Dean Bouzanis

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Oh of course it is comforting to hear that from his old man but yes I am still nervous. Mainly due to the fact he IMO is ready to play and still hasnt been given a look in. Credit to the lad for having the guts to stick it out when Croatia through the kitchen sink at him.
 
re: spiranovic. Apparently Croatia had a massive crack at him 12 or so months ago and he knocked them back. There were a ton of stories about it at the time but since then there's been nothing, so I'm fairly confident that he's committed to Australia and Croatia has moved on. Though until he finally gets capped I'll still an inkling of doubt.

Bouzanis.
I'll be pissed if he chooses Greece over Australia. Apart from a miracle run in the last euros, they're on the same level as us. In fact I'd say Australia is much more likely to be regular world cup qualifier than Greece.
I'm not sure how i'll feel if he does opt for Greece and goes on to become Liverpool's number 1 in a few years time...
 

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beaver fever said:
Well an assurance from Matt's Dad goes a little deeper than that don't you think? I can understand why you will still be nervous about it, but no point in rushing Matthew in when it may not suit the situation.
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I respect your point, but Ante Seric's brother was interviewed on SBS World Sport the day before our friendly with Croatia in 1998 (when he was named on both teamsheets) and assured us that Ante had chosen the green and gold.

It won't be set in stone until Spiranovic is officially a Socceroo for life.
 
dyertribe said:
I respect your point, but Ante Seric's brother was interviewed on SBS World Sport the day before our friendly with Croatia in 1998 (when he was named on both teamsheets) and assured us that Ante had chosen the green and gold.

It won't be set in stone until Spiranovic is officially a Socceroo for life.
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Valid point, but again this is from his dad to my grandfather, not to the media.
 
ErnieSigley said:
Seem to be only people from 2 backgrounds that do it. Greek and Croatians.
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Re Australians with a Greek background who've turned their back on Australia to play for the Greek National team, who has "done it"?

Think it's a bit simplistic to narrow it down to just two cultures. In 2006 Scott McDonald threatened to play for Scotland. Cahill initially wanted to play for Ireland. Aloisi for Italy. Kewell probably would have been torn if England had have also been knocking on his door for national team duties (but thankfully we capped him before he was even on their radar).

The three Croatian boys, fair enough, but for every one that turned there's been 10 that have chosen Australia without thinking twice.
 
The FFA haven't been in contact at all with Giannou since he said no to the AIS and went to play over-seas.

They have called Dean on occasion and said 'they'll look into it' (capping him for Australia) but never contact with him further information...

All three players (including Paul) are keen to play for Australia, they've been sitting around waiting and Australia haven't advanced.

Croatia did throw everything at Matt and he turned them down.
 
Guido said:
Re Australians with a Greek background who've turned their back on Australia to play for the Greek National team, who has "done it"?

Think it's a bit simplistic to narrow it down to just two cultures. In 2006 Scott McDonald threatened to play for Scotland. Cahill initially wanted to play for Ireland. Aloisi for Italy. Kewell probably would have been torn if England had have also been knocking on his door for national team duties (but thankfully we capped him before he was even on their radar).

The three Croatian boys, fair enough, but for every one that turned there's been 10 that have chosen Australia without thinking twice.
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Ok a bit simplistic.
If you are counting threats then add a few more Greeks and Cros then.
 
The only Greek born Australian that has played for Greece is George Samaras who plays for Celtic now . His dad was born here and left at the age of 12. The greek goalkeeper might look 60 but he is a way better keeper then Filan.
 
Djibril Cisse said:
The FFA haven't been in contact at all with Giannou since he said no to the AIS and went to play over-seas.

They have called Dean on occasion and said 'they'll look into it' (capping him for Australia) but never contact with him further information...

All three players (including Paul) are keen to play for Australia, they've been sitting around waiting and Australia haven't advanced.

