Beckham in Auckland for All-Stars match
28 Nov 2008
International soccer stars David Beckham and Christian Karembeu are due to arrive in New Zealand this week for a friendly match between the LA Galaxy and the Oceania All-Stars.
Beckham plays for the LA Galaxy, and Karembeu will captain the All-Stars. The teams will play at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on December 6.
LA line up
The 19-man LA Galaxy team has Beckham playing mid-field and includes Jovan Kirovski, a US international who began his career with David Beckham at Manchester United.
Unveiling the team, LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said players would leave on Dec 1 and return to LA on December 7. Their short time in New Zealand will restrict tourism opportunities but one of their three training sessions will be open to media and school children. A traditional Māori welcome is also planned for the team's arrival at Auckland airport.
Wellington stir
LA Galaxy drew huge crowds when they played in Wellington against the local Phoenix team last December, beating the New Zealanders 4-1.
David Beckham proved a major drawcard not only pulling the country's largest ever crowd for a football match but also creating a stir wherever he went.
The Auckland visit is likely to see a repeat performance with continued world wide public interest in the Beckhams. David’s wife Victoria, former Spice Girl 'Posh' and his children won't be joining him in New Zealand.
Oceania stars
With 1998 FIFA World Cup winner Christian Karembeu on board, the Oceania All-Stars have their own high profile team member.
Karembeu, a native of New Caledonia, retired from football in 2005 but still likes to have "a kickabout from time to time".
Like Beckham, he also has a celebrity marriage. His wife, international Slovak model Adriana Sklenaříková, is almost as famous as he is in Europe. It is likely that Adriana will accompany Karembeu on his New Zealand visit.
Great opportunity
Auckland Regional Council Chairman Michael Lee says the exhibition match between LA Galaxy and the Oceania All-Stars is a great opportunity for Auckland and Aucklanders.
"Not only will the game be a unique and exciting family day out, but we are delighted that members of our regional community, especially children, will be able to get close to their remarkable sporting heroes.
"Soccer is one of New Zealand's biggest participation sports and it is great to see it taking centre field at Mt Smart Stadium," he said.
Football fever
The Galaxy - All-Stars match follows hard on the heels of another high profile international football event, the U-17 FIFA Women's World Cup tournament which New Zealand hosted during October and November.
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