I think Lippi knows that you really can’t afford to underestimate anyone at the World Cup, so he’ll probably put out his strongest XI from the first game onward.

HTH: The Italians are the current wold champions but your team is getting older.  Your strength has always been your defense. Can the heroes of the last World Cup Cannavoro, Buffon, Matterazzi, Totti, Del Piero do the business again? Will they even make the squad?
JDM: Out of those five players, only two are certainties to make the squad- Buffon and captain Cannavaro. Materazzi is all but out of national consideration after the Euro debacle, and Del Piero seems to have been written off by Lippi. Totti is another case, but it depends on whether or not he returns from international retirement- if he does I fully expect a call up.

But either way, the heroes of the last World Cup almost have to be the heroes this time around because so many of the players are the same. Buffon is going to have to repeat his heroics and Pirlo will have to dictate the midfield tempo once again. Luckily, a few stars have broken out since, chief amongst them Giorgio Chiellini. But yes, I think that Lippi will probably stick with the same core so they’ll have to repeat that. Whether or not they can is another question, but Italy is tough to write off. Experience is very important, too.


HTH: Any potential weaknesses that you see in the team? 
JDM: Zambrotta and Grosso seem to be Lippi’s first choice wingbacks, but their defending is quite poor and leaves massive gaps at the back. The worst problem may be that we don’t really have a striker to build this team around. Toni and Gila never really cut it, but one of them will probably be a starter –if not both- come this summer. The lack of cutting edge up front is definitely going to be our biggest problem at the World Cup.

HTH: Italy famously knocked out Australia at the last World Cup with a disputed penalty decision. Was it a dive by Grosso? Reflecting back what did you think of the Australian team that day?
JDM: I’ve seen the replay quite a few times and I’m on the fence. Grosso definitely went looking for a penalty but from some angles it’s hard to tell. Without video replay, referee’s decisions have to be accepted and this is just part of the game.
That being said, Italy was down to 10 men for most of the match. Australia weren’t poor by any means but their inability to capitalize on it is what truly cost them that match- not the penalty.

HTH: How do you think your team will adapt to the conditions in South Africa where teams can expect high altitude, differing weather conditions and those ubiquitous Vuvuzelas that will be blasting for the whole game?
JDM: Honestly it will be tough for an aging squad to adapt. On the other hand, some of these players have a ton of experience playing in venues all over the world, so I expect that adapting is second nature to them. Lippi needs to get the team there early enough so their bodies can become used to the conditions, but I don’t really see this being a factor in how the Cup goes. It’s going to affect everyone equally, except the African teams, so it’s not an excuse for a poor performance.

HTH: Are you happy with the Coach and the way the team is playing leading in to the World Cup and is there anything you would change?

JDM: I trust Lippi because his football knowledge is a million times what mine is. I don’t think his tactics are bad at all, but I do think he places far too much trust in aging players. I would give youth a run out, especially in defence. Santon and Motta should get a shout, as well as Balzaretti and Cassani of Palermo. It’s really too late to change the team now and throw on newcomers right in the middle of the world’s biggest competition without any experience.

HTH: Tell us the  player in your team that annoys you the most and why?
JDM: On the national team it’s Di Natale. He’s a fantastic club player but he’s shined very few times for the Azzurri and almost never in the games that truly count. I just think he’s too old to be on the team and epitomizes Lippi’s trust in age over youth.

HTH: The player you like the most?
JDM: Has to be Pirlo. He’s the Xavi to the Azzurri, the gears that turn the clock of the midfield. Without him we often look static and lost. Always raises his game when we really need it and his vision is superb. Might be getting on in age but in his position it’s rarely a problem- just don’t ask him to defend.

HTH: Any good young Italian players to watch out for?
JDM: Bucketfuls. Giovinco, De Ceglie, Candreva, Balotelli, Santon, Motta, Pazzini, Rossi, Bonnuci, Ranocchia… if Italy don’t do well this World Cup, the next world cup could be a real chance to win. The entire defence will likely be overhauled and it seems like another golden generation of defenders is just waiting to shine.

HTH: Lastly please give me a prediction on how your team will progress and also who will be the winner and loser of the World Cup?
JDM: I hate these things because I’m superstitious, but I think we have a shot of winning it again. That being said, the final will be someone vs Argentina (yes) with Maradona writing the fairytale of a lifetime.

