Archive for the 'General' Category
Some Good News
Whilst maintaining the rage against Channel 7, there are some good news stories this week.
The FFA announced a news sponsor for the Matilda’s and a new Womens National League. Westfield will sponsor the new W-League set to kick off in October, whilst our National Womens team will be known as the Westfield Matilda’s. This is great news for the womens game in this country and for the development of the game as a whole.
On Sunday one of Australia’s favorite Football sons made a comeback by playing his first match on Australian soil since 1999. Mark “Bozza” Bosnich was between the sticks for CCM when they defeated Sydney FC 3-0. After destroying his professional career with drugs, alcohol and women, Bozza is back and seems to be loving it.
ANd on another good news piece from a few weeks back, Craig Moore has made himself available to the National Team again. This is great news in my book, I have been a huge Moore fan since I watched him at the World Youth Cup back in ‘93. His experience at the back will be a huge bonus, and with 14 NT matches between now and March 2010, I am sure we will need a large squad of players to choose from.
Cheers
Terry
July 29 2008 | General | No Comments »
All we ask, is for a FAIR GO
As we all know, Channel 7 is the Australian broadcaster for the Olympics, as they have been for the past 3 or 4.
For us football fans the bells have started to ring again. I assume most of us remember the NSL. So then most of us remember when channel 7 had the rights to broadcast teh NSL matches. Problem was we had to stay up till midnight to get a glimpse of a highlights package.
It appears we may be duded yet again. The chance to have uninterrupted LIVE coverage of the Olyroos opening match against Serbia the night BEFORE the Olympics start has been lost on 7. Instead they will delay it by 2 Hours so they can cross to the announcement of the Flag Bearer. Now this is a very important announcement, no doubt. And I am very interested myself in who will get the job. (James Tompkins is my bet). However I am sure that 7 could have filled time with many other hours of Olympic stuff after the Football in the lead up to the announcement. Perhaps it is because it will be in Prime Time at 7pm that 7 think they will not get enough viewers and instead show “Today Tonight”, as well know is compelling TV.
Our next match is against Argentina, and Hooray, it will be live at 7pm, but there is a chance that they will cut to Swimming 15 minutes before the end. Argentina are equal favorites to win the thing, and the last 15 minutes may be critical for Arnie’s men.
Then to add the final insult, our match against Côte d’Ivoire will be interspersed with Basketball.
Now I do not begrudge any of the other sports their time in the sun and be on TV for their family and fans. However, there is a “Spill Over” broadcaster in SBS who are the spiritual home of Football Coverage in Australia. We would be able to watch a full 90 mins of Uninterrupted coverage with quality, knowledgeable commentators. Instead we will be stuck with Gordon Bray, a Rugby commentator.
Fair Go Channel 7, we have a true 90 minute sport here that deserves just as much right to be shown as any other sport in ist entirety. The point is many other sports such as swimming, athletics etc have many breaks for adds and switching to other venues. I suspect you know that Football is a growing popular sport here in Aus and you want that, but are unwilling to give it the true coverage it deserves.
Please prove me and other bloggers wrong Channel 7. All we want is a Fair Go
For more commentary on this, try these links
Cheers
Terry
July 24 2008 | General | 3 Comments »
Is Life Unfair?
This has nothing to do with Football, or maybe it does.
The credit for this is to Craig Harper, a Motivational Speaker, Fitness dude. Have a read of his site to see what he is about. I just loved reading this.
Dear complaining, high-maintenance, pain-in-the-ass Victims of the World,
Hi, Craig here.
Thought I’d just give you a quick heads up on a few things which could make your life easier. And probably ours too. I think a little clarification is in order on a few key issues. I’ll be brief and clear…
1. Life’s not fair or unfair. Life just IS.
2. ‘The world’ owes you nothing.
3. You don’t deserve success, you create it.
4. Selfishness… kinda ugly. Amazingly, it’s not all about you.
5. Complaining and bitching… kinda ugly too.
6. The person who’s making your life a misery… you.
7. People don’t like to hang out with victims - you may wanna get yourself a PlayStation.
8. lf you’re fat, you probably did it to yourself. Feel free to get mad at me for writing the truth. Clearly, I’m picking on you and being insensitive.
