Why Soccer Fans in New Zealand don't get it ...
Rory Falloon reckons Soccer (no, I'm not calling it by the F word) doesn't get a fair go in the media. "We just want a decent chance to be in the headlines."
If there is one thing that this week has proven, you have a decent chance to be in the headlines. In fact, you've dominated them to the point that the Rugby Test in Italy was hidden in the middle of the sports section on Friday, while Soccer got a front page wrap-around and almost all the sports section of the Dominion Post.
And they certainly didn't lack coverage during the build-up and during the Confederations Cup earlier this year.
But last nights match was the first game for the All Whites in New Zealand since last year. And the matches last year were mainly against other Oceania teams and were not exactly packed full of well-known players.
If Soccer officials in New Zealand want to be taken seriously, then they now need to put together a decent programme of home and away matches for the All Whites. Regular matches against mid-level European, African, Asian and American teams would get the crowds in. Matches against British club sides would also be good.
Last nights win is the best oppurtunity for soccer officials to attract these teams to New Zealand, and to get invitations to games overseas. If officials don't grab this oppurtunity, then they can't complain about the coverage other sports get if they're having meaningful matches against strong competition.
If there is one thing that this week has proven, you have a decent chance to be in the headlines. In fact, you've dominated them to the point that the Rugby Test in Italy was hidden in the middle of the sports section on Friday, while Soccer got a front page wrap-around and almost all the sports section of the Dominion Post.
And they certainly didn't lack coverage during the build-up and during the Confederations Cup earlier this year.
But last nights match was the first game for the All Whites in New Zealand since last year. And the matches last year were mainly against other Oceania teams and were not exactly packed full of well-known players.
If Soccer officials in New Zealand want to be taken seriously, then they now need to put together a decent programme of home and away matches for the All Whites. Regular matches against mid-level European, African, Asian and American teams would get the crowds in. Matches against British club sides would also be good.
Last nights win is the best oppurtunity for soccer officials to attract these teams to New Zealand, and to get invitations to games overseas. If officials don't grab this oppurtunity, then they can't complain about the coverage other sports get if they're having meaningful matches against strong competition.
posted by Michael at
4:43 PM
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