Interview was first published in March Half Time Heroes

Sally Shippard Half Time Heroes Interview

THE Matilda’s Sally Shipard
Takes the Road less Travelled


Matilda’s star Sally Shippard is a perfect representation of that famous Robert Frost poem The Road Not Taken. Leaving her spot in the Matildas, Sally took a break not long after playing in World Cup and went overseas to travel. Half Time Heroes will be hearing from Sally as she will be HTH’s embedded reporter as the Matildas attempt to qualify for the Women World Cup in Germany 2011.

Half Time Heroes: So Sally you left the Matilda’s at age 20/21 to do what a lot of young Australia’s do and that is go and spend time travelling overseas. That was almost straight after the amazing World Cup experience where the Matildas made history by making the next round and then were narrowly defeated by Brazil in an amazing game . The whole country was behind you at the time, a documentary was made. It seemed that everything was going to plan; why the decision to take a break then?
Sally Shippard: All that aside I needed my break. I had always said to myself if I wasn’t enjoying football and life with football then I would step away. I was happy with the teams progress and obviously thrilled with the world cup efforts and direction womens football was taking. But it wasn’t enough to keep me here training once if not twice a day...I lost the passion for it I suppose...I was no longer that little girl who I remember so fondly ‘falling in love with the game’... I was unhappy and unhealthy.

HTH: I read that during your travels you spent time in Spain and you were contracted to a Futsal team in Barcelona and like a lot of young Aussie footballers you had some drama’s, care to elaborate on your experience over there?
SS: Spain was incredible and yes...I had some trouble with the club ‘releasing’ me upon my return. I had intentions to play over there...I could feel the passion building again...who wouldn’t be influenced by the football culture in Barcelona of all places... in turn I didn’t want to be away from Australia for another eight months...having already back-packed for eight months...there were ‘verbal’ agreements for the contract made, however no contract was signed. They took the case to one of the head judges at FIFA, his ruling was that there was NO contract.

Too late though as I’d already missed out on playing with Canberra United...trained with them week in week out anticipating I’d be cleared. But never was. That was certainly a testingfew months. Certainly stronger for it...the body had a good few months to train so looking back as frustrating as it was... It was good in relation to my body considering I hadn’t kicked a ball for so long.


HTH: How does it feel to be back training/playing with the Matildas again? Like a family reunion of sorts?
SS: It feels unusual...I know I have experienced it all before...but for some reason this time if feels much more raw...I’m much healthier, older and have acquired a greater balance with my life...I love being back in the environment of the national team...and it is a very exciting time for football in Australia. Only in sport have I ever felt such a natural high after a big win or a hard session. Nothing beats it.

HTH: Tell us your thoughts on the W League and what do you think of the quality?
SS: Having spectated the previous 2 years of the w-league...apart from my levels of frustration last year, I have enjoyed myself immensely. Obviously with the league being so fresh, the first couple of years will provide a foundation for us all to build on. Our girls who play overseas have managed to convince several internationals strengthening the league. The younger girls coming through the ranks are fast, skillful and good to watch. Small steps, but I can see it being mostly successful. We must be successful at the international level for it to continue to blossom. And for that to happen we need a strong competitive league...so it all goes hand in hand really.

HTH: The National Team has some crucial qualfying games coming up in Asia. The Matilda’s recent two game series where you drew one game and won the other in a recent series against North Korea must give the team confidence for the upcoming matches?
SS: We have a tough group this May in China. It sounds quite silly but in a month and a half our fate for the World Cup next year will be decided. We have qualified before - so for us ‘older’ players we know the feeling...we are training well at the moment and obviously our strong performances over the past 2 months have boosted our confidence. A lot of hard work to do in the meantime, but I can’t see why we won’t be playing in Germany next year at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Interview First Published in Half Time Heroes March

Raul Blanco Half Time Heroes Interview

Raul Blanco is an ex -Socceroos coach and has coached many Australian  youth teams including the Olympic side at the Sydney 2000 Olympics . He was assistant with Terry Venables on that fateful night in 1997 in what will always be remembered as the "Iran Game". Raul is on his way the World Cup in South Africa as assistant coach to the All Whites.


