http://www.thepunch.com.au/tags/socceroos/ Politics, political opinion, world news, sports news and the latest news and views updated live, daily on The Punch - Australia's best conversation. en Copyright 2012 The Punch penberthyd@newsltd.com.au penberthyd@newsltd.com.au Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 Politics, opinion, world news, sports news, latest news, views, Barack Obama, Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Nathan Rees, Malcolm Turnbull, Peter Garrett, Barnaby Joyce, Australian, federal politics, opinion polls, election, The Punch, thepunch, punch ExpressionEngine 1.6.7 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 15 http://www.thepunch.com.au/images/punch-logo-rss.png http://www.thepunch.com.au/ 144 70 Politics, political opinion, world news, sports news and the latest news and views updated live, daily on The Punch - Australia's best conversation. Search The Punch keywords http://www.thepunch.com.au/search/ http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/australian-soccers-desperate-last-stand/ In the increasingly likely scenario that Australia fails to secure the necessary votes to stage the 2022 FIFA World Cup, soccer in this country will be booted back to sport’s second tier with the thundering force of a John Aloisi penalty. That’s no doomsday scenario. It’s reality as cold as the snow currently blanketing Zurich, where the bid announcement takes place at 2am eastern standard time tomorrow morning. In many simple, reassuring ways, it’ll be business as usual for soccer if our bid fails. The half million registered soccer players will still rock up at training. The A-League will probably still exist. And Australians will still go mad for the FIFA World Cup every four years, and to a lesser extent the Asian Cup and other Socceroos matches of consequence. But soccer won’t come close to displacing the oval ball codes in terms of mass popularity for a generation or more. If ever. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/australian-soccers-desperate-last-stand/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/australian-soccers-desperate-last-stand/#item4612 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 After a day of feverish speculation, the new Socceroos coach was revealed yesterday – German Holger Osieck. The first question was: who is he? Second question was: so who is he? “Holger?” asked one of my mates, “isn’t that some fancy bread?” Osieck is not the big name most Socceroos fans were hoping for, and is probably a disappointment for many. But he’s about the right level for where we are as a football nation. No one likes to gossip like soccer journos and the rumour mill was in full swing yesterday; it’s Klinsmann, some were saying. Ronald Koeman or Jose Pekerman, maybe even Martin O’Neill. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-new-socceroos-coach-pulled-from-a-scrabble-bag/ After a day of feverish speculation, the new Socceroos coach was revealed yesterday – German Holger Osieck. The first question was: who is he? Second question was: so who is he? “Holger?” asked one of my mates, “isn’t that some fancy bread?” Osieck is not the big name most Socceroos fans were hoping for, and is probably a disappointment for many. But he’s about the right level for where we are as a football nation. No one likes to gossip like soccer journos and the rumour mill was in full swing yesterday; it’s Klinsmann, some were saying. Ronald Koeman or Jose Pekerman, maybe even Martin O’Neill. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-new-socceroos-coach-pulled-from-a-scrabble-bag/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-new-socceroos-coach-pulled-from-a-scrabble-bag/#item3787 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 After a day of feverish speculation, the new Socceroos coach was revealed yesterday – German Holger Osieck. The first question was: who is he? Second question was: so who is he? “Holger?” asked one of my mates, “isn’t that some fancy bread?” Osieck is not the big name most Socceroos fans were hoping for, and is probably a disappointment for many. But he’s about the right level for where we are as a football nation. No one likes to gossip like soccer journos and the rumour mill was in full swing yesterday; it’s Klinsmann, some were saying. Ronald Koeman or Jose Pekerman, maybe even Martin O’Neill. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-a-league-shows-how-far-australian-soccer-has-come/ It was such a thrill to be at Sydney Airport early on Saturday morning and be amongst the crowd waiting for friends, families and others to arrive.  In the type of environment I live in, you tend to forget what the atmosphere is like just doing something simple like this – full of anticipation and excitement. For me, it was no different. I was there, of course, waiting for my team mates and manager from Everton to help give them an Aussie welcome after their 24 hour journey.  It was great to be joined by some loyal (and hardy, considering the cold Sydney weather at the moment) ‘Evertonians’ who were dressed up in all their gear to cheer the lads and me also. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-a-league-shows-how-far-australian-soccer-has-come/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-a-league-shows-how-far-australian-soccer-has-come/#item3471 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 After a day of feverish speculation, the new Socceroos coach was revealed yesterday – German Holger Osieck. The first question was: who is he? Second question was: so who is he? “Holger?” asked one of my mates, “isn’t that some fancy bread?” Osieck is not the big name most Socceroos fans were hoping for, and is probably a disappointment for many. But he’s about the right level for where we are as a football nation. No one likes to gossip like soccer journos and the rumour mill was in full swing yesterday; it’s Klinsmann, some were saying. Ronald Koeman or Jose Pekerman, maybe even Martin O’Neill. