Comments on: A sing-along, an average NZ, The Boys are in the mood

By: Criebo

Criebo — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:19:31 +0000

Ya, Albert Ross but remember all Africa’s top players are in Europe. You will find Africans in all the top Europeans clubs, Chelsea, Barcelona, Inter, etc; while apart from Park that is a substitute @ United, the Asians don’t play for the top teams.

By: Albert Ross

Albert Ross — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:34:50 +0000

>>Well considering the quality of the average African team would be higher than the average Asian team, you’d think so.

I wish you would do some research before making such statements. Using ELO Ratings (WC Qualifying) as a metric the average rank of the top 10 nations in Asia is 42 and in Africa 43. Adelaide United beat the top African club side in 2008. Also in 2008 a weak Socceroos side saw off Ghana (then with an ELO rank of 21).

By: David V.

David V. — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 06:54:09 +0000

Well considering the quality of the average African team would be higher than the average Asian team, you’d think so.

But South Africa’s performances considered- they were very close to making the second round of 2002 and failed to qualify for 2006. Add to that, they failed to make the quarter-finals in three successive Nations Cups. Which tells me that like China, they often fail to meet expectations.

By: jimbo

jimbo — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 06:18:44 +0000

Shame about the All White’s performance in the Confederation Cup, after their promising trial game against Italy.

The excuses for them sound like us 20 years ago. Best thing that ever happened to FFA moving into Asia.

I’m sure they’ll bounce back in time for the WC qualifier against Bahrain or the Saudis, who they are quite capable of beating at home.

South Africa as the host nation a little disappointing and still not as good as Egypt or other African Champions.

If they get a tough draw they probably won’t make the second round of their home FIFA World Cup.

By: David V.

David V. — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:39:06 +0000

It was “only” New Zealand- doesn’t make up for the fact that South Africa’s results in recent African tournaments have been very poor. They’ve had to come to the realisation that they’re not even part of the continent’s elite!

By: Jerry

Jerry — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:05:37 +0000

Cause Australia, seeking better competition and a better shot at World Cup qualification, headed off to the Asia group. This left NZ having to only beat the likes of Vanuatu and Samoa to top the Oceana group and qualify for the Confed Cup. They had managed to knock off Aus once previously to qualify (though Aus didn’t have any overseas based players from memory) but now they’re going to be a fixture meaning regular drubbings from the best of Europe, South America etc.

By: Viscount Crouchback

Viscount Crouchback — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:48:53 +0000

Can anyone explain why New Zealand are present at this tournament?

They are the most inappropriate guests at a major sporting event since Eric the Eel splashed his way through the Sydney Olympics.