9. If you’re in massive debt, you may have something to do with that too.
10. Some people won’t like you. That’s okay.
11. Bad things happen to good people. Get over it.
12. Self pity… not cool.
13. Things only have the meaning YOU give them.
14. Consider that you might be part of the problem. And the solution.
15. We still love you. We just hate your behaviour.
July 08 2008 | General | No Comments »
The Ugly Parent
And NO, I am not talking about me.
My youngest son Blake, plays U17 Football for Palm beach here in the Gold Coast. A bunch of lads who enjoy the game and each other. They are not the best team and are running second from bottom, but they have been putting up a good show of late.
Anyway, there is always that kid with those parents who think their child is better than everyone else’s and have to make sure everyone knows about it. In this case it is the goal keeper and his parents. Without detail, there has been tension between them and the coach since before the season started and there was a bit of a blow up a few weeks ago.
Last Friday night it came to an enormous head. They were playing against a very well drilled team who sat second on the table. 2-1 down at half time was not too bad and the boys had shown glimpses of good football and almost scored a second goal. With about 20 mins to go till full time it was 5-1 and the coach decided to replace the Goal Keeper.
The Ugly Parents came out with a tirade of abuse against the coach. They were literally yelling across the ground at the coach in a very sarcastic way. We were at home and this was happening right next to the oppositions parents and supporters. At one stage the dad was even yelling at the Palm Beach players but some of the lads put him in his place quick smart.
Another 2 goals and with each the vitriol towards the coach grew. It was very embarrassing and we could not even ask the ground official to step in because she was the mum of the goal keeper and is fully supportive of the dad.
It became even worse after the match when the coach was leaving the ground. He had to walk past the clubhouse where the parents and son were waiting for him. They just surrounded him and started yelling abuse in front of everyone. The coach just kept walking and tred not to inflame an already volitile situation.
The upshot of all this is that there were committee members there to witness this and at a meeting on Monday night the Goal Keeper was suspended for the season, the dad was banned from the club and the Mum was sacked from the committee. There was also another boy from the team suspended for his part in yelling abuse at the coach after the match.
A sad day in junior club football, but one I am sure is repeated at some sports ground around the country on a weekly basis. There is simply NO excuse for this to happen like it did.
July 03 2008 | General | No Comments »
A Middle East Report form a Socceroo Fan
Some friends of mine, Chris and Antonette from Cairns, traveled to the middle east to watch the Socceroos. Here is a report Chris Wrote for the GGA Fanzine.
OH MY SANDPIT, IS BIGGER THAN THIS
The Green and Gold Army made its presence felt during the Middle East double-header for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and Qatar. A core group of around 25 GGA stalwarts made the long trip to Dubai and Doha and were rewarded with being at the game, which saw the Socceroos safely advance to the final phase of qualifiers.
THE 100 DOLLAR CLUB
The challenges were there immediately for the supporters as no one had guaranteed tickets to the games before setting off on their journey. A group of GGA members decided to rock up to the Al Ahli Club stadium on the eve of the match to see if they could get info on ticket sales. This group was privileged to be invited to the Socceroos closed training session and negotiations with the club, saw them liaise with the Iraqi FA to sell tickets.
The joy turned to frustration as it was revealed the Iraqi FA had made the decision to sell tickets for Australians at $100 US, which was over 10 times the face value of the tickets for Iraqi fans. The Australian and Emerati media became very interested in this inequity and many interviews with GGA member ensued that night and the next day.
The Iraqi FA would not back down, so we purchased our tickets and all became members of the $100 club.
“I would pay 100 bucks, and I would pay 100 more, Just to be the man who paid 100 bucks to see the Aussies score”
SWEATING FOR THE SOCCEROOS
The game was played in unbelievable heat and humidity, and due to the preceding events, the tension inside the stadium was as thick as the climactic conditions. The GGA sang loud and proud all game, trying to drown out the Arabic music being blasted through the stadium’s speakers. It was a disappointing result, 0-1 to Iraq, but no one could question the Australian player’s commitment in the stifling conditions. We left the stadium dejected but were surprised by the friendliness of most of the Iraqi sup-porters after the match who were happy yet humble and wanted to get as many group photos with us as they could.
