World Cup 2010

[Anthony Darby]

The All Whites snatched a draw at the death in their first match.

[Lesley Cox]

You look quite shocked Anthony.

[Lesley Cox]

Not quite matching the World Cup in status, perhaps you won't mind if I make a rugby commment?
On saturday night here in Dunedin, the All Blacks will play Wales in the final game to be played at Carisbrook, Dunedin's much loved rugby and cricket ground for the last 80 years. The first rugby test was played there in 1930. We are in the process of building a flash new stadium for the World Cup (Rugby) to be ready in a year's time, but Carisbrook will always be close to the hearts of Dunedin and NZ people who love their sports.

In spite of some fabulous and famous Welsh gardens, I can't recall any active Forumist who comes from Wales. (Please remind me of any.) But if you are out there, we plan to win this one and win it well, as a final gesture to the ground. But we love the Welsh rugby men and they are most welcome in our city.

[Neil]

Quarter Welsh here

[ArnoldT]

Ok, i'll say it "We were robbed"

[daveyp1970]

Ok, i'll say it "We were robbed"

Arnold i agree .
For me so far the Mexicans have been the stars  and as for England why do they put us through this torment!

[ArnoldT]

Dave:
 
My read on the England dilemma is that they have the best league in the world by far but there aren't enough English players playing in it.  The heart and soul of many English football clubs are the exemplary foreigners that play in UK.  I think goalkeeping is the prime example.  There is no Banks or Shelton these days.

I understood there would be an "home grown rule" next year or the year after in the EPL, but it was rejected.  This would have mandated  that each club had five English players on the pitch at all times.

[Lesley Cox]

An amendment to my rugby post above. Carisbrook's first rugby test was in 1908, 102 years ago and the first test against Wales, was in 1930.

We DID win well last night, 48-9 but it was a good quality game in superb conditions. The day had been 20C and the play time was at about 14C, no wind. Ground pack to capacity for the last test there.

Back to the World Cup. Some - poor fools - think NZ could beat Italy!

[Neil]

Back to the World Cup. Some - poor fools - think NZ could beat Italy!

And millions in this  country thought we could beat the USA and Algeria

[daveyp1970]

Dave:
 
My read on the England dilemma is that they have the best league in the world by far but there aren't enough English players playing in it.  The heart and soul of many English football clubs are the exemplary foreigners that play in UK.  I think goalkeeping is the prime example.  There is no Banks or Shelton these days.

I understood there would be an "home grown rule" next year or the year after in the EPL, but it was rejected.  This would have mandated  that each club had five English players on the pitch at all times.

Arnold i couldn't agree more the english players at club level are only that good because of the quality of foreign players around them,but when it comes to country each single player even though quality in there own right just hasn't got same support as at club and it would be fantastic for the English game and for young lads coming through if they brought the  5 homegrown players on the pitch at all times rule but Footballs is all about money know and big clubs want as many big named signings to get big crowds and trophies ect which equals money.I do think there are some advantages like the wealth of talent that has been discovered on the African continent(which i think during the world cup have been fantastic they play a lovely passing game and a nice attacking game)and after this world cup i think more foreign players will be coming over here.
Can i just say Landon  Donovan who plays for the USA has had a fantastic World Cup so far,he's really impressed me.
Arnold can i just say the photo off you and Pele is incredible i hope you don't mind but i have shown everybody and they are amazed.

[Martinr]

Well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!NZ draw with Italy............................I'm off to the bookies to put a few quid on them to win the cup

[ArnoldT]

Martin:

It was a heroic display by the All-Whites.  Can't imagine which is going to be worse the Italian press or the English press.

[Martinr]

Arnold, probably the Italian. Judging by the atmosphere here the English have been stunned into (almost) silence.

[Lesley Cox]

An Italian reporter in SA, interviewed by an NZ reporter, said Italians would blame thier central govt if NZ drew or won and there would likely be a major political crisis. So Italians, get ready for a general election.

[Susan]

We did not get to bed until after 4.00am here and this morning I have just read the following -

"But this day belonged to a proud little Pacific Island nation with just 25 professional players. The All Whites, instead, brought on bank clerk Andy Barron against the Ferrari-driving millionaires. The moral victory was theirs." 

It is what is known here as the No 8 wire attitude.

Having beaten the Welsh in Rugby on Saturday night, can life get much better?

Susan