Soccur Magazine

AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

AUSTRALIAN

Vol. 17 No.4 AUS. $7.95 Inc. GST N.Z. $8.95 Inc. GST

MALDINI MAGIC

The Ten Commandments of a football icon

VIDEO WARS

The All-Time Top 25 Football Video Games

N O I T A R O CORP

L L I H CA

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PUBLICATION

The BusinessmOf Being Ti

BREAKING THE BIG FOUR

Aston Villa’s bid to enter the EPL’s elite

DRINK UP!

Why keeping hydrated makes all the difference

WIN DAWN OF WAR & FIFA 09 GAME PACKS • FRANCESCO TOTTI Q&A AUSSIE GIRLS ABROAD • BECKS TURNS HIS BACK ON HOLLYWOOD BREAKING DOWN THE GUNNERS • KOSSIE COME BACK CALL

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CONTENTS ISSUE 17#4 | APR - MAY 09

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T

im Cahill sells. When it comes to endorsements in Australian sport he is only rivalled by the stars of the entrenched sports of Aussie Rules, League, Union, Cricket and swimming.

Even then you’d be hard pressed to name a current league or union star with the cavalcade of endorsement contracts to rival Super Tim. It might be taken for granted now, but Cahill’s rise into the mainstream consciousness was amazingly swift.

It was five short years ago that the western Sydney native was just another talented twenty-something plying his trade in the second tier of English football.

While his existence was known to many in football circles as simply ‘that promising guy that might be eligible for Australia some day’, little did football aficionados know what was about to transpire, let alone mainstream Australia. Cahill could’ve walked down any main street in Australia and not raised so much as a yelp.

Then two things happened. Cahill got the green light from FIFA to don the green and gold (after a teenage foray in the Samoan Under 20s) and he finally made the leap from championship prospect to premiership prince.

And like that, in the space of less than 12 months, Corporation Cahill was born. A corner shop set up it might have been at first, but off the ground it was. Olympic participation served as a blind date of sorts with the football family and soon his meteoric rise at Goodison Park had him an overnight fan favourite at home.

Throw in a role in world cup qualification shortly after, more success in club land, and then two miracle goals in Kaiserslautern and a star was born.

Half a decade on and you’d be hard pressed to scan the local newsagency and not see Cahill’s boyish face staring back at you. Corporation Cahill now boasts relationships with some of Australian sport’ s biggest corporate backers.

Sanitarium’s Weet-Bix keep Cahill at the forefront of their promotional activities while his relationship with adidas is so strong that he, and not a resurgent Beckham or their overflowing stable of European stars, is the face of their entire 2009 campaign. David who?

There’s Swiss watchmaker Zodiac in the mix - but more on that later. On a

THE BUSINESS IF DAVID BECKHAM IS THE GLOBAL FACE OF FOOTBALL THEN TIM CAHILL IS HIS AUSTRALIAN FRANCHISEE. BRAND BECKHAM MIGHT TRANSCEND CLASS AND CULTURE, BUT HIS ANTIPODEAN COUNTERPART IS QUICKLY BUILDING HIS OWN CORPORATION CAHILL.

BY MARK VAN AKEN

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SOCCER INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

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CORPORATION CAHIL Inside the business of Timmy Cahill. From Armani in Milan to Moyes in Stanley Park.

benchwarmers 10 Hot Shots 12 Tool of the Month 13 Frannie’s Corner 17 The Football Writer 18 The Auld Onion Bag 20 Girl Talk

The 10

Comman

dments O Paolo M aldinif

1 I am Pa olo Mald ini 2 Honor thy father 3 I quit when I fee l like it 4 Take care of you r bod 5 Alwa ys think ahe y ad 6 Never giv 100 percene less than 7 You sha t ll yourself annot make for ido l 8 If you lea by examp d, do so le 9 You sha wrongfulll not make your gam use of the name e and you r club of 10 Accep t the inevit able

The 10

Paolo Maldini 1

BEFORE WE BID HIM ADIEU AT THE END OF THIS SEASON, SOCCER

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I am Paolo Maldini

1985. The year Martina Navratilova won her 100th tennis tournament, the first ever mobile phone call was made, ‘New York New York’ was voted the official city anthem of New York City and Mikhail Gorbachev became Soviet leader.

It was also the year football gave us Paolo Cesare Maldini.

The phrase ‘if he is good enough, he is old enough’ held no greater relevance than when Maldini made his first team debut for the Rossoneri in January as a half-time substitute against Udinese when just 16 years old. To this day Paolo still gets a smile on his face when remembering how his first touch was a riskfree back-pass to his goalkeeper (which he then - believe it or not - was allowed to pick up with his hands). While Maldini forged his formidable reputation as a left-sided defender, he made this appearance as a right back, not coincidently also the side his father, legendary Cesare, used to play on. Although naturally right footed, as a result of extensive training, he became equally proficient with either foot.

As he grew into a regular almost instantly, we got to know him as a cornerstone of that golden Milan-defence with Franco Baresi, Mauro Tassotti (later

INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES THE EPIC CAREER OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST SUCCESFUL, STYLISH AND INSPIRATIONAL DEFENDERS OF ALL TIME. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF PAOLO CESARE MALDINI, BASED ON TALKS WITH EXPERTS, TEAMMATES AND, OF COURSE, THE LEGENDARY NUMBER THREE OF AC MILAN AND THE SQUADRA AZZURI HIMSELF.

BY MARTIN VAN ZAANEN

SOCCER INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

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Commandments Of Marcel Desailly) and ‘Billy’ Costacurta.

In 1994, this combination conceded just 15 goals in 34 Serie A matches, and as testament to their extraordinary ability, the majority of these players were able to defy time for an inordinate period. The latest retiree, Alessandro Costacurta, did not hang up his boots until May 2007 at the age of 41.

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MALDINI’S 10 COMMANDMENTS The 10 Commandments of Milan and Azzurri legend Paulo Maldini.

26 Dave’s Anatomy

the locker room 60 Coaching Centre 62 The Breakdown

the scout SAY GOODBYE TO

HOLLYWOOD

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SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO? THAT’S THE QUESTION THAT HAUNTED FOOTBALL’S BIGGEST NAME LAST MONTH. IN THE END, DAVID BECKHAM FOUND A WAY TO APPEASE AC MILAN, LA GALAXY AND - HE HOPES - ENGLAND BOSS FABIO CAPELLO. ESPN

SPORTSCENTER’S HANNAH STORM CAUGHT UP WITH THE HUMAN HEADLINE RECENTLY TO GO OVER HIS THREE-WAY COMPROMISE.

Hannah Storm: You will remain with AC Milan until June 30. What was your thinking and what went into those negotiations?

David Beckham: It’s obviously something that I’ve thought about a lot because I’m very committed to the MLS and to the Galaxy but looking to 2010 and the World Cup with England I knew I had to play at the highest level and I knew I had to play in Europe so I wanted to extend my loan deal with Milan. Tim Lewicke and the Galaxy did everything possible to make that happen for me and it’s worked out well. I’ll finish the season here and then have four weeks holiday and then play for the Galaxy on July 18 in New York. I’m looking forward to that because it gives me time to enjoy the football here and go back to the States and join the Galaxy.

HS: David there are reports that you partially funded your stay to extend your loan with AC Milan. What sort of financial commitment did you make?

DB: There was a commitment I had to make and it’s something I didn’t think twice about because at the end of the day my career’s never been about the financial side or the money side. I’ve always been solely interested in the football. People may turn around and say it’s easy for me to say because the money’s always been there, but I think all through my career all I’ve cared about it is football and where I play my football.

HS: Nonetheless this is a move that’s hugely upset some of your fans here in the US. Alexi Lalas predicted you may get booed when you come back to play in the MLS, what do you have to say to your supporters?

DB: I think 95 percent of the Galaxy fans have been, and will be, incredible to me. I’m sure I’ll have criticism and I understand that but I want my fans to

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realise I’m still committed to the Galaxy. I am still committed to the MLS and being an ambassador, but like I said there will be criticism. It’s a shame certain people come out like that, but at the end of the day I’m bigger than that. I can only make my turnaround by the way I perform on the pitch and my commitment to the team and I’ll show that when I get back. We’ll have to wait and see the first time I play at the Home Depot and see how that goes.

HS: David, you said in order to be chosen for the England national team you have to play at the highest level. What does that say about the level of play in the US? DB: It says it’s not a level at the moment that’s the same as in Europe, but that’s one of the reasons I want to be involved in the MLS going forward because I believe it will get bigger. I wouldn’t have committed myself to the Galaxy as an MLS ambassador if I didn’t believe the sport wouldn’t grow and I’ve always said it’s not going to take a year or two, it’s going to take five, 10 or 15 years and I’m still committed to that. I’ve got the chance to own a franchise at the end of my playing career and I plan on doing that and that shows my commitment and belief in the sport in America.

HS: When you came to the Galaxy David, and this was your quote, “I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think I could make a difference.” What sort of difference have you made?

DB: I think off the pitch the statistics speak for themselves. The interest in the game and the attendances have gone up.

I think that side of it has been great and I think hopefully that it will continue to happen. On the field it has been a different story. I think it’s not just down to the players and it’s down to other people.

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FIFA 2009 – PS3 – XBOX 360

FOOTBALL MANAGER 2009 – PC

The latest edition to the FIFA franchise has revolutionised electronic football. FIFA 2009 for the PS3 and the Xbox 360 gives football mad gamers the chance to manage and take control of their team and ultimately capture the premiership using the manager mode feature of the game. FIFA 09 incorporates realistic game play which has plenty of depth... and adidas Live adds another tier of realism to boot. Ever wished you were playing alongside Steven Gerard? FIFA 09 gives you the opportunity to help him to break Liverpool’s 18-year title droughT.

Arguably every girlfriend’s worst nightmare, Football Manager 09 for the PC is simply brilliant! This game provides a realistic insight into the every day life of a manager. Simply put, this is the best football management simulation of all time. This particular edition to the franchise incorporated many new features, most notably the brand new 3D match engine which allows for all players to watch their side’s matches with an unmatched level of realism.

Other exciting features includes assistant manager feedback which enables pre-match and in-match feedback from your e-2IC.

INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR SOCCER DELUXE – SUPER NINTENDO

WHETHER DOING SO ON THE HUMBLE GAMES MACHINES OF THE ‘80S OR THE MORE ROBUST CONSOLES WE ENJOY TODAY, WE’VE ALL LIVED OUT OUR DREAMS THROUGH A FOOTBALL VIDEO GAME AT ONE STAGE OR ANOTHER. SIT BACK AS SOCCER INTERNATIONAL NAMES ITS FAVOURITE FOOTBALL GAMES THROUGHOUT THE GAMING AGES.

BY ANDY GUSMAN

PREMIER MANAGER 97 – PC

FIFA 08 – XBOX 360

FIFA STREET 3 – PLAYSTATION 3

Here at SI we are big fans of football management games, and Premier Manager 97 was one of the best of all time. Like never before, the title gifted gamers an insight into the world of football management on and off the pitch. In its day, Premier Manager 97 was simply sensational… predictable maybe… but still sensational. A great feature was the ability to extend your team’s stadium, a feature which today is lacking in many modern day management games.

FIFA 08 followed a long line of highly successful and easy to learn football games for console aficionados. Its accessibility and well thought out intuitive controls allowed even the most uncoordinated among us to kick a goal Fernando Torres style. As with any EA Sports game, it came well kitted out with multiple game modes, career options and a vast array of multiplayer options to customise each game type. The new addition to this FIFA edition was the “Be a Pro” mode where the gamer can choose a player to control for the entirety of a game, teaching the player the importance of positioning and taking advantage of opportunities as they come.

The FIFA Street franchise had been maligned due to a perceived lack of substance, but with loads more style and action packed gaming worked in, FIFA Street 3 revolutionised street soccer gaming. The graphics were specially incorporated with unlimited multiplayer options and fantastic tunes, making it one of the finest games on our list.

FIFA SOCCER 97 GOLD – SUPER NINTENDO NES

FIFA WORLD CUP 2006 – NINTENDO DS

FIFA 97 for the super Nintendo was easily five years before its time. Despite its graphics looking shoddy by today’s standards, FIFA Soccer 97 was fantastic. Incorporating 255 teams and many game modes - most notably the indoor soccer mode which made for entertaining game play - FIFA Soccer 97 was most definitely the sporting game of the year.

FIFA World Cup 2006 brought football to the Nintendo DS and what a revelation it became. This title successfully captured the excitement of many gamers with flashy presentation and loads of teams… 127 to be exact. A feature that added to the excitement of this game was the use of official stadiums from Germany as well as great animation and crowd audio - handheld gaming at its finest!

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SOCCER INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

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74 Europe 77 South America

plus 15 WIN one of three Dawn of War Special Edition packs in Hot Products 68 Futsal Fever

THE TOP FOOTBALL VIDEO GAMES OF ALL TIME

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SAY GOODBYE TO HOLLYWOOD David Beckham talks candidly about his future in LA and Milan and his England ambitions.

70 Australia

This was the sequel to Konami’s International Superstar Soccer featuring realistic animations and player spirits which made for some brilliant gaming. Despite the poor graphics the game play was fantastic. This title was a family friendly game that captured the hearts of many as the gamer was given the choice of 16 formations and 36 national teams. While some would argue it lacked realism, it was a fun game without all the tactics of many modern day games.

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THE TOP 25 FOOTBALL VIDEO GAMES OF ALL TIME Take a trip down memory lane as we run the rule over the best games in history.

83 Stoppage Time including our monthly PFA check-in 90 90 Seconds with Sydney Uni Open Womens 2nd Grade super coach Adam Spencer

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EDITORIAL

ME TOOISM GRIPS THE GAME I

f you’re a regular reader of this mag then you might have picked up more than the odd piece of antiMichel Platini sentiment. And it’s a policy that has aroused ire amongst many fans who cannot separate the UEFA boss’s sublime football feats with his administration of football’s most aristocratic of confederations.

Platini rose to Europe’s top post on the back of a policy of inclusion and what I describe as ‘me tooism’. It’s hard to argue against giving everyone a fair go when it comes to access to continental competitions both on the international and club level. Only problem is, letting everyone have a go at the Champions League or the quadrennial European championships provides crap games, with crap players and crap clubs that no one wants to watch.

The Frenchman has already taken his brush to the UEFA Cup, which from next year will be badged the Europa League.

Given that the ‘new’ comp will absorb the Intertoto Cup, we will see teams parading in the second biggest club comp in the world because they’ve won a fair play award. C’mon.

By the time you read this the quarterfinals of the Champions League will have been run and won. No doubt we’ll have witnessed cracking football, as was the case in the round of 16. But rewind to the ho-hum group stages and you’ll

recall second rate football with a swag of predictable results.

Now we hear that Platini has pushed through a 24-team Euro to kick-off in 2016. Has anyone in the UEFA organisation ever heard the expression less is more?

Platini is pushing his barrow because he has to. It was the platform upon which his election was built. Sure, there must always be an element of socialism in how we structure our competitions - as we well know in Australia. But there also needs to be some element of a laissezfaire mentality. It’s what football’s global audience demands.

Closer to home we constantly see a battle at administrative level between those who want to run the game for all and for a few. For far too long the national body and state federations focused on servicing a narrow segment of the football family, but we must also be weary of going too far the other way.

Inclusionism for our juniors of both sexes must be both preached and practised, but there must also be a commitment to the pointy end of the game. We must build better Socceroos and Matildas, and while this will be assisted by widening our net at junior level, this must not ever be at the expense of our elite systems in terms of our attention, budgets, resources and expertise. The fate of the Socceroos and Matildas come 2022 and 2023 is much too important.

See you on the terraces,

Mark van Aken Editor

Publisher Silvio Morelli General Manager Mark Castagnini Managing Editor Ben Stone Editor Mark van Aken markvan@blitzmag.com.au Correspondents Richard Alagich, Simon Chiarelli, David Basheer, Tommy Smyth, Sebastian Hassett, Francis Awaritefe, Melissa Barbieri, Bruce Da Silva, Trevor Keane, Walter Pless, Dimitri Peppas, Michael Huguenin, Ben Collins, Saeed Saeed, Julian Trantino, Adrian Musolino.

Much thanks goes to Simon Chiarelli, Julian Trantino, Mark and Emma at Zodiac & Co, Andy G and Megan... and probably Ed and Daniel and the whole crew at Dirt Inc, Arch as always, Dr J and Mr. Adam Spencer - go the Sydney Uni All Age 2nd Grade Women!

Art Director Javie D’Souza Graphic Designers Carmela D’Alesio, Luke McManus, James Steer, Adam Summers, Adibowo Rusli, Lysha Moniz Advertising Enquiries Marcus Stergiopoulos National Advertising Executive Phone: (03) 9574 8999 Fax: (03) 9574 8899 Email: marcus@blitzmag.com.au Photography Getty Images, Charlie Suriano Postal Address PO Box 4075, Mulgrave Victoria 3170 Web Page www.sportzblitz.net Soccer International is published by Blitz Publications Pty. Ltd. ACN 083 149 286 • ABN 33 083 149 286 Printed by

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Ph: (03) 9574 9211 Disclaimer: Opinions and viewpoints expressed in Soccer International do not necessarily represent those of the editor, staff or publishers.

Responsible individuals or organisations with something valid and relevant to say will, whenever possible, be given the opportunity. Reproduction of any material without written permission from the publishers is strictly prohibited.

The acceptance of advertising does not necessarily imply endorsement of services or products. All articles, photographs and other material submitted for publication in Soccer International must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Contributions are submitted at the sender’s risk and while all possible care will be exercised we cannot accept responsibility for loss.

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TOTA

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Langerak

Frank Juric

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NEWCASTLE JETS & AUSTRALIA

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS Matthew

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Eugene Galekovic ADELAIDE UNITED Eugene

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Ben Kennedy Ben

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Mark Schwarzer FULHAM FC & AUSTRALIA

Available at all leading Football Specialists Outlets and Sports Stores: • AMart Allsports all stores • Kingsgrove Sports NSW • Pepsport NSW • Pascoe Vale Sports VIC • Soccerworld QLD

• Bailetti Sports SA • Bobby 10 Football World WA • Sportspower Stores • Sportscene Stores • Hobart Sports Centre TAS

• The Penalty Spot NSW • Struddys Sports QLD • Power Play Sports WA • Love Football NSW

For more information contact statewide@ozemail.com.au

006_007Editorial 7

3/4/09 2:49:11 PM

benchwarmers 8

Soccer InternatIonal MagazIne

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benchwarmers

10 FUJI HOT SHOTS Take a peak at some of the more entertaining photos of the month.

12 TOOL OF THE MONTH

Juve’s David Trezeguet snares the prize no one wants.

13 FRANNIE’S CORNER

Frannie says it’s time for Australia to lose the rose coloured glasses.

18 THE AULD ONION BAG ESPN’s Tommy Smyth says technology must decide the close calls.

20 GIRL TALK

BENCHWARMERS PICS getty images

Bubs runs through the Aussie girls doing well abroad.

27 THE FOOTBALL WRITER Seb Hassett discusses the fall of John Kosmina.

28 DAVE’S ANATOMY SBS TWG host David Basheer dissects Franck Ribery.

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Soccer International Magazine

9 3/4/09 2:50:41 PM

benchwarmers FUJI FILM HOT SHOTS

Does Cristiano ever get sick of being asked for his autograph?

testing begins on Nike’s new anti-gravity boots

Michael Essien cleared to land in turin

PresenTeD bY

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that’s not how you play Leapfrog lads

Sir, I think Drogba’s done himself a mischief

Croatia’s Joe Simunic taking to the ad board like it’s Mark Viduka

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Denilson goes Jackie Chan on Marco Motto

Soccer InternatIonal MagazIne

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benchwarmers PRE-MATCH TALK

the bizness

TOOL OF THE MONTH - DAVID TREZEGUET While he hasn’t been nearly as controversial as some of his compatriots, Juventus’ David trezeguet has long carried the baggage of unfulfilled promise with equal parts petulance. 131 goals in 222 matches (through March 23) is not to be sneezed at and, at times, trezeguet has sat at the head table of the world’s elite striking brigade.

