NEW ZEALAND COACH HAILS DENONE NATIONS CUP A SUCCESS
Keith Pritchett hailed his New Zealand team’s effort at the 2006 Danone Nations Cup a success despite a busy schedule of activity against high quality opposition. The 32-team tournament brought together children between the ages of 10 and 12 years old in a celebration of football.
The former All White coach said the Danone Nations Cup campaign stretched the abilities of his squad but added the Festival of Football in Fiji had been a valuable build-up.
“Fiji was fantastic preparation for us because it was the first time away from home for many of the boys. In a different environment the players had to learn to work together”, Pritchett said.
New Zealand were handed a tough draw alongside hosts France, Germany, and South Africa in Group F. Results were tight but respectable with New Zealand losing to France, 3-1, Germany, 2-0, and South Africa, 1-0.
“The team did well particularly playing against players with excellent fitness and technique and in front of fanatical crowds”, Pritchett said.
The Danone Nations Cup is based on four key values of openness, fairplay, accessibility and the pleasure of the game of football, teaching participants about the value of cultural diversity and mutual respect.
Players from around the world were encouraged to make friendships with each other and share cultural performances.
Oceania Football Confederation attachée, Beatrice Tchen Pan, said the New Zealand team enjoyed this aspect of the Danone Nations Cup.
“The New Zealand team embraced the many cultures of the tournament and enjoyed meeting the South African team. After every game the players tried to overcome language barriers and swap wristbands and playing kit. The Danone Nations Cup helped bring Oceania’s unique culture to the rest of the world despite the vast distance we travelled.”
Zinedine Zidane has been ambassador for the Danone Nations Cup since 2003 and attended the tournament at the Stade de Gerland on the final day.
Reunion Islands won the Danone Nations Cup for the second time with New Zealand finishing 27th out of the 32 teams.