Rustenburg Week!

It’s Rustenburg week here at GMB so I’m getting busy finding all of the sweet spots of this little city.

First things first – the stadium. The Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace will host Australia vs Ghana on the 20^th of June.

The stadium opened in 1999 as a multi-purpose Track and Field/Field sports centre and had an upgrade (completed march 2009) which increased it’s capacity from 38,000 to 42,000 to host matches for the World Cup.

Not quite as flashy as Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium but I like stadiums with an Athletics track around them – brings me back lots of memories of my Athletics days!

GMB XO

A 3D World Cup?

There’s been quite a bit of talk about making World Cup 3D so I’m going to join in on the conversation...

SBS are apparently looking into buying the rights to bring the World Cup to Australia in 3D. 

I can see a few problems at the moment... Not only will SBS have to buy the rights to 3D game footage, they will also need to purchase the equipment needed to broadcast to Australian viewers. Of which I would think would be quite a small number considering, as far as I know, the public also need to buy a 3D television (unless this is for public venues? Who's got glasses?). Another thing is that, as most viewers will be watching in 2D I don't think the coverage of the games in 3D would be as good. There's already enough equipment running about the pitch I can't see how they're going to fit in another whole set of 3D cameras. 

That being said, it would be pretty cool, I suppose 3D will be a big part in the future of our digital lives, so why not test it out on the biggest event on earth!

In traditional fashion I've doctored up an image of relatively random relevance... A Na'vi playing football! How cool would that be! 

Socceroos’ home amongst the Real Yellowwood tree

These photos were released a little while ago now but I came across them today and decided it was important information!

This will be the Socceroos’ home sweet home while in South Africa. The Kloofzicht Lodge is all fitted out; water hole, rolling hills and native trees – somewhere I think a roo might like to hang.

I had a perve on Google Maps to suss it out, like the good little Blogger that I am, and unfortunately it seems that the resort isn’t very close to any little towns that might chuck a party for the Australian fans… In Germany 2006 the gorgeous little town of Ohringen hosted the Australian team and I think after the World Cup they all claimed Aussie citizenship! The whole town got amongst it with Aussie flags everywhere; I love Australia banners in window shops, locals walking around saying G’day mate and then to top it off a big party day with music and dancing and the whole she-bang!

Anywho, not to worry I’m sure we’ll make our own fun over in South Africa!

More of the lodge here.

Pim's Off

A slight case of bloggers block for most of the week… Finally back on board! So, here are my thoughts on Pim leaving.

After a sturdy and tiring two years with the FFA Pim Verbeek has decided he will not be re-signing as coach of the Socceroos. I think this is a good decision on all accounts. Pim’s done a very good job – but as he’s said the job is quite a demanding one and I think the pressure of holding such a good record bears a little too much weight.

In his 27 matches as boss Verbeek has lead the team to 15 wins, 8 draws and only 4 losses as well as qualification for both World Cup and Asian Cup. I think a lot of this success, although of course the players have a lot to do with it, is thanks to his hard work. Scouting across Europe, Asia and Australia as well as games in these three continents whilst having your family back in Europe is no easy task.

So, now the FFA is on the hunt for a new coach… It seems to be a shared consensus that at this stage it’s still critical we have an outside influence, I think a European is best. It’ll be interesting to see who comes up…

I think a coach needs to be a lot more than an ex-player with a FIFA coaching certificate. A professional player’s insight into the game is invaluable, however, it’s not enough. Besides the technical and tactical aspects of the game the most vital aspect to a good coach is his people skills and I think Pim did a good job of this.

Of course, I don’t really know – in the end only the players are the only ones who can really assess this, however, through the media’s eyes (always a little warped) he’s done a good job of appearing to be calm, collected and never too irrational. He seems to be calculated in the way he shares information and the choices he makes. Although, sometimes a little harsh I think his honesty is refreshing, however, at the same time he does come across with some warmth – I think it’s important to always be a little bit human.  

Anywhoo, our next Socceroos coach has a big job ahead. With a lot of the older boys nearing the ends of their careers the search will be on for our youngsters to pull through with some talent, as well as this, we’ve got the Asian Cup to contend with – before we know it it’ll be time to qualify for Brazil 2014! 

Where's the Love?

Mark Stevens  - The only photo I could find of this happy fellow.  

Not up to my blog's standard - Mark if you're reading can you 

send me a better photo that I can alter? 

I feel quite a strong need to poke a stick at this special man – Mark Stevens.

It seems that the idea of ‘Australian Football’ is making Mark squirm in his seat, so much in fact, that he’s written a fine piece of journalism in the Sun Herald to share his distaste. Unfortunately Mark’s ‘article’ has come across sounding similar to something of a bitchin' 15 year old school girl.

