Soccer: Auckland City lay down challenge to A-League champs

Auckland City were named Oceania team of the decade. Photo / Greg Bowker

Top New Zealand club Auckland City has thrown out a challenge for an annual clash against the top team in the A-League after winning an international award at the World Football Gala on Monday night.

At the same function, Socceroos star Harry Kewell was named as the most popular footballer in the Oceania region for the 2011 year.

It was the second award for Kewell, who had previously won the Oceania Footballer of the Year award.

After a successful run in the English Premier League and with Turkish side Galatasaray, Kewell returned to Australia last year to link with Melbourne Victory in the A-League.

Auckland City was voted Oceania's club of the first decade of the 21st century after a string of successes including an unbeaten run during the last season in New Zealand's premier league.

Auckland City, who were undefeated in the New Zealand competition last season, had indicated their ability with a pre-season 3-1 win over A-League front runners Central Coast Mariners.

"It's been a lot of hard work, especially in a country dominated by rugby union but we're getting more on the map and making headway," said Auckland City board member David Cook.

"We are the first New Zealand club to receive international recognition and be acknowledged on the global stage. It will help us in our campaign to win the World Club Championship.

"We wouldn't mind challenging the champion club of Australia and can promise a good match after our win over Central Coast. I dont think we would fear any Australian team from what we've seen so far."

Among other awards on the night, Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy was the World Goalgetter of the First Decade, Markus Merk of Germany the best referee, Arsenal's Arsene Wenger the best coach and the top clubs were Riyadh (Asia), Boca Juniors (South America) and Barcelona (Europe).

-AAP