Harry Kewell and Josh Kennedy have both scored in Australia's win against The Netherlands in Eindhoven this morning (Australian time).
In front of a crowd of over 22,000, the Dutch took an early lead with Klaas Jan Huntelaar finding the back of the net in the sixth minute. It wasn't until the 42nd minute when Harry Kewell evened the score with a penalty following the Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenberg receiving a red card for a foul on Josh Kennedy.
Kennedy put the Aussies in front with a header in the 76th minute.
Whilst pleased with the result against the world's 4th ranked Football nation, Socceroos' coach Pim Verbeek is focused on Australia's upcoming AFC World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan on Wednesday night.
MATCH DETAILS
Netherlands,1 (Klaas Jan Huntelaar 6') - Australia, 2 (Harry Kewell 42' pen, Josh Kennedy 76')
Saturday 6 September 2008
Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Referee: Mr Martin Atkinson (England)
Assistant Referees: Mr Philip Sharp (England) & Mr Muhammed Matadar (England)
Fourth Official: Mr Tom van Sichem ( Netherlands)
Netherlands line-up: 1.Maarten Stekelenberg (gk), 2. John Heitinga, 3. Andre Ooijer, 4.Joris Mathijsen, 5.Giovanni van Bronckhorst (c), 6. Mark van Bommel, 7.Robin van Persie, 8.Nigel de Jong, 9.Klaas Jan Huntelaar (16. Henk Timmer 42'), 10.Rafael van der Vaart (17. Ibrahim Afellay 70'), 11.Ryan Babel (18. Jan Vennegor of Hesselink 83')
Australia line-up: 1.Mark Schwarzer (gk), 2.Lucas Neill (c), 5.Jason Culina (17. Jacob Burns 78'), 7.Brett Emerton (23. Mark Bresciano 46'), 8.Luke Wilkshire, 9.Joshua Kennedy (20. Richard Garcia 78') ,10.Harry Kewell (21. Mile Sterjovski 46'), 11.David Carney, 13.Chris Coyne (6. Michael Beauchamp 70'), 14.Carl Valeri, 16.Brett Holman (15. Bruce Djite 70')
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
58th FIFA Congress.
The 58th FIFA Congress has kicked off in Sydney tonight with a lavish ceremony at the Sydney Opera House.
Representatives from 208 National Football Associations as well as the six Continental Confederations attended the Opening Ceremony along with other dignitaries including the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Kevin Rudd.
FIFA President, Mr Joseph Blatter opened the proceedings by announcing that the Iraqi Football Association ban had been provisionally lifted meaning that the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Australia in Brisbane next week can go ahead. This announcement was met with applause throughout the auditorium.
Mr Blatter also touched on one of the major topics for the Congress tomorrow. Plans have been tabled to limit the number of international players in National Football Associations ensuring that fans get to see their own national players in local leagues.
Mr Rudd opened his address to the congregation by acknowledging the traditional Aboriginal landowners, as well as the Peoples of Burma and China who have recently suffered natural disasters. He continued by mentioning the fact that Australia’s “extraordinary cultural diversity…” was a perfect fit for the “most global sport of all” and that Australia’s population could almost host its own World Cup. Mr. Rudd committed the Federal Government’s full support for Australia’s bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.
Prior to leaving the stage, Mr Rudd was presented a FIFA Medallion from President Blatter.
Football federation Australia’s President, Mr Frank Lowy praised the Prime Minister for exceeding his re-election commitment to doubling the national funding for football in Australia. He mentioned that hosting the FIFA Congress coincided with a resurgence of football in Australia and expressed his desire to bring Australia into the mainstream football community.
The 58th FIFA Congress continues in Sydney tomorrow.
Representatives from 208 National Football Associations as well as the six Continental Confederations attended the Opening Ceremony along with other dignitaries including the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Kevin Rudd.
FIFA President, Mr Joseph Blatter opened the proceedings by announcing that the Iraqi Football Association ban had been provisionally lifted meaning that the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Australia in Brisbane next week can go ahead. This announcement was met with applause throughout the auditorium.
Mr Blatter also touched on one of the major topics for the Congress tomorrow. Plans have been tabled to limit the number of international players in National Football Associations ensuring that fans get to see their own national players in local leagues.