Half Time Heroes: You must be buzzing about going to the World Cup even if it is with your second adopted country for now New Zealand.
Raul Blanco: I have previously tried with the National Team of our country (Australia), we didn’t achieve the dream (‘93 against Argentina, assistant to Eddie Thomson, ‘97 Iran  as assistant coach to Terry  Venables) and when it didn’t look like there was going to be another opportunity this invitation came and obviously I’m so thrilled to be part of it.


HTH: Have you been to a Wold Cup before as a spectator?
RB: No I haven’t. I have been to the Olympic Games and everywhere but not to a World Cup either as a spectator or a coach, imagine how thrilled how I am!

HTH: Will getting to the World Cup with New Zealand be the highlight of your coaching career in terms of success?
RB: My role here with the national team of New Zealand is not the role that I had with the national teams of Australia. I was the man in charge; here my role is as an advisor to Ricky Herbert and the team. It’s a bit of a difference but nevertheless anybody who loves the game would love to go to a World Cup in any capacity. To be part of this New Zealand team is a great honour and a dream.

HTH: What’s been the difference between working with the Australian and New Zealanders? 

RB: I don’t see any great deal of differences. As you know for the last 42 years New Zealand has been the great opponents of Australia. 

They are the ones we love to beat and vice versa they love to beat us, it’s an incredible rivalry between the two countries. I’m sitting on this side of the fence to compete against them. 

Suddenly I became part of it. I’ve been to NZ many, many times, now that I am working with them I found them very, very similar in many different ways. I see many similarities with the way they approach things in everything really. I will be lying if I said I see a big difference between them and us.

HTH: Tell us about the fan reaction when NZ won?

RB: The biggest surprise for me was the reaction of the public. As I said before I’ve been many times to NZ but never experienced what I experienced this time. Obviously after 28 years wait the possibility of going to World Cup is a big occasion, but nevertheless, I’m used to a bit more control type of crowd, but this one was absolutely incredible, not only the 37,000 people who packed the stadium, the way they dressed,  the way they sing, they way they welcomed the 82 world cup squad during the parade before the games They gave them a standing ovation for a very long time, it was really an emotional scene, it doesn’t matter where you come from, when you see that reaction from  the public, that incredible support they were offering the national team it was wonderful to see; really a big experience. 

The game finished and some of the players asked to go through the heart of the city, you can go by right by the water through the heart of the city on the way to the hotel. The people were absolutely crazy, not only were they celebrating when they realised the bus was there, everybody came out of parks, pubs and restaurants, it took us 2/ 3 hours to travel 5 kms and not even that. The following day I was not there because I returned home but I was told there was a quarter of a million people to see the team paraded around the city centre, it is just an unbelievable response. I don’t know if the same reaction would have happened in Auckland but the Wellington people were absolutely phenomenal.

HTH: NZ has drawn Slovakia Paraguay and Italy.  Can you pull a surprise against any of those teams?

RB: I think you can, of course! Why shouldn’t you go to a World Cup thinking that you can? We achieved the dream to get there now the next step is to see if all the planning and preparation that  we are going to have, can help us get a step further. I think when you talk about Italy they are a world power, Paraguay are one of the best South American teams and Slovakia is a good team in Europe. I think the possibilities are there. We should be positive when you qualify to be amongst the best 32 teams in the world I think your chances are as good as anybody else. 

Obviously we have the respect of those who are the world powers of the game and Italy can be and should be considered one of the world powers of the game. Paraguay and Slovakia I think we have the possibility to do a good job against them and I think we should be positively thinking that it can be achieved.

HTH: In the Europa league Cannavaro had a shocker gave away a penalty and got sent off  as Juventus got knocked out by Mark Schwarzer’s Fulham. Italy always starts slow, that could be to your advantage.

RB: That is true. That is something you keep in mind, I don’t remember a World Cup where Italy starts well. But at the same time, saying that, they are still a world power, they still have phenomenal players; they are team that can go all the way. Today more or less the world is not thinking of Italy as much as before and I must say their football is not what it used to be either, all in all they are too powerful, there is no question in my mind, I agree with you that normally they don’t start well and I hope they continue with the same habit.

