The Hyundai A-League – and by extension, the Football Federation of Australia – reels from one crisis to another. If it’s not declining crowd numbers, owners threatening to close stands rather than see empty seats, franchises folding, disastrous World Cup bids (corruption or not) or even stars entering fan forums, then it’s clubs failing to take advantage of the league’s generous marquee player policy.

Of course most of these problems can be traced back to one thing – A-League clubs are struggling to make ends meet. Football ranks a clear fourth on the Australian football consciousness behind Australian Rules, Rugby League and Rugby Union. Therefore the sport tends to pick up hard core fans, bandwagon supporters leftover from World Cups and the occasional family based around a growing number of Soccer Mums. This is to be expected however, having remained unchanged for five yeras – and the sport, though not making quantum leaps in popularity, forms a much greater part in the nation’s sporting psyche.

The A-League now allows each club three marquee players, ostensibly top-end guys whose wages are not counted towards a team’s salary cap: an International Marquee player, a Marquee Australian and a Marquee Youth player. These rules exist in theory to both lure top end talent and protect young assets. While this is a generous format, the FFA (who administer the A-League) does not contribute to the players’ salaries, the result of this being A-League clubs draw five to ten-thousand fans per match are forced to pay players like Sergio Van Dijk, Robbie Fowler and his Perth Glory replacement Liam Miller serious dollars.

In business, organisations must almost always spend money to make it. It’s the way the world works – wise investment brings about fiscal rewards and peace of mind. It was thus when Dwight Yorke signed for Sydney FC for the A-League’s first campaign – he signed for the lifestyle, found the football to his liking, led Sydney to the A-League title and secured a move back to the English Premier League with Sunderland. It was coincidence that he (along with the Victory’s Archie Thompson) was the first big name to join, but he is now the A-League’s definitive Marquee Player and the benchmark – for better or worse – by which all subsequent imports are judged.

Yorke’s situation was the perfect combination of circumstance: famously involved in a big club (Manchester United), with a sparkling, eloquent public profile and due to Trinidad & Tobago’s 2006 World Cup campaign, still with reasons to perform other than personal pride. That Manchester United connection created a 10% increase in crowds across the league – Yorke was a man the crowds came to watch. Subsequent marquee signings like Robbie Fowler haven’t had the same impact either on the pitch or as a league ambassador.

Approaching the A-League’s seventh season, the ten clubs employ a grand total of Three Junior Marquee players, four Australian Marquee players and two (!) international “stars” – New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz and former Dutch U21 International Van Dijk. The Australian Marquee players are Archie Thompson, Mile Sterjovski, Nicky Carle and Jason Culina. Culina perhaps aside, it’s difficult – impossible, even – to see any of those six transferring to a high-level club abroad.

Could Kejman help revitalise the A-League?

The marquee player must in future be modeled on Dwight Yorke. He shouldn’t be the only prototype as South Americans also could well check the requisite boxes, but it must be remembered antipodean crowds have a far greater knowledge of European football than the Samba style (no, not Christopher). Not only must such a player sparkle on the pitch, but he must be able to provide a lift to the league in the media.

Some players linked to out-of-cap positions – like Harry Kewell – could perform those functions; others however, most notably Serb striker Mateja Kežman, are a risky proposition. Melbourne in particular has a large Slavic population and could provide a slight bump in local crowds but club executives must ask themselves if a player such as serial-mover Kežman could warrant such spendthrift expenditure – does his one season at Chelsea, four at PSV and cups of coffee at Fenerbahce, PSG and Atletico really provide the league-wide PR lift the A-League so desperately needs? While his age and skills could well justify the salary slot he’d take up, would his name inspire the Rugby League fan to join? Or the AFL nut?

Australian soccer consciousness, so far increased since the magical 2006 World Cup, is still really in its infancy. It is so far behind that, for better or worse, it takes big names, not just quality footballers, to get the alert sporting landscape to attend. And with the local clubs haemmorhaging money, is it in fact prudent to spend $40,000AUD a week on a player not a “sure thing”?

The FFA must step in and contribute. Perhaps it could facilitate local teams signing the fading superstars of the game, if only on one-season deals. Though the game’s governing body is skint from a highly unsuccessful World Cup hosting bid, contributing a small percentage of an international marquee player’s salary to each team strictly for that purpose could be an option.

