Football round-up: It never stops for Kiwi football fans
Chris Wood takes a selfie with fans after defeating Cote d'Ivoire.
Photo:
Andrew Lahodynskyj / www.photosport.nz
This should be a time of year for football phobes and soccer cynics to rejoice. The A-League has concluded, with Auckland FC claiming a freshman Premier's Plate triumph. Meanwhile, the European domestic scene came to an end with Paris Saint-Germain decimating Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final.
There's no FIFA World Cup, no national team tournaments of major note. Partners who have lost their significant others to Saturday's in The Port, Sunday's among the Yellow Fever and 2am wake ups for Premier League viewing should be able to relax.
But here's the bad news. As the recently lampooned viral sketch on this topic excitedly declares, the 'football never stops' and there is still plenty going on across the off-season to keep fans happy until Auckland and the Wellington Phoenix kick back into gear for the 2025-26 campaign.
This is FIFA's big gamble to try and combat the immensely popular UEFA Champions League and there's Kiwi interest as well. As champions of Oceania, Auckland City (the National League side not to be confused with the A-League outfit) have gained automatic qualification to the competition. There they will rub shoulders with some of the best in the world, including the most successful clubs in the history of Argentina (Boca Juniors), Portugal (Benfica) and Germany (Bayern Munich).
Auckland City FC's Liam Gillion scores and celebrates his goal. OFC Men's Champions League 2024, Final, Auckland City FC v AS Pirae, Stade Pater, Tahiti, Friday 24 May 2024. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz
Photo:
Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz
It's a controversial addition to an already jam-packed football calendar but while the players, coaches and, to some extent, even most fans were not asking for it, the hunt to crown a world club football champion will undoubtedly be an entertaining watch.
Elijah Just contests possession for the All Whites against Ivory Coast.
Photo:
photosport
The All Whites are going to the FIFA World Cup next year and the preparation has already started.
The New Zealand's men's national team have already defeated Ivory Coast in their first of two friendlies held in Canada, with another match coming up against Ukraine on Wednesday.
Chris Wood will be looking to tie off his fine season, in which he has scored 29 goals for club and country while others will be looking to cement their place in head coach Darren Bazeley's thinking ahead of a return to North America next June.
Do not sleep on New Zealand's very own domestic season. While the professional outfits play in Australian controlled conditions, teams from across Aotearoa are still competing in the National Leagues - as well as the Chatham Cup and Kate Sheppard Cup.
Birkenhead United FC v Auckland City FC, Men's National League Football final at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland.
Photo:
Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
What's the quality like? Ask Francis de Vries, Corban Piper or Brian Kaltak - three previous alumni who have gone on to thrive in the A-League Men.
It's free to watch, so stick it on the TV or, better yet, get out and support your local club if you have the means and method to do so. I can almost guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Let's be honest, most of the football drama at this time of year happens off the pitch. For our Kiwi sides, there's plenty to keep an eye on. In the men's game Auckland FC have an import slot to fill while the Wellington Phoenix need to replace Kosta Barbarouses as well as rebuild after a disappointing campaign. The Phoenix's women need a new head coach while Auckland FC have an entire roster to build again, this time in hopes of lining up for the start of the A-League Women next season.
Worldwide, it seems all the big clubs are looking to recruit. There have already been some massive transfers. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Matheus Cunha, Liam Delap. Meanwhile, old guards like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Kevin de Bruyne are all off contract in the weeks to come.
So spare a thought for all those who thought they were in for a few weeks of football freedom. Because, fortunately for the footy fanatics of the world, there is still plenty to play for, and forever to play it in.
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