It’s with much chagrin then that the football world laid witness to the Frenchman’s dummy spit at his manager, claudio ranieri, after the latter had the audacity to substitute the former during the Bianconeri’s champions league exit against chelsea last month.

“I am very sad about the elimination,” trezeguet told Sportmediaset.it. “I am also annoyed at having not stayed on the pitch for longer as I wanted to contribute more. only a few minutes remained and chelsea managed to draw level after I came off. I

hoped to be useful until the end.” the outburst came just weeks after the forward had put an injury ravaged season behind him to earn the captain’s armband in a 2-0 win against Palermo. But his very public tantrum did not go unnoticed by Juve’s usually cool-headed gaffer.

“I feel a bit betrayed by trezeguet,” said ranieri. “It was as if we had nine men against chelsea because he had touched the ball six times in the second half and few times in the first. We haven’t talked to each other, we’re doing it via the newspapers, seeing as that’s what he’s doing.”

For his role in this sorry tale, Monsieur trezeguet picks up his first SI tool of the Month silverware.

UeFa will consider plans to form a new multilayered competition to supercede the champions league and UeFa cup. the 137-member european club association have called for a new Super league, which was met with guarded approval by UeFa boss Michel Platini.

“If it was up to me, I would revert to european cups as they were, with just knockout rounds. But we must listen carefully to any suggestion. If (clubs) come and talk to us, we would listen to them and then decide.”

>

UeFa LeaGUe ranKInGs - 1. enGLanD 2. sPaIn 3. ITaLY 4. France 5. GermanY 6.rUssIa 7.

GIFT OF THE GAB

Who’s Hot LOUIS VAN gAAL

the erratic Dutchman’s coaching stocks are sky-high after guiding az alkmaar past Holland’s Big three.

””” ”

MARCO DI VAIO the veteran striker is enjoying rare form with unfancied Bologna in the Serie a.

Who’s cold

”

Never say never in life.

“Will I ever play in Italy? like I did last summer, I enjoy traveling there, st beautiful and sexiest because there are the mo g aside, I admire your girls in the world. Jokin champions.” football, you’re the world out the football Cristiano Ronaldo is all ab

LIStEN UP, I’M PELE the blue-pill toting legend has been slinging mud at compatriot robinho over alleged drug-taking… making Man city’s record signing looking like football’s answer to Michael Phelps.

”

“Maybe Bayern ar e becoming a bit like Liverpool. the pl ayers clearly enjo y playing in the Champion s League which th ey see as a special challeng e.”

Bayern Munich Pr ez Franz Beckenb auer on his team’s HOT UCL form despite thei r spluttering Bundesliga campa ign

e of Premier League becaus “It is said I don’t like the olutely abs is gue Lea r mie the Pre its global influence. But sed ani org t r League is the bes exceptional. the Premie … rld wo the in ted league league and the best marke ll football - but it is footba h glis En is it if w I don’t kno the EPL up s talk tter Bla p Sep s bos played in England.’’ FIFA d while talking down Englan

rOmanIa 8.POrTUGaL 9.neTherLanDs 10.scOTLanD 11.TUrKeY 12.UKraIne 13.beLGIUm 14.Greece 12

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e

benchwarmers FRANNIE’S CORNER

TIme TO remOVe The rOse cOLOUreD GLasses Francis awaritefe played 323 games in the nSl and scored 124 goals from 1989 to 2001. He was also capped three times by the Socceroos.

Australia is an exporter of football talent says Frannie.

Always has been, always will be. So our top scribe says it’s time to take stock and reassess where we’re at as the new kid on the block in Asia.

I

’ve sat back over the last little while listening to the debate regarding the a-league salary cap and how it’s contributing to the new phenomenon: the a-league player drain to asia.

Quite apart from the misinformed view that the salary cap is a hindrance to player retention, the australian football media somehow considers it an insult that we’re losing players to asia. this myopic, provincial and inward looking view of the world has held back the development of the game in australia and we continue to view our place in world football through rose coloured glasses. the truth is that east asia’s football economy is far bigger than that of South-east asia, hence their financial strength means that australian football, at present, is not in a position to compete equally with east asian giants such as china, Japan and Korea . a strong argument could also be mounted that the overall technical level of football in east asia is higher - certainly more so than in australia. the J-league is far and away the strongest league in the region, both technically and financially. the announcement of the “asian Berth” policy had many

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in the media speculating and linking australian players to J-league clubs. So far there are six aussies playing in china and two in South Korea.

However, not one a-league player has signed for a J-league club, which has just kicked off. that, in itself, tells a story.

Quite simply, J-league clubs prefer Korean players.

In fact, this season has seen a marked increase of Korean players swapping the K-league for the J-league and chinese Super league.

South Koreans are viewed as technically sound and hard-workers. With the close proximity of South Korea to Japan, they also adapt better culturally.

However, the K-league is not far behind the J-league. they’re losing players to Japan, china and, in one or two cases, to the Middle east and europe. thus the K-league and the chinese Super league need to fill gaps; hence the targeting of australian players. another trend that I’ve spotted is K-league teams are not looking to sign attacking players from australia. they tend to sign Brazilian, Korean or european players for the forward positions.

K-league teams look mainly at australian defenders.

So, what now? there are a number of things that should be addressed. that we need to lift the technical standard of australian football in order to start matching it with our east asian neighbours is self evident.

Han Berger’s appointment as national technical Director is aimed at urgently addressing this area.

Secondly, there is evidence out there that clubs could better manage their player recruitment and retention strategies by putting the right people in charge of their football

departments. this would help in avoiding expensive mistakes, which have been made by a number of a-league clubs in the last four years.

Finally, we hear anecdotally of clubs, in some instances, not utilising the salary cap to its optimum by only spending to the floor of the salary cap, while some clubs are not utilising instruments such as third-party agreements to augment the salary cap. one thing’s for sure, resorting to unsustainable solutions such as the abolition of the salary cap is not the answer.

Sash Ognenovski is one who’s flown the HAL coup

Soccer InternatIonal MagazIne

13 3/4/09 2:51:28 PM

benchwarmers PRE-MATCH TALK

UNDER THE RADAR - KEVIN DAVIES as the european season rounds the bend and enters the home stretch, it’s no surprise to see names like anelka and ronaldo leading the ePl goal scoring leader board. the name Kevin Davies on the other hand isn’t exactly one that headlines multimillion dollar advertising campaigns across the planet. nonetheless, the Bolton Wanderers striker has quietly gone about his business in style at the reebok so far in 2009/09, easily eclipsing his previous

best goal-hall in the league.

Fantastic aerially and solid on the ball, Davies has a happy knack of creating goals for both he and his team mates.

In fact it his unselfish streak that has perhaps cost him in years gone by, but not so this campaign where he has so far recorded a double-digit return. the 30-year-old began his career in the lower rungs of the english game with chesterfield before earning a £750,000 move to the Dell where he hit the heights with nine goals in 20 ePl starts. an extra zero was added to his

next transfer which landed him at Blackburn. Burdened by the weight of expectation, Davies scored only one goal during his season-long stint at ewood Park resulting in a return to Southampton where his star continued to fade so dim that he was released from his contract.

Bolton threw the forward a lifeline and while he’s hardly set the premiership on fire over the years, like the club he fronts, he’s been a solid performer. In a league increasingly becoming home to the planet’s brightest stars, Davies is in mixing it with the galacticos and is an increasingly rare commodity and englishman performing in england.

15.cZech rePUbLIc 16.swITZerLanD 17.bULGarIa 18.nOrwaY 19.DenmarK 20.aUsTrIa

what’s on THIS MONTH 29/30 APRIL & 6/7 MAy All roads lead to Rome in the UEFA Champions League semis.

1 & 8 MAy While Europe’s secondtier continental showdown is also down to the last four.

MAy 11 AC Milan host Juve in a contest set to ignite the country from the San Siro right down to the tip of the boot.

MAy 17 Man Utd at home to Arsenal - must-see tV for a mountain of reasons.

”

GIFT OF THE GAB

”

”

“the booing, the critic ism, I’ve had it all befor e. that side of it doesn’t bothe r me. Real football peop le will turn around and say ‘He’s pa ssionate about playing for his country and knows wh at he needs to do to ma ke that happen’.”

Becks on any potential LA Galaxy fan backlash

A. AL-AIX OF ALEMANIA AACHEN

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BEST FOOTBALL MASCOT C. StH AFRICA 2010’S ZAKUMI

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Soccer InternatIonal MagazIne

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IT’S WAR! ten thousand years have passed since the treasonous acts of chaos toppled the golden age of mankind. Fires burn brightly throughout the galaxies, illuminating carnage and slaughter as mankind defends itself from ancient enemies. Hardened forces collide with one goal in mind, the complete extermination of their opposition. no, it’s not Preston lions away to South Melbourne, but rather the new game Dawn of War II from relic entertainment, bringing you the world’s most successful tabletop war game to the Pc. control one of four unique races in head-to-head or cooperative multiplayer action, where faith, skill, and strategy are requisites in ruling the universe.

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Soccer InternatIonal MagazIne

15 3/4/09 2:51:58 PM

benchwarmers The Bizness

Football Cathedrals AMStERDAM ARENA City: AMStERDAM, tHE NEtHERLANDS Opened: 1996 Capacity: 51,628 one of only two UeFa fivestar rated venues in Holland, amsterdam arena plays host to the city’s storied ajax club.

Built between 1993 and 1996 at a cost of just over €140 million, the nation’s Queen Beatrix opened the venue ahead of the inaugural football match between ajax and ac Milan. While the arena’s seats sport an array of vibrant patterns and colours, the stadium surface provided curators

with much trouble early on.

Despite its retractable roof, a lack of direct sunlight forced management to relay the pitch as many as four times a season. constructed in a new zone of town known as the zuidoost centre, amsterdam arena is the centerpiece of a vibrant retail and entertainment hub that includes the Heineken Music Hall. accessible on the Metro via Bijlmer or Strandvliet/arena stations, the

coliseum is a part-time home to the nation’s fabled national team, which shares its matches between the capital, rotterdam and eindhoven. the arena is home to all of ajax’s games, providing a more comfortable facility for fans than the 20,000-capacity De Meer and olympisch Stadion which shared the club’s fixtures for six decades. ajax’s history is proudly displayed in the stadium’s confines.

ac Milan ceo adriano galliani has mooted the introduction of a salary cap on europe’s top competitions. “I think it would be opportune to have a salary cap,” galliani told reuters recently. “there are discussions at UeFa to introduce this system in the champions league sooner or later.” galliani expects to see a softtransfer market in the summer, down to the global recession that is affecting many clubs across Italy, Spain, england and beyond. “(We might see) player swaps but very little money movement.”

29.sLOVenIa 30.FInLanD 31.LaTVIa 32.bOsnIa & herZeGOVIna 33.LIThUanIa 34.mOLDOVa

THE UEFA CUP QUIZ

1 2

Which competition did the UeFa cup replace in 1971?

Which other UeFa competition was merged into the UeFa cup in 1999?

3 4 5 6

Who are the current holders of the UeFa cup?

Which club/s have won the most UeFa cups? true or False: Winners automatically get to keep the UeFa cup.

By which name will the revised UeFa cup be known from next year?

7

true or false: the Intertoto cup will be rolled into the revised UeFa cup from next year.

Check out Page 89 for the answers

A brief history of... Darren Bent 6 February 1984 – Born in South-West london.

August 1994 - after a family move to cambridgeshire, plays for local team godmanchester rovers.

September 1998 - Ditches a mooted athletics career after linking with Ipswich town’s youth academy.

November 2001 - Makes first team debut with the tractor Boys against Helsingborg in the UeFa cup.

April 2002 - nets first ePl goal, a winner against Boro, which isn’t enough to stop his side going down at season’s end.

February 2003 - after a string of U19 appearances, graduates to the england U21 team.

June 2005 - completes a £2.5 million transfer to charlton athletic.

March 2006 - Is called up to the england senior squad for a friendly against Uruguay at anfield.

May 2006 - Finishes the ePl season as the highest scoring englishman.

June 2007 - Finishes charlton’s top scorer again with 13 goals. rejects a move to West Ham after charlton are relegated and instead links with tottenham Hotspur for a club-record fee of £16.5 million.

March 2008 - Scores 100th career goal at White Hart lane against Portsmouth.

January 2009 - Famously misses a seemingly unmissable goal prompting gaffer Harry redknapp to controversially proclaim “My missus could have scored that one”.

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www.sportzblitz.net

3/4/09 2:52:12 PM

benchwarmers THE FOOTBALL WRITER

KOssIe GOne, nOT FOrGOTTen This month the Sydney Morning Herald’s intrepid reporter opines that while John Kosmina may be off the A-League radar right now, we’re destined to see his trademark smirk again one day.

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failed to respond to his coaching style and few connected with his abrasive personality.

It is something many coaches are coming to grips with. You can’t give a kid a rocket these days without them calling their parent, agent or lawyer. a whack around the ears - verbally or otherwise - is tantamount to workplace harassment. all that aside, Kosmina’s bed may have already been made the moment David traktovenko and Paul ramsay took over the majority ownership of Sydney Fc. He may have triggered an inspired revival in the first year of his reign, but it mattered little. the new boys had their sights on Vitezslav lavicka a long time before their takeover bid was complete.

Kosmina has friends in high places who will defend him until their last breath, but sometimes friends are not enough to see you through. Sometimes, they can’t warn you until it’s too late either. not one of Kosmina’s true allies knew that he’d walk away from a mid-morning meeting on January 31 this year unemployed.

In the days before his sacking, we spoke for some time about his plans for the future of the club. He wanted to promote youth, rid the club of underperforming players and, regretfully, looked forward to working closely with the new owners. He was particularly excited about tapping into the vast resources

of traktovenko and signing players from eastern europe, a region from which his own football education was forged. the club had already spoken to him about who he wanted to buy and listened to his development ideas. You could sense the excitement.

But it was all hollow. Several weeks before, lavicka had been snapped with a Sydney Fc scarf above his head at the Sydney Football Stadium. For Kosmina, who lives in a world of kill or be killed, this was a dagger through the back in the dead of night.

He walked away with a payout, reported as $225,000 by some outlets. Since then, he’s packed up the family and moved back to adelaide, trying to rediscover normality. You can’t blame him. one day, he’ll come back to coaching. You can see it now; an ill-disciplined playing group in need of a drillsergeant, just as Sydney Fc was back in late in 2007. When that day comes, and where it comes, nobody knows. and, rightly or wrongly, he won’t change his style for anybody.

Old school. Are Kossie’s ways out of touch?

GETTY IMAGES

L

ike any football writer in this country, I’ve had my fair share of run ins with John Kosmina. and as the beat reporter for Sydney Fc during the past season, it’s fair to say we butted heads on more than one occasion. Sometimes publicly. Sometimes not.

But whatever you may think of Kossie, and whatever you may have read or heard about him, few could argue about the scale of his contribution to football since bursting onto the scene as a prodigiously talented youngster in the mid-’70s.

Indeed, Kosmina has all the traits you’d expect of a South australian raised by immigrant parents during the rough and tumble of adelaide in the 1960s; a sharp tongue, bare knuckles and a resolute stubbornness. He loved a stoush. lived for it. and yet for all that, how did he end up on the scrapheap again? circumstances at Sydney conspired against him, particularly with regard to injuries. Few first-choice options were available week-in, weekout, and his back-ups were frequently sidelined as well. It wasn’t easy.

But he did things wrong too. When the injuries came, he responded by churning out a new formation every week, making his side unpredictable to all, especially to his own players. He lamented the mental strength of “gen-Y’’ types and their inability to break the pain barrier; they in turn

Sebastian Hassett is a football writer with the Sydney Morning Herald.

Soccer InternatIonal MagazIne

17 3/4/09 2:52:16 PM

BENCHWARMERS THE AULD ONION BAG

TECHNOLOGY THE ANSWER TO DISPUTED GOALS

Tommy writes for Soccer International courtesy of ESPN Soccernet Press Pass.

Still getting back on his feet after his annual St Paddy’s Day celebrations in America’s North-East, Tommy Smyth casts his eye over talk of goal-line referees and so-called smart balls to adjudge whether or not goals are being scored at the top level.

S

o we have finally got to the point where we’re all in agreement that match officials do in fact need some help in making correct calls. Next season in several places, including the Italian Cup competition, we will see extra referees in action.

Rumours are that MLS in the US may be the first league to try this experiment out for real. I am all for more help, the question is, what is more help? We don’t want a situation where this just becomes an opportunity for more officials to get the call wrong. This would leave us firmly back at square one.

So the real question of where these extra officials are employed is unresolved right now. I think this is the most important part of the experiment. Everybody agrees that the calling of goals is the most important function that these extra officials will be involved in during the game.

A classic case in point for the whole debate arose in last month’s Chelsea versus Juventus Champions League quarter-final. Didier Drogba hit a free kick that - in my mind, after an exhaustive investigation with enhanced

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camera shots courtesy of ESPN - was over the line… but maybe it wasn’t. It was an important call that, in the heat of the moment, the referee felt did not cross the line.

Extra officials or not, I don’t think that anybody could say with certainty that it was or wasn’t a goal. If that’s the case then I am afraid the experiment of extra officials will fall flat on its face. I am not

for video replays as I just think it ruins the flow of the game.

I think that FIFA and all the other regional bodies should take another look at the smart ball. Let the ball tell the official if it has crossed the line. With the kind of technology we have in place it should be easy to obtain and make it all work. If it is important enough to tinker with the present set up in football, it should be important enough to get it right.

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2 S 2 S S 2 S M

There are many who are saying ‘leave it alone - if it was good enough for the last hundred years why should we change it now ?’ I just feel that the game has changed so much that we have to move with the times and avail ourselves with what is available without drastically altering the Beautiful Game.

So much hangs on a result and I think it’s of paramount importance to get it right.

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In or out? The camera doesn’t lie

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3/4/09 3:23:23 PM

BENCHWARMERS GIRL TALK

AUSSIE GIRLS GO GLOBAL Melissa is the first choice ‘keeper for Australia’s women’s team The Westfield Matildas

With 2009 offering up few fixtures for the Matildas, Bubs says it’s a perfect time for the Aussie girls to spread their wings in professional leagues across the globe.

L

ast year we only had Lisa De Vanna and Katie Gill who were both playing in the Swedish Professional League. This year we have seven players making a trip to various parts of the world to keep their skills sharp at the highest level while the W-League and Matildas are on break.

Heather Garriock and Lydia Williams are playing for Chicago Red Stars in America’s reformed Womens Professional Soccer League.

Heather was picked up as a second draft pick and wears the number 7 jersey for Chicago, whereas Lydia took advantage of her American passport and went over to Chicago on a trial basis and is hoping to leapfrog Swedish national ‘keeper, Caroline Jonsson.

Sarah Walsh and Collette McCallum combine well for the Matildas and were a hot pick up for New Jersey Sky Blue FC in the US league. Sarah and Collette were both selected in the draft and were cemented in the team shortly after. After breaking her leg last year and missing the Asia Cup and most of the W-League, Walshy will be looking to make a good start and reinforce her position up front in the starting XI. Lauren Colthorpe made a late charge for a position in the

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Danish League with the help of a fellow Matildas’ connections.

Lauren was picked up by Fortuna Hjorring and is looking to make an impression there with a swag of top midfielders vying for spots in Fortuna’s starting line up. Di Alagich was set to embark on a stint with the club too before knee surgery put pay to that.

