By TERRY MADDAFORD
And we thought soccer was a winter sport.
With European and South American World Cup qualifiers, the second of two matches for the New Zealand women's team in the United States, the Solomon Islands v Socceroos battle in Honiara and the start of the women's national league, it suggests
something different.
Much interest will centre on the Lawson Tama Stadium where 21,150 fervent Solomon Islanders will cheer their team. As many will be outside the ground lending their support to the most important game - in any code - in the nation's history.
At stake, and it remains a very much a long shot, is a place in next year's Confederations Cup in Germany - a slot taken by New Zealand as Oceania's representative in two of the last three tournaments.
Australia start the match as hot favourites but without key players including Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, John Alosi, Craig Moore, Scott Chipperfield and Marco Bresciano. They must also overcome a late flight and expected sticky 30C-plus temperatures.
Australia should be well-served defensively with goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer primed for the match even if today's venue is worlds apart from Old Trafford where earlier this week he played a key role in Middlesbrough's 1-1 away draw with Manchester United.
In their last clash, at the Oceania Nations Cup in Adelaide in June, the Solomons deserved better than the 2-2 draw - a result which ended New Zealand hopes. It will be more difficult with so much at stake this time.
The New Zealand women face just as big odds in their attempt to bounce back from a first-up 5-0 loss to the US in Portland when they clash in Cincinnati on Monday morning (NZ time).
Dana Humby, Nicky Smith, Maia Jackman and Simone Ferrara are recovering from injury but should be considered for selection.
The absence of the internationals has led to the postponement of the match between defending women's champions Soccer2 and Central, who will now play United Soccer at North Harbour Stadium at the earlier start time of noon today.
In off-field matters, the High Court has ruled against Ole Madrids and awarded costs to New Zealand Soccer following the wrangle over places in the New Zealand Football Championship.