While Australian “marquee” players aid the competition, the league now understands it is names who will grow the sport. Of Australians, only Kewell could fit that bill. It takes money to make money and as abhorrent as spending more money sounds to leaky propositions such as Central Coast and the Gold Coast, prudent investment may be the best way forward.

Would Roberto Carlos, Alessandro Del Piero, Shunsuke Nakamura or even Theofanis Gekas be interested in a final payday? Even though Clarence Seedorf and Florent Malouda have suggested a desire to play in Brazil, both have the requisite stature and ability for them to be attractive targets for Aussie clubs. Perhaps with all six the answer would be negative, but certainly they would be players of whom League chiefs should be aware.

The A-League is a good league. By inspiring the masses – and cashing in on their attendance – it can become very good.

For more commentary and analysis, shoot across to Matthew Wood’s blog, Balanced Sports. You can also follow him on Twitter; @balanced_sports.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

West Ham United have announced the signing of New Zealand international defender Winston Reid.

Reid, 22, has been signed from Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland for an undisclosed fee. He played in this years World Cup and scored a memorable stoppage-time goal for his country to secure a draw with Slovakia.

Reid told the clubs official site:

“I am looking forward to getting started. My dream has been to come and play in the Premier League and I am happy that I am a West Ham player. It has been a mad couple of weeks and the last couple of days have been pretty hectic, so I am just happy to be here now. I am pretty decent fitness-wise. I had a game last Sunday so I am in pretty good nick.

“The World Cup was a life-changing experience and something I will remember forever. I want to bring the positives from that here on the pitch at West Ham. This club has great history and the league is one of the best in the world. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Expect to see Reid featured in The Hammers’ squad for their trip to Villa Park to face Aston Villa, in their first game of the forthcoming Premier League campaign.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

With so many of the ‘big guns’ misfiring at this summer’s World Cup, I thought it was high time to take a look at some of the ‘lesser lights’ that have sparkled in South Africa.

Below are the 20 players that, although having seen their sides crash (some more spectacularly than others) out of the tournament prematurely, can fly home from whichever luxury hotel they may have chosen to hole up in, with their heads held high – safe in the knowledge that their careers are very much on an upward trajectory…

(Please remember that players can only qualify to feature on the list if they have already been eliminated from the competition.)

Eduardo – Portugal, Braga: The Portuguese ‘keeper came into the World Cup with an impeccable record, and left the competition with his reputation intact – having only conceded one goal.

Jan Mucha – Slovakia, Legia Warsaw/Everton: As the tournament rumbled on, it became increasingly clear why Everton manager David Moyes had moved so early to secure Mucha’s signature. Brave, athletic and composed, you can be certain that the Slovak will not be content to merely provide back-up for Tim Howard at Goodison Park.

Vincent Enyeama – Nigeria, Hapoel Tel Aviv: Produced a man-of-the-match performance in the Super Eagles’ opening tie with Argentina, heroically limiting Diego Maradona‘s men to a single goal, and then produced a string of fine saves in the games thereafter. Destined to move on to bigger and better things next season.

Ricardo Carvalho – Portugal, Chelsea: It sounds a little strange to include a proven international-class defender on this list, but that’s entirely the point. Carvalho faced stern criticism during the tail end of last season, with many detractors claiming that he just couldn’t cut it at the highest levels anymore. However, the Chelsea man proved his doubters wrong after enjoying a solid World Cup in the heart of the Portuguese defense.

Simon Kjaer – Denmark, Palermo: Whereas his side struggled to find momentum, Kjaer was up-and-running from the off. Cultured on the ball and determined off it, it’s little wonder that a host of European sides are chasing his signature this summer.

Lee Jung-Soo – South Korea, Kashima Antlers: Any defender that notches two goals at a World Cup finals is worthy of note, but the rangy South Korean centre-back’s aerial prowess was just as effective at the other end of the pitch.

Marcus Tulio Tanaka – Japan, Nagoya Grampus: The player with the most elaborate hair at the finals repeatedly put his body on the line for his country, taking his life into his own hands at times!

Ryan Nelsen – New Zealand, Blackburn: Nelsen is one of those ‘dying breed’ defenders that literally give their all to prevent the ball crossing their goal-line. His heroic non-shall-pass display against Italy alone is enough to earn him a place on this list.

