On Sunday, the 4th October, Mark Burton kicked ( with his goal in Brisbane) Australia out of the race for the Confederation Cup, and put New Zealand back on the map of World Soccer. Overnight, the Kiwi player became the most important man for his "Land of the Long White Cloud".

Only six days later, Burton visited my home town, Hannover, with his German third division club Kickers Emden. So, I put my Aussie cap on and walked to the stadium to meet the man, who destroyed my dreams to see the Socceroos on TV in Mexico. I met a nice, friendly guy, who answered all my questions.

As I said, Emden is in the third Division, and Hannover has two Clubs in this League. Six weeks ago, they drew against Burton's team, Ricklingen 1-1, he scored the goal. This time they played against Arminia Hannover. Kickers Emden lost by two goals, there was not a lot to see from him.

After he had a long shower, Mark came out of the dressing room, that's my moment.

AndrÈ Kr¸ger: Hello Mark, congratulation on winning the Oceania Nation Cup.

Mark Burton: Oh, thank you, you are the first person in Germany who congratulated me.

AK: You made the winning goal in the final game against Australia.

MB: Yes, the greatest moment in my career.

AK: It's funny to see you in Hannover, just six days after that game.

MB: I arrived on Wednesday in Germany. From the nice weather in Brisbane to the cold in Europe. On Thursday I started training with my mates from Emden.

AK: And now you are happy to go with the New Zealanders to Mexico.

MB: I look forward to that tournament to play against teams like World champion France or Brazil. A highlight for a footballer.

AK: It's also an important win for the kiwis because of the money they can get.

MB: Very important, I think we get $750,000 for qualifying, or more. Maybe soccer in New Zealand is on the way up.

AK: Money, that Australia also needed so badly.........

MB: They only had to beat us............

AK: I saw nothing of that game, do you know something about the reasons for your win or Australia's loss?

MB: In my view, we played better than the Socceroos, we had a Team. I am also sure, that the Australians underestimated us. They talked about the games in Mexico before they played against us.

AK: But they played without there European Players...

MB: (laughs) They thought they can beat us with the second or third team. But, I was also there and I came straight from Europe. I think for the overseas Aussies its not very interesting to play against New Zealand.

AK: Do you think that the All whites are as strong as the team from 1982, with players like Woodin, Turner or Sumner?

MB: I don't think so, but we have a young Team, and maybe in a few years we will be much stronger than today.

AK: Was Australia as strong as you thought before that final game?

MB: No! Maybe another reason for their bad game is, if they qualified, which of these players will go to Mexico? Most of the Aussie eleven on the field had no chance to go when the players from Europe are back. Maybe that's why they have no fun. I am so happy to go to Mexico.

AK:.....If Kickers Emden let you go.

MB: Oh, that's no problem. I can go to every International if I want. I want to play for New Zealand, because I am a New Zealander with my heart.

AK: Your next aim? 2000?

MB: Sure, the next step are the Olympic Games. Australia as host has qualified, so maybe the chance is easier for us, if we have not to go over Asia.

AK: At the last Olympic Qualifier, the Kiwis beat the Socceroos in one game too!

MB: I think we're getting stronger at all levels. The next years will be hard for your Socceroos.

AK: Thank you very much Mark and good luck for the future. Maybe I will come to Emden sometime to talk to you a bit longer.

MB: Your welcome. It's great to talk with someone who knows so much about the Football in Oceania. See ya'