When the FFA decided to re-shape Football to what it is today in Australia they made a conscious choice to leave the ‘Soccer’ era behind for many reasons. I think the fresh change was a necessary one as a lot of stigma was attached to the word. It can not be denied that there are several other games in this country that involve a ball and some feet, however, I don’t feel that it’s really that tricky to differentiate between them all.

Mark feels that ‘it’ should just be called Soccer and his reasoning for his anger is that ‘it’s the way it’s always been’. What a perfect rebuttal. Let us never change anything in this world because it works so perfectly at the moment!

I just get all cranky when people like this have to come and put their big cloud of doom and gloom all over the place. Mark's choice of the words, ‘our’ (referring to 'his' game), ‘other’ and ‘they’ (both referring to football) really cast him off as a Class A Muppet. It really is kind of unnecessary – Can’t we all just keep to our own game, and hey if something’s in the good of the nation why not support it?

The squirming on Mark’s behalf does give me a cheeky little grin, after all I think I know why he might feel this way. 

The calm before the storm… 

World Cup Outfit Trial Two: The Stock Standard

It’s time for World Cup styling advice again... In order to fill in the full spectrum of outfit possibilities I feel that it’s necessary to include the stock standard; Aussie jersey accompanied with Green and Gold Scarf.

This will probably be the most common option amongst World Cup patrons. Practical, comfortable and affordable…

As you can see, when I get my jersey on I am instantly in Hooligan character… Maybe this is what happens to all of the English fans? They may well be charming young chaps without the football jersey on!

I hope I don’t offend with the spewing antics… Just to clarify with anyone who may not be aware this is the infamous and affectionately named ‘Spew Shirt’ worn proudly by the Socceroo’s in around about 1992.

Keep posted for future World Cup fashion advice!!

GMB XO


T-shirt: Green and Gold Army Spew Jersey re-make
Scarf: Old School Soccer Australia 
Photographer: Tomasz Machnik 

SBS's Golden Ticket

SBS are being rewarded for their forward thinking back in 2006 to buy out the TV rights to the World Cup up until 2014. 


In a decision by FIFA, all TV networks without rights to official World Cup broadcasting (everyone bar SBS) will not be permitted into traning sessions, stadiums and after match press conferences. 


FIFA justified its decision, which seems to be out of the ordinary, by explaining "Due to the large interest of confirmed media rights licensees. . . no non-rights holder accreditations can be considered."


I think this is a pretty rough choice for FIFA to make. It's a great thing for SBS, however, I think it would really help Australian Football if we had as much coverage as possible. As SBS hold the official rights they're the only ones who can show the games so they would most likely benefit from other stations referring viewers. 


Within these limits the other four major stations will still cover the World Cup.


Read the full article here.

Flip it - Sydney FC vs Melbourne Victory GRAND FINAL

I thought I should pay attention to a certain game that’s going on this evening down in Melbourne… I know I was whining a little about having to watch Sydney Vs Melbourne for the fourth time in just about as many weeks but now that the time has come I’ve warmed to the idea. The crowd will be pumping and a true rivalry will be in the air. 

A little disappointed with the Sydney Morning Heralds efforts today. Page 5 of the Sports Day has a decent little wrap up on tonight’s Grand Final, however, it’s nothing compared to the usual 5-10 pages of junk when it’s a certain other code of ‘football's’ turn… I won’t even bother to glance at the Daily, I’m sure they have some more enthralling news about the Clarke/Bingle saga…

As usual I don’t really know who to go for in this clash… I’ve lived in both Melbourne and Sydney, have quite a soft spot for the Melbourne team but also feel I owe my attention to the Light Blue’s as I now live here in Sydney.

To end the turmoil I have an idea. Right here right now I’m going to flip a coin! No one can see me but I’m actually going to do it! Heads for Sydney Tails for Melbourne. A 1979 20 cent coin with the Mr platypus on it…

FLIP!

TAILS

……. GO MELBOURNE!!!! 

Stab Vest anyone?

Is it wrong of me to find this a little bit funny?

The South African authorities and FIFA don't. They have both condemned the London based business that’s trying to make a buck out of South Africa’s potential safety problems. 

Fairly so, I think it is in pretty bad taste, it’s a little insensitive and I would see it as something that might well attract negative attention and just perpetuate the negative vibe…

I’m a little bit sick of all the pessimistic, cynical buggers running about telling me I’m not going to make it out alive of South Africa… Fear is an interesting thing - I think that it is best ignored and that life is best LIVED! I think as long as people are switched on and try not to get them selves into mischief, generally (I hope) things will be fine… 

How could I pass up on not posting the gorgeous male model in the 'ole' vest?! It did make me think twice about the necessity of the vest...

p.s. Thanks for the comments! Keep them coming :)  

World Cup Warm Up AUS VS USA

Our first warm up match in South Africa was announced today. I've decided to keep running with my food theme for the day, so if you hadn't guessed already it's 
America VS Australia! The game will be played in Roodepoort at Ruimsig Stadium 
on June the 5th.