Francisco Rodriguez – Mexico, PSV: A classy, ball-playing centre-back is a rare commodity and, as such, Rodriguez is already being linked with a move to more salubrious surroundings this summer.

Carlos Salcido – Mexico, PSV: Another Dutch-based Mexican. Salcido is one of those players that you were always aware of, but never really sure why – until about a fortnight ago. To say that he never stops running is an insulting understatement, and it’s this tireless flank-play coupled with his tenacious defending that stands him out from the crowd.

Fabio Coentrao – Portugal, Benfica: In a word, ‘effervescent’. His constant energy went a long way to buoying a Portugal side that was seemingly liable to implode at any moment – thanks largely to the constant protestations of a certain pampered ‘superstar’. Despite only breaking into the Benfica first string this season, 22-year-old Coentrao will almost definitely be moving to one of the Spanish big boys this summer.

Jeremy Toulalan – France, Lyon: To include a French player may seem a little wide-of-the-mark, but you can’t escape the fact that Toulalan was immense in Les Bleus’ opening game against Uruguay. One of the few members of Raymond Domenech‘s squad that honestly deserves to come out of the World Cup with at least a few shreds of dignity left.

Cheik Tiote – Ivory Coast, Twente: The 24-year-old holding man really impressed as a destructive entity in Les Elephants midfield. He held his position with discipline, allowing the slightly more adventurous Yaya Toure to sporadically join the attack. A clutch of Premier League clubs are already said to be tailing the former Anderlecht man.

Giovani Dos Santos – Mexico, Tottenham: Having become an almost forgotten figure at White Hart Lane since being farmed out on loan to Galatasaray, ‘Gio’ has persuaded many Spurs supporters that he is worthy of another chance – following some enterprising performances on the right-hand side of El Tri‘s forward line.

Valter Birsa – Slovenia, Auxerre: The 23-year-old forward was his country’s single outstanding attack-minded player in South Africa, and cemented that fact with a wonderfully dispatched goal against the USA.

Landon Donovan – USA, L.A Galaxy: Probably the highest-profile player on this list thanks to his celebrity status. After becoming somewhat of a novelty figure within European footballing circles a few years ago (following his failed stints in Germany), Donovan is starting to prove his sceptics wrong. His successful loan spell at Everton last season convinced many that the 28-year-old is now finally ready to make the leap into top-level football, and his goal-scoring exploits in South Africa can only serve to reinforce that opinion.

Alexis Sanchez – Chile, Udinese: The winger came into the tournament with a burgeoning reputation as ‘one to watch’ and did not let the almost ubiquitous hype weigh him down. Another player seemingly destined for a big money move this summer.

Lee Chung-Yong – South Korea, Bolton: The skillful winger impressed many neutrals in his first season in the Premier League last term, and quickly became a terrace favourite at the Reebok Stadium. The 21-year-old continued his domestic form seamlessly at the World Cup and even managed to bag himself a couple of goals into the bargain.

Keisuke Honda – Japan, CSKA Moscow: The fact that nearly every single Japanese attack flowed through him at one point or another is testament to his influence on the team. Honda served as a playmaker, a goalscorer, a set-piece specialist, a lone striker and a winger – all with consummate ease.

Javier Hernandez – Mexico, Man Utd: It would appear that Sir Alex Ferguson will have got himself a bit of a bargain if Chicarito continues to play for United like he did for Mexico during the World Cup. Lightning quick, always switched-on and deceptively strong, Hernandez finished the tournament with two goals to his name, despite only starting one game.

So there you go. Feel free to suggest any you think I may have missed…

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Buon giorno and welcome, one and all, to the daily World Cup column on Soccerlens.

It may have caught your attention that the reigning champions Italy did a bit of a whoopsie last night, failing to overturn ‘little’ Slovakia (see below) and flying home early with their collective tails between their collective legs as a result.

At least the Azzurri will be allowed the necessary time to reflect on their shortcomings in tranquil meditation by the famously forgiving Italian media.

Here’s the best of today’s World Cup tidbits…

(If you would like to subscribe to this column  – and others like it on Soccerlens – then please feel free to follow this link, or you can also just enter your email address on the SL homepage.)

Paraguay 0-0 New Zealand…

Paraguay cemented their place in the knock-out rounds of the World Cup by harvesting the point they required from a pretty dull goalless draw with New Zealand – who themselves still stood an outside chance of qualifying for the second phase.