Croatia did throw everything at Matt and he turned them down.
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Three Greek Australians represented Greece in U/19 action last week

JAMES BELIAS


HAVING been practically overlooked by the local football set-up, young Greek Australian Andreas Govas has his sights firmly set on European football life. The Melbournian midfielder is currently at English Premier League club Portsmouth and was recently selected for the Greek U/19 squad which faced Serbia in two friendly matches last week.

In this exclusive NKEE interview, Govas gives his thoughts on the Greek youth set-up and life in the Premier League. Additionally he sheds light on the debate which threatens to explode as three of Australia's most promising young footballers are on the verge of deciding to exclusively represent Greece.

Govas, along with two other Greek Australians Dean Bouzanis (Liverpool) and Apostoli Giannou (Apollon Kalamarias), saw action in Greece's friendly matches which are a warm-up for the European U/19 Elite round in which Greece kicks off in May against Moldova and later faces the Netherlands and Russia.

"Against Serbia, the team played well particularly in the first game - you could see the strength in the squad because we looked a class above the Serbs," said Govas. "We are a very technical and balanced squad with some stand out players. In the first game we won 1-0 and played some nice football. Unfortunately in the second game, in which I started, we lost 2-0. I think that in this match we were physically battled out of the game by the Serbs."

"With regards to the three Greek Aussies, I thought that we all played well and impressed the coaches. Dean (Bouzanis) was in a different class in the first game, and Apostoli (Giannou) was one of our best players in the second."

The U/19 Elite Round acts as a qualifier to the U/19 European Championships. In 2007 Greece were runners-up so the group in which Govas is a part of faces the spotlight, particularly from the Greek media. Greece was drawn into Group 5 and will kick off against Moldova on May 24.

"I expect the Russians and the Dutch would have a very strong squad and I would also expect to have a tough game against Moldova as international football matches are never easy and you have to expect the un-expected. The feeling in the camp is good. I think the boys are quite confident that we will qualify after playing in some tough games in the previous round of qualifying including a 2-2 draw with the French," said Govas.

Greek football at youth level has always been particularly good, but only recently the senior side has realised success. Govas suggests that there is a feeling at youth level in the Greek set-up that Greece is a strong footballing nation in Europe.

"There is some good young talent coming through the Greek set-up, and the strength of these squads has been shown with the recent success of the youth international team placing second in the last Euro Under 19s Championships and with us on track to follow in their steps."

The current U/19 squad shows some diversity, with players coming from the UK, Germany, Switzerland and of course a variety of Greek clubs in the squad. Govas elaborates, "The squad is very good, technically we are brilliant."

"We lack a bit of height and strength, but we make up for it with our organisation and pace. We are a well balanced squad with a couple of stand out players and I think that is the recipe for success.

"Most of the team is Greek based so they know each other well and, now with myself and Dean coming into the picture, we will have about five European based players so we will bring something different to the team. I think it will make us more flexible and harder for the opposition to read."

Back home in Australia, the Bouzanis story threatens to develop into a saga. The Australian media is seemingly ready to string up the young former Sydneysider if he chooses to represent Greece rather than Australia.

Giannou and Govas are in the same difficult position. Govas explains how he came to represent Greece and not Australia in his short international career thus far.

"I represented the Victorian squad at Under 15 and Under 16 levels and I was lucky enough to have been selected for the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) to be part of a development program aimed at producing players for the national team."

"As I came towards the end of my time at VIS I was hoping to get an international call-up or an invitation to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). I was invited up to the AIS for a day trial, but unfortunately I was not in the (selected) 18 and was sent home."

"I thought I was really good while on trial there and was surprised not to have been picked. I was also then told that I would not be in the mix for AIS selection, so I looked overseas."

"I would still consider playing for Australia, but at the moment I am 100 percent focused on playing for Greece and qualifying for the European Championships," he said.

"From what I have read on the internet and in the media, people are completely misunderstanding what is happening with Dean and Apostoli, and are jumping to conclusions. It is their decision to make but they both haven't counted out either option and are still deciding."

