Blair
Well-Known Member
EXCLUSIVE: New Caledonia are hoping A-League coach Lawrie McKinna can weave some of his magic and help them overcome New Zealand in Saturday's vital World Cup qualifier in Noumea. New Caledonia have enlisted the Central Coast Mariners boss to help them prepare for this weekend's clash - and there's plenty at stake.
With both nations battling to top the Oceania group, the winner automatically qualifies for next year's Confederations Cup.
Perhaps more importantly though, the winner is just two games away from the 2010 World Cup.
Oceania's best plays the winner of Asia's two third place getters from its two group qualifiers, which also kick off this weekend.
The Central Coast supremo left Sydney today bound for Noumea and e took with him Mariners Academy boss Tony Walmsley.
Last year the Mariners played New Caledonia in a friendly and won 5-0. With the relationship blossoming, the OFC nation was keen to have the Mariners play them in a friendly in the lead up to this weekend's fixture but that didn't eventuate.
So they've enlisted McKinna to give them some tips on beating a side packed with stars from A-League franchise Wellington Phoenix.
"Tony will look at their structures over there and maybe help them streamline that," McKinna told au.fourfourtwo.com from Sydney airport.
"And I'll be talking to the national team coach and be giving them a bit of assistance ahead of the game against the Kiwis."
New Caledonia coach Didier Chambaron has described his team's chances of going through as Oceania champions ahead of New Zealand as "one in a thousand".
New Caledonia are ranked 95 in the world by FIFA and number one in Oceania. New Zealand, oddly, are ranked at 111 and second in Oceania.
With two games left, Le Cagous are one point behind the All-Whites. A win for Ricki Herbert's team this Saturday would secure their spot as Oceania winners.
The two sides play their final group game next week in New Zealand but Ricki Herbert's men will hope they've wrapped up qualification by then.
The Coast also hopes to build on the relationship and perhaps find some A-League talent for the out-of-the-square-thinking club.
"There could be a diamond in the rough we unearth from a trip like this," added McKinna.
In other Mariners club news, McKinna said the club's link with Sheffield United and its worldwide network of clubs including one in Hungary may solve the replacement issue for the injured Ahmad Elrich, who's out for the season.
Sydney Olympic star Chris Triantis has been training with the club but McKinna said he was hoping a player from overseas with a bit more experience would be signed.
And McKinna backed assistant Ian Ferguson for the vacant coaching job at North Queensland FC.
He added: "He's got the full blessing from the club. We're very supportive of him getting the job."
NOTE:
In other Mariners club news, McKinna said the club's link with Sheffield United and its worldwide network of clubs including one in Hungary may solve the replacement issue for the injured Ahmad Elrich, who's out for the season.
Sydney Olympic star Chris Triantis has been training with the club but McKinna said he was hoping a player from overseas with a bit more experience would be signed.
This all looks good we keep going from high to high i'm loveing it.
With both nations battling to top the Oceania group, the winner automatically qualifies for next year's Confederations Cup.
Perhaps more importantly though, the winner is just two games away from the 2010 World Cup.
Oceania's best plays the winner of Asia's two third place getters from its two group qualifiers, which also kick off this weekend.
The Central Coast supremo left Sydney today bound for Noumea and e took with him Mariners Academy boss Tony Walmsley.
Last year the Mariners played New Caledonia in a friendly and won 5-0. With the relationship blossoming, the OFC nation was keen to have the Mariners play them in a friendly in the lead up to this weekend's fixture but that didn't eventuate.
So they've enlisted McKinna to give them some tips on beating a side packed with stars from A-League franchise Wellington Phoenix.
"Tony will look at their structures over there and maybe help them streamline that," McKinna told au.fourfourtwo.com from Sydney airport.
"And I'll be talking to the national team coach and be giving them a bit of assistance ahead of the game against the Kiwis."
New Caledonia coach Didier Chambaron has described his team's chances of going through as Oceania champions ahead of New Zealand as "one in a thousand".
New Caledonia are ranked 95 in the world by FIFA and number one in Oceania. New Zealand, oddly, are ranked at 111 and second in Oceania.
With two games left, Le Cagous are one point behind the All-Whites. A win for Ricki Herbert's team this Saturday would secure their spot as Oceania winners.
The two sides play their final group game next week in New Zealand but Ricki Herbert's men will hope they've wrapped up qualification by then.
The Coast also hopes to build on the relationship and perhaps find some A-League talent for the out-of-the-square-thinking club.
"There could be a diamond in the rough we unearth from a trip like this," added McKinna.
In other Mariners club news, McKinna said the club's link with Sheffield United and its worldwide network of clubs including one in Hungary may solve the replacement issue for the injured Ahmad Elrich, who's out for the season.
Sydney Olympic star Chris Triantis has been training with the club but McKinna said he was hoping a player from overseas with a bit more experience would be signed.
And McKinna backed assistant Ian Ferguson for the vacant coaching job at North Queensland FC.
He added: "He's got the full blessing from the club. We're very supportive of him getting the job."
NOTE:
In other Mariners club news, McKinna said the club's link with Sheffield United and its worldwide network of clubs including one in Hungary may solve the replacement issue for the injured Ahmad Elrich, who's out for the season.
Sydney Olympic star Chris Triantis has been training with the club but McKinna said he was hoping a player from overseas with a bit more experience would be signed.
This all looks good we keep going from high to high i'm loveing it.
