New Zealand Goalkeeper Glen Moss Coming To Terms With World Cup Ban
It is going to be a bitter-sweet summer for the shotstopper...

May 2, 2010 3:42:00 AM


New Zealand goalkeeper Glen Moss is coming to terms with the fact that he is going to miss the first two games of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Moss, who is also Melbourne Victory’s gloveman, is number one choice for the All Whites.

He is however, two games in to a four-match ban that he is serving for swearing at a referee during qualification.

Worse was the fact that a administrative bungle at the New Zealand FA meant that the ban wasn’t appealed when it would likely have been reduced in half.

Consequently, Moss will miss the Slovakia and Italy matches and can only play against Paraguay in the final Group F match. Mark Paston is likely to stand in.

At least Moss has been assured of a place in the final 23 by coach Ricki Herbert.

"Not everyone is going to be able to play, but it's all about being part of the squad, and coach Ricki Herbert wants team players and everyone on the same page," he said according to TVNZ.

"It will be an amazing experience just to be part of the World Cup and everyone will come away with something special."

Moss is trying not to dwell and what might have been and the events which led to his ban. Not only was the deadline for appeal missed, the match itself was a dead rubber.

"I've kind of moved on from that," he said. "It was pretty hard the way everything happened.

“But as I said, it's bigger than one person and I'm just going in like everyone else. I love being part of it."
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/05/02/1904689/world-cup-2010-new-zealand-goalkeeper-glen-moss-coming-to

All Whites seek to reap rewards with bold approach

Reuters - May 2, 2010, 6:27 pm

WELLINGTON, May 2 (Reuters) - New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert promised his All Whites would be "bold" and not play for draws at this year's World Cup in South Africa.

Herbert acknowledged that his side would be underdogs in Group F but insisted his tactics would not be to defend at all costs when they face Slovakia, Paraguay and holders Italy.

"If we have our full complement I think we can go out there and be a little bolder," told local media on Sunday, ruling out making a first ever World Cup finals point his priority.

"We won't be a team that sits back. Yes, we are going to be under pressure for long periods, but that is not going to be our approach. Not when we've got the attacking players we've got."

New Zealand take on Slovakia in their opening on June 15 in Rustenburg with Herbert close to selecting his final 23-man squad for the tournament.

"We probably have around 19," Herbert told Sunday's Star Times. "I think there will be some decision over the 18 who were at Bahrain, given the arrival of Tommy Smith and Winston Reid."

Smith and Reid have put themselves firmly in the picture for the World Cup after switching allegiance from England and Denmark respectively.

"They have added a different dimension," said Herbert, who declared after last November's playoff win over Bahrain all those involved would go to South Africa.

"I am not saying that people won't go but it has forced a different discussion," added Herbert, a defender when New Zealand made their only other World Cup appearance in Spain in 1982.

"It is our responsibility to take the best players to the tournament." (Reporting by Alastair Himmer in Tokyo; Editing by John O'Brien; To comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/football/news/article/-/7145094/whites-seek-reap-rewards-bold-approach

Aaron Clapham deserves World Cup place - Jacobs

By FRED WOODCOCK - The Dominion Post
Last updated 05:00 04/05/2010

New Zealand's Beijing Olympics team coach Stu Jacobs believes there are three World Cup spots up for grabs in Auckland this week – and he would give one of those golden tickets to Canterbury bolter Aaron Clapham.

A week out from Ricki Herbert naming his 23 for South Africa, Jacobs said he would lock in 20 names including four players – Glen Moss, Winston Reid, Tommy Smith and a fit-again Jeremy Brockie – who didn't feature against Bahrain.

He would give Clapham one of the three spots, while he favours forward Costa Barbarouses and defender Aaron Scott – because of his ability to play fullback or wingback – to get the remaining two, depending on form in the camp and during Sunday's trial match against an NZFC All Stars team in Auckland.

Clapham would get the nod over Cole Peverley, who Jacobs coaches at NZFC side Team Wellington, and former Phoenix utility David Mulligan, in midfield.

"I just think Aaron's probably been a lot steadier for Canterbury than Cole has been for us," said Jacobs, a former All Whites assistant to Ricki Herbert.

"If they're looking for a deeper midfielder, you'd take Cole, but they're probably looking for a more attacking midfielder because they've got Tim [Brown] and Simon [Elliott] who can sit, so you'd consider Aaron."

Jacobs worked with Clapham at the under-20 World Cup in 2007. "He's got the ability to offer something different to the attack and a good work ethic."

Jacobs believed Mulligan, who featured in the 2009 Confederations Cup and in the 18 against Bahrain but did not play in 46 matches for the Phoenix before his contract expired last season, could not justify a spot in South Africa "on principle".

Barbarouses, 20, fitted Herbert's "eye to the future" plan and could play up front or out wide, while Jacobs said Scott would offer options at wingback or fullback.

Steven Old would be the casualty of strong defensive stocks, he said, while keeper Jacob Spoonley should travel as cover – an unofficial 24th man – in case of injury or suspension to Mark Paston or James Bannatyne in the first two matches.

"I think they're pretty well served with defenders, my only concern is they probably haven't got a genuine right back," Jacobs said. "Ricki's okay up top but it's really the depth out wide and in the middle."
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Herbert faces a difficult balancing act in the lead-up to Sunday's trial.

His frontline players need to start logging minutes, with the A-League contingent having not played a competitive match for nearly two months.

But he will probably prioritise finalising his squad, hinting hopefuls such as Mulligan, Clapham, Peverley, Brockie and Barbarouses would start.

The squad will train twice a day this week. Herbert is leaving the New Zealand team to his assistants, Brian Turner and Raul Blanco, so he can watch both sides from a distance.

The NZFC side will also contain a smattering of World Cup hopefuls.

Herbert admits match fitness is an issue for the A-League players, in particular, but insists "they are not too far away".

Perhaps the most encouraging news is the fitness of Brockie and Paston, both recovering from broken legs.