Mr Rudd opened his address to the congregation by acknowledging the traditional Aboriginal landowners, as well as the Peoples of Burma and China who have recently suffered natural disasters. He continued by mentioning the fact that Australia’s “extraordinary cultural diversity…” was a perfect fit for the “most global sport of all” and that Australia’s population could almost host its own World Cup. Mr. Rudd committed the Federal Government’s full support for Australia’s bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.
Prior to leaving the stage, Mr Rudd was presented a FIFA Medallion from President Blatter.
Football federation Australia’s President, Mr Frank Lowy praised the Prime Minister for exceeding his re-election commitment to doubling the national funding for football in Australia. He mentioned that hosting the FIFA Congress coincided with a resurgence of football in Australia and expressed his desire to bring Australia into the mainstream football community.
The 58th FIFA Congress continues in Sydney tomorrow.
FIFA Lifts Iraq Suspension
The FIFA Emergency Committee has today, Thursday, 29 May 2008, decided to provisionally and conditionally lift the suspension imposed on the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) on 26 May due to serious governmental interference after decree no. 184/2008 of 20 May had dissolved the governing bodies of the Iraqi National Olympic Committee (NOC) and all national sports federations, including the IFA, and set up an “interim committee” presided over by the Minister of Sport.
Since then, the situation has changed. Yesterday, 28 May 2008, FIFA received a letter from the General Secretariat for the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Iraq, confirming that the IFA had been “excluded” from the above-mentioned decree, thereby re-establishing the statutory order of the Iraqi association and its leaders, who will “continue their activities inside and outside Iraq till legal election [within the IFA]”.
This letter is a positive step, however it does not fully answer all of FIFA’s concerns about the governmental attempts to control the Iraqi federations and the Iraqi National Olympic Committee.
Therefore, FIFA has decided to lift the suspension imposed on the IFA, but on a purely provisional and conditional basis. This means that FIFA:
- may re-impose the suspension immediately if article 17 of the FIFA Statutes is violated again;
- will invite a delegation consisting of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the IFA and representatives of the Iraqi government to Zurich as soon as possible to clarify all outstanding issues;
- will continue to coordinate the steps it has taken with regard to the IFA, a body that is an important member of the Iraqi National Olympic Committee, with the efforts taken by the IOC to ensure that the Olympic Charter is applied to the entire Iraqi Olympic and sporting movement.
Since then, the situation has changed. Yesterday, 28 May 2008, FIFA received a letter from the General Secretariat for the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Iraq, confirming that the IFA had been “excluded” from the above-mentioned decree, thereby re-establishing the statutory order of the Iraqi association and its leaders, who will “continue their activities inside and outside Iraq till legal election [within the IFA]”.
This letter is a positive step, however it does not fully answer all of FIFA’s concerns about the governmental attempts to control the Iraqi federations and the Iraqi National Olympic Committee.
Therefore, FIFA has decided to lift the suspension imposed on the IFA, but on a purely provisional and conditional basis. This means that FIFA:
- may re-impose the suspension immediately if article 17 of the FIFA Statutes is violated again;
- will invite a delegation consisting of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the IFA and representatives of the Iraqi government to Zurich as soon as possible to clarify all outstanding issues;
- will continue to coordinate the steps it has taken with regard to the IFA, a body that is an important member of the Iraqi National Olympic Committee, with the efforts taken by the IOC to ensure that the Olympic Charter is applied to the entire Iraqi Olympic and sporting movement.
Sydney Welcomes FIFA
Following a number of preliminary meetings, the FIFA Congress officially commences in Sydney, Australia tonight.
The 58th FIFA Congress will kick off with an opening ceremony at the Sydney Opera House to be attended by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and international delegates from FIFA’s 208 member federations.
"This is a chance to meet all the FIFA members in our own backyard," Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, said.
During the official two day conference delegates will consider a number of changes to regulations including the introduction of a ‘6+5’ rule aimed at ensuring all domestic leagues have a minimum of six players eligible for the national team of the country of the league.
The Opening Ceremony will be a blend of vision packages and live performances promoting FIFA’s three pillars: ‘Develop the Game’, ‘Touch the World’ and ‘Build a Better Future’.
A purpose built stage including a 16.5 x 3.5m LED screen is one of the largest sets to have been used in the Concert Hall and has taken three days to construct.