HTH: The first game that NZ plays at the WC is against Slovakia and it will be crucial? 

RB: Winning the first game will give you an incredible confidence to continue on in your search to go into the second round and obviously Slovakia is a team that I think you can do the job against them with all the respect we should have and I think it can be done.  

With the first game at the WC it’s a very, very important one, much more to NZ. The team is growing up,  the confidence is obviously getting better and better not only the success with the National team but the Wellington Phoenix doing as well as they did you can see and you can sense that the belief is much better than a year ago. I think this game is a very vital game because if they do win their chances will increase in a big way.

HTH: You must be happy that Wellington Phoenix succes in the A League this year? Players like Leo Bertos, Tim Brown and Tony Lochead have been in good form for Wellington.

RB:  We have a lot of players there I think there is five or six altogether, obviously you have to have a lot of admiration for the job that the coach Ricky Herbert has been doing. He is a very intelligent and good coach too in my eyes, he’s been in charge of the NT for four or five years, he’s been in charge of Wellington since they started in The A- League and the consistency the National Team shows, and  the way Wellington is playing I think it speaks very highly, everything is coming into place at exactly the right time and as I said, to have the team going to the WC and Phoenix doing as well as they did, I think it speaks very highly of Ricky  obviously because he has been behind everything.

HTH: Will you have divided loyalties when you play Australia at the MCG or will it be Kiwi’s all the way?

RB:  Look, as you know I am Argentinean born and I was in an elimination (game) for the World Cup against Argentina when Maradona and the rest came to play. I was assistant coach to Eddie Thomson at that time and  I had lived in Argentina 25 years, that’s like your Mum and I love this country, I mean this is the woman of my life. My mother plays against the woman of my life and now when I think,  well I was in a tough situation.  But obviously I  love the country so much and when you are on the bench and working with people there is  no way in the world where you think it’s not divided, only for that occasion for 90 mins I will just have to make sure that I won’t be . It is human nature, it is impossible to sit on that bench with friends, people I have been working with, players that I worked with and think that anything else can go through my mind. I think when you sit with one colour that’s the colour you defend and you have to accept that’s professional football. Hiddink and some other coaches move around the world and coach  other teams and that’s how it is, and you just do the best you can for the people you are working with. It is an obvious answer really.

HTH: So do you know any words to the NZ National anthem?  

RB: No. When things like this happen you have to be respectful and just be quiet and be mute for the occasion. I’ve been there for not long so give me a bit of time too. Truthfully I don’t know the national anthem.

Coaching the Socceroos

HTH: You were assistant coach to Terry Venables against Iran back in ‘97 when Australia ended up drawing after leading 2-0 and Iran ended up going to France ‘98. Les Murray has said, “coaches of lesser international standard like Frank Arok or Edie Thomson would not have lost that tie with such a lead”.  Do you agree with him?

RB: No, no I don’t.  Of course not.

HTH: Can you tell me why?

RB:  I can tell you a thousand games by great teams or better teams where results have been reversed. I have to respect Les’s opinion, but that is not the one I have. Those things can happen, it did happen  and  it happens to great teams in the world.  

HTH: You spent many years  coaching in Australia’s youth teams  Olympic Teams and National Teams, you must feel some pride in the achievement of the current Socceroos?

RB: Yes of course, the last WC there were nearly 20 players from the final squad that I was associated with.  In the beginning of their careers, they continued on some of them from under 17, under 20’s into the Olympic and senior teams. At that time when we started with all of them, they were young kids chasing their dreams, good footballers but yet to develop as great footballers, and to see how far they went in their careers and see the success they have in Europe and with the national team it gives you an incredible feeling because obviously we have been together for many, many years and to see them succeed in what they love to do it is a proud moment in many different ways.

HTH: Can you give me an insight into why this group of players have achieved so much, and what did you see in these players when you first coached them?

RB: The first thing they had was the skills and the technique and everything which was needed to go further and they had an incredible willingness to make it happen. And when you have technique and are prepared to listen to advice, and when you have the willingness that they had to go further in the game I think that is what the secret is really.  And it is no secret, it’s just that you have to have ingredients, the desire and that incredible commitment to be the person you want to become and they did. Obviously it’s full credit to them because some of them left home and moved quite early away from home to be in an environment which was new to them and they had to prove a point and they all did.  I’m proud and the country should be very proud, it looks easy now when you look at what they already achieved.