Lisa De Vanna was torn between two contracts.

Washington in the US League and Swedish Club AIK Fotboll Dam were vying for the striker’s lightning speed, but at time of writing it’s thought that Washington has won out with a deal set to see De Vanna in the Freedom colours this season.

Katie Gill has ventured back to Sweden, this time under the banner of Sunnanå. She was also approached by Djurgården in Stockholm but has opted for Sunnanå with the help of Sanna Frostevall, a Swedish player with Katie’s Newcastle Jets in the W-League this season, who helped shoe-horn the deal.

Just in case you are wondering about little old me, I was initially offered a contract in Norway, but due to the economic crisis a lot of clubs have had to forgo international players in the wake of many sponsors dropping out. So it’s back to the familiar formula playing out this season under

the banners of the Richmond Eagles (Mens VPL) and Box Hill (Womens Premier League).

With so many Matildas now overseas the connections are growing stronger and we will see many more players making

the move. Don’t worry though; all players will be back to build stronger teams for the upcoming W-League at the end of the year. I wish all players and their clubs the best of luck for this upcoming season.

Sarah Walsh in her New Jersey colours

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3/4/09 3:23:52 PM

BENCHWARMERS FIRST PERSON

AUSSIE CONQUEROR TIPS HAT TO SOCCEROOS For all Australians not of Italian heritage - and even plenty who are - Franesco Totti’s steely gaze as he stepped up to the penalty spot on June 26, 2006 to end our World Cup ride was soul piercing. Julian Trantino caught up with the Azzurri and Roma legend.

Totti on being 32 and the state of his veteran body I’m feeling very good at the moment. Obviously I’ve had two very serious injuries in the last few years (broken ankle and ruptured anterior cruciate ligament) but I recovered perfectly from both very quickly.

On Italian clubs failing in the Champions League and the rise and rise of the EPL At this moment I think the English clubs are stronger simply because they are richer and are doing better economically. They can afford to fill their squads with more elite players.

On that game against the Socceroos The knockout rounds in a World Cup are always difficult no matter who you play against.

Australia was a revelation in Germany and played very good football. They have excellent players and they put us in a really difficult situation. We were lucky to beat them.

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On where winning the World Cup ranks in his career achievements It is second-place. It was great but not as meaningful and difficult as winning the Scudetto (Serie A title) in 2000-2001. I was born and bred in Roma and to win the league for the city I love was amazing. It’s always been, and continues to be, extremely hard for a club like Roma to win the Scudetto against bigger clubs like Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan.

Catch our much longer exclusive catch up with Francesco Totti in next month’s Soccer International, on-sale May 20

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BENCHWARMERS DAVE’S ANATOMY

FRANCK RIBERY Host of SBS TV’s The World Game, David Basheer, tells us exactly what makes some of the great players the world-beaters that they are.

He’s probably the brightest star on the football stage playing outside of Europe’s trifecta of top leagues.

Dave explains that Franck Ribery’s sheer pace, skill and mastery of the ball mean he never flies too far off the scopes of discerning football fans the world over.

Attitude Franck Ribery has formed a well earned reputation as a prankster.

When he took the wheel of the Bayern Munich team bus last year during a pre season tour in Dubai and knocked over two signs outside the tournament hotel, team mate Tim Borowski admitted the players were slightly shaken by the unscheduled spin. Bayern are thankful his direction on the pitch is far more accurate than his skills as a would-be conductor!

Ability Don’t be fooled by his pugilist stature and looks, Franck Ribery is one of the most technically gifted players in world football. When he’s in possession, while his eyes are transfixed on the ball, his greatest ability is to execute outrageous skill at maximum pace. His close control makes him a nightmare to defend in tight spaces. An acute eye for goal gives him an X-factor shared by seldom other great midfielders of the modern era.

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The Difference Ribery combines electric pace and one of the sharpest turns in the game to pull defenders out of position. Look at how many times he draws opponents wide, then delves into his Gallic bag of tricks to open up space for his goal scoring team mates. Franz Beckenbauer says Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery are now the world’s best players. It seems there’s no place for Cristiano Ronaldo in Der Kaiser’s elite duo.

History At just two years of age Ribery’s appearance was changed forever, after a car accident in his hometown of Boulogne-sur-Mer left him with over one hundred stitches and two long scars down the right side of his face. In his time at Olympic Marseille he became the posterboy for no nonense football. A warrior with an unflinching work ethic wrapped in football genius, Ribery is the World Games rebel with a cause.

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Now available at leading football specialists - For more information contact regent@regentaus.com.au or visit www.reusch.com

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THE BUSINESS IF DAVID BECKHAM IS THE GLOBAL FACE OF FOOTBALL THEN TIM CAHILL IS HIS AUSTRALIAN FRANCHISEE. BRAND BECKHAM MIGHT TRANSCEND CLASS AND CULTURE, BUT HIS ANTIPODEAN COUNTERPART IS QUICKLY BUILDING HIS OWN CORPORATION CAHILL.

BY MARK VAN AKEN

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T

im Cahill sells. When it comes to endorsements in Australian sport he is only rivalled by the stars of the entrenched sports of Aussie Rules, League, Union, Cricket and swimming.

Even then you’d be hard pressed to name a current league or union star with the cavalcade of endorsement contracts to rival Super Tim. It might be taken for granted now, but Cahill’s rise into the mainstream consciousness was amazingly swift.

It was five short years ago that the western Sydney native was just another talented twenty-something plying his trade in the second tier of English football.

While his existence was known to many in football circles as simply ‘that promising guy that might be eligible for Australia some day’, little did football aficionados know what was about to transpire, let alone mainstream Australia. Cahill could’ve walked down any main street in Australia and not raised so much as a yelp.

Then two things happened. Cahill got the green light from FIFA to don the green and gold (after a teenage foray in the Samoan Under 20s) and he finally made the leap from championship prospect to premiership prince.

And like that, in the space of less than 12 months, Corporation Cahill was born. A corner shop set up it might have been at first, but off the ground it was. Olympic participation served as a blind date of sorts with the football family and soon his meteoric rise at Goodison Park had him an overnight fan favourite at home.

Throw in a role in world cup qualification shortly after, more success in club land, and then two miracle goals in Kaiserslautern and a star was born.

Half a decade on and you’d be hard pressed to scan the local newsagency and not see Cahill’s boyish face staring back at you. Corporation Cahill now boasts relationships with some of Australian sport’ s biggest corporate backers.

Sanitarium’s Weet-Bix keep Cahill at the forefront of their promotional activities while his relationship with adidas is so strong that he, and not a resurgent Beckham or their overflowing stable of European stars, is the face of their entire 2009 campaign. David who?

There’s Swiss watchmaker Zodiac in the mix - but more on that later. On a

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global scale there is a relationship with Giorgio Armani that sees the forward rubbing shoulders with the company’s founder in Milan as well as all sorts of Hollywood types including Clive Owen. Throw in charity work with Unicef and Childhood Heroes and links with the Elite Sporting Academy in Dubai and you start to wonder when Cahill finds time to play football. But find time he does, for club and country and for family too, a part of life paramount to the father of three.

We talked to Tim recently about all the aspects that augment the business of being Tim. Turns out, it’s mostly about football after all!

CAHILL 1.0 THE COMEBACK That Everton’s second half resurgence has coincided with Cahill’s return from long-term injury is not a coincidence.

Always one to take a positive from a negative, Cahill explains that the forced greater focus on his maintaining his body is netting results.

“The maintenance (of injuries) has been the best thing for me because I’m spending the best part of four days a week in the evenings getting treatment at home and staying back late hours at the training ground getting massages and prehab and getting muscles released and ironing out all the knots and bruises. My professionalism (in relation to injury management) has gone to another level and it helped me get back to the level you need to be playing three games a week.”

While England’s top flight has always enjoyed a status amongst the world’s best, it has only been in the during the decade-plus internationalisation of the league that the long held culture of booze has subsided.

“I think I’m lucky, I mean I grew up with sports science. I was doing biometrics when I was 14 and I went to the Lidcombe Institute of Sport to do tests and studies on my body to help me grow quicker and to try and help me develop because I was quite small. But there was definitely that culture in the game and that was all part of it. But I feel as a footballer, to succeed at the age I am - I’m 29 - you need to have that higher level of professionalism and

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I feel that now I’m doing yoga and pilates and getting treatment… I’ve got my physio around every second night and massaging and ice baths, warm baths, the level of care needs to be there so you can back it up.”

Around the time that we chat with Cahill, the Everton star is in the middle of a nightmare run of fixtures, including back-to-back Merseyside Cup derbies wedged in with league dates with none other than Arsenal and Manchester United.

There’s also the small matter of Hull City and Bolton bookending a stretch of seven games in 17 days. Seven games in 17 days… that’s one-third of the whole six month A-League season unfolding in a shade over a fortnight. To survive it, Corporation Cahill’s medical arm must be in on its game.

“You have to clear your knocks and flush your body as soon as possible after the game and get yourself prepared and the only way of doing that is by doing the extra work - if you really want to.

“Some knocks might keep some players out but I feel that now that I’ve found this rhythm where I’ll do anything I can to play 90 minutes regardless of where and when because I feel my body is at a peak and I can keep it there, which includes eating well and sleeping well and still having quality time with my kids and my family.”

CAHILL 2.0 SCRATCHING THE EUROPEAN ITCH Everton is the self-proclaimed people’s club. So long in the shadow of its Stanley Park neighbours, will there come a time when Cahill - loyal club man and all decides it’s time for something more?

Don’t count on it.

“I think you have to be realistic about where you are and what you want to achieve. But I honestly believe that we can achieve something special at Everton.

I’ve been here for a number of seasons and each season the so-called experts say we’ve over-achieved but we’ve been in Europe two years out of the four and now we’re pushing for Europe again.

“I hate reading speculation about myself or players who try to create their own speculation and try and make moves, I feel that if you are a good footballer and someone wants you then they’ll buy you. I pretty much let my football do the talking. It’s hard for me or Arteta or Yakubu to let go because we’ve got such a small squad that we need to buy and that’s

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the long and the short of it. Obviously the Champions League is a dream of a lot of us but I think I’m playing for a top-four club, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think that.”

And perhaps what is happening a short trip up the M62 motorway in Eastlands isn’t lost on the Goodison Park favourite.

“A lot of clubs spend hundreds of millions every year and still can’t achieve what we’re achieving and I feel the level of respect I get from the fans, not just in Liverpool but in Australia and across the world. You hear about different managers liking you and all that, but if they really want to you they’ll come and get you but my focus is on helping Everton into the Champions League.”

Under David Moyes, Everton has achieved much, something directly attributed to the shrewd boss says Cahill.

“ON A BUSINESS LEVEL, I DON’T WANT TO GET INVOLVED WITH LUCAS (NEILL OR TALK ABOUT THAT. WHAT THOSE GUYS DO IS WHAT THEY DO.” “I’ve said it time and time again.

(Moyes) is experienced in the lower leagues. He knows characters, he knows players and what he can get out of them and he builds a core. Maybe it’s Yakubu up front and Phil Neville and I in the midfield, then there’s Mikel and Joleon Lescott and form there he adds players to complement the team - not individuals who can probably light up a team sheet on paper but come the weekend nothing happens. He goes for workhorses and mixed quality and I feel he trusts us and we trust him. We spend hours on the training track and in the video room and we’re very well drilled.”

But for all of Moyes’ strengths, can he really get Everton deep into Europe’s top competition in the coming years up against the might of the Big Four and cashed up challengers like Manchester City? Maybe not, but you get the impression that Cahill, always the battler, enjoys the scrap.

“Really, the money we get to spend is nothing… not compared to what they spend across the park. When we played against Liverpool they had about 60-mllion pounds of talent on the bench alone, it’s such a contrast.”

CAHILL 3.0 MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES

The Tim Cahill business has been built on consistent performances in the world’s most watched league for a mid-major club. But the start up operation could have been very different if he’d linked with Crystal Palace rather than the Toffees, which was a distinct possibility.

Like many ‘business’ decisions, the choice of Everton was blue chip.

“On that factor, I met Ian Dowie and he was a great guy and there were circumstances that my agent, Paul Martin, and I looked at for a number of years while I was at Milwall and there were always offers for me but it was never the right moment for me and the right circumstance, and I felt there was something left for me at Milwall and I followed the dream of reaching the FA Cup final. To this day I don’t regret it.

“Looking at Crystal Palace it wasn’t right for me because there was no stability, there wasn’t a guaranteed budget for buying players and the stability of the club staying up (in the EPL). We looked at the option of some other teams and Everton came up and I looked at the club and the team sheet: Gravesen, Stubbs, Watson, Weir, Campbell, Ferguson and Rooney.

I looked at my agent and said ‘there’s no way in the world that my signature is not gonna be on that piece of paper before I leave here’. I met the chairman and I met the gaffer and that was it, it was one of those things where as a player you know you were meant to be there.”

Life, be it football or business, is about choices, and you can’t shake the feeling that Corporation Cahill wouldn’t be flying today if Cahill had stayed in London.

“With Simon Jordan (and Palace) it just wasn’t realistic. What he says and what he does are two different things, he’s a great man and obviously very successful in what he’s done but just didn’t see eye to eye.”

Everton was Cahill’s big break, but the million dollar question is: when will he set up permanent headquarters back home? His return is not as imminent as some might hope, despite continued links with a new A-League team setting up shop in Wollongong.

“I’m involved with South Coast FC in terms of getting the structure right. I’m all about building the right bridges and making sure that the foundations are set. So we’re starting as low as the kids and setting up academies and running clinics in the Police

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Youth Clubs and also working with South Coast FC because you look at all the kids playing and the area is starved of A-League football, so I think it’s common sense that it has a brand and an image for the youngsters because it’s a hell of a long way for kids to travel up to see Sydney FC play.

“I feel we need to broaden (the A-League’s) horizons and once everyone has ticked all the boxes, like we have up until now, that’s all you can do. Whether it’s in two years or three years, we have the right people around us to deliver the right model and from then on… I definitely want to come back to Australia and play but I have so much left to do (in England). I want to win medals; I want to play in the UEFA Champions League. I want to see kids in Australia see me win an FA Cup or challenging in the Premier League.”

With the Wollongong franchise in an apparent three-way battle with Western Sydney and Canberra for the A-League’s 12th license in 2011, Cahill is in direct competition with his national team skipper Lucas Neill for a place at the national league table. But the Evertonian says there is no rivalry between the two, friendly or otherwise.

“On a business level or anything like that, I don’t get involved with Lucas or talk about that. What those guys do is what they do and hopefully they try and put forward a positive model that will help the kids first. With me, it’s all about the kids, the academies, and the clinics, doing it in reverse. It’s not about finding a business model and pumping in millions of pounds or bringing in investors from Dubai. If you’ve got that, then great, I’m happy for you.

“But for me I’m happy sitting back and letting the right people make the right moves and not promising anything. We haven’t promised millions of dollars or pounds or big name players or coming back and playing for free and all this sort of stuff.”

Playing for free? When Cahill talks of juniors he speaks both as a professional footballer and a loving father. His passion for football’s development at youth level in Australia is most genuine. But playing for free? Corporation Cahill shareholders stand by! SI

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GOT THE

E?

First came Armani, now comes Zodiac.

Cahill explains his passion for some wrist-bling… stylish bling of course!

“I’ve always been a watch connoisseur, I collect watches. All through my football career you meet different footballers that show off their watches and all the different styles all the way from your Daytona Rolex’s to your Franck Muller’s.

I met up with Zodiac and looked at creating a watch that was affordable but still has style and Swiss-made quality that a really expensive watch would. I went to Switzerland and was with the owners of the company and we went through the way they made the watches and I gave my input into the style and I wanted to incorporate my message through a watch as well.

“I love fashion and I love design and the thing I love about Zodiac is that it’s a real chunky watch; it’s very powerful on the wrist, which gives it that glow. I’ve got players at Everton like Mikel Arteta and Andy Johnson, who was at Everton, they’re massive watch connoisseurs and they’re knocking my door down to get them. Zodiac fit my profile because it is looking after the market and showing a great style at the same time.

“It becomes part and parcel of it all, with my relationship with Armani and the sports range with adidas.

One thing that I stated with Zodiac is the price point - it had to be a friendly market for the purchaser because you can’t always try and link football with super stardom and having forty-grand watches.”

win TiME iT LiKE

Part of the business of being Tim involves designing watches and the Socceroos’ passion for hand pieces is stronger than most. Two readers will be looking the business with a Zodiac ‘Speed Wheel’ Chronograph Watch. Simply e-mail si@blitzmag.com. au with your name, age and e-mail address answering this question: Where are Zodiac watches made? The fist two correct entries win.

ZODIAC “SPEED WHEEL” CHRONOGRAPH WATCH RRP $649 • Stainless steel case and bracelet.

• Blue dial with silver indexes.

• 3 eye chronograph display with date window.

• Water resistant to 10ATM.

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BREAKING THE BIG

FOUR THE BIG FOUR. IT’S A TERM THAT HAS ENTERED FOOTBALL’S

VOCABULARY TO DEFINE THE ON AND OFF FIELD DOMINATION OF MANCHESTER UNITED, CHELSEA, ARSENAL AND LIVERPOOL, THE QUARTET WHO HOG THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE POSITIONS AND SHARE THE SPOILS OF ENGLISH FOOTBALL. ADRIAN MUSOLINO EXPLAINS WHY ASTON VILLA ARE THE MOST SEROUS CHALLENGER TO THE QUARTETS STRANGLEHOLD ON EUROPE.

P

undits have oft speculated which clubs could eventually break the Big Four’s stranglehold on the English game. While many focus on the long-term prospects of the cashed up Manchester City, Aston Villa are making a strong case with impressive performances led by a stellar crop of young Englishmen.

It may or may not be this year, but make no mistake, the Villains are coming.

Villa has already proven their capabilities this season with spirited performances against the four, only losing away to Chelsea, sharing the points against Liverpool and Manchester United and claiming a famous victory away to Arsenal.

The famous victory at Arsenal signalled Villa’s intentions, a majestic display of attacking football, beating Arsenal at their own game.

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THE NEW SIR ALEX?

The Villa resurgence owes much to coach Martin O’Neill, surely one of the most underrated coaches in world football.

O’Neill arrived at Villa Park in August 2006 with an impressive pedigree at Celtic that included three league titles, three Scottish Cups, a League Cup and a UEFA Cup final appearance.

Insiders maintain Martin O’Neill has been touted as one of the possible successors

to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United when the great Scot eventually decides to step aside at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex has been unequivocal in his praise for O’Neill.

“Without question Martin is one of the best managers in the game. The only way you can judge managers is how they prove themselves over a period. And the job he has done at Leicester, Celtic and now Aston Villa makes him an obvious top manager.

THE O’NEILL DEAL Martin O’Neill may not crave the limelight, but his burgeoning repertoire of managerial magic tricks sees him increasingly demanding the attention of the football world.

A one-time target of the FFA for the Socceroos post, someone of O’Neill’s stature was never likely to head Down Under full time. Not while bigger things await in the Old World.

So impressive has been the Northern Irishman’s work over the years that he is now touted as the FA’s top choice to replace Fabio Capello as England coach, if and when the Italian vacates the post.

This is partly because the boffins at FA HQ have long since given up on luring Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger to the role, but also because O’Neill has proven, time and again, to be a shrewd tactician and an excellent man manager.

While he narrowly missed out on the English post to Steve McClaren back in

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2006, the Fleet Street press reports that FA chairman Lord Triesman and new chief executive Ian Watmore have marveled at O’Neill’s progress at Villa Park, particularly his fast-tracking of local talent like Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young.