A win for the Kiwis would have seen both them and Gerardo Martino‘s side advance, but the Antipodeans failed to trouble the Paraguayan ‘keeper Justo Villar – registering just one shot on goal during the entire game.

The South Americans weren’t much better and relied heavily on sporadic half-chances and speculative long-range efforts to provide the breakthrough. Captain Denis Caniza came close on a couple of occasions but unsurprisingly failed to improve on his pretty dismal (1 goal in 97 appearances) international goal-scoring record.

New Zealand may rue their missed opportunity to cause what would have been a huge upset, but Ricki Herbert‘s men can go home with their heads held high after ending the tournament unbeaten and finishing above reigning champions Italy in the Group F standings.

Highlights…

Read the Paraguay vs New Zealand match report.

Slovakia 3-2 Italy…

Incumbent champions Italy relinquished their crown in dramatic fashion yesterday, crashing out of the World Cup after being beaten by a Slovakia side that had performed so unadventurously during their first two games.

The match started slowly but burst into life in the 25th minute when Slovakian striker Robert Vittek gave his country a surprise lead, eventually capitalising on Daniele De Rossi‘s sloppy pass by diverting Juraj Kucka‘s deliciously weighted through-ball past Federico Marchetti in the Italy goal.

With his side struggling to impose themselves, Marcello Lippi brought on Christian Maggio and Fabio Quagliarella at the break, and then sorely-missed playmaker Andrea Pirlo just 10 minutes later.

The switch made a palpable difference, with Pirlo keeping play moving through the middle and Quagliarella giving the Italians added mobility up-front.

However, despite their obvious improvement, the Azzurri suffered another body blow in the 75th minute when Vittek popped up at the near post to prod home Marek Hamsik‘s low cross – thus extending the Slovak’s lead to two clear goals.

Vittek’s second goal sparked a fraught final period, full of nervous tension and exciting twists.

Firstly, Antonio Di Natale pulled a goal back for Italy, rolling into an open goal after Quagliarella was denied at close range by Jan Mucha.

Di Natale’s strike restored his side’s vigour but, as they pushed forward in search of the second goal that would keep them in the competition, Slovakian substitute Kamil Kopunek seemingly once again ended their hopes of advancing – racing past a hesitant Italian defensive line to lob a shot over Marchetti and inside the far post.

However, there was still time for the impressive Quagliarella to get his name on the scoresheet, the Napoli striker floating a sublimely composed shot over Mucha from the edge of the Slovakian area in the 92nd minute.

With the game deep into injury time, Simone Pepe was presented with a chance to draw Italy dramatically level, but the Udinese winger slashed at a far post volley and his shot spun harmlessly wide.

There were scenes of abject desolation in the Azzurri camp at the final whistle as Italy, who won the tournament just four years ago, failed to reach the second round of the World Cup for the first time in 36 years.

Highlights…

Read Ross Mackiewicz‘ in-depth Slovakia vs Italy match report.

Stat attack…

• With both France and Italy finishing bottom of their respective groups, the 2010 World Cup has become the first finals ever in which both the previous finalists have failed to make it into the knock-out stages.

Denmark 1-3 Japan…

Japan turned on the style to see off Denmark by a comfortable margin in their final Group E game in Rustenburg, thus securing the Samurai Blues a place in the last 16.

Takeshi Okada‘s side had lost five of their previous six games and only scored nine goals in 12 World Cup games, so such a confident display came as a shock to almost everybody.

Two near-perfect first-half free-kicks from Keisuke Honda (a vicious, dipping effort into the far corner) and Yasuhito Endo (a curled shot from 25 yards) ensured Japan were in front at the break and cruising.

The Asians held their lead until the 81st minute, when Jon Dahl Tomasson managed a consolation goal for the Danes, the veteran forward slicing home after seeing his weak penalty palmed fortunately back into his path by Eiji Kawashima.

However, Japan weren’t finished and, following some excellent technical play from man-of-the-match Honda, Shinji Okazaki was gifted a chance to seal his country’s emphatic win.

Japan will now advance through to the second round (for the first time in a World Cup finals not held on home soil) and will face Group  F winners Paraguay in Pretoria next Tuesday.

Highlights…

Read the Denmark vs Japan match report.

Stat attack…

• Although Jon Dahl Tomasson‘s goal against Japan saw him draw level with Poul Nielsen as Denmark’s highest international goalscorer (52 goals), the latter achieved his tally in just 38 appearances (between 1910 and 1925) whereas Tomasson was winning his 112th cap last night.