Buckley is confident FIFA will enjoy the opportunity to experience Australian hospitality and see the growing enthusiasm for football in Australia first hand.
"Hopefully, they will walk away from the Congress with a positive feeling about Sydney and Australia and where the game has got to over the past few years – as well as where the game is going.”
The 58th FIFA Congress will kick off with an opening ceremony at the Sydney Opera House to be attended by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and international delegates from FIFA’s 208 member federations.
"This is a chance to meet all the FIFA members in our own backyard," Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, said.
During the official two day conference delegates will consider a number of changes to regulations including the introduction of a ‘6+5’ rule aimed at ensuring all domestic leagues have a minimum of six players eligible for the national team of the country of the league.
The Opening Ceremony will be a blend of vision packages and live performances promoting FIFA’s three pillars: ‘Develop the Game’, ‘Touch the World’ and ‘Build a Better Future’.
A purpose built stage including a 16.5 x 3.5m LED screen is one of the largest sets to have been used in the Concert Hall and has taken three days to construct.
Buckley is confident FIFA will enjoy the opportunity to experience Australian hospitality and see the growing enthusiasm for football in Australia first hand.
"Hopefully, they will walk away from the Congress with a positive feeling about Sydney and Australia and where the game has got to over the past few years – as well as where the game is going.”
Monday, May 26, 2008
Iraq FA Suspended by FIFA
The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) has today been suspended by the FIFA executive committee during the first day of their meeting in Sydney.
The decision follows the Iraqi governmental decree passed on 20 May which dissolved the Iraqi National Olympic Committee and all national sport federations, including the IFA.
The FIFA Executive Committee also decided that in accordance with art. 14, par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes, the case of the Iraqi Football Association would be presented to the FIFA Congress on 30 May for suspension until the FIFA Congress in 2009, namely one year.
However, the suspension decided upon today may be lifted if FIFA receives by 29 May, midnight (Sydney time), 16.00h CET, written confirmation from the Iraqi government that the decree has been annulled.
The decision follows the Iraqi governmental decree passed on 20 May which dissolved the Iraqi National Olympic Committee and all national sport federations, including the IFA.
The FIFA Executive Committee also decided that in accordance with art. 14, par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes, the case of the Iraqi Football Association would be presented to the FIFA Congress on 30 May for suspension until the FIFA Congress in 2009, namely one year.
However, the suspension decided upon today may be lifted if FIFA receives by 29 May, midnight (Sydney time), 16.00h CET, written confirmation from the Iraqi government that the decree has been annulled.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
IOC Torch Relay
The IOC has announced that it is considering abandoning the international legs of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Torch Relay as a response to the escalating protests following the torch en route. In particular, those in London and Paris have drawn significant attention as have the more recent events in the United States.
Protestors claim that their actions are in relation to Chinese human rights policies and their treatment of the people of Tibet. What about the human rights of the torchbearers? Why is it acceptable for these people to be subjected to violence during one of the highlights of their life?
Where have these professional protesters been since Beijing was named host? If they truly stood by their claims, we would have been hearing them for several years now. My guess is that most have just moved on from their last protesting job (World Economic Forum perhaps?). Here’s a suggestion- If you really must protest something Olympic, how about the London 2012 logo? It is truly an affront to humanity!
Put your hand up if you live in a country without at least one skeleton in the closet. Australia hosted arguably the most successful Olympic Games in Sydney, 2000 however it cannot claim to be innocent following the treatment of its Aboriginal communities (something for which the Federal Government has only recently apologised). The UK (London 2012) was responsible for the abhorrent treatment of its own children during the 1950’s as they were shipped out to populate the Commonwealth and France blows up the Pacific with it's nuclear tests. The United States, being the most powerful and influential Olympic nation seems hell bent on imposing its own values across the globe (and lets not even mention slavery). The list goes on. The Netherlands (drugs), Spain (bullfighting), Germany (Hitler), and Russia (Communism).
So why is China different? I am not ignorant to the history of abuse by the Communist Party against the Chinese people, nor am I unsympathetic to the plight of Tibet. I strongly believe however that the Olympic Games is not the forum for righting the wrongs of the past. The Olympic Games should be about forgetting our differences and celebrating our similarities.
Abandoning the relay would be a major disappointment as the Olympic Games are a celebration of excellence and at the forefront of promoting world peace and unity. They bring together nations on a word stage unlike any other event and should be free of any political interference.