The Ulsterman, who as a player lifted the European Cup with Nottingham Forest, guided unfashionable Leicester City to League Cup silverware in 1997 and 2000 before taking Celtic to the UEFA Cup final and three Scottish Premier League titles.

Mark van Aken

“He has built up a squad over the last couple of years that allows him consistent team selection. He doesn’t make many changes and sticks by his format all the time,” said Ferguson in the week before his team was held to a nil all draw against Villa.

YOUNG AND ENGLISH! The Villa players have impressed many this season with their spirited performances and string of victories that has seen the team spend much of the season in the top four.

Importantly too in a league dominated by foreigners, the core of the Villa squad, seven of the eleven players who took to the pitch in the thrilling 3 – 2 victory against Everton, are English.

As an indication of their form, six Aston Villa players, Luke Young, Gareth Barry, Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Emile Heskey and James Milner were called up to the English squad for the friendly against Spain.

Ashley Young has impressed many with his pace on the wings and deft deliveries into the box.

Young’s two goal winning effort against Everton prompted O’Neill to label him “absolutely world class.”

Last season he was second only to Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas in assists and, when combined with the potency of striker Agbonlahor, they give Villa pace in attack.

The signing of veteran English striker Emile Heskey in the January transfer window added potency and strength to Villa’s attack, a great combination with the pace of Agbonlahor and Young.

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Also in fine form is Gareth Barry.

Despite the protracted saga of his on again, off again deal with Liverpool over the summer, Barry has pledged his loyalty to the club, saying his long-term future at Villa is dependant on whether they make it into the Champions League.

Barry was stripped of the captaincy as a result of the Liverpool saga with veteran defender Martin Laursen assuming the role.

“WITHOUT QUESTION MARTIN IS ONE OF THE BEST MANAGERS IN THE GAME.” ALEX FERGUSON However, the Barry hullabaloo didn’t impact Villa’s summer dealings.

Rather than buy a star name, £50 million was spent to add depth to the squad, netting the likes of Curtis Davies, Carlos Cuellar, James Milner, Brad Friedel, Steve Sidwell, Luke Young and Nicky Shorey while Heskey joined in January.

ECONOMIES OF SCALE As the summer signings demonstrated, Aston Villa has the spending power to field a handy squad.

This is critical as a sustained challenge against the “big four” is as much economics as what happens in the dressing sheds.

In August 2006, American Randy Lerner, owner of the Cleveland Browns NFL team

with a net worth of over a billion dollars, acquired Aston Villa and became chairman.

The takeover didn’t cause the fan backlash akin to the other American takeover, the Glazer purchase of Manchester United with Villa fans reassured of Lerner’s intentions with his pledge to turn the club into one of the biggest in England and his decision to set up a base near the clubs training ground.

Despite Lerner’s presence, Aston Villa didn’t break into the top twenty of the Deloitte Football Money League 2008, which ranks the worlds richest clubs.

It is believed Villa’s revenue is in the vicinity of £50 million, approximately £100 million off the ‘poorest’ of the big four, Liverpool and around £200 million off Manchester United.

This huge disparity is the biggest impediment to Villa’s “big four” challenge, hence the importance of qualifying for the Champions League and tapping into its riches.

There is also the immense difficulty in challenging the brand awareness and popularity the top four have worldwide.

Only consistent winning can help spread the Aston Villa brand.

The long–term key for Villa will be holding on to their talented youth, most notably Young and Agbonlahor and growing their squad for sustained league assaults.

optimism is now sweeping through the Midlands.

After a last minute defeat way back in December, Everton boss David Moyes stated that Villa “are now the most likely side to crack the top four.”

O’Neill is keeping a lid on expectations despite the victory against Everton who, in the past few seasons, looked like the side most likely to infiltrate the top four.

“Who knows what Manchester City will do in the transfer window? I will not start looking at gaps for a while yet. If we can win four or five on the trot, then I might start thinking in those terms,” said O’Neill.

They may not be there just yet but Aston Villa is making a strong case for inclusion into that very exclusive club. SI

BIG FIVE? With their sights set on the elusive Champions League spots, justified

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T Commahne 10

dments O f

Paolo M a ldini 1 I am P ao

ALL PICS

lo Maldin i 2 Hono r thy fath er 3 I quit when I fe el like it 4 Take care of yo ur body 5 Alwa ys think a head 6 Never g 100 percive less than ent 7 You s h yourselfalal not make for n idol 8 If you l by examepad, do so le 9 You s h wrongfualll not make your gam use of the name e and you of r club 10 Acce pt the ine vitable

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The 10

Commandments Of

Paolo Maldini

ADIEU AT THE END OF THIS SEASON, SOCCER

INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES THE EPIC CAREER OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST SUCCESFUL, STYLISH AND INSPIRATIONAL DEFENDERS OF ALL TIME. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF PAOLO CESARE MALDINI, BASED ON TALKS WITH EXPERTS, TEAMMATES AND, OF COURSE, THE LEGENDARY NUMBER THREE OF AC MILAN AND THE SQUADRA AZZURI HIMSELF.

BY MARTIN VAN ZAANEN

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1

I am Paolo Maldini

1985. The year Martina Navratilova won her 100th tennis tournament, the first ever mobile phone call was made, ‘New York New York’ was voted the official city anthem of New York City and Mikhail Gorbachev became Soviet leader.

It was also the year football gave us Paolo Cesare Maldini.

The phrase ‘if he is good enough, he is old enough’ held no greater relevance than when Maldini made his first team debut for the Rossoneri in January as a half-time substitute against Udinese when just 16 years old. To this day Paolo still gets a smile on his face when remembering how his first touch was a riskfree back-pass to his goalkeeper (which he then - believe it or not - was allowed to pick up with his hands). While Maldini forged his formidable reputation as a left-sided defender, he made this appearance as a right back, not coincidently also the side his father, legendary Cesare, used to play on. Although naturally right footed, as a result of extensive training, he became equally proficient with either foot.

As he grew into a regular almost instantly, we got to know him as a cornerstone of that golden Milan-defence with Franco Baresi, Mauro Tassotti (later

Marcel Desailly) and ‘Billy’ Costacurta.

In 1994, this combination conceded just 15 goals in 34 Serie A matches, and as testament to their extraordinary ability, the majority of these players were able to defy time for an inordinate period. The latest retiree, Alessandro Costacurta, did not hang up his boots until May 2007 at the age of 41.

ALL PICS GETTY IMAGES

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2

Honor thy father

For much of Maldini senior’s 13 year-career at the San Siro, he formed the core of Milan’s then much-feted defence. Cesare was a very skilful yet impetuous player, resulting in the odd bout of overconfidence and the occasional terrible error.

The frequency of such lapses earned

Cesare the ire of the Italian media and the foundation of a term to cheekily describe these mistakes, a Maldinate.

In that 13 year period Milan won four Italian titles, lifting the European Cup at Wembley in 1963.

Paolo does not have a clear memory of his father as a player. “I learned more from him outside the pitch. Of course as a trainer of the Milan youth teams (and later as coach of the Italian youth and senior teams), he showed me things, but most of the times he would have talents develop in their own style, which I think is a healthly approach. ”The night Paolo held the Champions League trophy aloft in 2003 at Old Trafford occured exactly forty years after his father had. Afterwards Milan’s vice-president Adriano Galliani stated that the No. 3 shirt would be retired as soon as Maldini finally called time on his epic career, following in the footsteps of Baresi, and the likes of Diego Maradona, whose No. 10 shirt was retired by Napoli. As dad Cesare has passed the torch to Paolo, there is no doubt Milan will one day welcome Christian, Paolo’s oldest son, who his currently entrenched in the club’s youth system. Only then will the No. 3 jersey will be worn again.

4

3

I quit when I feel like it

Only last year, Maldini had a last change of heart about his retirement, making the decision to add just one more year. After his 24th season as a professional player, one of the world’s best defenders of the last twenty years will hang up his boots.

Officially.

Definately.

Finally.

Maldini laughs: “And this time I will not come back to that decision. Yes, there is a chance I will stay active in the world of football, but trust me: not as a coach.”

Maldini will be 41 in June. How was he able to go on for that long? “I think it does not really matter in what field you work, you can continue for as long as you enjoy it. Only then it is worth all the sacrifices.

“If you have a talent for something, it is only natural to want to go as far as your gift can take you. I truly love my sport, and that passion runs so deep.

You are right; your body has to grant it to you too. I have had my share of injuries over the years, but luckilly not the career-threatening ones.”

Take care of your body

Possessing undoubtedly the most advanced medical centres in world football, Maldini has taken advantage of the facilities at his disposal in Milanello, the club’s legendary training camp situated near Lake Como, to recuperate between training sessions on his own accord. Milan Lab, founded in 2002, under the supervision of Belgian doctor Jean-Pierre Meersseman, has proved a crucial element in ensuring Maldini remains in peak physical fitness, despite his age.

‘Experienced heads and young legs’, is their ideal.

It is therefore no co-incidence that Milan has the oldest squad in world football, with club’s army of physicians finetuning each individual training programme to the specific characteristics of each player. Meersseman almost becomes lyrical when defining Maldini’s physique: “Paolo comes close to perfection. Very close.’ And Maldini’s working ethics? ‘They are perfection.”

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Always think ahead

Before he made his decision to finally call it a day publicly, Maldini had already made it clear within Milan’s inner-sanctum who he wanted to hand over the captain’s band to: Massimo Ambrosini.

But Maldini’s knack for seeing things in advance isn’t only isolated to off-field issues.

“Being able to read the game, is something you must have a talent for, but also a quality you can develop in the course of time. I was for example fortunate to play alongside Franco Baresi almost immediatly at the start of my career. And believe me, then you can pick up things fast,” Maldini explains.

It is especially this quality which has impressed Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson: “Perfect positioning, is more than anything else what makes Maldini’s game tick. This guy seems to be able to read match situations so incredibly far in advance, that he can take his precautions and almost always just stay out of trouble.

“The way he defends, is truely an art. I once saw him playing ninety minutes in the Champions League against Bayern Munich, and he did not have to make one tackle. Brilliant! He can be hard, but

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Never give less than 100 percent

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his intelligence enables him to play with a true sense of fair play.”

Maldini’s former club mentor Fabio Capello is equally effusive in his praise, stating: “Paolo is the best Italian defender of all times, better than Giacinto Facchetti, Antonio Cabrini, Gaetano Scirea and Franco Baresi. When you think of it, it is a shame he has never been voted World Footballer of the Year.”

Milan’s 2008/2009 season has hardly been a golden one.

They failed to advance to the last 16 in the UEFA Cup, and it will be an ordeal to safeguard a Champions League place in Serie A. But one thing is for sure: Until we have heard the last whistle, Paolo Maldini will continue to give his all.

He goes about his profession with the same motivation, hunger, enthusiasm and dedication of when he was 16.

“Perhaps the more you realise the end of your career is coming, the more you want to squeeze everything out of it. Loyalty plays a part too, without any exaggeration I consider this club my home.”

We find the home of Associazione Calcio Milan at Via Filippo Turati 3. San Siro, the ‘Scala’ of football. Inside, within a few square metres, you can almost observe the whole history of AC Milan. Historical objects, original jerseys and trophies are among the memorabilia on display, but the most eye-catching of all the tributes on display are the life-like statues of Baresi, Maldini senior, Gianni Rivera, Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit. These statues honor club legends who have long since stopped playing, with one exeception: Paolo Maldini, emphasising his standing within the club.

Throughout his career, Milan has won seven league championships, five European Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, five Italian Super Cups, four European SuperCups, two Inter Continental Cups, an Italian Cup and most recently the FIFA World Club Cup. Maldini also has 126 caps for the Italian national team, more than any other Italian player.

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You shall not make for yourself an idol Modesty may be Paolo’s policy, but whether he wants it or not, he remains an idol of the Italian game.

Even off the pitch, he is regarded as one of the most famous Italian faces out there. With his chiseled face, flowing dark hair and glorious light piercing eyes, he has been a model for sports clothes, shampoo and food. Together with former-colleague Christian Vieri he founded clothing line Sweet Years. In addition, he co-owns Hollywood, a Milan nightclub, where he met his wife, the Venezuelan model Adriana Fossa, with whom he has been married since 1994.

As a footballer, he is a sight to behold. Tall, athletic, elegant, statuesque frame, long made-for-soccer legs, treetrunk thighs, no ounce of excess body fat. Timing is everything in his game, and whether he is hammering balls clear or overlapping midfielders going forward, he oozes an unshakable self confidence.

If you lead, do so by example

In his way of presenting and conducting himself, Maldini somehow automatically demands respect. Natural leadership. Almost never raising his voice. And it is exactly that which makes people listen. Part brother, part father, part friend. But for all: teammate. Most Italians are emotional, Italian footballers even more so. But Maldini, no matter what remains cool, calm, and collected. Team-mate Gennaro Gattuso, in this perspective is the exact opposite: “Paolo never raises his voice and he never shouts at anyone. Incredible, this guy just never loses his temper!”

Milan playmaker Kaká: “He’s a true leader.

If he comes to you and says it is going to be alright, you know: it is going to be alright.”

Clarence Seedorf: “You just can always rely on Paolo. Very steadfast guy, very steadfast player. I am fortunate to have played such a big part of my career with him behind me.”

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9

You shall not make wrongful use of the name of your game and your club

A true role model, if there has ever been one. Scarcely a paragraph of scandal, almost never in the headlines for the wrong reasons. If Paolo decides not to stay in football, perhaps the world of diplomacy might be something for him. Pretty exemplary is that a few years ago, he took a 50 per cent cut in his annual salary.

AC Milan, the team he joined at age nine, was and always will remain the one and only team for Paolo. With his qualities the man could have gone wherever he wanted, but other clubs could never seduce him.

Ex-teammate Ruud Gullit: “The years when Marco van Basten and I, later also Frank Rijkaard, arrived at the San Siro, Paolo was still very young. But there was something special about him. His pride, I think. He was so proud that he could play for his club, in the city were he was born and bred. More than anything else, it problably was his pride that has kept him going for that long.”

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Accept the inevitable

Paolo Maldini: “Of course I am going to miss performing at this high level, the atmosphere of the stadiums and in the dressing rooms. That feeling, the tension, the comradery, you really can get hooked to that. There is no way around it though: All things must pass. But I have been blessed, that’s for sure. Regrets? None.’

Laughs: ‘Or perhaps just one: not having played alongside Diego Maradona.” SI

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Franck RibĂŠry Bayern Munich & France

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Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United & Portugal

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DAVID BECKHAM INSTINCT THE FRAGRANCE FOR MEN

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SAY GOODBYE TO

ALL PICS

HOLLYWOOD

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SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO? THAT’S THE QUESTION THAT HAUNTED FOOTBALL’S BIGGEST NAME LAST MONTH. IN THE END, DAVID BECKHAM FOUND A WAY TO APPEASE AC MILAN, LA GALAXY AND - HE HOPES - ENGLAND BOSS FABIO CAPELLO. ESPN

SPORTSCENTER’S HANNAH STORM CAUGHT UP WITH THE HUMAN

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HEADLINE RECENTLY TO GO OVER HIS THREE-WAY COMPROMISE.

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Hannah Storm: You will remain with AC Milan until June 30. What was your thinking and what went into those negotiations?

David Beckham: It’s obviously something that I’ve thought about a lot because I’m very committed to the MLS and to the Galaxy but looking to 2010 and the World Cup with England I knew I had to play at the highest level and I knew I had to play in Europe so I wanted to extend my loan deal with Milan. Tim Lewicke and the Galaxy did everything possible to make that happen for me and it’s worked out well. I’ll finish the season here and then have four weeks holiday and then play for the Galaxy on July 18 in New York. I’m looking forward to that because it gives me time to enjoy the football here and go back to the States and join the Galaxy.

HS: David there are reports that you partially funded your stay to extend your loan with AC Milan. What sort of financial commitment did you make?

DB: There was a commitment I had to make and it’s something I didn’t think twice about because at the end of the day my career’s never been about the financial side or the money side. I’ve always been solely interested in the football. People may turn around and say it’s easy for me to say because the money’s always been there, but I think all through my career all I’ve cared about it is football and where I play my football.

HS: Nonetheless this is a move that’s hugely upset some of your fans here in the US. Alexi Lalas predicted you may get booed when you come back to play in the MLS, what do you have to say to your supporters?

DB: I think 95 percent of the Galaxy fans have been, and will be, incredible to me. I’m sure I’ll have criticism and I understand that but I want my fans to

realise I’m still committed to the Galaxy. I am still committed to the MLS and being an ambassador, but like I said there will be criticism. It’s a shame certain people come out like that, but at the end of the day I’m bigger than that. I can only make my turnaround by the way I perform on the pitch and my commitment to the team and I’ll show that when I get back. We’ll have to wait and see the first time I play at the Home Depot and see how that goes.

HS: David, you said in order to be chosen for the England national team you have to play at the highest level. What does that say about the level of play in the US? DB: It says it’s not a level at the moment that’s the same as in Europe, but that’s one of the reasons I want to be involved in the MLS going forward because I believe it will get bigger. I wouldn’t have committed myself to the Galaxy as an MLS ambassador if I didn’t believe the sport wouldn’t grow and I’ve always said it’s not going to take a year or two, it’s going to take five, 10 or 15 years and I’m still committed to that. I’ve got the chance to own a franchise at the end of my playing career and I plan on doing that and that shows my commitment and belief in the sport in America.

HS: When you came to the Galaxy David, and this was your quote, “I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think I could make a difference.” What sort of difference have you made?

DB: I think off the pitch the statistics speak for themselves. The interest in the game and the attendances have gone up.

I think that side of it has been great and I think hopefully that it will continue to happen. On the field it has been a different story. I think it’s not just down to the players and it’s down to other people.

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I’m not saying Tim Leiweke because I think Tim Leiweke has been incredible. He always wants the best for the team, the best for the organisation, the best for the club and his support has always been there. I think at the end of the day there have been a lot of things that happened and you move on. Of course the Galaxy need to get better on the pitch and we will. With Bruce Arena now, we’ve got a good coach that will take us forward. He knows the league, knows the players. We’ve got some good players which have been drafted in which is exciting as well. Things need to get better on the field and that’s the only way to succeed with the Galaxy. On the MLS side I think we’ve had success so far and I hope that continues.

HS: You have two years left on your contract with the Galaxy. What are the prospects that you opt out of those final two years?

DB: At the moment I’m contracted to the Galaxy and I’m committed, but like I said leading up to 2010 everybody knows I need to play football at the highest level. Still, I’m committed to the Galaxy.

HS: But it sounds like there’s definitely a chance you may opt out given what transpires regarding the World Cup? DB: I think leading up to the World Cup I need to play in Europe to give myself a chance of being involved. After then we’ll see, but I plan on going back to America. My family’s happy there. My wife is happy there, my children are settled in at school, and it’s one of the sacrifices we’ve had to make as a family. My wife’s been very supportive of my career, but as a family, husband and wife, father and mother to three boys, we need to do what’s best for our children and our children are settled there.

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HS: Looking ahead to September there are several conflicts between MLS games and England World Cup qualifiers. Will you be playing for LA or England?

DB: Tim Leiweke and the Galaxy have been supportive of me playing for my country. They know how important it is for me to play for my country, so that will continue to happen but I’ll play in every game possible and I’ll be flying back and forth.

HS: So you’ll be bouncing back between continents. How do you think that will affect your level of play?

DB: Well I’ve done it for the last two years so nothing changes. I’ve been flying back for Galaxy games so I’ve proved I can handle that to a certain extent and hopefully that’ll continue.

HS: How much longer do you plan on playing and do you see the 2010 as the finale to your career?

DB: No, I just want to make that squad for 2010 and who knows what will happen after that. I still believe I’ve got a few good years left in my body and I’ve enjoyed every game I’ve been involved in with Milan. I’ve started every game which surprised me but now I’m just enjoying being involved and hopefully I’ll be playing for a few years now.