Brockie played 45 minutes and scored a goal in the training match against Auckland City and now appears odds on to take one of the remaining spots.

"He has surprised me with where he sits from a fitness point of view," Herbert said.

"He's not letting himself down, that's for sure."

Paston's recovery continues to go smoothly but fullback Tony Lochhead faces a race against time to be fit for the May 24 showdown against Australia.

CUP HOPEFULS

- When is the World Cup team announced: Monday

- How many are going: 23

- Who's on the borderline: David Mulligan, Aaron Clapham, Cole Peverley, Costa Barbarouses, Aaron Scott, Chad Coombes, Jason Hayne, Allan Pearce, Steven Old, Kris Bright, Jeremy Christie

- Stu Jacobs selects: Clapham, Barbarouses, Scott

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/football/3652876/Aaron-Clapham-deserves-World-Cup-place-Jacobs

Nervous times for All White Jeremy Brockie
By ROBERT LOWE - NZPA
Last updated 20:32 06/05/2010


For World Cup soccer hopeful Jeremy Brockie, these are nervous times.

On Monday, New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert will name his 23-strong squad to head next month to the tournament in South Africa, giving Brockie and other non-certainties just a couple more days to press their case.

"There are a few nerves, actually," he said today.

"Obviously there are four or five spots up for grabs and probably seven or eight players fighting for those places."

Brockie, 22, is among 18 Australian and New Zealand-based players attending a 12-day All White camp, which ends in Auckland on Sunday with a match between New Zealand A and the NZFC All Stars.

If the Nelson-born forward makes the cut, he will have done it having overcome serious injury.

In January, Brockie suffered a broken leg in a late tackle when playing for A-League club North Queensland against Brisbane.

He said his first thought when he realised the extent of the injury was that his World Cup hopes had gone up in smoke.

"But I had a good chat with the surgeon and the physio and they knew this camp was coming up, so they did all they could to get me back in time without pushing it and making it worse," he said.

"Every run I did, every bike session I did, every leg exercise I did, I had the World Cup at the back of my head."

Brockie is running around with a plate and six screws inserted in his right leg, which he said now felt 100 percent.

He played 45 minutes of a match against Auckland City last weekend and pulled up fine after getting a knock on the leg.

"It was the first time I had got a kick and it didn't give me any problems at all," he said.

"I think that was what I needed. After you get that first kick, you think it's not so bad after all."

Brockie, who will play his football for the Newcastle Jets for the next two seasons, gained the first of his 15 New Zealand caps as an 18-year-old.

He was a member of the squad that went to the Confederations Cup last June, but a thigh injury ruled him out of contention for selection for the home-and-away tie against Bahrain last October and November, when the All Whites clinched their berth for South Africa.

Brockie said the way the camp had gone so far gave him confidence about his chances of getting on the plane to the republic.

"I didn't know how sharp I would be compared with the rest of the boys, having out for a while," he said.

"But I'm feeling good and, hopefully, when it comes to the names being read out, mine will be among them." http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/football/3667140/Nervous-times-for-All-White-Jeremy-Brockie

Bahrain pair may miss out on All Whites

By FRED WOODCOCK - The Dominion Post
Last updated 05:00 08/05/2010


OPINION: It's hard to see any surprises on Monday when Ricki Herbert names the 23 players who will represent New Zealand at the World Cup, but there are several talking points relating to those we can label "dirt-trackers".

The addition of Tommy Smith and Winston Reid has given the defensive line depth – they are automatic selections – while Jeremy Brockie's return from injury sews up one spot and goalkeeper Glen Moss is guaranteed another.

That means Herbert is unlikely to select all 18 players who featured against Bahrain. Though some will say this is a flip-flop, Herbert has allowed himself wiggle room, saying immediately after the Bahrain match that those 18 would be selected only if there were no better options.

Of the 18, David Mulligan and Aaron Scott are under pressure. Scott is the pick because there is a gaping hole at right back and, should Herbert gamble and opt to play three defenders, he needs a fallback option.

Scott proved himself capable of stepping up with a steady performance against Iraq at last year's Confederations Cup.

Mulligan is a much better midfielder than defender but his lack of game time for the Phoenix – he hasn't played for them in 46 matches – is surely a factor.

How many players have not played for their club in two years yet been selected for the World Cup? Herbert is loyal, however, so don't be surprised to see his name there.

Worryingly, there is a lack of cutting edge in midfield, so Canterbury's Aaron Clapham gets the nod narrowly over Wellington's Cole Peverley, who has already been to the Olympics, but Clapham has impressed and looks to have something of an X-factor.

Also going with Herbert's emphasis on youth, Costa Barbarouses wins a place, based solely on future potential.

Despite the emphasis on youth, I would pick ageing goalkeeper James Bannatyne over comparative young buck Jacob Spoonley. Why? The third goalkeeper – unlike some outfield players – might actually play, and Bannatyne's old head and his height advantage, which is significant at international level, sways it. Either way, the man who misses out must travel as an unofficial "24th man" in case of injury.

And the potential hard luck story? It could be Columbus Crew's Duncan Oughton, who seems to have fallen off the radar. The utility certainly has high-powered backing, with Ryan Nelsen pleading his case this week.

"I'm not sure what he's done [wrong], but he's a fantastic player and competitor. You need those guys. For 10 years he's been a starting player in America's MLS which, no disrespect, is a higher league than the A-League."
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FRED'S ALL WHITES WORLD CUP SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Mark Paston, Glen Moss, James Bannatyne

Defenders: Ryan Nelsen, Ivan Vicelich, Ben Sigmund, Winston Reid, Tony Lochhead, Tommy Smith, Andy Boyens, Aaron Scott

Midfielders: Simon Elliott, Tim Brown, Leo Bertos, Michael McGlinchey, Aaron Clapham, Jeremy Brockie, Andy Barron

Strikers: Chris Killen, Rory Fallon, Chris Wood, Shane Smeltz, Costa Barbarouses

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/football/3672064/Bahrain-pair-may-miss-out-on-All-Whites

Baby comes before World Cup for NZ's Nelsen
Reuters - May 8, 2010, 2:42 pm

AUCKLAND, May 8 (Reuters) - All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen could skip out on New Zealand during the World Cup because his wife is due to give birth to their second child during next month's tournament.