I think it's a little strange that Pim thinks that "Their style of play will allow us to test our players against similar opposition to what we will face at the World Cup"... I 
wouldn't say Germany, Ghana or Serbia have any particularly similar traits... But 
hey, it's a good start none the less. Maybe he's talking about when we get out of our group stage??..!

Anywhoo, another Tuesday gone - Good night world. 

GMB XO

South African Cuisine

Instead of holding Bratwurst in bread in one hand and a Beck's in the other, this World Cup it'll be a little different. Below will be our pre/post match eats!

A 'Braai' the South African's answer to a BBQ (Thanks to Azza on the GGarmy

forum for the cultural lesson) . The Curly sausage is 'Boerewors'.

'Bunny Chow'. Strangest looking little concoction and name, however apparently 

quite yummy. It's Curry in hollowed out bread and mostly resides in Durban.

'Biltong'. Beef jerky style. Gross!

'Frikkadelle'. Meat Balls. Cool name, looks yum.

'Ouma Rusks'. You dip it in your tea! Maybe for the day after the match?

'MelkTert'. Say this one out loud and you'll fit in in SA straight away.

'Malva Pudding'. I have such a sweet tooth so I'm looking forward to hunting this 

one down...

Happy Saturday!

Thought I'd share - I love these images!
Predicting a 1-0 win to Wellington Phoenix tonight...

Flashback Phase 2: The Dark Days

The next step after my Glasgow Rangers debut was to get into a real team. The Weston Creek Under 8 Tigers. This was the club where I honed my craft… The craft of yelling was possibly executed here more so than my football skills, however, they weren’t too bad either.

The yelling skills came into play at several of the Socceroos and NSL matches throughout the 1990’s that I travelled near and far to along with my family. My 8 year-old heart was broken for the first time in 1997 after qualification was stolen from us in the infamous second leg of Iran Vs Australia. There I was, a little squealer, in the middle of a roaring 85,000 people at Melbourne’s MCG. I jumped up every few seconds but never remembered that the seat would flip up every time I stood up which resulted in a sore butt and quite a few scratches on my back! Schoolgirl errors all round! As we slowly made our way out of the stadium after losing I remember tears running down my face accompanied by the booming sound of Queen’s We Are the Champions. Queen was always a friendly and familiar sound to my youthful ears, but after this I truly did not listen to them for years!

In my ‘Magnet Ball’ days, as Dad likes to call it, I was quite quick which made me a good little striker. BOOT-CHASE-SCORE! Being the youngest I had my brothers and sister throwing balls AT me since I was a wee little rascal and I was quite lanky so I was also utilised in the goals, however, as my ‘career’ took off I felt most at home in the middle of the park. I had a few stints in the ACT representative teams and sometimes trained with the boys’ team but I didn’t like the Scottish coach… Tehehe. Anyway, in the end my summer sport, Athletics, proved to pull my attention a little more which meant less focus on the Football.  

My vocal chords were still in training at my local NSL team’s matches. The Canberra Cosmos were MY HEROES! I used to put popcorn kernels in Coke bottles, paint them yellow and blue and shake them all game… amusing… I did a training camp with them and felt really special the whole time. Norman Kelly was my favourite, I got his signature at the end and he wrote that he thought I was really good! I ran off home so very chuffed to show my older brother Brendan. He laughed at me and expressed his distaste for my liking the long-balling Irish player! It’s funny to look back and realise the kind of impression one player can make on a child.

The next step that added to the dark days was the Socceroos' 2002 World Cup qualification process. Some good did come out of it all, Dad took my brother Tom and I up to Coffs Harbour for the first stage of the Oceania Qualifications. It was such a fun holiday! Not only did we see the Socceroos make a new world record of goals scored in an international football match at 22-0 and Archie Thompson break the record for goals by one player (13) we went go-karting!! I wasn’t very good at it… But It was the first time I ever got to drive my own car!!

Oceania was the easy bit, we beat the Kiwis and then, as usual, were faced with playing a South American team of international superiority. In this case it was Uruguay. I was in Yr 7 and on this occasion Dad made a deal with me. He said to me that if qualified for the All Schools Athletics Nationals in High Jump he would take me down to Melbourne for the match… My P.B. was nowhere near the qualification height, so I think we both knew I wouldn't be coming. Anyway, on Saturday morning at Little Athletics, much to his and my surprise I cleared the height, I think it was 153cm. I still remember calling him and telling him that I did it and he had to keep his promise! He did, we went, I covered my face in green and gold and Kevin Muscat scored our only goal in a penality and we won 1-0 which left us in a decent position...