Portsmouth is currently sixth on the table and in contention for European football next season, and Govas is a regular fixture in the reserves first 11 there. Govas explains how he has ended up in the second tier of one of the most dynamic and loved football leagues in the world.

"I went on trial with Charlton Athletic for two weeks and was unsuccessful, I then went to Pompey and after a six week trial was eventually approached with an offer. Life at Portsmouth has been tough, being away from family and friends was very hard for me, and also adapting to a new style of football was very hard."

"It took me a long time to adjust to it but now that I have, I am starting to enjoy my football and living in Europe. It has been a great experience."
 

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sounds like if the FFA plays its cards right there wont be any problem.

I can see a little bit where they're coming from in that there is no real FFA network to support you if you're on the outer, but given Dean was always in the representative squads not sure where hes coming from.
 
Here is more insite to Bouzanis... He wants to play for Australia but seems like the FFA are idiots- why the hell isn't he anywhere near the Olyroos squad- With our 1st choice keeper out surely Bouzanis is a shoe in for the squad at least.



Aidan Ormond
Mar 20 2008 00:06
Get more on: bouzanis | olyroos
EXCLUSIVE: Despite playing three games for Greece U/19s, Liverpool's highly-rated Aussie keeper Dean Bouzanis, 17, is desperate to play for the Olyroos at the 2008 Olympics, says his agent.
“With Vuka [Danny Vukovic] out, I'd have thought he's the logical replacement. I don't see why they don't even call him into camp,” a frustrated Terry Palapanis, agent of Bouzanis, told au.fourfourtwo.com today.

“He got called into a Socceroos camp before he went to Liverpool. I just don't know why. Dean's upset about it, being an Aussie. Dean is extremely upset about it.

“If he was called up, he'd be on the next plane. 100%. Dean is where Vukovic and [Tando] Velaphi would love to be.

“Dean wants to play in the Olympics. I don't know why he's not been picked. People say his age, but Rafael Benitez doesn't care about the age of Dean.”

Bouzanis is currently in Dallas, USA, playing in a tournament for Liverpool reserves. On March 11, he played for the Greek U/19s in a 1-0 win over Serbia.

“As it stands, he'd love to be part of the Olyroos. He is currently first choice in the reserves at Liverpool and there's talk he'll be third choice keeper next season in the first team squad,” added Palapanis.

“All you hear about is Liverpool, Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea and we have an Aussie playing in the Liverpool reserves there and he doesn't get a look in.

“But he's doing really well at club level. Arnie [Olyroo coach Graham Arnold] knows exactly where he is. I've sent an email to Arnie, John Boultbee and Rob Baan, so they all know.”

With Danny Vukovic seemingly out of the Olympics equation, Arnold's keeping ranks now look thin with Glory's Tando Velaphi assuming the number one spot. To highlight the depth issue, state league based Justin Pasfield was recently called up to the squad.

And even though Velaphi performed admirably against Mexico in a recent friendly, many believe Bouzanis is the most talented keeper of all our young shot-stoppers. Certainly the Greek FA know about Bouzanis.

“They are trying to lure him,” said Palapanis. “They know he's an Australian and it's probably his preferred destination. The Greek FA keep flying over to Liverpool to watch his games and are in constant contact with Liverpool officials and me.

“They are flying over myself and Dean's father in May to talk to us. They've got European qualification matches [in the U/19s] in May. So they are continuously keen.”

Bouzanis, already on what is believed to be an impressive financial package, is said to be on the brink of a mega-five year deal with Liverpool.

And it's known the Reds would prefer him to play for Greece rather than Australia due to the travel factor.

What's more, from a financial standpoint, being an international keeper will no doubt up his bargaining power when it comes time to negotiate a long-term deal.

Bouzanis signed for Liverpool after a spell in January last year. He was loaned out to Sydney FC but when he was delisted from the A-League squad, the youngster hooked up with Liverpool in July.

He played in their academy side and in the FA Youth Cup – where Liverpool reached the quarter finals – before making his debut for the reserves last December. He is now listed as a first team squad member on the club's website.