Cameroon 1-2 Netherlands…

A late winner from the boot of Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar made sure that the Netherlands finished up on top of their group, after winning all three of their first round ties.

Bert Van Marwijk‘s men took the lead ten minutes before half time when Robin Van Persie angled a low, powerful shot past Souleymanou Hamidou following a slick one-two with Rafael Van der Vaart on the edge of the Cameroon area.

The Indomitable Lions had to wait until the 65th minute mark to restore parity, Samuel Eto’o netting from the penalty spot after Van der Vaart seemingly inadvertently handled Geremi‘s direct freekick – the Inter Milan striker duly whipping the ball home from twelve yards.

The Dutch then grabbed the winner when, in the 83rd minute, Huntelaar kept his cool to pass the ball into a gaping goal after Arjen Robben‘s 20-yard effort came back off the post.

The Oranje will now be hoping to extend their 100% record when they meet Group F runners-up Slovakia in the second round.

Highlights…

Read the Cameroon vs Netherlands match summary.

Getting Lippi…

Coach Marcello Lippi has shouldered the blame for Italy’s woeful World Cup exit, admitting his side played with ‘terror in their heart, head and legs’.

It had already been announced prior to the tournament that the ‘Tuscan Tactician’ was to hand the Azzurri reigns over to Cesare Prandelli after the World Cup, but their elimination arrived earlier than expected – crashing out at the group stage after failing to beat Slovakia yesterday.

Rather than blame the questionable offside decision (Fabio Quagliarella had a late goal ruled out by the tightest of margins) which denied the reigning champions an equaliser, Lippi admitted that he only had himself to blame.

The 62-year-old former Juventus manager said;

“I take all responsibility for what happened, because if a team shows up at such an important game with terror in their head, heart and legs and if the team is unable to express its abilities it means the coach didn’t train that team as he should have done, psychologically, technically or tactically.

I would have expected anything except to see a performance like we gave in the first half of the game, not to mention the second half.

I am sorry to see it end in such a fashion because I didn’t expect this. I take on all responsibilities for the choices I made and the way I introduced the team to you.

I wish the best to my successor [Prandelli], best of luck to him and thank you all for these four years, part of which were fantastic and part of which were not.”

At least Lippi can take some comfort in the fact that, although Italy were pretty abject (until the last 15 minutes of the Slovakia game), they weren’t quite as bad as France – who are rapidly becoming the new measuring stick for footballing disappointment everywhere.

Read Steve Amoia‘s full translation of Lippi’s press conference.

The aftermath in headlines…

The famously lenient Italian press have had a field day after watching their country whimper out of the World Cup yesterday. Here’s a selection of the best (or should that be ‘worst’?) strap-lines…

“Going home in shame” - Gazzetta Dello Sport

“Ugly Italy, One of our ugliest national teams ever, actually, the ugliest ever.” – Correire Dello Sera

“The aircraft called shame is ready to leave.” – La Stampa

“Italy, the world champions, leave South Africa to return home covered in sporting dishonour.” – La Stampa

“Shameful Italy.” – La Repubblica

“The end of a generation and of an illusion, we deserved to go out.” – La Repubblica

“It is quite right that little, almost comic Italy comes home.” – La Repubblica

“In 270 minutes we shot at goal seven or eight times.” – Fabrizio Bocca in La Repubblica

“Cannavaro is an ex-player and almost all the others were washed up. We were champions of the world and now we are the laughing stock of the world.” - Bocca again

“A team without life or personality” – Guess who?

“It is hard to imagine a greater sporting catastrophe.” – Gazzetta Dello Sport

As i say, famously lenient.

Going, going, Le Guen…

Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen has handed in his notice, following the Indomitable Lions’ underwhelming performance at the World Cup.

Cameroon finished bottom of Group E after failing to register a single point, despite being labelled as one of Africa’s brightest hopes pre-tournament.

After his side lost to the Netherlands yesterday, Le Guen told the press;

“My contract is coming up, and it was clear all along I would stop now.

Maybe I didn’t succeed in unifying the team and bringing it together. Naturally my mood is one of defeat, I know I have lost three matches in this tournament.

We leave the World Cup with lots of regrets. We know that we were carrying lots of hopes from everyone in Cameroon but we weren’t able to realise them.”