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-final-journal-of-a-rudd-staffer/ MONDAY 21/06/10 Morning – 6:00am Back at work refreshed from long weekend, took ALL of Sunday off. Watched Socceroos draw with Ghana. Thought they did well but media seemed REALLY hostile to the coach! Check latest Newspoll. Great for PM: ALP 52 – Libs 48. Everyone feeling more relaxed, except Rudd Press Secretary (RPS). Economics Adviser (EA) tells RPS that if he had a healthy understanding of statistics he would probably relax a bit more. RPS agrees but says he enjoys being a normal person capable forming lasting and meaningful relationships with the opposite gender. EA points out he has long-term girlfriend! RPS asks EA if he’s ever heard of “outliers”. 9:00am Just found out EA and I are going to G20! Might meet Obama! OMG so West Wing!!! penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-final-journal-of-a-rudd-staffer/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-final-journal-of-a-rudd-staffer/#item3437 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 After a day of feverish speculation, the new Socceroos coach was revealed yesterday – German Holger Osieck. The first question was: who is he? Second question was: so who is he? “Holger?” asked one of my mates, “isn’t that some fancy bread?” Osieck is not the big name most Socceroos fans were hoping for, and is probably a disappointment for many. But he’s about the right level for where we are as a football nation. No one likes to gossip like soccer journos and the rumour mill was in full swing yesterday; it’s Klinsmann, some were saying. Ronald Koeman or Jose Pekerman, maybe even Martin O’Neill. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-socceroos-were-brilliant-but-soccer-is-pure-evil/ Soccer is evil. There is no other way to describe this fickle and cruel diversion. How’s this - having been pantsed by the Germans in our opening game Australians were yesterday forced to barrack for them in the complex hope that, somehow, the goal difference would fall our way and we’d progress to the second stage. You know you’re up the creek when you’re a mathematical chance of making the finals. Think Wests Tigers and Souths in most seasons in the NRL, think Richmond pretty much every year in the dying weeks of the AFL season. The Socceroos were a mathematical chance going into last night’s game against Serbia in Nelspruit. To their credit they nearly pulled it off. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-socceroos-were-brilliant-but-soccer-is-pure-evil/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-socceroos-were-brilliant-but-soccer-is-pure-evil/#item3398 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 After a day of feverish speculation, the new Socceroos coach was revealed yesterday – German Holger Osieck. The first question was: who is he? Second question was: so who is he? “Holger?” asked one of my mates, “isn’t that some fancy bread?” Osieck is not the big name most Socceroos fans were hoping for, and is probably a disappointment for many. But he’s about the right level for where we are as a football nation. No one likes to gossip like soccer journos and the rumour mill was in full swing yesterday; it’s Klinsmann, some were saying. Ronald Koeman or Jose Pekerman, maybe even Martin O’Neill. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/world-cup-diary-Muti-fails-to-save-Bafana-Bafana/ Muti - a zulu word meaning “tree” - is the term to describe the traditional South African practice of using plants, herbs and animal parts to brew concoctions which bring good luck. With Bafana Bafana needing a miracle to qualify by thumping France, the local newspapers have reported that there’s been a surge in the practice of Muti this week, with one of the most popular blends using aloe and vulture’s brains. “I believe muti can improve Bafana Bafana’s performance,” traditional medicine man Abel Zwane told The Sowetan. Apparently you just have to be careful getting the brain out of the vulture. Sadly it didn’t work for poor old South Africa, who despite a heroic 2-1 victory over the dysfunctional French early this morning, have missed out on the second stage with Uruguay and Mexico going through after the Youaregayans beat the Meskins 2-1 yesterday. You can get all the latest here, and there’s more World Cup Diary below. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/world-cup-diary-Muti-fails-to-save-Bafana-Bafana/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/world-cup-diary-Muti-fails-to-save-Bafana-Bafana/#item3384 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 After a day of feverish speculation, the new Socceroos coach was revealed yesterday – German Holger Osieck. The first question was: who is he? Second question was: so who is he? “Holger?” asked one of my mates, “isn’t that some fancy bread?” Osieck is not the big name most Socceroos fans were hoping for, and is probably a disappointment for many. But he’s about the right level for where we are as a football nation. No one likes to gossip like soccer journos and the rumour mill was in full swing yesterday; it’s Klinsmann, some were saying. Ronald Koeman or Jose Pekerman, maybe even Martin O’Neill. