The Socceroos move to the AFC (Asian Football Confederation), to allow them to play for automatic qualification to the World Cup 2010, has given New Zealand a gilt edged opportunity to become the powerhouse of the OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) virtually guaranteeing them a defeat over two legs to whichever country comes fifth in the South American qualifying group.
And are the Kiwis intent on taking the bull by the horns and investing in making this footballing dream a reality… the answer is a resounding no. In the land of the long white cloud, Rugby is king and the focus is very much on the Rugby World Cup, which they stand the chance of winning with one of their teams, although we all know what happened in previous RWC’s, where the All Blacks peaked too early. Just don’t call the Kiwis inbetweeners, they get a bit upset.
So, the Socceroos have set the precedent of moving into a football confederation that they don’t reside in geographically and the Kiwis don’t seem bothered about football.
Why don’t the FAW withdraw from UEFA and apply to join the OFC where we’ll play American Samoa and the Solomon Islands and the like! We can then get to a play off situation where we can bottle it at the last hurdle again or maybe even get to play in a World Cup final.
What about the travel? I hear you say. All the Socceroos play in the European leagues and they’ve managed it in recent years. Wales could even volunteer to play their home games in the oppositions back yard.
All I’m saying is we need to be a bit more creative about finding the best way for Wales to play at the highest level.