HS: You mentioned that at some point that you would like to own an MLS team, what would you do as an owner to prevent this kind of situation from happening again, where a franchise player opts not to play in your league?

DB: I think at the end of the day I have got the chance to own a franchise at the end of my career and I fully hope that I will be doing that. So that’s something that I’m excited about. This situation at the end of the day, it happens in football, it happens all over the world in football.

Situations like this happen at Manchester United, it happens at the biggest clubs in the world and you move on and you make it work. I think at the end of the day I’ve already said that I will be going back to the Galaxy and I am committed to the Galaxy and my team-mates there, but at the moment I need to be playing my football here.

HS: And personally do you consider your time in LA from every vantage point a success or a failure?

DB: On the pitch it has not been very successful because we haven’t made the playoffs in the last two years. That’s been disappointing, but on every other level it’s been an incredible experience and one that I’ve really enjoyed so far. SI

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THE TOP FOOTBALL VIDEO GAMES OF ALL TIME WHETHER DOING SO ON THE HUMBLE GAMES MACHINES OF THE ‘80S OR THE MORE ROBUST CONSOLES WE ENJOY TODAY, WE’VE ALL LIVED OUT OUR DREAMS THROUGH A FOOTBALL VIDEO GAME AT ONE STAGE OR ANOTHER. SIT BACK AS SOCCER INTERNATIONAL NAMES ITS FAVOURITE FOOTBALL GAMES THROUGHOUT THE GAMING AGES.

BY ANDY GUSMAN

PREMIER MANAGER 97 – PC

FIFA 08 – XBOX 360

Here at SI we are big fans of football management games, and Premier Manager 97 was one of the best of all time. Like never before, the title gifted gamers an insight into the world of football management on and off the pitch. In its day, Premier Manager 97 was simply sensational… predictable maybe… but still sensational. A great feature was the ability to extend your team’s stadium, a feature which today is lacking in many modern day management games.

FIFA 08 followed a long line of highly successful and easy to learn football games for console aficionados. Its accessibility and well thought out intuitive controls allowed even the most uncoordinated among us to kick a goal Fernando Torres style. As with any EA Sports game, it came well kitted out with multiple game modes, career options and a vast array of multiplayer options to customise each game type. The new addition to this FIFA edition was the “Be a Pro” mode where the gamer can choose a player to control for the entirety of a game, teaching the player the importance of positioning and taking advantage of opportunities as they come.

FIFA SOCCER 97 GOLD – SUPER NINTENDO NES FIFA 97 for the super Nintendo was easily five years before its time. Despite its graphics looking shoddy by today’s standards, FIFA Soccer 97 was fantastic. Incorporating 255 teams and many game modes - most notably the indoor soccer mode which made for entertaining game play - FIFA Soccer 97 was most definitely the sporting game of the year.

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FIFA 2009 – PS3 – XBOX 360

FOOTBALL MANAGER 2009 – PC

The latest edition to the FIFA franchise has revolutionised electronic football. FIFA 2009 for the PS3 and the Xbox 360 gives football mad gamers the chance to manage and take control of their team and ultimately capture the premiership using the manager mode feature of the game. FIFA 09 incorporates realistic game play which has plenty of depth... and adidas Live adds another tier of realism to boot. Ever wished you were playing alongside Steven Gerard? FIFA 09 gives you the opportunity to help him to break Liverpool’s 18-year title droughT.

Arguably every girlfriend’s worst nightmare, Football Manager 09 for the PC is simply brilliant! This game provides a realistic insight into the every day life of a manager. Simply put, this is the best football management simulation of all time. This particular edition to the franchise incorporated many new features, most notably the brand new 3D match engine which allows for all players to watch their side’s matches with an unmatched level of realism.

Other exciting features includes assistant manager feedback which enables pre-match and in-match feedback from your e-2IC.

FIFA STREET 3 – PLAYSTATION 3

INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR SOCCER DELUXE – SUPER NINTENDO

The FIFA Street franchise had been maligned due to a perceived lack of substance, but with loads more style and action packed gaming worked in, FIFA Street 3 revolutionised street soccer gaming. The graphics were specially incorporated with unlimited multiplayer options and fantastic tunes, making it one of the finest games on our list.

This was the sequel to Konami’s International Superstar Soccer featuring realistic animations and player spirits which made for some brilliant gaming. Despite the poor graphics the game play was fantastic. This title was a family friendly game that captured the hearts of many as the gamer was given the choice of 16 formations and 36 national teams. While some would argue it lacked realism, it was a fun game without all the tactics of many modern day games.

FIFA WORLD CUP 2006 – NINTENDO DS FIFA World Cup 2006 brought football to the Nintendo DS and what a revelation it became. This title successfully captured the excitement of many gamers with flashy presentation and loads of teams… 127 to be exact. A feature that added to the excitement of this game was the use of official stadiums from Germany as well as great animation and crowd audio - handheld gaming at its finest!

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EURO 96 – PC

FIFA 08 – Wii

This was the official game of the European Championships which were held in England during the summer of 1996. The game makes our list because of its much maligned game play - while some critics had the knives out for this title, we disagree. Yes it was Action Soccer take two or three, but in our opinion it was great to play. The game had all 12 teams from the Euros and the graphics were quite acceptable at the date of release. Euro was a solid game which did have its flaws. Maybe it was the magic around this tourney that brought Euro to life that helps it remain one of the all time great football games.

FIFA 08 for the Nintendo Wii is a fun family game that succeeds in appealing to its intended audience despite being unable to compete with the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game graphically. Wii’s version of FIFA 08 utilised the Wii remote and nunchuk controllers to try and replicate a truer football experience. Shooting, crossing, and slide tackling were all performed by moving the Wii remote… meaning it wasn’t just the digital little guys with the big hearts that felt the strain.

FOOTBALL MANAGER 2006 – PC

THIS IS FOOTBALL – PLAYSTATION

The 2006 edition of the franchise was a broad management simulator which offered gamers many features which were the building blocks for what the game has become today. Cool features included the ability for all gaffers to negotiate with their board on a variety of issues involving personal and player contracts and also transfer budgets. The 2D visual representation of the game allowed digital managers to view their matches and make spur of the minute changes that could turn the game.

This is Football was one of the finest football games of its time and if not for the FIFA franchise, it would most likely be known as the best football simulator of all time. The game runs rather smoothly and playing a passing game proved the best way to get the ball into the old onion bag. For its time the graphics were rather good and it boasted a new feature in terms of the transfer market, allowing gamers to add players to their team.

THIS IS FOOTBALL 2004 – PLAYSTATION 2 This is Football 2004 was Sony Computer Entertainment’s attempt at edging into the popular football game market. It was a cult favorite which was generally shunned by the fans of the more popular EA FIFA series or Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer. However, TIF 2004 excelled in areas where its competitors struggled for many years. The commentary was absolutely top draw, justifying its position in the top 25 football games of all time.

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FIFA 08 – PSP

PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2008 – WII

The PSP edition of FIFA 08 was packed with features and game modes that would keep any on-the-move gamer occupied for hours. What’s that, my flights delayed? Awesome! Game dynamics were also improved over previous versions, the artificial intelligence was refined and tons of new variables were added in behind the scenes in order to make the game feel life like its PS3 and Xbox 360 brothers.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 for the Nintendo Wii was an enjoyable little effort for all gamers confident enough to venture into uncharted waters. With a new control system for the Wii, plus the added incentive of good online play, made for a fun-filled time in front of the tube. The new and improved control scheme worked very well with the game plus the brilliant Pro Evolution Soccer engine made for countless hours of hand cramping action.

1985

1986

NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM

1989

1990

ATARI 7800

SEGA MEGADRIVE

NEO-GEO

SEGA MASTER SYSTEM

NINTENDO GAMEBOY

SEGA MASTER SYSTEM II

1987 1988

1991

1994

1995

1996

SUPER NES

SONY PLAYSTATION

SEGA SATURN

NINTENDO 64

≥

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TIMELINE

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2000

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2002

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SONY PS2

MICROSOFT X-BOX

NINTENDO GAMECUBE

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≥

≥

GAMEBOY ADVANCE

2004

2005

2006

NINTENDO DS

MICROSOFT X-BOX 360

NINTENDO Wii

SONY PSP

SONY PS3

2007 2008

2009 NINTENDO DSI

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WORLD CUP USA ‘94 – SEGA MEGADRIVE

FIFA MANAGER 2009

The game incorporated the official fixtures for the FIFA World Cup in the US of A. The gamer’s vantage point was a birds eye view which allowed you to scan the entire pitch. The team rosters were not based on their real life counter parts however - damn you intellectual property! Despite this attributes are given to the players based on their real-life counterparts.

The newest title in the series of simulators attempts to intertwine daily football management with the personal life of today’s modern day managers. FM09 allows the gamer to dive into the realms of football management while allowing for some personal indulgences. A great feature of this title is the ability to upgrade your stadium without having to ask permission of your board.

Despite not being as polished as Football Manager, this title is still more then worthy of its place.

FIFA 06 - XBOX

SUPER MARIO STRIKERS – GAMECUBE

FIFA 06 on the original Xbox added plenty of new features that helped make it one of the most realistic and accessible football games of all time. When talking about the top 25 games of all time, FIFA 06 would easily make the podium - an incredible feat considering the advancements in graphics and consoles since its 2005 development.

Great features include realistic game play that made the gamer feel as though they were really a young Cristiano Ronaldo trying to make their name in the English game as well as a great soundtrack with many first class artists. Throw in an engrossing manager mode that allows gamers to outwit Sir Alex and those United lads and you’ve got a winner.

Sure, Super Mario Strikers was football. However, as the name suggests, instead of incorporating your everyday football stars this game starred Mario and his friends. Despite this , Mario himself does not feature too often. This title was a change from your every day football game. It was a fast paced arcade style game produced with loads of challenges and custom tournaments which were fun to play with.

PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2009 – PS3 Many PES games live in the shadows of the EA FIFA franchise. However, the 09 installment is a simple and easy to pick up and play game that invites the not so hardcore to dive into the realms of a football simulator. A great feature is the ability to participate in the Champions League which is officially licensed by UEFA. Another positive to this title is the great online options available to all users.

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MARIO STRIKERS CHARGED – WII The sequel to the acclaimed Mario Strikers. From the outset it is a more enjoyable game, especially for those wanting to play multiplayer games. Great features include an entertaining multiplayer mode that allows gamers to challenge others both offline and online.

You also get to enjoy more characters, each of which have a unique shot at goal. Finally, the use of different forms of attack and weapons allows for great family gaming.

PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 6 – SONY PS2 Konami’s sixth edition of the PES franchise played superbly in terms of game play which is something the series has become well known for. If PES was ever going to overtake FIFA as the number one football simulator, then the sixth edition was going to be it.

Despite this not eventuating, the game still incorporated many great features like an online mode that allowed for support of up to eight players. All in all a great title and probably the best PES ever produced.

CHAMPIONSHIP MANAGER 2006/2007 – PC Championship Manager 2006 allowed gamers to manage a club to glory, on the way dealing with everything from the on-field tactics to the ins and outs of the club. The 2006 edition boasted a brand new 3D match edition which allowed gamers to view their side’s matches just as they would watch them on the weekend.

Great features included an improved transfer system which allowed for good old fashioned negotiations and a revised match engine which allowed teams to play a more intelligent brand of football.

FIFA 09 – PSP The latest handheld addition of EA’s FIFA franchise is the smoothest portable football game to date and contains the best attempt at FIFA’s famous “Be a Pro” mode yet. This has you taking control of a single player as opposed to the usual entire team. “Be a Pro” shines on the PSP when compared with other systems as player career progression is actually important and you gain new abilities over time. Some other cool extra features are the interactive online leagues and the questionnaire mode for football fanatics: ‘Soccer I.Q.’ SI

Champion Manager 4 released in 2003 broke many records becoming the fastest selling PC game ever on its release date.

This edition of CM included 39 leagues and was the first game in the series to include a top down match engine. An interesting feature was the ability of the lesser known clubs - read lower division sides - to sign superstar players that would take them to the pinnacle of football very quickly. Another loved feature was the ability of non-league teams to build stadiums with a capacity of 850,000… these flaws made the game enjoyable and fun for all to play.

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WIN!

CHAMPIONSHIP MANAGER 4 – PC

While we didn’t officially rank our top 25 in any order, it’s fair to say that FIFA 09 on the Xbox 360 and PS3 is from the absolute top shelf. To celebrate its unofficial number one status, three readers can pick up a copy. E-mail si@ blitzmag.com.au and tell us which year the EA Sports FIFA franchise began. The first treble of correct entries will each snare a copy.

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COACHING CENTRE WITH RICHARD ALAGICH

THE LOCKER ROOM

THE 1-2 PASS OR WALL PASS

richard has held roles with various elite youth teams and has authored four FIFa-endorsed books.

For more info head to www.pacificsoccer.com.au

Penetration in attack is the ability to get past or behind defenders with or without the ball. The following conditioned tactical games of middle and side zone penetration are examples that I use in my coaching sessions for level 4 to 6 students.

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his pass is also called the wall pass because the ball is ‘bounced ‘ off a supporting player back to the server. this pass is one of the most effective passes that can be used on the playing field in order to release pressure in defence or to penetrate the opponent’s defending quarter.

It is a quick exchange of passes between 2 attacking players. the pass can be made with any part of the body but the inside of the foot or the outside of the instep is most commonly used. one great disadvantage with the inside of the foot is that the defending player is able to ‘read’ the attacking player’s intentions and as a result intercept the pass.

With the use of the outside of the instep the attacking player is able to ‘disguise’ his movements and maintain his stride. the movement is executed by the player with the ball slowing his movements to deceive the defender into thinking he is going to stop or move in another direction. at the moment the pass is made to his supporting player the attacking player moves into a sprint behind the defender to receive the return 1-2 pass and penetrate the defence. the role of the supporting player is particularly important because once the 1-2 pass is made a mistake could result in a counter

attack as the player that played the ball is out of position and on the wrong side of defenders. as a result the supporting player must position himself and move to the ball with his body between the ball and the defender. this attacking position will make to it much harder for the defending player to gain possession.

Common Faults -Corrections

1. the player looks in the direction of the intended pass.

2. after executing the pass the player does not go into a sprint.

3. the ball is delivered too slowly to the supporting player.

4. the supporting player does not disguise his run or movement before the ball arrives.

5. the supporting player does not have his body between the ball and the defender.

6. the attacking player with the ball does not slow and disguise his movements. the following are examples two wall pass exercises that I use in my coaching sessions for level 4 to 6 students.

When the players are comfortable with the exercises, the passing is all 1 touch and executed from the left and right side.

LEGEND Player coach Flag Markers Movement of ball Movement in possession Shot at goal Start of exercise Movement not in possession

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Exercise 1B

Exercise 1A

3

S

1

3

2

2

5

4 1

4

S

5

Player 2 applies token pressure to 1 as 1 plays a 1-2 pass with 5. 1 switches play to player 3. The 3 players change positions

After the switch of play to 3. 4 applies token pressure to 3 as 3 plays a 1-2 pass with 2. 3 switches play to player 5. The exercise continues.

Exercise 2A

Exercise 2B

5

1

2

5

4

6

3

S

S 1

2

After the switch of play to 3. 4 applies token pressure to 3 as 3 plays a 1-2 pass with 2. 3 switches play to player 5. The exercise continues.

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3

4

Player 6 chips a ball to 4 and takes up a position as the first defender with 5 as the second defender. Player 4 passes to 3.

The exercise continues.

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THE LOCKER ROOM THE BREAKDOWN

ARSENAL’S DEFENSIVE DILEMMAS Arsenal’s attractive style of football once saw it at the forefront of the English game... not anymore. Arthur Papas examines the good, the bad and the ugly of the Gunners circa 2009.

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n football it’s fair to say that it’s not always the team that plays the most attractive game in the eyes of the purists that snares the silverware.

After the 2006 World Cup Final Italian coach Marcello Lippi claimed “balance is number one”. By this he meant a balance between lines, individuals and attack and defence.

When viewing the current Arsenal philosophy it would seem there is a definite imbalance as the Gunners leave little doubt that attacking in numbers is their main priority.

Arsene Wenger is now the longest serving manager in the

history of the club - and the most successful. But over the past four years it would seem that the hype surrounding the side’s style of play has taken attention away from a decided lack of silverware making its way to North London. In this issue we take a look at the team’s defensive frailties starting from the often mistake ridden defence through to the impact of the loss of Mathieu Flamini which has left a somewhat disjointed midfield.

ARSENAL’S DEFENSIVE DISCREPANCIES In the second leg of their UEFA Champions League encounter with Roma last month, it

took the Italian’s less than 10 minutes to square the tie with an absolute calamitous piece of defending from the Gunners.

There would appear to be a clear lack of communication and organisation as illustrated in the diagram as Roma central defender Juan drifted to the back post to slot home a seemingly harmless cross from Franc Totti. At the time of the cross, Arsenal had seven players in their defensive box in comparison to Roma’s three, while looking at the positioning of the players it would seem that the following issues resulted in the goal to Roma: Right Fullback Bacary Sagna’s inability to position

Diaby

his body correctly in order to prevent the cross allowed the initial ball from Totti.

Central Defender William Gallas found himself out of position inevitably leading to the confusion between himself and Kolo Toure when the ball was crossed in between them.

Left Fullback Gael Clichy had drifted too far across and was covering an area that should have been filled by one of the central defenders, therefore, finding himself in a position where the decoy run by Juan left him unmarked at the back post and Clichy with too much ground to cover to prevent the goal.

In the adjacent diagram we view how the goal could have

Vucinic

Bendtner Juan

Taddei

Denilson

Sagna

Gallas

Clichy

Totti

Toure

Almunia

ARSENAL’S ‘SOFT GOAL’ GIFTED TO ROMA

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THE LOCKER ROOM

been prevented with some simple positional adjustments as shown: Bacary Sagna changing his body position to prevent initial cross from totti.

William gallas slotting into the defensive line clearing the way for the ball to be attacked instead of facing his own goal when the ball is played. gael clichy not drifting as far across therefore being able to close down Juan immediately prior to the ball being received even if the cross makes it’s way to the back post. additional adjustments – in the improved defensive diagram, the positioning of both Denilson and abou Diaby has also been adjusted to allow for a more compact structure which allows players to form first and second defender options in all areas of the box with minimal space needing to be covered.

BALANCING THE MIDFIELD When arsene Wenger decided not to delve into the transfer market to cover the loss

made 45 successful tackles which is simply outstanding.

With the midfield pairing of Denilson and Diaby it would seem that order and balance has returned to the arsenal midfield. Has Wenger finally found a solution in the middle of the park to cover the loss of the unheralded Flamini? Will the return of superstar Fabregas improve the collective performance of the team or destabilise the balance of a maturing arsenal side? time will tell.

of industrious midfielder Mathieu Flamini eyebrows were raised. Flamini had been the perfect foil for cesc Fabregas the previous season and the skeptics were quick to dismiss the credentials of Brazilian Denilson in his ability to fill the void. the issue lies in the fact that Fabregas continued to play in a similar vein to the previous season, albeit slightly higher up the pitch. this often left the inexperienced and more attacking minded Denilson with too much defensive work to do in terms of pressuring and tracking back opponents.

Injury to Fabregas has seen the midfield partnership rotated with the balance seemingly being restored even though the normal level of creativity has not. against roma Wenger employed abou Diaby alongside Denilson in both legs and together they combined to stifle a roma midfield with plenty of mobility and flair. Diaby’s strength lies in his ability to win the ball back, this season in just five matches the Frenchman

arthur Papas holds a Bachelor of applied Science and is Football coach at Maribyrnong Sports college and an assistant coach of the Melbourne Knights in the VPl.