Nelsen's wife Monica is due the day before the July 11 World Cup final, and while New Zealand are likely to be long eliminated by then, the central defender said he would leave the tournament to attend the birth if the baby is premature.

"If it comes a couple of weeks early, it could be interesting," the Blackburn Rovers player told Wellington's Dominion Post newspaper. "If it did come early, I'd have to get on the plane and head straight home.

"There's nothing on this earth that would stop me from being there at my child's birth."

Nelsen was named New Zealand Football's player of the year on Friday after he guided the team to the June 11-July 11 tournament in South Africa.

New Zealand, who reached their second World Cup, and first in 28 years, have been drawn in Group F with champions Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia, with their final pool match on June 24.

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/football/news/article/-/7193811/baby-comes-world-cup-nzs-nelsen

LOVING JOFFA, doesn't really leave room for conversations to start.

Two spots left in All Whites squad

By Michael Brown
10:17 AM Sunday May 9, 2010

The names Jeremy Brockie and David Mulligan will be added to the All Whites' 23-man World Cup squad, leaving two spots still up for grabs.

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert will name his squad tomorrow. He has said 19 had been locked in before the present domestic camp for Australasian-based players but that now stands at 21.

The other two spots will be decided after today's match against the NZFC All Stars at North Harbour Stadium but it's unlikely to include a fourth goalkeeper. That means Aaron Clapham, Cole Peverley, Chad Coombes and Aaron Scott appear to be battling it out for the final two places.

Herbert had considered taking an additional goalkeeper because Glen Moss is suspended for the first two matches at the World Cup and the All Whites would be in a spot of bother if either Mark Paston or James Bannatyne were injured.

"I don't think we will take a fourth goalkeeper," Herbert said. "My only concern is the logistics of getting someone from here to South Africa."

Fifa rules allow five players to be on standby so it wouldn't be inconceivable for Jacob Spoonley to be taken to South Africa in case of an emergency.
CCID: 31621

Brockie and Mulligan, though, have done enough to convince Herbert they deserve a place at the World Cup. Brockie seemed out of the picture when he broke his leg playing for North Queensland in the A-League in January but he has recovered well and impressed over the past 10 days.

He can play both up front and wide, which will be valuable if Herbert opts to play three strikers like he did in the home-and-away playoffs with Bahrain.

"Jeremy's only concern was medically but he's trained the house down," Herbert said. "He got 45 minutes last weekend [against Auckland City, when he scored in the 5-1 victory] and will get more on Sunday. I kind of think he could be No 20."

Mulligan has been the centre of considerable debate and speculation since the All Whites qualified last November.

The 28-year-old hasn't played a competitive game of club football since August 2008 and was recently cut from the Wellington Phoenix. He was also exposed by Spain and South Africa playing at right back at last year's Confederations Cup.

But, like Brockie, Mulligan has been a standout over the past 10 days and has defined himself as a central midfielder who can play fullback.

"I feel sorry for him with all the debate around his position," Herbert said. "He's a professional footballer who hasn't got in the team [at the Phoenix]. It just so happens I have made those decisions.

"The only reason I released him [from the Phoenix] is that if he continues to be a national player, it's no good him not playing. He needs to get another contract.

"But unless I find someone better than David, why would I change? He's really good in the environment and understands his role."

Today's game looms as a big one for a number of other players, including Costa Barbarouses, Jason Hayne, James Pritchett, Allan Pearce and Spoonley but the biggest spotlight will fall on Clapham, Peverley, Coombes and Scott.

Clapham has made a late run for a World Cup spot on the back of his form for Canterbury United but questions remain about his ability to do that at a higher level. Peverley has courted little attention, despite the fact he was among the 15-man All Whites training squad, but he has a real chance of claiming one of the last spots for the World Cup. He's a steady central midfielder and, at 21, has a promising All Whites future ahead of him.

One of the only things counting against him, though, is the fact New Zealand are well served in the middle of the park with Tim Brown, Andy Barron, Simon Elliott, Mulligan and Michael McGlinchey.

Scott is hanging on by a thread. The right back has been usurped by the promising Tim Myers at Waitakere United and, with Winston Reid and Tommy Smith having made themselves available for New Zealand since qualification, places at the back are virtually filled.

Coombes is still in the frame, especially as he made his debut as a right wing-back against Mexico in March and was tidy playing for Auckland City against the All Whites last Saturday.

"I think we are still struggling to find a right fullback," Herbert said. "If one or two players make the cut, it will be because we feel there might be someone who can do that role. With Tommy and Winston coming in late, it has caused a selection dilemma - but a good one. "Winston could play at right-back, but I don't know that yet. If there's not a right-sided fullback, then I'm not going to take one. There's no point, not with the depth and talent we have in defence now."

TWO TO GO

Locked in

Goalkeepers: James Bannatyne, Glen Moss, Mark Paston.

Defenders: Andy Boyens, Tony Lochhead, Ryan Nelsen, Winston Reid, Ben Sigmund, Tommy Smith, Ivan Vicelich.

Midfielders: Andy Barron, Leo Bertos, Tim Brown, Simon Elliott, Michael McGlinchey, David Mulligan.

Strikers: Rory Fallon, Chris Killen, Shane Smeltz, Chris Wood, Jeremy Brockie.

The Contenders

Costa Barbarouses
Position: Striker.
Pros: Skilful player who can run at defenders. At just 20, he has a bright future in the game.
Cons: Little football over the past two years with the Wellington Phoenix. Small in stature, small on experience.
Chances: Possible.