The former Rangers coach is now widely expected to take the vacant Australia manager’s job, after Pim Verbeek stepped down following the Socceroo’s elimination yesterday.

Looking for a toilet…

The supporter that breached stadium security during England’s 0-0 draw with Algeria game, made his way into the team’s dressing room and then berated the players for their performance, will appear in court later today.

Pavlos Joseph, from London, will appear at a special World Cup court in Cape Town where he is due to stand trial on charges of ‘trespassing’.

At a previous hearing, Joseph was banned from attending any future World Cup matches, his passport was withheld, and he was released on R500 bail.

UPDATE: Joseph’s case has just been adjourned until next Wednesday.

Red tape…

Is this the most ridiculous refereeing decision of the World Cup so far? (Maurice Edu might argue otherwise!)

Striker Nicklas Bendtner was forced to colour his white socks in with a red marker pen before Denmark’s Group E clash with Japan – after being told by the fussy officials that he wouldn’t be allowed to play with white tape around his ankles.

Madness…indeed…gone mad!

Quote of the day…

“He seemed to me [to be] a guy to take to your bedside table and ask him each time you need something. I’ve got his phone number, I might call him.”

Argentina coach Diego Maradona seems to think that Jose Mourinho would be useful in bed.

And in other news…

FIFA have confirmed that England will wear their ‘lucky’ all-red strip against Germany in Bloemfontein on Sunday. (F365)

England coach Fabio Capello has apparently picked the five players that will take penalties should the Germany game go the distance. (Guardian)

Germany captain Phillip Lahm is also prepared for the lottery of penalties. (Sporting Life)

Thierry Henry has been absolved of any blame following the France team’s World Cup ‘mutiny’. (The Sun)

Soccerlens Fantasy Football…

Soccerlens Fantasy Football gives you the option to go against friends and fellow competitors over a day’s games.

This means that you should pick your fantasy team from players involved in the games happening on that specific day. It also gives you the option of picking your fantasy team with the players you might be more familiar with.

Either way, it’s fast and action packed. So pick the specific round(s) you want to join from the home-page and join a competition!

You can also challenge your friends over a specific round by creating a private competition

Today’s (Friday 25th June) round is as follows:

• North Korea vs Ivory Coast

• Portugal vs Brazil

• Chile vs Spain

• Switzerland vs Honduras

Give it a go and you may come away with a cash prize!

The 2010 World Cup on Soccerlens…

There will be comprehensive coverage of the World Cup on Soccerlens over the coming months.

With the dedicated World Cup section (chock full of info, including fixtures and stats – and even links to buy replica shirts) on SL, there really is no need to go anywhere else for your World Cup needs this summer!

You can even follow us on Twitter and Facebook if you’re that way inclined.

Also on Soccerlens…

• Gattuso: ‘Italian Football Has To Examine It’s Conscience’

• 2010 World Cup Second Round Preview

• England vs Germany Preview: England Will Need More Than Beer

• Uruguay vs South Korea Preview

• Argentina vs Mexico Preview: El Diego Leads From The Back

• Franz Beckenbauer Taunts ‘Stupid’ England

• USA vs Africa: Ghana Carry The Hopes Of A Continent

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Paraguay 0-0 New Zealand
2010 FIFA World Cup
24 June 2010

Paraguay looked a bit sluggish but they ended up getting a 0-0 draw against New Zealand to win Group F.

New Zealand were eliminated with the loss but did impress with three draws. They also finished third and head of Italy in the final group standings.

Overall, it was an uneventful match with not a lot of scoring chances and Paraguay not showing much urgency knowing a draw would likely put them through. Even though New Zealand didn’t manage to get the win they are satisfied with their run in the 2010 World Cup.

Paraguay would have liked to finished out the last group stage match with a win but know the important thing was to advance to the next round. They will face the runner-up from Group E in the round of 16.

Paraguay 0-0 New Zealand Goal Videos

The match highlights are below since there were no goals in this match.

See all2010 World Cup Video Highlights.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Adrian Clarke & Iain Spragg have World Cup mutiny on top of the agenda in today’s pint size Soccerlens World Cup podcast, analysing in particular the bizarre actions of England and France in their respective training camps.

Kader Keita’s disgraceful act of unsportmanship, New Zealand’s joy and European football’s struggles also crop up in conversation too.