Roma’s Juan takes advantage of some sloppy defending

Vucinic Bendtner Juan

Diaby Denilson

Clichy

Taddei

Gallas

Sagna

Totti

Toure

Almunia

IMPROVED DEFENSIVE ORGANISATION

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DRINKING TO

YOU HAVE HALF AN HOUR UNTIL

KICK OFF FOR THAT ALL IMPORTANT CUP FINAL. YOU THINK YOU’RE WELL PREPARED, BUT SO TOO ARE YOUR OPPONENTS. CAN A SPORTS DRINK GIVE YOU A MATCH-WINNING EDGE?

SOCCER INTERNATIONAL PUTS TO BED THE MYTH THAT DRINKING WATER DURING SPORT IS JUST AS EFFECTIVE AS A SPORTS DRINK.

WIN

THE SCIENCE BEHIND SPORTS DRINKS

BY JOHN BONACCI

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y definition, a sports drink is a beverage that is primarily designed to assist athletes in performing at optimal capacity for the duration of a specified activity. They are carefully researched and formulated by leading scientists and nutritionists to provide valuable energy in the form of carbohydrates, and vital electrolytes in the form of sodium or salt, to the body. Carbohydrate stores in the muscle and sodium levels in the blood are both depleted training and match conditions, so sports drinks are now commonly used to replenish depleted levels.

Typically flavoured to promote palatability and encourage voluntary consumption, sports drinks contain carbohydrates (sugars), sodium and potassium to rapidly deliver fuel and electrolytes during and after sport.

They are often grouped according to one of three main categories: Isotonic drinks are designed to contain proportions of electrolytes and water similar to the human body; Hypertonic drinks contain a lower proportion of water, thereby making the levels of electrolytes more concentrated; and Hypotonic drinks contain a greater proportion of water.

While drinking water has often been, and still remains, associated with good health, consumption of too much water

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during strenuous exercise can dilute the body’s salt stores - a condition known as hyponatremia - and actually result in dehydration (the body regulates its sodium levels, not water levels in the blood). Such a situation can have serious implications on body function, including reduced reaction time, increased body heat and early onset of fatigue.

“THERE IS NO LONGER A REASON TO DEBATE WHETHER WATER OR SPORTS DRINKS SHOULD BE CONSUMED” According to leading exercise physiologist Professor John Hawley from RMIT University, the debate over whether to drink water or sports drinks during exercise is heavily one-sided.

“There is no longer a reason to debate whether water or sports drinks should be consumed during training, exercise and matches,” said Professor Hawley.

“In simple terms, water contains absolutely no energy for the body and no electrolytes, whereas sports drinks contain both.

“As well as providing the brain and working muscles in the body with a rapid source of energy, sports drinks contain sodium (salt) that is lost through the sweating process.

“But even the most expensive and best sports drinks on the market are of little value if they are not consumed in the right amounts, at the right time,” added Hawley.

To maximise the effectiveness of sports drinks, it is recommended that athletes consume 200 – 400 millilitres (ml) in a single dose (or about 3-4 ml per kilogram of body mass) approximately 10 – 15 minutes prior to the commencement of training or matches. This large dose will aid a physiological process called gastric emptying, which will increase the rate at which the drink leaves the stomach and is absorbed into the bloodstream as glucose.

It is important that athletes understand the difference between the three types of drink, each of which serves a distinct

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HYDRATION

purpose in providing immediate fuel or assisting recovery. Most of the easily accessed sports drinks that are available in convenience stores, such as Powerade and Gatorade, are of the isotonic variety.

According to Professor Hawley, isotonic sports drinks are the best source of energy during competitive matches and training.

“During soccer matches, players should aim to consume a sports drink containing 6 – 8 percent of energy from carbohydrates (i.e. 6 - 8 grams of carbohydrates per 100 ml of ingested fluid), along with the highest concentration of sodium they can comfortably tolerate.

as when games are played in hot (over 25 degrees) and humid (over 60 percent relative humidity) conditions,” added Professor Hawley.

Despite the obvious benefits of sports drinks for those who exercise regularly, the consumption of such sugar-containing drinks by people who lead a sedentary lifestyle will ultimately lead to a high caloric intake, and ultimately weight gain.

All queries relating to the use of sports drinks should be directed to an accredited exercise physiologist or sports nutritionist. SI

“DURING MATCHES, PLAYERS SHOULD AIM TO CONSUME A SPORTS DRINK CONTAINING 6-8% OF ENERGY FROM CARBS” “It is important to drink the initial dose prior to the match, then as often as breaks in play permit.

“Over the duration of a match, they should consume about 60 grams of carbohydrate per hour (approximately 600 – 700 ml of an isotonic drink), which has been shown to increase running distances during the second half, as well as the distances run at maximum speed.

“Obviously in colder conditions, the need for fluid replacement is not as great

TIPS FOR BEST USE 1. Practice all your sports drink regimens during training and refine your practices according to your individual needs 2. Drink an initial volume of sports drink (200 – 400 ml) in the 10 – 15 minutes before a game or training session 3. Drink small quantities as often as the rules permit 4. Weigh yourself before and after training and matches to assess how much sweat you’ve lost 5. Try to replace 100 – 150 % of fluid (sweat losses) in the hours after training and matches 6. Keep the drink chilled, which will encourage intake 7. If you prepare sports drinks yourself, ensure they mixed properly

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VIKINGS

FUTSAL & FUTEBOL

INTERNATIONAL TOURS Brasil Italy Thailand Greece Argentina Russia New Zealand

Chile China Spain Japan USA England

FUTSAL 5-A-Side Indoor Soccer

Register Your Teams!

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Over 150 Clubs 40 000 Players can’t be wrong

In BraFzaillcao with

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ONLINE FUTSAL SHOP For ALL your FUTSAL needs: • Playing Kits • Specialised Futsal Footwear • Goalkeeper Products • Training Equipment

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< FUTSAL FEVER

PAR EXCELLENCE What is the Vikings Football and Futsal Schools of Excellence and Development initiative? read on. the unique nature and relationship between futsal and football has forged and invigorated the inception of a newly found impetus that merges the symbiotic life of the two sports – participation, development and high performance come together in this new exciting initiative.

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chools have been the major vehicle by which most children are given their first formal experience with physical activity. It is therefore a logical assumption that to promote participation and the enjoyment of

experiencing futsal should take place within this setting.

Whether a name defines the phenomenon, in this case be it the world game of football in its many guises – 5 a –side, 7 – a- side, small sided football, futsal, beach soccer, rebound, and the list goes on… Ultimately what we seek as educators and coaches, in other words custodians of the game, is to promote our sport. Subsequently our current lack of indoor venues and/or suitable grass fields has forced us to reinvent the otherwise more traditional facilities that customarily hosted the sport of futsal.

Vikings Futsal has been pioneering this approach via the acquisition, transformation and management of venues that in previous uses serviced sports as diverse as hockey and lawn bowls, even factories and warehouses, in an attempt to meet the demands of futsal.

W!

ENROL NO

So why should schools who tick all the boxes; a population willing to participate and with already established infrastructure not also become hubs of organised futsal, 5-a-side and football programs.

Vikings Futsal wish to forge strong links with schools that have established infrastructure, geographic location and the desire to work cooperatively in implementing exciting initiatives designed to develop the sport of futsal and football via the school population, surrounding community and state/ local government.

We endeavor to establish a school based program that embraces a sporting ethos striving for excellence. By designing a multi layered curriculum that supports the development of Futsal & Football within; the school physical education curriculum and its

sporting programs Before and after school programming for students and other user groups an academy based model with two separate entities (school and community) to feed enrolments and that subsequently allows for the merger of both groups when required. technical assistance and curriculum design will be provided by the prestigious “escola De Brasiliera”, the new football educative arm of the Brasilian Football confederation (cBF), headed up by Mauricio Marques (FFa national Futsal coach & FIFa technical consultant, who also represents our affiliate relationship with Brasilian, ‘Serie a’ club ‘atletico Mineiro’) along with resident Director of coaching & Development, Stuart Munro, (one of the most experienced and well credentialed football coaches in australia).

In turn, we are close to the inception of a newly

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special promotional feature

found Australian campus representing a high profile EPL entity, who we are in ongoing discussion with, a powerful affiliation that would essentially lend its, intellectual property, expertise, branding and identity towards the variety of programs we would run through the venue/ program.

An extensive International Tours Program and pathways to representative Futsal and Football, will also allow for a spectrum of opportunities to become accessible to all our targeted enrolments.

A network of other schools supporting The Vikings Futsal and Football School of Excellence and Development initiative will ensure regular competition and attendance by ‘likeminded’ entities.

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Program Features include: • A structured ‘Football & Futsal Academy’ targeting enrolments, between the ages of 13 – 18 • A structured ‘Football & Futsal Development Program’ targeting enrolments, between the ages of 7 – 12 • Enrolments of 5- 12 year old players (sourced via the local primary schools network) we would seek to engage at the facility to participate in the FFA sanctioned small sided football initiatives • Enrolments of 5- 12 year old players from the immediate community’s primary student population as an after school based introductory & developmental football program for kids.

• School Holidays Clinic and mini Tournament (which would develop into an International invitational ‘11v 11’, ‘7v 7’ & ‘5 v 5 ‘Football Tournament targeting the Asian & Pacific Region and open to all clubs & players from a variety of networked affiliates, across several ages.

• An annual overseas tour to a select group of teams in different age categories that will attend significant international football and futsal tournaments.

• A ‘Summer Futebol’ campaign looking to recruit social & competitive 5 a side football competitions we are aiming to structure between September – March of every year, under the exclusive banner and guise of The Australian

5 a side Football League and/ or Championship.

• Support the annual inception, growth and promotion of two major Cup Tournaments for 5 a side (sub junior age levels 5- 10) and 7 a side Football (11- 13 & seniors) at either end of the regular football season.

• The possible formal affiliation to senior football entities at “A League / Premier League” youth and senior levels as a ‘feeder club for young talent’.

Vikings are close to creating a new Australian campus incorporating a high profile EPL entity – Watch this space!

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THE SCOUT

NEW SOUTH WALES

By Bruce Da Silva

PRAISE HEAPED ON NSW BOSS Football NSW CEO and Parramatta resident Michael Quarmby was awarded NSW Administrator of the Year at the NSW Sports Federation Annual Sports Awards for the second time in three years.

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“It is our long term business plan with the purchase of an investment building in the Norwest Business sector of Baulkham Hills and the development of a state of the art sporting facility in Riverstone that will help provide better funding and services for the future of the game.”

The Football NSW CEO was also full of praise of the organisation’s successful television program ‘Football Stars of Tomorrow’ which picked up the Media Award at the NSW Sports Federation Annual Sports Awards.

Growing from strength to strength, 2009 promises FNSW boss Michael Quarmby to be a another ground culminate in the holding of a gala breaking year for Football Stars of Tomorrow with Football NSW day mid- season for all special needs players.” envisioning the program airing on However, Quarmby acknowledges commercial TV. that the road is still long in Apart from the new initiatives, getting everything as perfect Quarmby also documented Football NSW’s push for promoting the special as possible in the promotion of the round ball game. needs program.

“There are still many challenges “An exciting new improved ahead in the fields of Futsal, program for this year will be the retention, recruitment & development support we will give to those football of referees, ground development players with special needs. and increased funding in support to “Currently we are working with grassroots.

Deaf Football Australia and Cerebral We have strategies in place Palsy Football and our various although the fruits of these strategies special needs groups. Our program will be seen over the next five-years.” is called ‘Football 4 All’ which will

SCOUT PICS GETTY IMAGES UNLESS SPECIFIED

he Football NSW CEO, Michael Quarmby, took out the Administrator of the Year Award in 2006 and was once again given the plaudits recently at a packed Waterview Convention Centre at Sydney Olympic Park.

Quarmby had a very successful 2008, leading Football NSW into a fresh new direction.

Under Quarmby, Football NSW has announced a new $40 million ‘state of the art’ Football complex at Riverstone.

Quarmby also oversaw major sponsorship initiatives designed to benefit clubs and associations and announced the provision of $250,000 worth of credit vouchers that were allocated to Associations and State League Clubs across the state.

A humble Quarmby was elated upon receiving the NSW Administrator of the Year award for the second time in three years and praised the efforts of the entire Football NSW staff.

“While I was the one accepting the award on the evening, it was not possible without a dedicated team that truly goes above and beyond what is needed.

“That is because they hold the sport in high regard. We are proud of our achievements and some major initiatives for our members; i.e. grants to clubs for their football needs and a free online internet coaching service for every club as well as our ground breaking Football Stars of Tomorrow show televised nationally.

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THE SCOUT

TILFORD ZEBRAS SHOW STRIPES IN SUMMER CUP

TASMANIA

By Walter Pless

Tilford Zebras won their second southern Tasmanian Summer Cup in succession recently with a win over Clarence United.

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ilford’s winning goal came in the final minute of the second period of extra-time, which meant that Clarence had no chance of retrieving the situation.

Clarence had led twice, only to be hauled back and taken to extra-time.

Then it was Clarence’s turn to trail, but they also managed to find an equaliser and, just when a penalty shoot-out was in sight, they fell at the last hurdle to a brilliant piece of improvisation from Ben Crosswell and a fine finish by Aaron Brazendale.

On pure chances in the course of the 110-minutes that were played, the sides deserved to draw and to decide the game via spot-kicks.

Clarence were slightly the better side for the first 70 minutes, but the Zebras gradually asserted control and had the better of the exchanges in the final 20 minutes of normal time.

Two excellent saves by Troy Kaden kept the Zebras in the game in the first 9 minutes of extra-time and it was his side that then took the lead.

Clarence refused to surrender, however, and got back to 3-3 before succumbing to a goal in the dying seconds.

Technically, it was not a great game, and both sides gave the ball away far too often. Much of the finishing was poor and easy chances went begging.

But, in terms of goals and excitement, it was a thrilling contest for the large crowd.

Zebras’ marksmen were Aaron Brazendale, with two goals, and Fabian and Daniel Lapolla with a goal apiece,

YOUNG TALENT TO SHINE UP NORTH

The Zebras celebrate

while Clarence replied through Luke Cripps, Chris Hunt and Julian McMahon.

Meanwhile, there are four Tasmanians now active in the Victorian Premier League.

Matthew Sanders and Daniel White are regulars in the Green Gully Cavaliers side, while James Sherman is with Melbourne Knights and Billy Gasparinatos with Oakleigh Cannons.

QUEENSLAND By Michelle Tobin

After the success of the inaugural Hyundai Queensland State League in 2008, this year an expansion has seen the inclusion of the Queensland State Youth League, a competition for players under the age of 21.

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yundai QSL teams from the South-East corner of the state – Brisbane Strikers, Olympic FC, Redlands City Devils, Sunshine Coast FC and Logan United – have each put together an U21s squad, while South West Queensland, based in Toowoomba, have also included a team. These are the seven teams that make up the competition.

The Queensland State Youth League is designed to be an easier and more distinguishable development pathway for

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football players to make their mark in the Hyundai QSL. The Hyundai QSL is designed to be a ‘stepping-stone’ for players to make their way to the A-League, and despite only being a season old, this has already been achieved.

2008 Hyundai QSL MVP winner Adam Sarota and Queensland Academy of Sport product Tommy Oar both made their A-League debuts in the 2008/09 season for Queensland Roar.

QAS coach Mike Mulvey says

that this proves the league is successful.

“We saw the success of the league through the fact that Tommy Oar got himself a contract with the Queensland Roar.”

Mulvey stresses that the QSYL isn’t necessarily about winning every game.

“While we will try to go out hard every game, we have a developmental philosophy as well.”

The league will also give QSL clubs a wider base of players

Juniors will get their shot in 2009

to choose from for their squads and is encouraging clubs to recruit within themselves.

When the older players of their team move on, clubs are able to look to U21s players to step up into their senior squad.

The league is valuable to the youngsters involved by giving them exposure to a higher level of football competition.

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THE SCOUT

SUPER LEAGUE PREVIEW With the 2009 Devine Homes Super League ready to roll we rule

SA By Dimitri Pappas

our thumb over each club’s credentials for the season ahead.

ADELAIDE CITY 2008 Position – Champion (Super League) Coach – Damien Mori Captain – Paul Pezos Ins – Chad Bugeja (White City), George Tsonis (White City), Ricardo DaSilva (Blue Eagles), Nicholas Orr (Para Hills) Comment – Despite losing key player Kristian Rees and Fred Agius to new A-League franchises, Adelaide City will be looking for their fifth straight Super League title.

ADELAIDE BLUE EAGLES 2008 Position – 8th Coach – Zoran Karadzic Captain – Gino DeLucia Ins – Saranti Parrisos (White City), Tim Sarris (MetroStars, Angelos Arambatzis (White City), Alessandro Casale (Apia, NSW), Juan Fernandez (Ecuador), Marcelo Arias (Ecuador).

Comment – The mastermind behind the glory days of the 90’s and early 2000’s Zoran Karadzic returns to the club. Finished disappointingly eighth last season in the clubs 50th year, but the club has recruited heavily as they aim to return to the top of the Super League.

ADELAIDE HILLS HAWKS 2008 Position – Champion (Premier League)

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Coach – Steve Maxwell Captain – Nathan Elliot Ins – Damian Stam (Croydon) Charles Marwe (White City), Damien Puyenbroek (Pirates).

Comment – One of the two promoted sides featuring in their second time in the top division. Former Socceroo Steve Maxwell will have his work cut out to keep the Hills in the Super League.

ADELAIDE GALAXY 2008 Position – 6th Coach – Carl Maynard Captain – Paul Karittevlis Ins – Osama Malik (Raiders), Zacki Malik (Raiders) Michael DeBono (Raiders), Joe Wright (Rochdale, UK), Franz Baumgartner (Germany).

Comment – Galaxy have recruited talented young brothers Osama and Zacki Malik, along with Michael DeBono, and will be aiming to make the top 5 series after missing out in 2008.

CAMPBELLTOWN CITY RED DEVILS 2008 Position – 3rd Coach – Rocky Aloisi Captain – Simon Catanzaro Ins – Les Pogliacomi (UK), Michael Paleka (Raiders), Ali Toure (Raiders), Vas Parhas (Cumberland)

Comment – The Red Devils gave it their best in 2008, lead by triple Sergio Melta Medallist Simon Catanzaro, and will be in search of their first title since 1986.

METROSTARS 2008 Position – Runners Up Coach – Mike Barnett Captain – Ivan Karlovic Ins – Adam Van Dommele (South Melbourne), Daniel Menechella (Raiders), Steven Grelli (Galaxy), Francesco Monterosso (SASI).

Comment – The ‘Stars finished runners up in 2008 but were rewarded with a good season by claiming the 2008 FFSA Cup title.

Day (Modbury), Michael Cartwright (Raiders) Comment – The Knights have produced some talented young players over the years, and hope to be rewarded in season 2009 as they continue their climb up the Super League table.

RAIDERS 2008 Position – 5th Coach – John Duthie Captain – Richie Alagich Ins – Cody Larkin (Canberra), Todd McSorely (Altona, Vic), Kingsley Francis (MetroStars)

MODBURY JETS 2008 Position – 7th Coach – Jason Hayhurst Captain – Matt Kelly

Comment – Raiders have turned over a few players this season, and with a new coach and the experience of Richie Alagich, the club is focusing on clinching a top 5 spot to make its charge in the finals series.

Comment – The Jets have a new coach in 2009 and will be looking for a new direction to move them back into the finals mix.

WESTERN STRIKERS 2008 Position – Runners Up (Premier League) Coach – Charlie Villani Captain – TBC

PARA HILLS KNIGHTS 2008 Position – 4th Coach – Rob DiTroia Captain – Aaron Goulding & Michael Greco

Ins – Elias Vlassis (Galaxy), Frank Tibaldi (White City), Andy Thorpe (UK).