Chad Coombes
Position: Fullback, midfield.
Pros: Can play anywhere from fullback to up front. Not overawed by big occasion - was decent against good opposition (Mexico) in his only international and impressive for Auckland City at last year's Club World Cup. Combative player.
Cons: Suffers white-line fever which gets him in trouble. Not really tested at the highest level.
Chances: Possible.

Steven Old
Position: Defender:
Pros: Central defender who has been playing right back for Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premier League. At 24, he is at an age worth investing in.
Cons: Never really convinced in 20 internationals and prone to making mistakes.
Chances: Unlikely.

Aaron Clapham
Position: midfield.
Pros: Exciting and skilful ball-player who propelled Canterbury to last month's NZFC final. Can make things happen.
Cons: Can do it at domestic level but can he do it on the world's biggest stage?
Chances: 50/50.

Jason Hayne
Position: Midfield.
Pros: Has genuine pace and his two goals at last year's Club World Cup shows he knows where the onion bag is.
Cons: No international experience other than two days in All Whites camp before the Mexico game.
Chances: Unlikely.


Cole Peverley
Position: Midfield.
Pros: Solid holding midfielder who has come through age-group football. Rated highly by Herbert. Another at a good age (21) who has potential for the future.
Cons: With Brown, Elliott, Barron and Mulligan, they are well-covered with holding midfielders.
Chances: 50/50.

Aaron Scott
Position: Fullback.
Pros: Impressed in the All Whites' 0-0 draw with Iraq at last year's Confederations Cup.

Solid defender who reads the game well.
Cons: Little recent football after being usurped as a starter at Waitakere United by promising youngster Tim Myers. Lacking in confidence.
Chances: Unlikely.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/soccer-football/news/article.cfm?c_id=86&objectid=10643814&pnum=0

Ricki Herbert the gambler takes punt on outsider
By FRED WOODCOCK - The Dominion Post
Last updated 05:00 11/05/2010


OPINION: You've got to hand it to Ricki Herbert – the old dog had another trick up his sleeve. Just when you think you've got his World Cup squad worked out, the All Whites coach wades in with a surprise pick out of left field.

And we're not talking about the new cap, either.

Though skilful midfielder Aaron Clapham was unheard of outside of Christchurch until two months ago, his selection in the squad yesterday – thoroughly deserved after a stellar NZFC campaign – was a very matter-of-fact decision in comparison to that of Jeremy Christie.

You may remember him. He played in the New Zealand under-17 team at the World Cup in Auckland 11 years ago, had been a feature of Herbert's All Whites squads from 2005 until midway through last year, and played for the Phoenix in seasons one and two.

But, after he became surplus to requirements at the Phoenix, Christie fell so far off the radar that he was trialling for clubs in India, then featuring for Waitakere United before taking up an opportunity in Tampa Bay, Florida, of all places, playing second-tier footy in the United States.

He wasn't involved against Bahrain but he's clearly done enough between then and now to convince Herbert of his worth. A midfielder who has been converted to right back at times, Christie is solid if not spectacular, a reliable player and a team man who does whatever is required of him.

Like David Mulligan, who also made the cut despite not having played a game for his club for almost two seasons, he is someone Herbert likes to have in his squads.

Herbert would argue there are no clearly better options in New Zealand football to overtake either Mulligan or Christie and, truth be told, he's probably right.

However, Waitakere fullback Aaron Scott can count himself unlucky, given the dearth of specialist fullbacks in the squad.

The rest of the squad takes care of itself, although the selection of just the three goalkeepers is a bold call.

Given that Glen Moss is suspended for the first two matches, an injury or suspension to either Mark Paston or James Bannatyne in the first match would mean there would be just one goalkeeper available for the second match against Italy.

Herbert might have been tempted to take a fourth keeper as insurance and sacrifice an outfield player who would not play anyway, but he is a gambler and, after all, everything he has touched in the past six months has turned to gold.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/football/3678501/Ricki-Herbert-the-gambler-takes-punt-on-outsider

I reckon we will make the semis

Basin plugs gap for Phoenix
Monday, 10 May 2010

THE Wellington Phoenix have begun preparations for their Hyundai A-League 2010/11 campaign with the playing squad launching into pre-season training at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

With the Phoenix’s regular training ground at Newtown Park currently undergoing pitch renovations, the squad will train at the spiritual home of New Zealand cricket for the next month.

“We’re extremely grateful to the Basin Reserve Trust for allowing us to train at the Basin Reserve for the next four weeks,” said Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata.

“With Newtown Park unavailable and the busy Wellington club football season putting extreme pressure on other grounds, having access to the Basin is a godsend. The surface and facilities are superb and that means there’ll be no disruption to our pre-season buildup.”

The Phoenix are gearing up for another tilt at the Hyundai A-League title, coming off the back of a stunning 2009/10 campaign that saw them go within one match of the grand final.

Phoenix squad members already in Wellington will be joined from Tuesday by members of the World Cup-bound All Whites squad, including Phoenix regulars Tim Brown, Leo Bertos, Mark Paston, Ben Sigmund and Tony Lochhead.

The All Whites are preparing for a blockbuster showdown against Australia at the MCG on May 24 in a warm-up match ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa beginning on June 11.

Basin Reserve Trust trustee John Morrison said the trust was delighted to be able to lend a hand to the Phoenix and the All Whites.

“We’re huge supporters of the Phoenix and the All Whites and we’re thrilled to be able to help them out. It’s a great opportunity for people to get along to the Basin and check out how they’re getting on.”

The trust was keen to see the Basin Reserve used for more sporting and entertainment events, Morrison said.

“It is primarily a cricket ground but the trust aims to ensure the Basin is used for other events also and that there is support for other sporting codes in the city.”

Tuesday, May 11
Open training session
Basin Reserve
10.30am-midday

Thursday, May 13
Open training session
Basin Reserve
10.30am-midday

Friday, May 14
Open training session
Basin Reserve
10.30am-midday


http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=33580

New Zealand Camp Focus - Herbert's World Cup 2010 squad short on experience

By Rory Sheehan
Wednesday 12 May 2010

New Zealand Coach Ricki Herbert has named his 23 man squad for the World Cup just a week before the All Whites meet up for their pre-tournament training camp.