Am I looking at this through rose coloured glasses? Probably. Maybe I simply believe in the Olympic Games too much, or maybe I just want to see some great football.
Good luck Beijing!
Protestors claim that their actions are in relation to Chinese human rights policies and their treatment of the people of Tibet. What about the human rights of the torchbearers? Why is it acceptable for these people to be subjected to violence during one of the highlights of their life?
Where have these professional protesters been since Beijing was named host? If they truly stood by their claims, we would have been hearing them for several years now. My guess is that most have just moved on from their last protesting job (World Economic Forum perhaps?). Here’s a suggestion- If you really must protest something Olympic, how about the London 2012 logo? It is truly an affront to humanity!
Put your hand up if you live in a country without at least one skeleton in the closet. Australia hosted arguably the most successful Olympic Games in Sydney, 2000 however it cannot claim to be innocent following the treatment of its Aboriginal communities (something for which the Federal Government has only recently apologised). The UK (London 2012) was responsible for the abhorrent treatment of its own children during the 1950’s as they were shipped out to populate the Commonwealth and France blows up the Pacific with it's nuclear tests. The United States, being the most powerful and influential Olympic nation seems hell bent on imposing its own values across the globe (and lets not even mention slavery). The list goes on. The Netherlands (drugs), Spain (bullfighting), Germany (Hitler), and Russia (Communism).
So why is China different? I am not ignorant to the history of abuse by the Communist Party against the Chinese people, nor am I unsympathetic to the plight of Tibet. I strongly believe however that the Olympic Games is not the forum for righting the wrongs of the past. The Olympic Games should be about forgetting our differences and celebrating our similarities.
Abandoning the relay would be a major disappointment as the Olympic Games are a celebration of excellence and at the forefront of promoting world peace and unity. They bring together nations on a word stage unlike any other event and should be free of any political interference.
Am I looking at this through rose coloured glasses? Probably. Maybe I simply believe in the Olympic Games too much, or maybe I just want to see some great football.
Good luck Beijing!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Australia 3 Qatar 0
Australia has made a successful entry into the Asian Football Confederation 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Telstra Dome in Melbourne tonight.
In front of a capacity crowd of almost 51,000, the Socceroos dominated from the kick off with Qatar relegated to little more than spectators during the first half. The three goal scorers for the Aussies were Josh Kennedy (10'), Tim Cahill (17') and Marco Bresciano (33').
Qatar played a defensive game however were unable to stop the Aussie onslaught. It was not until the second half that they showed any signs of attacking football however by this time it was too late.
This was the first match of the of the AFC round 3 World Cup qualification. China and 2007 AFC Asian Cup champions Iraq make up the so called 'Group of Death'. The top two teams will progress to the next round of qualification.
In front of a capacity crowd of almost 51,000, the Socceroos dominated from the kick off with Qatar relegated to little more than spectators during the first half. The three goal scorers for the Aussies were Josh Kennedy (10'), Tim Cahill (17') and Marco Bresciano (33').
Qatar played a defensive game however were unable to stop the Aussie onslaught. It was not until the second half that they showed any signs of attacking football however by this time it was too late.
This was the first match of the of the AFC round 3 World Cup qualification. China and 2007 AFC Asian Cup champions Iraq make up the so called 'Group of Death'. The top two teams will progress to the next round of qualification.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Gamba Osaka Pre-Season Training
After a short off-season, Gamba Osaka has started its preseason training camp in Guam. Their modest aim for the upcoming season is simple, to win three titles. But before they compete in the AFC Champions League and the J.League, they first have a shot at the inaugural Pan-Pacific Championship.
Although a number of important players are still absent from the preseason camp due to national team duty, Gamba welcomed nine newcomers in the off-season. The recent additions include Japanese national team defender Hiroki Mizumoto, 29-year old Brazilian striker Lucas Severino, and a tantalizing prospect in defender, Yohei Fukumoto, who captained Japan's Under-20 national team at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup last summer.
But while there is change on the roster, a steady hand remains at the helm. In Guam, Akira Nishino opened his seventh camp as Gamba Osaka’s head coach. We spoke to the seasoned veteran about his expectations for the new team and the upcoming Pan-Pacific Championship.