Ins – Matthew Mullen (Adel Utd Youth), Alex Sunasky (Adel Utd Youth), Nathan

Comment – The western suburbs based club enters the top flight for the first time in its short history.

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3/4/09 4:26:03 PM

THE SCOUT

THUNDER STRIKE EARLY It’s early days in the Premier League but new chums Dandenong

VICTORIA By Eli Pfefferberg

Thunder have hit the ground running in the opening rounds.

T

he Albanian community-backed South-East Melbourne outfit has enjoyed a barnstorming start to its first season in the top flight in a decade under the tutelage of former NSL boss Stuart Munro.

Soccer International’s own Marcus Stergiopoulos played under the wily Scot in the NSL with South Melbourne and in the VPL with Oakleigh, and he says that the vibe around the club is fantastic.

“I’ve been around football a long time and while it’s early days, there’s a real good feel in the dressing room,” explains the 34-year-old.

“Overall it’s a pretty young

playing group and so far that’s been an advantage because the group is going into games without fear. It’s not that the lads don’t respect the opposition, but it’s more that they don’t have fear of the bigger name guys - they are just going out and playing football.

“While we’re not getting carried away, it’s just good to see that we are standing up and not rolling over like many pundits probably expected us to do.”

Meanwhile the VIS football squad competed in the prestigious Mondial Minimes Montaigu Vendee this month, organised through FC Montaigu in France.

The VIS represented Australia against various national teams in a tournament that tested and challenged the local lads.

The squad was based at Clisson, about four hours south-east of Paris.

Flying the flag for Australia, the VIS met the under 16 national teams of France, Germany and Malie.

In the other group were England, Russia, UAE and Ivory Coast.

The England team boasted players from the junior set- ups at Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Everton and the lower leagues.

The Thunder’s Hamlet Armenian in action against South Melbourne

MEDIA FRENZY IN THE WEST As the beginning of the 2009 State Premier League nears, Football West is

WA By Chris Correia

doing its bit to help grow the local game in Western Australia. Coverage of the coming season is set to increase drastically on television, radio and online media.

W

Football West Marketing & Communications Manager, Ben Fitzpatrick, is looking forward to the increased coverage which will also see matches on the Australian Premier League Show on Aurora every Friday night.

“We are doubling the amount of games being filmed this year and this will be fantastic exposure for the elite game in WA,” said Mr Fitzpatrick.

In addition to the increase in televised coverage, Football West will also be on the airwaves in 2009 after signing a new radio deal.

107.3 Heritage FM has signed on to broadcast one live State Premier League match in each round of the coming season, including all the finals action.

Respected football personality Bob Figg will anchor the coverage, which has already begun with the recent Stratco Cup match between Western Australia and South Australia.

The deal will also see 107.3 Heritage FM have a State League preview show every Friday night from 7:00pm called “Beyond 90”. An official Football West Facebook group has also been created to keep members

of the social networking site updated on latest news, match reports, multimedia, events and much more.

The enhanced coverage of the 2009 State Premier League is a sign of the growth of the local game and is a positive as football continues to become a huge sporting force in Australia.

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VICTORIA PIC CINDY NITSOS/SMFC.COM.AU

A football’s governing body has penned a two-year deal with Fuel Creative, who will have their cameras at two matches per round of the 22-game home and away season. The new deal has doubled the coverage since last year, where only the “Match of the Week” was filmed.

Each of the 44 league matches covered will be put into a highlights package made available on brand new websites www.footballwest. com.au and www.footballwest. tv, on each Monday following the weekend’s fixtures.

73 3/4/09 4:26:09 PM

THE SCOUT ENGLAND

By Paul Carroll

ZOLA THE QUIET ACHIEVER Few knew what to expect when Gianfranco Zola took the reigns at West Ham. A player of exquisite talent and experience, his management credentials were less polished. But thus far the pocket-sized Italian has the Hammers humming along.

G

ianfranco Zola was hard to miss in his playing days. Despite, or in part because of his diminutive stature, the Italian no. 10 was often a greater presence on the field than most of his contemporaries. Part of the stunning Parma team of the early and mid-nineties, Zola enhanced his considerable reputation at Chelsea – a Chelsea quite different to today’s club, one not nearly as successful and nowhere near as rich. His immense technique and sublime skills were impossible to ignore.

As a manager, however, he has flown under the radar somewhat. Coaxed to a tumultuous West Ham Utd, Zola’s only prior managerial experience had been with the Italian under-21’s, assisting his old teammate Pierluigi Casiraghi. Zola, like Roy Keane and other remarkable players of their generation, was using his reputation as a player to enter management. From an assistant of an under-21’s side to a Premier League club is quite a leap. For the Hammers, so far so very, very good.

Zola replaced Alan Curbishley; it was Curbishley who walked out of the club allegedly over differences in transfer policy between himself and the board. Players were being sold whom Curbishley wished to keep. A significant problem for any manager – as many of Spurs’ recent

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managers can attest to – but West Ham had, and still have, other problems. Being owned by an Icelandic bank is unfortunate, to say the least, when the Icelandic economy falls the hardest of any in the current economic turmoil.

Hanging over the club when Zola arrived was, too, the unresolved issue of the Carlos Tevez affair, one which severely affected the relegated Sheffield Utd. Only now has this problem been resolved, to the tune of over AUS$40 million in compensation to be paid by West Ham to Sheffield Utd. Among these many problems has emerged a team which is flourishing, pleasing to the eye and performing on the pitch, at least since Christmas.

A shaky start – five defeats in six in October – has been overcome and, approaching the 30 game mark, the Hammers sat in 7th, among the best of the rest.

In a short space of time, Zola has fashioned a team in his image that is performing beyond its supporters expectations, and he has done so with very limited resources. Not to mention the loss of his best striker, Craig Bellamy, to Man City in January.

Now that the Carlos Tevez compensation issue has been put to bed, talk has turned to new investment coming into the club. A stable board and ownership with Zola in the dugout suggests a bright future.

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THE SCOUT

SPECIAL ONE KEEPS STIRRING THE POT

ITALY

By Eli Pfefferberg

Never far from controversy, Inter boss Jose Mourinho has drawn the ire of his fellow managers by intimating that Serie A coaches are influenced in their match day decisions by their presidents.

M

ourinho has opened Pandora’s Box once more with his comments against fellow members of the Italian coaching fraternity.

“When I mentioned coaches that lose their own dignity, what I wanted to state is that while I choose the team that goes out on the pitch, other coaches don’t do that, and in the world of football it’s full of them.

“If anyone told me what to do with my line-up, the next

day my office would be empty and I would have my suitcases packed,” he told ESPN Soccernet recently.

The Portuguese coach’s comments drew a sharp reaction from the Italian Coaches Association.

“Mourinho is a member of our association and we are happy that he is, but this time he has gone too far. Ask (Fabio) Capello, (Marcello) Lippi, (Luciano) Spalletti, (Cesare)

Prandelli, (Massimiliano) Allegri to name a few, if their teams are selected by someone else,” retorted Renzo Ulivieri, president of the ICA. Cagliari’s Massimiliano Allegri strongly denied Mourinho’s allegations. “To step on other coaches shows a lack of respect. With club president Massimo Cellino, I have had several discussions during the year, but never has he gotten involved in team selection.”

VILLAREAL FIND HEART IN HARD TIMES

Milan’s Carlo Ancelotti, who has been linked to Mourinho’s former club Chelsea in the summer, echoed Allegri’s thoughts. “If I am the one (he) is referring to, then I can only say that I have won two cups under (Silvio) Berlusconi as a player

SPAIN By

Eli Pfefferberg

With the global recession starting to pinch in Europe, Villareal have found a way to ease the pain for their battling fans - free memberships!

C

lub president Fernando Roig announced at a press conference last month that unemployed fans will be offered season tickets for the 2009/10 season for nix. ‘’Season-ticket holders who are on the dole will be allowed in free next year. The idea is to think of the club’s wider social base and those who have been unlucky to lose their jobs so they can continue to watch football in the Madrigal.’’

Traditionally Barcelona have claimed ownership over the ‘people’s club’ tag, but El Submarino Amarillo’s gesture

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is sure to wrestle the title from the Catalans.

Given the close-knit community of just over 50,000 in the town of Villareal, the team has always relied on the local fiefdom to fill the club’s 25,000-seat Estadio El Madrigal home, so much so that the city is said to be a ghost town come match day.

Villareal forward Joseba Llorente says the players are right behind the initiative. ‘’We are keen to get involved because it seems like a good idea considering the times we are in. There are many people without work and it’s a

shame if they don’t come to the stadium because of this.’’

The ticket plan will be

funded in part by the club’s board of directors, coaching unit, sponsors and players.

Villareal are banding together with their fans

SOCCER INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

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THE SCOUT

UNLIKELY TRIO IN HUNT FOR EUROPE

GERMANY

By Paul Carroll

The northern winter break has been a curse for some clubs, and some have taken advantage of this misfortune, most notably Hertha Berlin and Wolfsburg.

I

n Hertha and Wolfsburg’s wake – somewhat – scramble Martin Jol’s Jeckyl and Hyde impersonators, Hamburg, topsy turvy Bayern, and the once promising Bayer Leverkusen.

The early and midseason pacesetters, and the unlikeliest of upsetters, Hoffenheim, has too fallen off the pace, but perhaps that can be ascribed to the loss of its main goal getter, the phenomenon that was Vedad Ibisevic. His goals, 18 in 17 league games, have not

HOLLAND

been adequately replaced (understandably) but his absence through injury has severely dented Ralf Rangnick’s hopes of leading his side to the winter and summer championships.

Prior to the 47-day northern winter break, Hoffenheim had drawn only two league games.

Post Christmas, it racked up five draws in its first seven games, including a run of four consecutive stalemates. Still, many strange things have happened so far; a Hoffenheim resurgence is not out of the

question, nor is a minor collapse of all those above it.

Bayern recorded more defeats in the opening four games of the second half of the season than in all of the first 18 games. And still Jurgen Klinsmann’s team remains very firmly in the hunt for the title. No one can break from the pack. The impressive win-some and exasperating lose-some form of Martin Jol’s Hamburg has it in a position to pounce for top spot, but it’s more likely that will be attained by some team faltering, rather

than Hamburg earning the leader’s billing.

And so to the flavour of the month, the excellent Wolfsburg, under Felix Magath’s control and awash with Volkswagen’s money. The most impressive after the Christmas parties, Magath’s side look like genuine Champion’s League place contenders, if not more. Consider this: next season’s Champion’s League qualifiers from Germany: Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim. Not so unlikely now, if still incredible.

By Paul Carroll

CHANGE COMES AT THE TOP Change has come to the top of the Eredivisie like no other leading European leagues. For the first time since 1981, a team out of the traditional big three of Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord looks certain to become champions.

I

ncidentally, it was AZ that disrupted the pattern of domination by those three clubs nearly thirty years ago, and under Louis van Gaal it looks set to repeat the disruption.

Not only is AZ’s becoming champions almost certain, it looks very likely that neither Ajax nor PSV will compete in next year’s Champion’s League. PSV are definitely out of the reckoning and for Ajax, the emergence of Twente and Heerenveen has caused

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serious alarm for the Marco van Basten’s side. All three teams have maintained impressive form, matching win for win.

For the first time since the Dutch football federation, the KNVB, introduced the much criticized play-off system in the 2005/06 season, the runner-up automatically enters the qualifying rounds of the Champions League this season.

The play-off system had not been kind to past runners-up, and so this season the prize of second place is all the greater.

For AZ, a second The Eredivisie has a new sheriff in town championship to go with the first in ’81 would be a deserved triumph McClaren’s reputation is also likely if he successfully for a team that has challenged guides them to the Champions PSV and Ajax in the last few League. That goal seemed very seasons, last season being the far fetched at the start of the exception. For Louis van Gaal, it season, following the loss of would be some vindication after key players, the departure of his reputation was left in tatters Fred Rutten, and the arrival of following a disastrous second his replacement, McClaren. spell at Barcelona and a failed Twente’s best ever finish was tenure as the Dutch national second, thirty-five years ago. team coach.

Steve McClaren has, and will A restoration, perhaps even have done some job. enhancement, of Steve

www.sportzblitz.net

3/4/09 4:26:25 PM

SOUTH AMERICA

By Eli Pfefferberg

RONALDO COMMITS TO BRAZIL Ronaldo has moved quickly to quash rumours of European comeback after the prolific Brazilian’s successful homecoming with Corinthinas.

R

onaldo says a return to Europe is definitely not an option moving forward.

“I think that phase of my career and my life has concluded. It was a great adventure, but logic and (my) heart tell me it’s over.

I’m going to conclude my career in Brazil and the most natural thing will be to do it with Corinthians.”

Once touted as the best player on the planet, the 32-year-old has enjoyed a promising start to life at Estádio

do Pacaembu after a series of serious knee injuries ended his career with AC Milan.

While he’s closed the book on Europe, the striker has not done so on his international career, and he’s looking to add to his record As the all-time leading World Cup scorer with 15 goals, Ronaldo is still hoping for a return to Brazil’s squad in time for next year’s tournament in South Africa, though he isn’t losing sleep over it.

“First I’ve got to score 30 goals (with Corinthians), then

we’ll discuss it with Dunga.

Playing in the World Cup was always my biggest joy.”

Meanwhile temperamental Ronaldo’s the King of the Kids Argentine boss Diego Maradona I don’t blame them,” said incurred the wrath of Boca Maradona on Argentine radio. fans who’ve labeled him a Throngs of Boca supporters turncoat after a row with displayed banners in support fellow Boca alumni Juan of Riquelme on the terraces Roman Riquelme. during a win over Argentinos “I didn’t expect that Juniors last month. reaction from people, but

OFC O-LEAGUE SET FOR THRILLING FINISH

OCEANIA

Priscilla Duncan

Oceania Football Confederation’s flagship competition, the O-League, is proving as exciting as ever in 2009 with favourites Waitakere United searching for its third consecutive victory and a spot at the FIFA Club World Cup United Arab Emirates 2009.

T

he defending champions have fought cross-town rivals Auckland City FC and Vanuatu’s Port Vila Sharks in Group A while Group B consists of Ba (Fiji), Koloale FC (Solomon Islands) and Hekari Souths FC (Papua New Guinea).

Kicking off in November last year, the competition has been hotly contested. Waitakere and Auckland opened Group A with a 2-2 draw while the corresponding Group B match between Ba and Koloale also finished in a

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deadlock at 0-0.

The final Group A match between the two Aucklandbased teams was held recently at Waitakere’s Douglas Field and the home side needed a win to advance to the home and away final while Auckland City could progress with a draw. Waitakere/ Auckland prevailed with an impressive 2-0 victory and will now play Ba/Koloale/Hekari Souths in the final.

Koloale/Hekari made it through to the final after winning

The world awaits the winner of the

their last Group B match in Honiara, Solomon Islands, at the end of March. Both sides needed a win to advance to the final but if the match had finished in a draw then Papua New Guinea club champions Hekari Souths FC would have made it through.

If the 2009 O-League final lives up to the 2008 equivalent then the competition is set for a thrilling finish. Last year Kossa FC (Solomon Islands) captured the imagination of the football family with a sensational 3-1

O-League

victory over Waitakere in front of 25,000 boisterous supporters at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Unfortunately they were undone in the return leg going down 5-0 to the defending champions.

The overall winner of this year’s competition will claim OFC’s US$1 million berth at the FIFA Club World Cup 2009.

Waitakere has represented OFC at FIFA’s pinnacle club event for the past two years while Auckland City made an appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup in 2006.

SOCCER INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

77 3/4/09 4:26:32 PM

THE SI STORE DVD / VIDEO / BOOKS ATTACK & DEFENCE

Attacking from the Back - The Dutch Soccer School Pt 2 Packed with creative drills and small-sided games, this video is designed to develop numerical superiority.

Attacking with 2 Forwards This superb teaching tool allows coaches to incorporate creative ideas into their practice and game plans.

Attacking with 3 Forwards This video focuses on the offensive buildup, developing and maintaining shape, and attacking schemes using 3 forwards.

Soccer Drills-Vol2 Small Sided Game & Combination Play These 45 attacking small-sided games and combination plays are designed to develop creative attacking movement.

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TECHNIQUES

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Coaching the 3-4-1-2 and 4-2-3-1 This video covers both the defensive and attacking tactics and discusses the responsibilities of each position for each system.

Playing with an opponent at your back Systematic and understandable exercises to develop creative offensive technique, with emphasis on receiving the ball with your back to your opponent.

Coaching the Dutch 4:3:3 Develop and implement this attacking system played by the top clubs Ajax and the Dutch National Team.

Conditioning for Soccer The Dutch Soccer School Pt 4 The 4th tape in this best selling series demonstrates the Dutch approach of undertaking most of their conditioning for soccer with a soccer ball.

Brazilian Soccer - Tape 1 Skills & Techniques One of Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest players, Zico brings his depth of knowledge and passion for athe game in this 3 volume series.

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CONDITIONING

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Coaching the Italian 4:4:2 Training, drills and combination play the Italian team used to reach the World Cup Final.

DVD $49.95 RRP

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Training Sessions From Around the World DVD $49.95 RRP The Dutch 4x4 Training Method Video $49.95 RRP Goalkeeper Training for Speed, Coordination and Strength Video $49.95 RRP Soccer Tactics & Skills - Transitional Play And Set Plays DVD $49.95 RRP Match Tactics - Making Effective Adjustments During the Game DVD $49.95 RRP Dutch Goalkeeper Drills - Advanced Skills Tape2 DVD $69.95 RRP Video $59.95 RRP Dutch Goalkeeper Drills - Advanced Skills Tape2 DVD $69.95 RRP Video $59.95 RRP

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79 3/4/09 3:49:41 PM

ANOTHER MONTH, ANOTHER BATCH OF GAMES, TUNES, FLICKS AND BOOKS TO CAST YOUR EYE OVER. FOOTBALL IS LIFE, BUT THE DETAILS ARE GOOD TOO, DON’T YOU AGREE?

DETAILS GAME ON The House Of The Dead Overkill

BY ANDY GUSMAN

Nintendo Wii » RRP $79.95

Blood, music and zombies… or should we say mutants? What more could we ask for in the latest edition to an old school favourite? Sega’s House of the Dead Overkill is an arcade style shooter game that will make gamers come back for more despite the game itself being relatively short.

A great feature is the “Gun Shop” which allows players to purchase and customise the weapons of their choice to suit their combat style. It should be noted that the game itself is not very difficult, however the presentation and special effects make up for this flaw. We really couldn’t walk away from it thus the mutant killing masterpiece receives a terrifying 4 out of 5 spot kicks.

World Sports Party

Nintendo Wii » RRP $49.95

Invite your family and friends to a 5-star island resort and join the World Sports Party experience, where all players can enjoy a choice of eight sports.

With multiplayer features allowing for up to four players at a time, you can challenge your friends and master local sports from countries all over the globe.

Each of the eight mini-games on this title are easy to pick up and play which caters to casual gamers.

World Sports Party Replicates the real sports motion for each and every game thanks once again to the sensational Wii remote. You can win some trophies, and also customise avatar’s to match your own physical appearance which we thought was a cool feature. The game will provide entertainment for families and friends of all ages, however, for the more experienced gamer the game may not meet expectations. Details gave WSP 3 penalty kicks out of 5.

TOTALLY RANDOM FACT

For a while the Nintendo DS has been in the shadow of the Nintendo Wii. But the little console that could recently eclipsed its big brother with sales for the DS passing the 100 million in recent weeks. Nintendo DS, Details salutes you!

Resident Evil 5

Xbox Live » RRP $99.95

Late last year hype began to surround Resident Evil 5. Now that it’s arrived we can tell you that it is a truly sensational game that does service to all the build up. The previous edition to the franchise took the title from obscurity and made it one of the best action titles of all time.