The biggest surprise is the inclusion of uncapped 21 year-old defender Winston Reid of Danish club FC Midtyjlland. Born in New Zealand but having lived in Denmark since the age of 10, the versatile Reid has been capped by Denmark up to and including Under-21 level. Able to play at right-back or centre-back, it was only two months ago that Reid declared he wished to change allegiance to the country of his birth. Another uncapped player included is Canterbury United’s Aaron Clapham but the talented goal scoring midfielder had been in Herbert’s thoughts for some time despite his lack of international experience.

Teenage Ipswich Town left-sided defender Tommy Smith also makes the cut - with more notable British based players Ryan Nelsen of Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough’s Chris Killen and recent Motherwell capture Michael McGlinchey. Strikers Chris Wood of West Brom and Plymouth Argyle’s Rory Fallon will make up the rest of the contingent in the squad from British clubs.


As the majority of the squad is made up of those who secured the country’s passage to South Africa - there can be few hard feelings for any eligible players who have missed out - Herbert is staying loyal to those who have served him well so far. The previously unattached midfielder Jeremy Christie will also be relieved to have made it having recently found regular football in America with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Other currently unattached players sweating on their selection are midfielders Simon Elliott and David Mulligan - but their experience and previous form will have stood them in good stead. Perhaps the unluckiest player to miss out is Steven Old of Scottish side Kilmarnock. The centre-back deputised for captain Ryan Nelsen as recently as March in a friendly against Mexico but seems to have been edged out through Herbert’s gamble on Reid. Captain Nelsen will be strong at the centre of defence and forward Killen will use his strength to hold the ball up for whoever tucks in behind him in a 4-4-1-1 formation - and for any oncoming support from midfield in a 4-3-3 if they become adventurous.

Overall the squad looks to be the strongest Herbert could pick from the limited resources he has available. Nelsen and Killen are the most talented and experienced players in terms of top level and European experience. The biggest concern for Herbert is how few of his players have had such exposure to European or South American football. With most of his squad playing domestically - or in Australia and America - they will not have been exposed to the levels of pace, fitness and technical ability possessed by the Italy, Paraguay and even Slovakia. That the All Whites are taking players to South Africa who have been without a club in recent months is not something most other nations have to worry about. The forthcoming friendlies will be vital in providing them with match fitness while many will be looking for the World Cup to put them in the shop window.

To acclimatise to the step up as much as possible the Kiwi’s pre-tournament games will be key to giving them any chance of making an impression at the tournament. Herbert’s final squad selection will not change the tactics or style of play the Kiwi’s will use at the World Cup . They are still expected to adopt a physical approach with their most talented players at the heart of that. Ahead of the tournament the All Whites will face their fellow World Cup -bound neighbours Australia in a Melbourne friendly. From there they will head to Austria for games against Serbia and Slovenia. It is hoped that these games will help them acclimatise to the European style of play prior to Group games against Italy but more realistically Slovakia. While a scalp of the Italians might seem beyond the All Whites even at their most optimistic - these warm-up games will have been arranged with the All Whites fancying their chances of upsetting the Slovakians. Having already suffered a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the USA last March - the final friendly will see them take on Chile as preparation for Paraguay just days ahead of South Africa. How New Zealand perform in those fixtures ahead of boarding the plane to South Africa will go some way to gauging how they might perform when the competitive football begins.

23-man New Zealand squad

Goalkeepers
James Bannatyne (Team Wellington)
Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory)
Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix)

Defenders
Andy Boyens (New York Red Bulls)
Tony Lochead (Wellington Phoenix)
Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers)
Winston Reid (FC Midtyjlland)
Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix)
Tommy Smith (Ipswich Town)
Ivan Vicelich (Auckland City)

Midfielders
Andy Barron (Team Wellington)
Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix)
Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix)
Jeremy Christie (Tampa Bay Rowdies)
Aaron Clapham (Canterbury United)
Simon Elliot (Unattached)
Michael McGlinchey (Motherwell)
David Mulligan (Unattached) Forwards
Jeremy Brockie (Newcastle Jets)
Rory Fallon (Plymouth Argyle)
Chris Killen (Middlesbrough)
Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United)
Chris Wood (West Bromwich Albion)

http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_2875_new-zealand-camp-focus-herberts-world-cup-2010-squad-short-on-experience.html

Worldwide interest in naming of All Whites team

By COEN LAMMERS - The Press
Last updated 05:00 13/05/2010

OPINION: The All Whites squad announcement made headlines around the world, underlining the global pulling power of the World Cup.

Even though New Zealand is one of the smallest footballing nations at next month's tournament, the news around the team was important enough to be published by media outlets worldwide, from Japan to Paraguay, from the United States to Denmark and from the Netherlands to South Africa.

In many countries, the reports were just two or three paragraphs with the 23 names, but many nations now have more than a passing interest in the fortunes of New Zealand.

Aaron Clapham not only made the pages of The Press, he also grinned from the back page of Ultima Hora, the biggest paper in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay.

Much of the interest in several articles around the world centred on the "amateur" player from Christchurch reaching the Mt Everest of football.

Many writers and online commentators wondered that New Zealand not only has four NZFC part-timers in the team but also two players without a club.

"They are so bad that no club wants them?" asked a Paraguayan fan on the Ultima Hora website. "If we lose to them I will throw my LCD out the window and start looking for a basketball or cricket club to support."

Naturally, the media from Paraguay, Slovakia and Italy, the three opponents of the All Whites, had a specific interest in Ricki Herbert's team, but papers in the Netherlands, Denmark and the US also gave considerable space to the team.

Algemeen Daglad in Rotterdam focused on Ivan Vicelich who had a long career in the Dutch Eredivisie, while most Danish papers carried stories around Winston Reid being named in the All Whites.