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/world-cup-diary-we-are-all-new-zealanders-now/ It was the greatest Australasian moment since Crowded House won a Grammy or Russell Crowe earned an Oscar for Gladiator. But far be it for us to bask in the reflected glory from across the ditch. The New Zealand All Whites are not only doing better than the Socceroos in the World Cup, they are magnificent in their own right. In one of the greatest moments in the history of New Zealand sport - almost up there with the All Blacks winning the Rugby World Cup in 1987 - the nuggetty Kiwi no-names yesterday held the mighty Italians, the current World Champions, to a 1-1 draw. You can read all about it here. We salute our Kiwi brothers today. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/world-cup-diary-we-are-all-new-zealanders-now/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/world-cup-diary-we-are-all-new-zealanders-now/#item3359 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 After a day of feverish speculation, the new Socceroos coach was revealed yesterday – German Holger Osieck. The first question was: who is he? Second question was: so who is he? “Holger?” asked one of my mates, “isn’t that some fancy bread?” Osieck is not the big name most Socceroos fans were hoping for, and is probably a disappointment for many. But he’s about the right level for where we are as a football nation. No one likes to gossip like soccer journos and the rumour mill was in full swing yesterday; it’s Klinsmann, some were saying. Ronald Koeman or Jose Pekerman, maybe even Martin O’Neill. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/socceroos-we-were-robbed-we-were-brilliant-we-are-gone/ We were robbed. We were brilliant and brave. It’s a miracle that we managed a draw. We also threw victory away. Such is the evil psychology of last night’s gut-wrenching clash with Ghana. It’s the worst possible combination for the commited fan. It has as its foundation a smouldering sense of fury at the performance of the referee, cruelling not just our chances of victory, but so casually ending the World Cup career of Harry Kewell. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/socceroos-we-were-robbed-we-were-brilliant-we-are-gone/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/socceroos-we-were-robbed-we-were-brilliant-we-are-gone/#item3351 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 After a day of feverish speculation, the new Socceroos coach was revealed yesterday – German Holger Osieck. The first question was: who is he? Second question was: so who is he? “Holger?” asked one of my mates, “isn’t that some fancy bread?” Osieck is not the big name most Socceroos fans were hoping for, and is probably a disappointment for many. But he’s about the right level for where we are as a football nation. No one likes to gossip like soccer journos and the rumour mill was in full swing yesterday; it’s Klinsmann, some were saying. Ronald Koeman or Jose Pekerman, maybe even Martin O’Neill. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-world-cup-of-hope/ It’s easy to dismiss sport as a distracting, dysfunctional pastime of the people.  We’re constantly flooded with stories of misbehavior, ridiculous prejudice, cheating and even criminal behavior, most of which seem sexual in nature. As the CEO of a sports-based NGO, I am constantly faced with questions steeped in disapproval and dismissal of the value of sport in “real” society.  I hear that we spend too much time, too much money, too much effort on sports in this country, in detriment to our social values.  Indeed I have even been told we would be better off with less sport in Australia.  Jessica Watson felt the brunt of this type of thinking not long ago.  Dangerous, narcissistic indulgence, anyone? penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-world-cup-of-hope/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-world-cup-of-hope/#item3342 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 After a day of feverish speculation, the new Socceroos coach was revealed yesterday – German Holger Osieck. The first question was: who is he? Second question was: so who is he? “Holger?” asked one of my mates, “isn’t that some fancy bread?” Osieck is not the big name most Socceroos fans were hoping for, and is probably a disappointment for many. But he’s about the right level for where we are as a football nation. No one likes to gossip like soccer journos and the rumour mill was in full swing yesterday; it’s Klinsmann, some were saying. Ronald Koeman or Jose Pekerman, maybe even Martin O’Neill. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/new-zealand-1-australia-0-in-south-africa/ Just when you thought the World Cup couldn’t get any more annoying, what about this - on day five of the tournament as things currently stand it’s New Zealand 1 and Australia nil. And no amount of juvenile joking about their accents, their fondness for mooching around Bondi while on the dole or their affection for farm animals can alter that fact. They were standing on top of their chilly-bins and clapping their jandals in the air late yesterday as the All Whites scored the first New Zealand goal ever in a World Cup. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/new-zealand-1-australia-0-in-south-africa/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/new-zealand-1-australia-0-in-south-africa/#item3322 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 After a day of feverish speculation, the new Socceroos coach was revealed yesterday – German Holger Osieck. The first question was: who is he? Second question was: so who is he? “Holger?” asked one of my mates, “isn’t that some fancy bread?” Osieck is not the big name most Socceroos fans were hoping for, and is probably a disappointment for many. But he’s about the right level for where we are as a football nation. No one likes to gossip like soccer journos and the rumour mill was in full swing yesterday; it’s Klinsmann, some were saying. Ronald Koeman or Jose Pekerman, maybe even Martin O’Neill.