ON OUR SEPARATE WAYS
The next day we went on our separate travels, some staying in Dubai, others moving to such exotic locations as Oman, Petra and Cairo.
QATAR FA ROCKS
During this week, the GGArmy had negotiated with the Qatar Football Association for 800 free tickets for Australian supporters at our next WCQ in Doha. What a contrast to the week before! The ground work for this was done by GGA member Pablo Bateson, who’s constant calls and emails to the Qatar FA had gone a long way to achieving this great result.
THE WINDY CITY
We all arrived in Doha to be greeted by 40-degree heat, 50km winds, and sandstorms! A small group of GGA members once again were granted access to the Socceroos training session, and then to Pim Verbeek’s press conference.
The game day tension increased as we got news that Iraq had beaten China, to put the 3 eligible teams now together on 7 points apiece. A slip up in this game could very well mean the end of Australia’s 2010 ambitions.
The Al Sadd Stadium in Doha was nothing short of magnificent. The predominantly white background of the supporters in the stands, the constant music playing and white ticker-tape on the ground made for an imposing atmosphere. The GGA positioned itself on the fence near the corner flag, right next to the Australians tunnel, and once again we were in full voice to drown out the noise of the Qatari’s. The singing got louder as each of Australia’s goals were put away, the tense chants evolving into songs of celebration by the end of the game. A great moment when Harry Kewell scored his goal he came running over straight to our section and applauded us.
At the end of the game, long after everyone was gone, the GGA stayed on singing and chanting until the local police persuaded us to finally leave the stadium.
FINALLY
It was a magnificent effort by the GGA lads and lasses to travel to the Middle East to be part of this experience. It certainly wasn’t always easy, but the tenacity and determination of the crew paid huge dividends and everyone had a brilliant time with just reward at the end.
Finally, I have to mention Heather Kayatz who travelled from Australia to be part of this tour. She turned 70 the day before the Iraq game. We all know and love Heather, she is a GGA legend and sings as loud and proud as anyone else. She has now also touched the hearts of many people in the Middle East.
Thanks for this Chris
Tezza
July 01 2008 | General | No Comments »
The People You Meet
One of the best things about following the Socceroos beside watching the boys, is the people you meet. Veronica and I have met some wonderful people who are now firm friends who catch up whenever we can get to a Socceroos match. And last weekend was no exception.
Firstly we sat next to a family of 5 at lunch at the Brewery last Sunday. Mum, Dad and 3 boys about 8-12 years of age. They had driven down from Newcastle and were staying overnight at the Ibis just like us. We spoke for about 10 mins after eating and we went off to our friends. Apparently after the game we ran into the Mum and Dad as we were entering the Hotel and were talking with them again. I say apparently as I was a little inebriated. My apologies to these people. The sober ones told them about Kickoff.com.au and hopefully we will keep in contact through the forum.
Then on the train to the airport we met Marianne and Cliff from Melbourne. Late fifty’s mid sixtys couple who are passionate Socceroos supporters. Their friends just cannot understand why they would fly to Sydney to watch “Soccer”. By the time we got to the airport we had exchanged e-mail and phone numbers. They were not planning on going to South Africa because some friends told them it is dangerous. I think we have convinced them otherwise now. Marianne has contacted me this morning about a phone call she had with a South African friend of hers. This friend has offered to go back to South Africa with them for WC2010, they can stay with her in the Unit she still owns. She wants to watch “Real Football” and show them “Africa”
Within the space of a week this couple has changed their plans to follow the Socceroos to South Africa and are planning to catch up with Veronica and I at home games if it works out.
I just love Football and the Passion of Football supporters. As you read this there are many people researching ways to get to Tashkent in Uzbekistan for Australia’s next WCQ match. The forums are already full of information on travel form Australia and England.
I will be adding some new pages soon to collate travel information for the next Qualifiers and also some background on South Africa.