My family gathered around the Tele in the early hours of a school morning the next week to watch the second leg in Uruguay. My screams from the other side of the world didn’t seem to help… We lost and didn’t make the FIFA World Cup AGAIN.

Little did I know that the good days were just around the corner…

TBC…

Hardchorus

Hilarious! I missed this last month, it comes with the tag line; 


"They want to be in your arms. You want to be in the stands. What do you do when Valentines Day falls on game day? Dedicate this song to your loved one..."


English Football fans are really one of a kind! The facial expressions on the two guys in the front cracked me up! 


Thanks to Martin for sending this my way!

Meet Shazza!

A trip down to Canberra for the weekend to see some of the family has resulted in a little adventure around with my old ally from the Germany World Cup in 2006, Shazza. She came out of her natural habitat in The Bush Capital to show me around!

Shazza is a special type of Roo, the best kind, a well known Australian icon, the Boxing Kangaroo. She’s no lout, nor aggressive or arrogant, Shazza is known for her self-confidence and assertive strike which are useful when it comes to defending her country’s honour! 

And for today's Football department; even though I was keen for Newcastle to win I'm really happy for Wellington Pheonix and New Zealand Football tonight... An awesome crowd and great feeling for them! Just watching Sydney vs Melbourne on the tele now! 

I love the smell of eucalyptus

Today I had a thought. It wasn't any thing ground breaking... It was just that I realised I don't know the second verse to my very own Australian national anthem! How rude!! I can vaguely remember being taught in Primary School but since we just sing the first verse all the time my mind must have erased the unneeded info! 

So, here it is for all to learn. I will be reciting it tonight. If you join in and we all sing really loud it could be like a communal Advance Australia Fair! 

Australians all let us rejoice,

For we are young and free;

We've golden soil and wealth for toil;

Our home is girt by sea;

Our land abounds in nature's gifts

Of beauty rich and rare;

In history's page, let every stage

Advance Australia Fair.

In joyful strains then let us sing,

Advance Australia Fair.

Beneath our radiant Southern Cross

We'll toil with hearts and hands;

To make this Commonwealth of ours

Renowned of all the lands;

For those who've come across the seas

We've boundless plains to share;

With courage let us all combine

To Advance Australia Fair.

In joyful strains then let us sing,

Advance Australia Fair.

P.S. How cool are my gum leaves?! I was trying to think of something of an Australian theme to go with my post and I looked outside and thought Ah-huh! Perfect... So I opened my window, plucked these lucky few out of obscurity, scanned them in and now they are famous on my blog. TA DA!

100 DAYS TILL WORLD CUP!

I’m all for significant dates and I think it’s rather fancy that Australia happens to be playing tonight! 

Australia Vs Indonesia Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 8pm. 

Tonight’s game is rather important, not only because if we don’t get a point out of this match our hopes for the Asian Cup are all but over but because it’s one of the last chances for local A-league players to show Pim why they should get a ticket to South Africa. 

I think the starting line up might look like this...
                  Galekovic

Cole-Milligan-Colosimo-Thompson

         Wilkshire-McKay

          Sterjovski-Culina-Oar 

                  Kennedy

On the Bench: Durante, Williams, Bolton, McBreen, Burns?


Wish I could be there tonight to scream and shout but unfortunately life has decided I need to be in Sydney tonight. 


GO THE SOCCEROOS!!! 


GMB XO

What I found today...

Look what I found today…

Antique Fifa World Cup Germany 2006 lollies!!! I have preserved them ever so perfectly for all these years!

One little problemo is that I’m really not sure what to do with them… I have such a sweet tooth and can hardly believe I’ve kept them all these years, but thanks to my Mother (yes, you mama) I also have a near Kleptomaniac disorder (less on the stealing side) where I hate to let things go... I think also in my invalid mind of four whole years ago I thought if I had the ruthless discipline to not devour these lollies I might be able to sell them for a million dollars on eBay later!!!

They’re in a sealed tin so I don’t think they can go off. They’re made in Germany and the flavors are Cherry, Green Apple and Lemon. Yum!

So what will be their destiny? I'll give it a few weeks for you to decide! ;) 

G'arn pick one!

What do I do with my Fifa World Cup Germany 2006 lollies?

Chuck them
Eat them
Keep them so value will rise exponentially!
Give them to a friendly bum in Darlinghurst
eBay them – profits to football related charity!



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