Reid told Denmark's biggest selling paper Ekstra Bladet that he expected to be named, but still had some nerves until his name was read out. He was also looking forward to flying back into his home town of Auckland later this week after not being home for two years.

Several American newspapers reminded readers that New Zealand has strong US-connections, with Ryan Nelsen, Simon Elliott and Clapham all spending time at US clubs or universities and Andy Boyens and Jeremy Christie still feature in the American professional leagues.

The Washington Post angled on "US Minor Leaguer On New Zealand Roster", explaining how "minor leaguer" Christie was plucked from the modest surroundings of Steinbrenner Field in Tampa Bay to play in the World Cup

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/football/3689483/Worldwide-interest-in-naming-of-All-Whites-team

All Whites' standby list full of talent
By TONY SMITH - The Press
Last updated 05:00 13/05/2010


Scottish premier league defender Steven Old and Shrewsbury Town striker Kris Bright have been named on New Zealand Football's list of standby players for the World Cup.

The list includes five players who took part in a 10-day All Whites training camp which ended in Auckland on Monday when coach Ricki Herbert announced his 23-man squad to travel to South Africa.

Old, 24, is on Kilmarnock's book after signing a three-year deal with the Ayrshire club, but has not played for the All Whites since a friendly against Tanzania last June.

The central defender, who has also played at right back, was selected in the squad for the friendly against Mexico in California last March but did not get game time. He has won 20 caps since his debut as a teenager in 2004.

Bright, 23, has four caps and scored his first All Whites goal in a friendly against Thailand last year.

Bright – whose father Dave was part of the All Whites' 1982 World Cup squad – played 26 matches for Shrewsbury in League Two, English professional football's fourth tier. He has had just four starts – two of them in the final two matches and scored two goals.

He completed his first campaign in Shropshire with a goal in last Sunday's 1-1 draw with Port Vale.

The standby squad also includes right back Aaron Scott, the only member of the 18-man squad which beat Bahrain in last spring's World Cup playoff series to miss the cut for South Africa.

Brisbane Roar striker Costa Barbarouses – another unlucky omission – Auckland City midfielder Chad Coombes, Beijing Olympics squad midfielder Cole Peverley (Team Wellington) and goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley, who won his only cap in the 2008 dead-rubber Oceania World Cup qualifying group defeat to Fiji in Suva, complete the group.

The selections have clearly been made with an eye to to the future, with only Coombes over 25.

It is surprising there was no room in the group for 32-year-old United States-based midfielder-defender Duncan Oughton. The Wellingtonian has played 133 Major League Soccer matches for Columbus Crew since 2001.

Oughton won the last of his 27 caps as a substitute against South Africa at the 2009 Confederations Cup finals after playing twice against New Caledonia in the World Cup Oceania qualifiers. http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/football/3689474/All-Whites-standby-list-full-of-talent

All Whites chase World Cup respect

By MICHAEL FOX - Stuff
Last updated 07:44 14/05/2010

All White Tim Brown admits not everyone feels his team deserves a spot at the Football World Cup.

But the midfielder said they are intent on proving those people wrong and earning the footballing minnows some respect on the world's biggest sporting stage.

Speaking at a Phoenix training session at Wellington's Basin Reserve yesterday, Brown was not buying in to talk of scoring miracle goals or rubbing shoulders with the world's best.

"I don't think many people think we deserve to be there," he said.

"I think there'll be office sweepstakes going on around the world and no one will be wanting New Zealand coming out of the that so hopefully we can sort of show people that we deserve a spot there and surprise a few people along the way."

The some-time captain said motivation was high, with less than a month to go before kick-off at New Zealand's first football world cup since 1982.

"Mate, the World Cup, it's motivating. We haven't been there in 28 years, that's all you need to know. It's the biggest sporting event in the world and it's really important that we go over there and do well."

Brown said he had been working hard not let his mind wander, as he focussed on getting prepared.

However, taking advantage of the booming popularity of football in New Zealand, he and teammate Ben Sigmund had taken time out to throw their weight behind the Life Flight charitable trust.

The pair has helped organise a charity event doubling as a farewell for the team at the rescue-helicopter's base on Monday where over 300 people will have an opportunity to rub shoulders with the team and bid in a charity auction.

One of the items up for grabs is the jersey Brown wore during the first half of the All White's famous victory over Bahrain in Wellington in November, signed by the entire squad.

As of last night, bidding for the jersey had reached over $850 on TradeMe.

Brown said it was great to give back to such an important charity.

"Hopefully it can raise a bit of money. It's better than having it sitting on my wall," he said.

In spite of little rest following a prolonged Phoenix campaign and an "intense" training camp in Albany, Brown said he was feeling fresh and excited.

The All Whites will be surrounded by the world's best football players including Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil's Kaka, but Brown was not interested in talking about rubbing shoulders with them.

"They're all good. I think you start thinking about who you're playing and the names you are playing and you'll get lost eh, so we'll just sort of keep the head down and hopefully we can go in there and perform."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/football/3696684/All-Whites-chase-World-Cup-respect/

Midfield choices widened

By Michael Brown
4:00 AM Sunday May 16, 2010


There is an assumption Simon Elliott is an automatic selection in midfield for the All Whites at the World Cup. That shouldn't be the case.

Elliott turns 36 on June 10, a day before the World Cup starts, making him one of the oldest players at the tournament.

While age is not necessarily a factor for World Cup players, it's hard to escape the fact Elliott's time is coming to an end. It certainly wouldn't be a surprise if he announced his retirement after the World Cup.

The midfielder has played 70 times for his country since his debut in 1994 and was one of the better performed players at last year's Confederations Cup, largely because he wasn't afraid of the ball.

But quite a bit has changed since then.

Elliott has hardly played - he was released by San Jose at the end of last year's MLS - and hasn't been able to find a club since. He has been training with the LA Galaxy, one of his old clubs, but it's often said there's no substitute for match fitness. He also lacks pace, something good teams expose.