RE5 follows on with its brilliant game play and graphics, which help make the truly dramatic ending a little more interesting.

A great feature of RE5 is the ability to tackle the game with a friend via Xbox Live, which adds equal amounts of fun and pressure, mainly due to the fact that you must survive in order to defeat the enemy. If you are contemplating tackling this game with a friend we suggest you play on the hardest level. Details scores this title a superb 4.5 out of 5.

COMING SOON »

Battlestations: Pacific – Xbox 360, Godfather 2 – Xbox 360, The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena – Playstation 3, Don King Boxing – Nintendo Wii

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DETAILS TUNES LAMB OF GOD: WRATH

Lamb of God follows up its Grammy-nominated SACRAMENT with an album that practically redefines the metal genre. WRATH is an inspired release – both in terms of songs and in production achievement.

The album is focused and tight yet it retains all the characteristics that make Lamb of God a ferocious force on the metal scene.

THE LONELY ISLAND:

INCREDIBAD (CD/DVD)

A comedy album from the minds behind Saturday Night Live. While the included DVD is the ideal way to experience the Lonely Island’s (aka Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer) lauded digital short sketches and their satirical R&B jams.

PEARL JAM:

TEN (DELUXE + UNPLUGGED DVD)

‘Ten’, which sold 12 million copies in US and seven times Platinum in Australia, has been reissued in new and expanded editions and includes a previously unavailable Unplugged set.

EVERMORE:TRUTH OF THE WORLD

Evermore’s third album sees the band reach a new level of confidence that will surprise many of their fans.

Produced by Jon Hume, the tracks see the band move from grooved based efforts to infectious pop sounds.

Features the lead singles “Hey Boys and Girls” and “Between the Lines”.

DETAILS FLICKS SEX DRIVE

Eighteen-year-old Ian Lafferty sets out on a cross country drive with his best friends Lance and Felicia in order to lose his virginity to a red-hot babe he met on the Internet. But the journey, filled with hilarious misadventures and raunchy escapades, teaches all three more than they expected about life and love.

Stars Seth Green and James Marsden.

BABYLON AD

Veteran-turned-mercenary Thoorop takes the highrisk job of escorting a woman from Russia to China.

Little does he know that she is host to an organism that a cult wants to harvest in order to produce a genetically modified Messiah. Vin Diesel stars in this action blockbuster.

MAX PAYNE

The story of a maverick cop determined to track down those responsible for the murder of his family and partner. Hell-bent on revenge, his investigation takes him on a journey into a dark underworld. Max (Mark Wahlberg) is forced to battle enemies beyond the natural world and face an unthinkable betrayal.

READING THE GAME Brilliant Orange:

BY JIM SPEARS

The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer » David Winner

David Winner’s book provides the historical background needed for one to appreciate the importance of Dutch football. He argues that the Dutch think “differently” and uses examples from Dutch society to prove it. Holland’s famous laws are connected to Johan Cruyff in one example. Winner’s love for Dutch football is clear throughout and his investigation considers all cultural aspects from football to architecture in order to explain Holland’s powerful influence of world football. A wide-ranging scope means the book can be dense but it is rewarding. Around for a while now, it’s destined to be a classic.

The Ball is Round:

A Global History of Football » David Goldblatt

S A

In order to be taken seriously every football fan should own this book. It includes every important moment in football’s history going back to the Han Dynasty in China around 221 BCE in the search for football’s history.

As records tumble on television remembering pre-satellite greats like Alberto di Stefano is increasingly important. Every region of the world is given due consideration as a part of the football family; the game’s difficulties in Australia are even discussed. Goldblatt delves into politics, economics, world history and social structures throughout the book; you can read this book instead of political and economic ones to improve your general knowledge.

For play Foo intr star Dut thin to p Man con sho

Inverting the Pyramid:

A History of Football Tactics » Jonathon Wilson

Jonathon Wilson presents his history of tactics without losing any of the depth the subject demands. Using clear language throughout, Wilson unravels the enigmas that are football tactics. Tactics are often mentioned but rarely explained; Wilson’s book is the best education on the subject because the focus remains on football.

Starting at the very beginning, before football and rugby broke apart, the book explains how soccer moved from 1-2-7 in 1872 to the 4-5-1 so popular today. Every major tactical development is examined in detail, including the famous “Total Football” and infamous “catenaccio”. It becomes clear that Manchester United’s present day fluidity would be impossible without the Ajax of the ‘70s.

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Germany entered the 2002 World Cup with relatively low expectations. But the heroic efforts in goal of one Oliver Kahn soon had the team following a wellworn path to glory. This Ronaldo goal was only the second the giant ‘keeper had conceded throughout the tournament. Carrying torn finger ligaments throughout the game, Kahn’s parry of Rivaldo’s exploratory strike into the path of the advancing Ronaldo would see him cop the lion’s share of the blame for the loss - this despite being named goalkeeper of the tournament and being awarded the Golden Ball, the first such prize ever presented to a ‘keeper.

The first World Cup final played in Asia sees more than 69,000 fans cram into Yokohama’s International Stadium. In a typical battle of German efficiency versus Samba flair, it would be the latter to break the deadlock. A seemingly innocuous Didi Hamman run through a crowded midfield provided Ronaldo the opportunity to pick his opponent’s pocket. The soon-to-be Real Madrid striker then quickly laid the ball off to the lurking Rivaldo who smashed a shot at goal from just beyond the 18-yard box. Oliver Kahn could only parry the rocketing ball into the open path of Ronaldo who found only fresh air between he and the back of the net. 66 minutes in, and it’s now 1-0 to Brazil… a second goal from Ronnie 12 minutes later would seal the win.

It’s easy to forget how good Ronaldo was. With the weight gain and the injuries and the failing to fire in recent years, it’s easy to erase the memory of what a goal-scoring phenomenon he once was. On this night just outside of Tokyo, the Brazilian wanted no more than to erase his own memories of a lacklustre show in the World Cup final four years earlier in France.

BRAZIL VS GERMANY FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL, YOKOHAMA JAPAN

30 June, 2002

STOPPAGE TIME FROZEN IN TIME

3/4/09 3:53:57 PM

STOPPAGE TIME

1995

This month the DeLorean takes us back to Soccer International’s third season - 1995. We’ve delved into the archives, coughed a lung full of dust and picked out some of the news of the time.

1995 SERIE A CHAMPIONS:

JUVENTUS

SPANISH LA LIGA CHAMPIONS:

REAL MADRID EPL CHAMPIONS:

BLACKBURN ROVERS FA CUP WINNERS:

EVERTON

NSL CHAMPIONS:

MELBOURNE KNIGHTS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS: FIFA WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR: GEORGE WEAH TOP 5 MOVIES OF 1995:

TOY STORY, BATMAN FOREVER, APOLLO 13, POCAHONTAS, ACE VENTURA 2 ARIA’S NUMBER ONE ALBUM:

DON’T ASK BY TINA ARENA ARIA’S NUMBER ONE SINGLE:

GANGSTA’S PARADISE BY COOLIO

BRAZIL IS RANKED FIFA’S TOP TEAM (AGAIN…ZZZ)

THE SOCCEROOS ARE RANKED

84

51st

SOCCER INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

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AUSSIE BOY MAKES GOOD

AJAX AMSTERDAM

SI SAT DOWN WITH A SCRUFFY, REDHEADED KID CALLED CRAIG MOORE TO CHAT ABOUT HIS MOVE TO RANGERS. SI : Is it unbelievable that you had no NSL experience yet here you were being chased by two of the biggest clubs in Britain?

CM : Well it didn’t phase them. Once I had offers I could’ve played NSL for another year or two, but if you are going to try and make it in England or Scotland you have to get over there at an early age. I have been fortunate to be one of the lucky ones to be given a chance.

SI : I can sense you have picked up a bit of an accent… is there a bit of Scottish in your blood?

CM : No, actually my mother is English and my dad is Australian. If my father was British I would have been able to get a dual passport which is what Carl Veart did.

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BEFORE CRAWFORD THERE WAS STEWART LONG BEFORE THE CRAWFORD ENQUIRY SWEPT THROUGH THE SPORT, THE GOVERNMENT’S STEWART REPORT LOOKED INTO THE LATE EDDIE THOMSON’S ROLE IN AUSSIE PLAYERS’ TRANSFERS. AT THE CENTRE OF THE CONTROVERSY WAS NED ZELIC. SI CHATTED TO HIM ABOUT THE REPORT’S FINDINGS. SI : You have read the relevant parts of the Stewart Report concerning your transfer to Borussia Dortmund in 1992. What are your overall impressions?

NZ : That’s a tough question.

Obviously it is very interesting reading. To see some of this and to see what a lot of people have said and my name has been mentioned quite often here, it was

disappointing that I wasn’t quoted on anything.

SI : Were you shocked by anything?

NZ : Well, definitely I was. There were a lot of things I was shocked about. There are a few things that one player, who is unnamed said and a few other things too.

SI : Let’s talk about that unnamed player. What shocked you about what they said?

NZ : Well he spoke about the BBQ in Papendaal and he spoke about me leaving camp as well, and I guess he spoke about unsettling the team and the fact that I left to go to Germany.

The fact of the matter is that we had a game against Dortmund, I think it was on the 7th of July; I left on the 5th after a training session; the 6th of July was a free day so I went to medical done down at Dortmund and I decided to stay until the game…

I never heard any people complaining about me leaving camp early.

ALL CONQUERINg

Contributor Bert van Bedaf took an in depth look into Ajax’s rapid rise to the top of European football.

In all 13 players left the club in the years preceding the 1995 win. Yet from the seemingly inexhaustible reservoir of home-grown talent sprouted the likes of Frank ad Ronald de Boer, Tarik Oulida, Sonny Silooy, Ignatius Tuhuteru, Clyde Wijnard, Michael Reiziger, Edgar Davids, Kiki Musampa, Martin Reuser, Patrick Kluivert, Dennis Schulp and Nordin Wooter, filling positons as they became available without a ripple. The Ajax system continued to roll on towards more European glory.

RONALDO – THE NEXT PELE? That was the question in 1995, according to Bert van Bedaf. Not since such mercurial strikers as Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten glittered at Ajax Amsterdam and not since Romario ignited PSV Eindhoven have Dutch fans been able to feast their eyes on an awe-inspiring ball magician and master marksman. But the drought broke last August when PSV presented its third Brazilian hitherto superstar. Enter Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima – the teenage phenomenon already compared to the world’s greatest player, Pele.

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STOPPAGE TIME

THE NUMBERS GAME THE BRAZILIAN EDITION

18

Number of World Cups the Seleção have played in - they’ve never missed a tournament…

Iceland on the other hand have never made one!

60,000,000

Number of registered players in Brazil.

1914 The year

that the CBF, Brazil’s governing body, was formed.

1950

The first and only time that Brazil has hosted the World Cup.

5

Number of FIFA World Cups won.

142 Record number

of caps by Cafu.

199,854

Crowd inside the Maracana for the 1950 World Cup’s deciding match between Uruguay and the home team.

77

Record number of goals by Pele… who else?

8

The nation’s lowest FIFA ranking recorded in September 1993 and the number of Copa America titles won.

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STOPPAGE TIME THE ADVOCATE

BRING ON THE MARQUEE ASIAN RULE The 2010 AFC Asian Champions League has begun, with one of the most interesting aspects for Australian fans being Olyroo Mark Bridge and the Griffiths brothers competing against A-League teams. PFA chief Brendan Schwab ponders a future with a greater Asian flavour in our local competition.

T

he ACL brings home the reality of heightened Asian competition for Australian players, just as the A-League’s expansion plans place pressure on the A-League to not only maintain its playing standards, but significantly enhance them.

In March, the PFA proposed the introduction of an “Asian Marquee Player Rule”, which would entitle each A-League club to employ a second marquee player, provided he is from an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) member nation, including Australia.

As with the current marquee player rule, the player’s salary would be outside the salary cap.

The PFA’s proposal is an intelligent and balanced response to the recent decision of the AFC to allow clubs in key Asian football nations – most notably China, Japan and South Korea – to recruit a fourth foreign player provided he is from an AFC member nation. The rise of the A-League coupled with the competitiveness of the Socceroos, Olyroos and Adelaide United in AFC competitions have made Australian players major targets for cashed-up Asian clubs determined to take advantage of the AFC’s new policy.

The PFA remains committed to an A-League salary cap,

88

which is collectively bargained, responsive to the unique challenges of the international and Australian football markets, and sees a fair percentage of the game’s revenues paid to the players. The A-League salary cap is a critical device by which the game can maximise its national audience, revenues and, in turn, player payments.

This approach has seen average allowed player payments, excluding the marquee player, increase from $85,000 to over $125,000 in the first five seasons of the A-League.

The introduction of the Asian marquee player rule would enhance the competitiveness of Australian clubs in the increasingly competitive Asian market, without compromising the salary cap’s overriding objectives of promoting competitive balance and the economic sustainability of the A-League and its clubs. It would also further engage Australian football in our region, by giving A-League clubs the option to invest in an elite Australian player or a champion from another Asian nation.

The impact of Kazuyoshi Miura at Sydney FC in 2005 shows the important contribution Asian players can make to the A-League.

Australian marquee players Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory) and Craig Moore (Queensland Roar) have

Brendan Schwab is the Chief Executive and General Counsel of the Australian Professional Footballers’ Association. He chairs the Asian Division of FIFPro.

arguably been the A-League’s most influential players in the competition’s short history.

Given salary cap rules are already in place for next season, the PFA has commenced researching the proposal with a view to obtaining the agreement of FFA for its introduction in time for the 2010 Asian Champions League and 2010/2011 A-League season.

The PFA’s research will address both the financial and career path aspects of the proposal, acknowledging that the AFC rule is still in its infancy and it is premature to assess the success of the moves by Australian players into Asia.

The research will also address the Asian market to ascertain how intense the competition from Asia is likely to become.

The PFA is aware that the A-League salary cap must contain certain flexibilities if it is to be effective in Australian football, which is subject to uniquely competitive domestic and international markets.

FFA and the PFA have acknowledged that strategic flexibilities should be introduced into the salary cap system without defeating its effectiveness. Important flexibilities include the current marquee player rule itself, the youth marquee, as well as the exclusion of a variety of other payments to players for marketing and community work when injured or to reward outstanding performances in the Asian Champions League or the A-League Finals Series. SI

to the A-League Kazu added Asian spice

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3/4/09 3:57:40 PM

STOPPAGE TIME NEXT ISSUE

THE TOTAL FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

We talk exclusively to Roma and Azzurri star Francesco Totti about the end of the road, which t league really is the world’s bes tch ma cup and that world

+ Don’t miss next month’s + Soccer International +

We check in on the Socceroos’ wounded warrior Brett Emerton We look at the world’s hottest football WAGS And a whole heap more in your total football magazine

On Sale

May 20 Terms and Conditions

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The promoter is Blitz Publications, 1 Miles St, Mulgrave, Victoria 3170.

Lost Ball Promotion (1-5).

(6). Promotion commences March 20, 2009 and closes last mail April 10, 2009. (7). The competition will be judged by a panel appointed by the Promoters on March 1, 2009. (8). This is a game of skill and chance plays no part in determining the winner. Each entry will be individually judged based on the first correct location of the ball. The correct entry, as determined by the judges, will receive one 6-month subscription

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QUIZ ANSWERS 1.

The Inter-Cities Fairs Cup

2.

The UEFA Cup Winners Cup

3.

Zenit St. Petersburg

4.

Juventus, Inter Milan and

Liverpool (3 each) 5.

False, only those winning

three-in-a-row or five overall keep the cup 6.

The Europa League

7.

True

SOCCER INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE • SOCCER INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

89 89 3/4/09 4:14:51 PM

STOPPAGE TIME

90 SECONDS WITH...

ADAM SPENCER He’s a DJ, a TV star, a world class debater, a comedian and an advisor to the government on a whole host of issues. What’s more, Adam Spencer is a football fan… a bloody big one in fact, as we found out this month.

You’re known as having a penchant for global football and the Aussie Rules variety.

You’re a debater of some note… so end the debate for us now, which sport is better?

If I say it’s football … do you promise not to tell Barry Hall?

Deal. An easier question, you’ve played both at some level, which were you better at?

I’ve played enough football to know I am at best average … I have played only three competitive games of Aussie Rules, which was enough to

SOCCER INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 9090SOCCER

090_09190Secs.indd 90

suggest to me that if I had taken it up before the age of 32 … I would probably have been, at best… average. Of all the involvements I’ve had with both codes, my strong point would probably be coaching football at a level where enthusiasm and motivation counts for at least as much as actual coaching nous. It’s a narrow aperture, but one in which I feel comfortable.

Plug time - tell us about your involvement in the World Masters Games this year in Sydney.

I’m an ambassador for the World Masters Games in October – a genuine world championship on our doorstep… what an opportunity! Just go to www.2009worldmasters.com for details on football and all 28 sports that will be contested.

You hosted Joker Poker on the tube… what about doing a show on another great ‘sport’ like foosball?

Joker Foosball … I like it. Wait … how about Foolsball… now we’re talking.

Each week a group of C-list celebrities and extremely average comics come together to play six-a-side indoor soccer … I’ll call Nikki Webster, you speak to any of the previous runners up on Australia’s Biggest Loser.

Tough but fair you are Mr. Spencer! On your website we see a series of pics of you with Socceroos players after that game in November 2005. This is clearly an abuse of your media pass isn’t it?

I did the on field entertainment before the game against Uruguay where we qualified

for the 2006 World Cup – as a result I had an “access all areas” pass.

Post-game I hopped the fence and did the victory lap with the lads. Watch closely on the Fox Sports footage and you’ll find yourself saying… that’s Grella… that’s Chippers… who’s the fat guy?

Who’s your team of choice on a global stage and locally?

I’ve no respect for anyone who hops on the bandwagon of a club just ‘cos they are peaking (gee there are a lot of Chelsea shirts around these days aren’t there!)… but I would say that, having been a Manchester United fan since the 1977 FA Cup Final (2-1 United over Liverpool – goals to Pearson and Greenhoff).

Locally it has to be the glorious University of Sydney Womens All Age 2nd grade… by far the greatest team the world has ever seen! SI

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continentaltyres.com.au

Continental tyres are available, for most cars & 4WDs on Australian roads, at over 200 approved service centres including:

SYDNEY: Trivett Tyres – Alexandria 8338-3990 & Parramatta 9841-8889, Tynan Motor Tyre Centre – Kirrawee 8545-8940, Marks & Wallings TyrePro – Artarmon 9436-3980 NEWCASTLE: Ross Tyre Centre – Tomago 4964-8505 MELBOURNE: The Tyre Solution – Hawthorn 9819-9444 BRISBANE: QTR – Salisbury 3275-1755, Bridgeport Tyre Service – Lytton 3893-3522, Maryborough 4121-5720 and Gympie 5483-7888 PERTH: Nedlands Tyre Service – Claremont 9385-5300, Barbagallo Tyre Service – Osborne Park 9231-5563

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The Flexgoal FeaTures & advanTages  Weighs less than 7kg, is easy to carry, easy to store and easy to set-up.  One of the best full-sized portable rebound goals available on the market that complies with Australian standards for portable soccer goals.

Flexgoal side-on

Very strong & durable

Netting detail

Target practise

 The Flexgoal is strong enough to withstand strikes at 130km/h yet subtle enough for one-touch juggling drills.  Available in both full and junior sizes ensuring the Flexgoal’s adaptability for any age bracket.  Improves your technique, accuracy, shooting and passing through constant repetition drills.

the Flexgoal is a mUSt HAVe for all aspiring football stars!

Toll free:

only $400

1800 304 446

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