Given the situation and the context, New Zealand produced a memorable display in their 1-0 defeat against Korea Republic, one that gives great heart for the future.

The All Whites have been beaten but far from disgraced against Korea Republic, going down 1-0 in Seoul in the early hours of Wednesday morning (NZT).

Spending time in South Korea over the past few days has given a timely reminder of our place in the football world.

In terms of football assignments, it doesn't get much tougher than what the All Whites will face tonight at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Themistoklis Tzimopoulos, set to make his international debut against S Korea next week, was plucked from the Greek Super League by All Whites coach Anthony Hudson three weeks ago.

The Wellington Phoenix have lost seven players to international duty for tomorrow's home game against Sydney FC at Westpac Stadium.

It happens in the 60th minute of a fierce, grassroots Northern League football derby.

That great sporting ambassador, David Beckham, was in Madrid yesterday to launch a new line of clothes.

Ernie Merrick has helped transform the Phoenix into a team to be reckoned with.

They have toppled the Victory in Melbourne, tamed the Wanderers in Western Sydney but beating the Roar away from home has always proved too tough for the Phoenix.

The nine other A-League clubs were granted 20 year licence extensions at the start of this season, the Wellington club's existing five-year deal expires at the end of the 2015-2016 season, writes Michael Burgess.