HTH:  How do you think this Socceroos side will go at the World Cup ? Your honest assessment of our chances.

RB:  I think they can do easily as well, I think it’s  bit of a tougher group, we said this before some of the players  are no longer with the national team.  I don’t know if we have the same qualities. I mean a Mark Viduka obviously or a Kevin Muscat, Paul Okon Ned Zelic and all those, which are not easy to replace, I mean they were exceptionally talented players. I think the qualities of the team are there, I think Australia is a very difficult team to lose games because they are set in a way were they don’t give you too much.  And I think obviously the first game against Germany will again be crucial to our chances. And do I think they can do it to the second round? Yes, I think they can.

The State of Coaching in Australia

HTH:  A lot of talk around Australian football is that we are not producing the players of the ilk of your Viduka's, Emerton's, Cahill's and Kewell's. Has the environment that these players came through changed so much  in the last decade or more , that these types of players are not being produced anymore? 

RB: If you look at what happened with Viduka, Kewell, Grella, Brescia no Moore, Lazaridis, Aloisi whoever, Ned Zelic, Paul Okon, Bosnich, Kalac, Schwarzer and so on and on, if you look at what they did have at that time and what they have today I think it’s changed in quite a big way; the possibilities. 

At that time we had the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra which was maybe the only place at that time where special players could go into. People keep on analysing what the reasons are but nobody seems to come up with an answer. I’m thinking at that time a lot of players came through and they become who they are and they were very good players with less possibilities, regarding training facilities and so and on. They did it a very tough way.  Today we are living in a much better world. There are academies everywhere, but something is wrong, we are not teaching the players the right way.  

If you look to now, we are going to lose some of the players that are going to compete at this World Cup, some of them because of their age obviously and we have to start to bring some new players into it.  Truthfully I don’t see right now that we have the quality of the players to replace the players that are going to stop playing. I think we already suffered after the last World Cup.  All in all the development is not what it used to be. Somebody somewhere failed to do the job properly because I don’t think the technique that we are supposed to have is not near what it used to be.

HTH: Surely the different coaches across the states that were influential in teaching your Viduka's, Grella's, Kewell's and Emerton's have not all disappeared?

RB: It’s quite a long time ago. A lot of people who were working at that time that are not working any longer; for whatever reasons. I think it’s wrong for you to say it’s the same people in the same places. The guy who taught Mark Viduka at the Melbourne Knights when he was  13,14 15  do you know where he is? Do you know where he is coaching? You don’t do you?

HTH: I wouldn’t have a clue.

RB: Do you know who coached Grella and Bresciano at Bulleen under 13, 14, 15’s? You don’t do you?

HTH: No I don’t, but that is why I’m asking you.

RB: That is not the assumption.  The answer is we produced a lot of good, good players, very good players that went around the world and become who they are today. Today we are not doing this the same way, the quality is not what it’s supposed to be and the questions have to be asked. I’ve been involved in youth but I think something is not well, we have to re-think carefully and come up with a solution, and I think the quality is not what it is supposed to be.

HTH: Well going on from that, don’t you think the coaches that coached the players you mentioned before should have been coaching the next group of players that were coming through?

RB: I keep saying to you I don’t know if the coaches that were coaching the players are still around in the same place I don’t know if they have same facilities. The coaching is changing,  I think coaches in the past where more concerned about keeping the players technique, making sure they knew how to play the game properly. Today sometimes we become too sophisticated for our own good and we talk about a lot of things which people cannot do. 

It’s easy to talk about a lot of things and this is what you should do and so and, we are forgetting that without technique there are no players and I think if we don’t really believe that technique is the answer to the rest of the things which will cover the life of a footballer then we are on the wrong track. I don’t think the technique is as good as what it could be. Something is wrong somewhere. I can’t say to you that’s what is wrong. I just think it’s not coming, it’s not happening, we have not been successful in youth level we have not been successful in many different ways.  

The people who are running the game, they are the ones you should question and ask them why? They are the ones who have to give us the answer. I’m like you are, I’m in the same place you are. I think we should be asking questions like: “What happened?”. 