New Zealand have also developed central midfielders now capable of pushing for Elliott's holding midfield role, not least David Mulligan.


Perhaps surprisingly to many who remember last year's Confederations Cup, Mulligan looked sharp recently playing in front of a back three. His ball distribution off both feet is sound and often goes forward. He battles well for possession.

Mulligan has benefited from a return to his more natural position, centre midfield. He was badly exposed as a right back at the Confederations Cup against South Africa and Spain, although the talented Spanish have exposed many fullbacks.

It's not certain Mulligan will play at the World Cup and it needs to be remembered he performed well recently against what can be described at best as average opposition but his name will surely be debated when the side is chosen.

A lot will depend on what system coach Ricki Herbert employs. If he continues with three up front, which he thinks is the side's strength, then there is room for only two central midfielders. A 3-5-2 would require three in the middle of the park.

Assuming Herbert sticks with two central midfielders, the choice seems to be who partners Tim Brown. The vice-captain has played a more advanced role in the last couple of seasons, with some success for the Phoenix, but it would be preferable to see him return to the holding role.

He's a battler rather than a creator and his strength is winning the ball. He's often criticised for his lack of creativity but that's largely because he plays in a more forward role than he should.

Michael McGlinchey offers more inventiveness in central midfield but he has often looked better as a substitute who can come on and exploit tiring defences, as he did in the first leg of the playoff against Bahrain, rather than a starter who can control a game. He is worth investing in, though, because creative central midfielders are rare here.

Aaron Clapham offers potential in this respect. He is skilful and, while he hasn't so far looked out of place in an All Whites shirt, is untested at the highest level. It would be a big step up for him to play in South Africa. Andy Barron offers dependability and deserves his place in the 23-man squad.

The biggest uncertainty is where Winston Reid might play. No one really knows what he's capable of, considering he was picked on reputation. Herbert hasn't yet seen him play live but a player being chased by as many as four Italian Serie A clubs is not to be ignored.

Reid has been chosen as a central defender but this is an area New Zealand are well served, with Ryan Nelsen, Ivan Vicelich, Ben Sigmund, Tommy Smith and Andy Boyens.

Reid played central midfield in his youth and is said to have good skill, strength, pace and vision - attributes needed in the middle of the park. They are also qualities appreciated in Italian football.

Elliott might still turn out to be the best option but, at least now, there are alternatives.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/soccer-football/news/article.cfm?c_id=86&objectid=10645198

Q & A with '82 coach John Adshead
By Simon Winter
11:14 AM Monday May 17, 2010



It's been 28 years since you took the All Whites to the World Cup in Spain. What are your most vivid memories of the campaign?

It's a part of your life. It's something, that when we actually qualified, didn't actually mean too much to me. It was a very quiet night in Singapore for me (after beating China in a sudden-death elimination).

But the memories of that, because it was such a big occasion, they just never go. I mean you can virtually recount every qualifying game, every goal that was scored, who scored it and how it was scored.

It was a terrific rollercoaster ride as we've explained it before, I mean we were in, we were out, it was an amazing, amazing journey, and a long journey over a period of 18 months.

The World Cup itself, the All Whites had an awfully tough draw. What do you recall of the actual tournament and everything that happened there?

The World Cup gives you a sense of importance, it doesn't matter if you're Brazil or whether you're New Zealand.


We were both in the same group as it happened.

But on arrival in Madrid - the welcome, the security, everything about it, you were made such a fuss of.

You're a World Cup team, you're a World Cup coach and you're World Cup players and when I looked at the players in that airport, they all seemed to grow about six inches and they had a stature about them.

And I thought these lads, you want them to be professional, you want them to be superstars, well they can do that for you. And you could just see them say, 'this is us'.

You were made to feel very special. It's the world stage and there's nothing bigger and we'd earned every single right to be there.

At the time, how did you rate your team's chances going into three big matches against Scotland, Brazil and the USSR - and how do you compare that group with what the All Whites will face in South Africa?

Well, I always felt we were a very well organised and disciplined side. At the time there was a statement that came out of the Scottish press, which said New Zealand was really just a team of kickers and teams like that shouldn't be around the World Cup.

We were in fact the only team not to get a yellow card; we were top of the tree in the good behavioural stakes throughout the first round.

We weren't concerned about who we were going to play but were determined we weren't going there to be negative. We wanted to play the game as it was meant to be played, and the proof was there in the second half of the game we played against Scotland. I was very disappointed when we came in (at halftime) 3-0 down, because we hadn't even looked to go forward.

But when we opened the game up in the second half, let's not forget, within 10 or 15 minutes it was 3-2 and the panic in the Scottish side was there for all to see. And they (Scotland) then scored two very lucky goals to get what looked on paper to be a far better victory than it actually was.

You know I've looked at passages of the games against Brazil where we put 17 passes together; and we were very unlucky against the Soviet Union, very unlucky - they were a great side.

At the end of the day, when we came back I was very proud of the way we'd played. Comments from the press said 'this is the greatest con man in history - he comes home and says they played well and they lost every game'. But we did play well, in relative terms to who we were and who we played against.

So then what are this side's chances against Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia?

Realistically, I don't train with them, I'm not in the dressing room, I don't know what's there. But from a distance, I would look at the teams they're playing against, look at the quality within the national side and say they're in exactly the same boat as we were.

It will be very, very difficult I think for them to get a result. I think the key factor is, and what we went there for, to score. Deep down, you've got to say, if we're not going to win games, then we have to score goals and stay close.

And I think that would be a fair assessment of what New Zealand would like to achieve.

Of course they want to get a result, whether that's a point or whether that's a win - but I personally don't look at it as a very realistic thing. But I'm sure that will not affect the national coach and the national players.

They will go out there with a very positive approach to win a game, but I'm talking from a football coaching point of view realistically, I can't see a result there.

Because on paper that '82' side was in a far more difficult group than this team is facing - even though Paraguay and Slovakia are good teams - they're not Brazil, the USSR or Scotland, who at that time were a very good side?