Q. With the numerous off-season player changes, how has the preseason training helped to solidify team unity?
We cannot expect this new team to be the same as last year because we have nine new players. I hope these new players will put new energy and impact into our entire organization. We are spending a great deal of time together during the Guam camp. Getting to know each other will bring strong unity to the team, leading to better overall performances.
Q. As head coach, what do you hope to accomplish in these last few training sessions both in Guam and Hawaii?
We are building a base so that we can get through the busy season this year. We are continuing good things for Gamba, including strong offense and a fluid passing style. I also would like to add some spice to the team, utilizing the techniques and abilities of the new members.
Q. What should fans in Hawaii expect to see when the "new" Gamba Osaka takes the field?
We hope to show powerful, offensive soccer. This is our style. Because we now have good players in the positions in which we felt we needed to strengthen from last year, I really look forward to starting the new season. As for the Pan-Pacific Championship, I am much honored to be present at this international tournament in Hawaii as a representative from J.League. It should definitely be a good experience for the team and again, we are very excited about starting the new season with this prestigious event.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
2008 AFC Challenge Cup
The Asian Football Confederation has completed the draw for the AFC Challenge Cup 2008 qualifying rounds.
Sixteen teams were drawn into four groups with only the group winners progressing to join DPR Korea, Turkmenistan, hosts India and Myanmar in the eight-team finals which will be played from July 30-August 10.
The four qualifying groups will be hosted by Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Chinese Taipei and the Philippines.
THE GROUPS
GROUP A: Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei (hosts), Pakistan, Guam
GROUP B: Tajikistan, Brunei Darussalam, The Philippines (hosts), Bhutan
GROUP C: Kyrgyzstan (hosts), Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Laos
GROUP D: Nepal (hosts), Palestine, Cambodia, Macau
Sixteen teams were drawn into four groups with only the group winners progressing to join DPR Korea, Turkmenistan, hosts India and Myanmar in the eight-team finals which will be played from July 30-August 10.
The four qualifying groups will be hosted by Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Chinese Taipei and the Philippines.
THE GROUPS
GROUP A: Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei (hosts), Pakistan, Guam
GROUP B: Tajikistan, Brunei Darussalam, The Philippines (hosts), Bhutan
GROUP C: Kyrgyzstan (hosts), Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Laos
GROUP D: Nepal (hosts), Palestine, Cambodia, Macau
2008 AFC President's Cup
The Asian Football Confederation has completed the group stage draw for the fourth edition of the AFC President’s Cup and two-time defending champions Dordoi-Dynamo of Kyrgyzstan have been slotted with Cambodia’s Nagacorp FC and Taiwan Power Company of Chinese Taipei.
Under the new format of the competition, eleven teams were drawn into two groups of four teams each, and one of three teams. The three group winners will advance to the finals along with the best runner-up.
The three groups will be hosted by Nepal, Chinese Taipei and Sri Lanka.
The knockout stage, comprising the semifinals and final, take place from 19-21 September 2008. The hosts for the knockout stage will be identified after the group stage.
THE GROUPS
GROUP A: League champions (Nepal), Regar-Tadaz (Tajikistan), League champions (Pakistan), Abahani (Bangladesh)
GROUP B: Dordoi-Dynamo (Kyrgyzstan), Nagacorp FC (Cambodia), Taiwan Power Company (Chinese Taipei)
GROUP C: Ashgabat (Turkmenistan), Ratnam SC (Sri Lanka), Transport United (Bhutan), Kanbawza (Myanmar)
Under the new format of the competition, eleven teams were drawn into two groups of four teams each, and one of three teams. The three group winners will advance to the finals along with the best runner-up.
The three groups will be hosted by Nepal, Chinese Taipei and Sri Lanka.
The knockout stage, comprising the semifinals and final, take place from 19-21 September 2008. The hosts for the knockout stage will be identified after the group stage.
THE GROUPS
GROUP A: League champions (Nepal), Regar-Tadaz (Tajikistan), League champions (Pakistan), Abahani (Bangladesh)
GROUP B: Dordoi-Dynamo (Kyrgyzstan), Nagacorp FC (Cambodia), Taiwan Power Company (Chinese Taipei)
GROUP C: Ashgabat (Turkmenistan), Ratnam SC (Sri Lanka), Transport United (Bhutan), Kanbawza (Myanmar)
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