The people that are running the game, it seems that they are not answerable to anything, but they have to because it is a substantial difference to what it was and what it is (now).

HTH: People who have followed the game in Australia for a while can see and spot the difference in quality compared to the players coming through and the older players. Your thoughts?

RB: The game has changed around the world too, so be careful.  It’s not what it used to be either. The years you are talking about (were where) good football, intelligent football, good technique was a great priority. Today we keep thinking if you jump higher and if you run 100 metres in 11 or 12 sec and other things which are not really related to good football are becoming priorities. Other people outside the game are becoming influential, telling people how training should be done, and we are forgetting at that time one or two guys were doing everything. 

Today we have eight or nine people, all influential, all shouting something needs to be done this way or that way. People who have not been in the game, people who don’t know the game are talking about things which maybe I think their priorities are wrong. I work for a club and I’m a technical director so I see things. The reason I think we are not improving with the youth is I think we are not teaching the kids the right way. First of all the skill is the only answer to it.  

When you bring somebody who wants to play the game and he comes with the skills then you can prepare him for bigger and better things. I know people who are doing best exercises for fitness or things that which are  not connected to the game with young players You let one year go by and two years and three years and then you miss two or three years of your development which are vital to increase and to improve the technique and the skills that are required to become a good soccer player and then it becomes tougher and tougher. 

The coaching today is restrictive in a sense, especially with the young players, because everyone thinks it’s about winning and winning is the answer, only for your own satisfaction. Because the guy coaching under 14/ 15s walks through the ground thinking well I’m a champion; well really you are not. You are there to prepare players to make sure they learn to play the game in a better way so the  technique is better, skills are better, the understanding of the game is better and so and on. 

When you start to get results-orientated, you miss what education is. I’m thinking well if you get the young kids very early and let me tell you that I think there is talent in this country to develop players  just as good as there was before too. There is no lack of talent. I think its wrong teaching, that’s what it is.

HTH: Thanks very much Raul for speaking to Half Time Heroes.

RB: All the best. It was my pleasure.

Interview was first published in March Half Time Heroes

Half Time Heroes, March 2010

Sydney FC Melbourne Victory Semifinal podcast

Here is podcast I recored at the Sydney FC Melbourne Victory 2nd leg Semifinal.

It features Sydney Fan Dave Anderson and myself Con Stamocostas as well as the sounds of the Cove and the reaction to all the goals. Feel the passion of Australian Football.

If you are a Sydney Fan I don't recommend going past the 23 minute mark as that is when the heartbreak happens. But before the heartbreak it's all fun before that.

http://ia311518.us.archive.org/2/items/SydneyFcMelbourneVictorySecondSemiFinalPodcast2010/SydneyFc-melbourneVictorySecondSemi.mp3

Also here is a video I made (very amateur) during the Sydney FC Melbourne Victory final round game where Sydney beat the Victory 2-0 on Valentines Day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSWwueDT4Gc&feature=player_embedded

Last Sydney FC Blog Ever

link to 442

After 50 or so blogs this will be my last every Sydney FC blog. Thanks to all who have read my blogs and for those who left comments as well, even the nasty ones, especially the nasty ones.

Instead of a normal blog I leave you with a podcast I recorded during Sydney FC's 2 nil win over Melbourne Victory. It was the historical Valentine's Day game that clinched the Sky Blues first ever Premiership.

Featuring myself and Sydney fan Dave Anderson it also features the sounds of the Cove. Not to be missed is the fart in the Cove, the Kevin Muscat you're a wanker chant and me missing Aloisi's goal because I stupidly lined up for a beer after the Half Time interval.

http://ia360933.us.archive.org/2/items/HalfTimeHeroesSydneyFcMelbourneVictory140210Podcast_824/Sydney-melbourneVictoryTheFinalPodcast.mp3

Thanks to all the other bloggers and Kevin Airs who gave me this wonderful opportunity.

I'll still be around, you can catch me here @ Half Time Heroes.

http://halftimeheroes.com.au/

The February edition is out with an exclusive interview with comedy legend Santo Cilauro. The only person in Australia who's been able to speak to Mark Viduka about Football.

Cheers and Good Luck on March 7, Sydney!

Con Stamocostas