“At this stage, yes, he will continue with the Greek U/19s but he's not going to make up his mind on who he plays for until a later date,” added Palapanis.

“There's nothing coming up with the Australian U/20s, no camps, and that's it. At this stage I think it's better for his career to play some games because he's a dual citizen there's no problem for him playing for Greece."

So, who does Bouzanis want to play for: Greece or Australia? “I'd say Australia, given the opportunity. But if he's not given the opportunity, or if people here regard others better than him, he'll probably play for Greece," said Palapanis.

As for reports recently about Sydney FC defender – and good friend of Bouzanis – Nicholas Tsattalios being courted by the Greek FA, Palapanis poured cold water over the idea.

He added: “They aren't interested. The Greeks have a fairly good side. I sort of started the ball rolling with him and the Greeks, but he's not on their radar."


http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/72380,bouzanis-upset-at-olyroo-snub.aspx



He wants to play for Australia but we haven't been in contact. Our scout-work is shyt. Even I have more clue- from playing FM 08:D.
 
I'm not always in favour of the philosophy of playing any kid that holds dual citizenship in an international to tie him to Australia but this really does look like a situation of letting a promising young Aussie slip through our fingers.

He'd be ahead of Velaphi wouldn't he?
 
Guido said:
Re: Greek Australians, "add a few more" to what?

To Greek National Team members who were Australian born and raised?

How many have there been?
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You added in those that threaten to play for other countries but never actually did it. As far as I'm aware the only players to be raised mainly in Australia as to actually choose to play for another country have either been Greek or Croation. Craig Johnston might be an exception?

Facts are prior to last the European Cup, Greece was the laughing stock of European football. There were probably very few because of this.
 
ErnieSigley said:
actually choose to play for another country have either been Greek
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Again - who?

If your claiming as fact that a specific (Greek Australians) sub-culture historically "does it", surely you could name just one player who actually has?

Even for threats, other than these 17/18 year olds that have come out in the last month, can you name one Greek-Australian player in the last 20 years who's threatened to do it?
 
Guido said:
Again - who?

If your claiming as fact that a specific (Greek Australians) sub-culture historically "does it", surely you could name just one player who actually has?

Even for threats, other than these 17/18 year olds that have come out in the last month, can you name one Greek-Australian player in the last 20 years who's threatened to do it?
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I have no idea and I don't really care. If you want to get into wording fine.
My point was Australian with Greeks and Croatian background seem to be patriotic about thier backgrounds than most others.
If you don't believe it then fine too.
 
This sounds very promising.

Bouzanis will choose Socceroos: Verbeek
May 1, 2008 - 7:50PM

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek is convinced torn teenage goalkeeping prodigy Dean Bouzanis will pledge his allegiance to Australia.

The 17-year-old, who is signed to English giants Liverpool, grew up in Australia but has Greek parents.

He is a dual citizen and has represented the Olyroos at under-17 level and Greece at under-19 level.

The Sydney product has also been approached by Greek footballing authorities to discuss his future.

Verbeek has been in Europe checking in on Australian players ahead of four World Cup qualifiers in June and said he'd met with Bouzanis to talk the issue over.

"I spoke with him personally when I was in Liverpool about this situation. I told him to follow his heart, and as far as he is concerned, it is in Australia," Verbeek said.

"He said, `because my family is there and everybody is there I am proud to be part of the Australian selection and possibly for the Olyroos at the Olympics'.

"He made a good impression on me, he is a nice guy. It's good."

Bouzanis has not been included in Graham Arnold's 17-man Olyroos squad which assembled in Townsville on Thursday, with controversial Central Coast Mariner Danny Vukovic and Perth Glory's Tando Velaphi taking up the two goalkeeping spots.

Bouzanis is not restricted to one country until he represents the national senior team.

http://news.theage.com.au/bouzanis-will-choose-socceroos-verbeek/20080501-2a1e.html
 

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