Looks like all my haggling on here and a few other joints has paid off! Woo-hoo!

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/world-cup-2010/kiwis-kill-off-big-brother-complex/story-fn4l4sfy-1225883448897

Kiwis kill off big brother complex

* David Lewis
* From: The Australian
* June 24, 2010 12:00AM

NEW Zealand soccer chiefs used to doff their caps to the big brother across the Tasman - not any more.

Inspired by the All Whites' feats at the World Cup, where they stand on the threshold of qualifying for the second phase, New Zealand Football boss Frank van Hattum no longer deems the Socceroos serious rivals.

After the 1-1 draws with Slovakia and defending world champion Italy, he's perusing a far more expansive canvas than mere local hostilities between neighbours vying for bragging rights.

Pacific plankton one moment, everybody's favourite second team in South Africa the next, the Kiwis are the feel-good story of the World Cup so far.

They have moved beyond the shadow of the Socceroos with van Hattum saying after the shackling of the Azzurri: "It's not Australia we gauge ourselves against. We don't obsess about beating Australia, we obsess about bettering ourselves.

"We don't see Australia as rivals. These days we worry about ourselves first and right now we're doing pretty well."

So well that despite talk the Socceroos could conceivably poach coach Ricki Herbert, who currently earns a $50,000 pittance as the All Whites part-time boss in his job-sharing role with the Wellington Phoenix, van Hattum is confident he will stay.

"We know that money aside he'd rather lead New Zealand than Australia because he's a proud New Zealander," he said.

Australia's 2-1 win over the Kiwis on the eve of both nations' departure for the World Cup now looks exactly what it was - very fortuitous.

The 2000-1 outsiders are out to add to their tale of the unexpected by beating Paraguay tonight in Polokwane to set up a likely round of 16 match against The Netherlands in Durban.

The supposed World Cup whipping boys have whipped up unprecedented interest in themselves as they sit level with Italy on two points, one ahead of Slovakia and two behind Paraguay.

Van Hattum doesn't take any satisfaction at Australia's first-up 4-0 loss to three-time champion Germany.

"It was always going to be a case of trying to build something from the first game," he said. "We managed to do that and Australia didn't. But we are behind them doing well at big tournaments because if they are strong it's good for the region overall.

"But the truth is we haven't focused on what Australia have been doing. We're just enjoying our own ride.

"We've shown we belong on the world stage and have built some credibility. We came through a difficult qualifying process and we are a team that nobody rated.

"We've made a few of them sit up and take notice now."

Van Hattum added: "We feel there is more to come. The team isn't overwhelmed at facing anybody.

"People said surviving against Italy would be a bridge too far. So we'll take that same attitude in against Paraguay

Edited by diego's son: 24/6/2010 02:20:14 PM