It’s a cracking show – don’t miss this brand new episode!

You can listen to this episode below:
Download link (mp3, 16mb, 17 mins)

Make sure you send in your feedback and questions through podcast@soccerlens.com and Clarke and Spragg will feature the best on the next episode.

Subscribe to the Soccerlens World Cup Podcast

You can subscribe via iTunes or directly to the podcast feed.

Also see: World Cup Podcast Archives.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

After the historic draw by New Zealand against Italy yesterday afternoon from Nelspruit, Italian boss, Marcello Lippi, had to face his critics with the Azzurri on the brink.

Closed Down by the All Whites

“Siamo stati poco fortunati come contro il Paraguay abbiamo preso gol sull’unica azione degli avversari. Poi abbiamo reagito, dimostrando grande volontà. Loro sono una squadra molto fisica e si sono chiusi bene“.

“We were unfortunate like against Paraguay and we conceded on the only goal-scoring opportunity by the opponents. Then we responded showing great desire. They are a very physical side and closed us down well.”

Need More in Attack

“Dobbiamo fare di più in attacco. Non credo sia una questione di reparti, ma dobbiamo essere più incisivi. Non posso rimproverare nulla ai giocatori sul piano dell’impegno. Tutta via anche loro sanno che possono fare meglio di così“.

“We must do more on attack. I don’t believe it is a question of distribution but we have to be more incisive. I can’t complain about anything the players did on the basis of effort. Everything cast aside, they know they can do better than this.”

Mark Paston was the man of the match for the All Whites

Angered by a New Zealand Journalist

Dopo aver ribattuto a un giornalista neozelandese che parlava di tuffo da parte di De Rossi:

Lippi analizza gli scenari futuri.

Translation:

After taking to task a New Zealand journalist who spoke of the dive on the part of Daniele De Rossi:

“Let it be, I saw that number 14, Rory Fallon, had eight elbows against our defenders and someone correctly noted that the goal was offside.”

Lippi analyzed the future scenarios.

Daniele De Rossi: Was it a dive or the correct call for the penalty kick?

On the Match

“C’è dispiacere per non aver preso i tre punti con la Nuova Zelanda, ma sappiamo che battendo la Slovacchia il nostro Mondiale continuerà. Se poi dovessimo fallire ancora, allora sarà giusto tornare a casa. Ma ho grande fiducia in questo gruppo. Non sono affatto pentito delle scelte fatte, anche perchè ribadisco che di giocatori in grado di cambiare il nostro destino non ne ho lasciati a casa“.

“There is sorrow for not taking the three points against New Zealand. But we know that by beating Slovakia (next Thursday), our World Cup will continue. If we have another failure then, well, it will be proper to return home. but I have great confidence in this group. I’m not blaming myself at all for the selections I made. Also because I stress that the players who can change our destiny weren’t left at home.”

On Andrea Pirlo

La chiusura è dedicata ad Andrea Pirlo, che potrebbe aiutare la crescita dell’Italia:

“E’ un grande giocatore, ma purtroppo non so ancora se giovedì potrà giocare”.

Translation:

The closure was dedicated to Andrea Pirlo who might be able to help the growth of the Italian side:

“He is a great player, unfortunately, I don’t know yet if he will be able to play on Thursday.”

Italian source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, June 20, 2010.

Match Statistics

Shane Smeltz gets the early goal against the Azzurri

Ball possession: 72% – 28% for Italy.
Shots on Goal (on target): 23 (5) – 3 (1) for Italy.
Offside: 2 – 1 for New Zealand.
Corners: 15 – 0 for Italy.
Crosses: 42 – 3 for Italy.
Passes: 520 – 220 for Italy.
Completion Rate: 82% for Italy and 66% for New Zealand.
Contrasts (1 on 1 situations) won: 51 – 35 for Italy.
Fouls: 22 – 11 for New Zealand.
Yellow Cards: 3 – 0 for New Zealand.

Italian Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, June 20, 2010.

Please Note

Goalkeeper saves are not tracked by Italian media. As you can see, Mark Paston and his defenders were under constant pressure for the whole game and he made several fine saves. Please see the match highlight video here.

Congratulations to Mr. Herbert and the All Whites for an excellent display.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, editor and translator from Washington, D.C. He writes the blog. He has written for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Football Media, Keeper Skool and Soccerlens.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

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