Cheers
Terry
June 29 2008 | General | No Comments »
Home Alone
Our boys are 16 and 17, so we left them “Home Alone” last weekend whilst Veronica and I traveled to Sydney. We gave them the “No Corey Parties” speech and told them if the house ended up on TV, “RUN”.
We arrived home and the house was in one piece, the floors were filthy and a foam matress was soaking wet laying on the verandah, I suppose trying to dry in the shade. All up no problems.
What we did not expect was to see Nick’s ute in the driveway. We thought he must have finished work early until he greeted us at the door with his left wrist in plaster. Not the best sight for a parent to see after a weekend away.
Turns out he did it skateboarding on the Sunday afternoon at his mates place. As panicked parents do, we asked him a thousand questions all at once, and as teenage boys do he just said “its ok”. We calmed down and retrieved the real story.
He went to the after hours medical centre on Sunday arvo, but as we did not leave him a Medicare card it was going to cost him $60, so he walked out and went home. Poor bugger was in pain all night at home with some Panadol his only pain relief. He then proceeded to get up the next morning and go to work. His boss asked him if he was ok, and he said YES. Now Nick is a Roof Plumber, he installs Metal roofs, gutters etc. He went to the job and after 10 mins his work mate could see he was in pain and useless so told him to go to the hospital.
Nick went to Robina Hospital and had an X-Ray. He has a fractured Metacarpal, which is the bone leading to his left pinky finger.
Being an apprentice in his first year, he has almost no sick leave and will be off work for a few weeks (To be confirmed next Wednesday). So it looks like Mum and Dad have a dependant again.
Cheers
Tezza
June 26 2008 | General | No Comments »
Australia DEFEAT Brazil
Last night in South Korea our Matildas defeated last years World Cup Runners Up, Brazil 1-0 in injury time. Read more here.
This is a sensational result for the girls and for Australian Football. This was no fluke but a hard fought win against a World Class team. It was Brazil who knocked us out of the World Cup in the quarter Finals last year so this was a fantastic result. Arguably our best performed National team to date, the Matildas keep going from strength to strength.
Go Girls
Terry
June 20 2008 | General | No Comments »
Do you Have Pay TV?
For those of you who do not know, here in Australia ALL the Socceroo games with the exception of the next World Cup, will only be shown on Pay TV. A Federal Govt. bungle that has stripped the Australian people of seeing our beloved Socceroos on Free to Air TV.
After 3 years it got to be too much for me. I rang 2 providers I have access to and asked how much and when they could install. And the winner is, the mob who said it will be today, in time for Australia V Iraq on Sunday morning. I will now pay $50 odd dollars a month to have 40 odd channels of crap to choose from, but at least 3 of the channels will be nothing but sport, and I will get to see the Socceroos in my Lounge room when I am not there live.
Cheers
Terry
June 05 2008 | General | No Comments »
Crossing the Cultural Divide
I just received an e-mail today from a reader in the UK. (Pretty to cool to think people other than my friends are actually reading this). Anyway, this reader is of Iraqi heritage and has been following my posts on an Iraqi Forum and then found this site.
Here is what he wrote
Hey there Terry!
Ive been reading your webcast thing and your postings on the aliraqi.org site. I just want to say that it is very refreshing to see someone like you! Big props for organising the ’friendly’ match between the supporters, it’s a really nice idea, i hope all involved have fun and make new bridges between our 2 countries! Also, although i want Iraq to win on Sunday I also hope Australia go far! All the best, An iraqi medic in the uk
Since we played our first match in Germany 2006, it has been our goal to play matches against supporter groups of other nations if possible when the Socceroos are playing. We truly believe that Football is not only the World Game, but The World Language. Travelling to foreign countries and meeting people from different cultures is a pleasure for us. Playing a game of Football is not a chore but a privilege when played in the right spirit.
We all want the same thing the world over, and as corny as it sounds, it is “World Peace”, and harmony. I just don’t think it is that hard.
Make no mistake, I will be gutted if we loose on Sunday, but in the end, it is only a game and I will wake up the next day and the sun will rise.
Cheers
Terry
May 29 2008 | General | No Comments »
« Prev - Next »