I think in football it's all about what happens on the day.

One, don't forget we played 15 games to get there, so we played a lot of football together. This team hasn't, so we had pluses.

The other side of the coin is we've got a hell of a lot of experienced players in this side who play at the highest level of the game, which we never had (in 1982). We had no Premier League players in there, and you've got so many in this side who have had a taste of real professional football over several years now.

So it's a very experienced side. So with that, you've got to turn around and say, 'on the day', and I would say particularly against Paraguay, and against Italy in actual fact, because Italy is renowned in all World Cups, they are notoriously slow starters. And who knows, with the all the raw enthusiasm coming out of New Zealand and all the expectation on Italy, that's the sort of day you get an upset... so it can happen.

Strangely enough I see New Zealand's most difficult game against Slovakia. I think Paraguay and Italy could try to play it a little bit nice and New Zealand could get on top of that sort of thing and not let them play. Whereas against Slovakia you're going to get a very strong, forceful, European-type side, and New Zealand won't overpower them physically, they won't - whereas they could do with the other two sides.

I see Slovakia as the side that could even win that group.
By Simon Winter | Email Simon http://www.nzherald.co.nz/soccer-football/news/article.cfm?c_id=86&objectid=10645356&pnum=0

I'm Kiwi as, says mystery All White

By Chris Rattue
4:00 AM Tuesday May 18, 2010

World Cup-bound Tommy Smith is one of the great new All White hopes but admits he is still a mystery man to the New Zealand sporting public.

The 20-year-old, who was born in Macclesfield near Manchester, came here with his family aged 8. He returned to England in his mid-teens to join English championship club Ipswich.

Smith was good enough to play in a youth world tournament for England before using his Kiwi passport and the Fifa residency rules to switch allegiances to New Zealand in time for next month's World Cup in South Africa.

The late addition of Smith, who made an impressively composed debut in Los Angeles against Mexico in early March, and the Denmark-based Winston Reid, gives the All Whites a potentially outstanding group of defenders that includes star turn Ryan Nelsen and classy veteran Ivan Vicelich.

Smith has spent the past couple of days in the Bay of Plenty, his initial New Zealand home. He heads to Auckland today for a question and answer session with students at his old school, Westlake Boys High, before going into the All Whites camp for Monday's clash against Australia in Melbourne.

He was ecstatic when Ricki Herbert rang to say he was in the 23-man World Cup squad.

"I suppose I am still a mystery to a lot of people here," he said. "I'm so proud to represent New Zealand and as I have said before, my football education was in this country and I feel a loyalty that I could never feel to England.

"My first match for the All Whites was a bit difficult, not knowing anyone, but the games coming up will help sort that out.

"I didn't expect to be in the World Cup squad before the Mexico game but I felt quite confident during the match and got on quite well with them all.

"When I heard I'd been selected it felt absolutely amazing - it is every lad's dream to play in the World Cup.

"My teammates at Ipswich were a bit jealous obviously, but they have wished me all the best.

"I am determined to do New Zealand, myself and Ipswich proud."

Two of Smith's siblings remain in New Zealand although his parents, John and Gail, returned to England to support him.

Brother Tony "Savvy" Smith, a 28-year-old painter and decorator, is also a central defender and has been a key to the rise of the Te Puke club. But the World Cup was a world away when Te Puke were belted 9-0 at Auckland Grammar in the Chatham Cup last Saturday.

Smith's soccer commitments meant he missed his brother's marriage to Anita early this year.

He spent yesterday at the Tauranga home of his sister Georgina Fowler and her husband Mark. Tony and Georgina will be at the MCG to watch their younger brother on Monday.

Smith said:"It's been four years since I was in New Zealand - I've been for a drive to see our old house in Papamoa which brought back lovely memories. I've got a lot of memories of New Zealand and they are all good.

"These have been a very enjoyable few days and I hope to catch up with some friends in Auckland if they haven't moved on. Then it's all about hard work preparing for the World Cup."

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/soccer-football/news/article.cfm?c_id=86&objectid=10645693&pnum=0

Barely time for All Whites captain to catch his breath
By FRED WOODCOCK - The Dominion Post
Last updated 05:00 20/05/2010

When Ryan Nelsen says he can't wait to get on to the training pitch in Auckland this morning, it's not hard to believe him.

From travel to book signings to school visits to TV appearances and public speeches, the All Whites captain has barely stopped for breath during the past four days.

It started with a 1 1/2-hour drive from Minnesota in the United States, where he was with his wife's family, to Fargo, North Dakota. Here's the rest:

Flight from Fargo to Denver

Flight from Denver to Los Angeles

Flight from Los Angeles to Auckland

Flight from Auckland to Christchurch

Straight to his old primary school for a morning visit

Media, book signing, and more media in the afternoon

Q&A evening at Christchurch's AMI Stadium

Few hours of sleep

Media in the morning

Flight from Christchurch to Wellington

Media and in the afternoon

Public appearance at the Duxton Hotel at night

Few hours of sleep

Breakfast television interviews

Flight to Auckland

Medical tests at New Zealand Football

Book signing

Speech at launch of the NZ Football Foundation, of which he is the patron. After our chat, there's a live TV news cross and an appearance on a TV talkshow later in the evening.

"I can't wait," he said, still wearing a smile, when asked if he was looking forward to kicking a football around in the morning at the All Whites' first training session.

"But this has all been good, and quite enjoyable. It's eye-opening, actually, how much the public are getting behind us and how much interest there has been. It reinforces the resolve to do well because so many people are excited."

Meanwhile, Nelsen confirmed he was trying to get his English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers to play a pre-season match against the Phoenix in Wellington, but nobody should get their hopes up just yet.

"I have suggested it to the manager but it's a bit of a long-shot. We might be coming out to Sydney for a four-team tournament, but nothing has been confirmed. It's a long, long shot." Fred Woodcock

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/football/3716940/Barely-time-for-All-Whites-captain-to-catch-his-breath