Lia laces up to have a pitch at Beckham

 By Richard Goodbody

November 30 2007

Shepparton News

Tatura's Vince Lia is on a collision course with soccer's biggest name, David Beckham.

With anticipation continuing to build ahead of tomorrow night's exhibition match against the LA Galaxy, the Wellington Phoenix midfielder was trying to keep his cool yesterday, despite the arrival of brand Beckham.

Five hours after the former Manchester United star touched down in New Zealand, Lia said Wellington was buzzing with news the world's most photographed footballer was in town.

"It's gone crazy over here," Lia said.

"He only got here five hours ago and it's all over the radio and TV.

"It should be great, it's not every day you line up against someone like Beckham."

With more than 20 000 tickets sold in the lead-up to tomorrow night's blockbuster, Lia said the Phoenix were more focused on gaining a win in tonight's A-League encounter against Adelaide, despite the hype surrounding the Galaxy match.

After scoring his debut A-League goal against Melbourne last week, which gave the Phoenix a welldeserved point, the laconic 22-year-old said he was looking forward to finding the back of the net again before the season is out.

"I'm pretty happy with the way I'm playing," Lia said.

"I've played the past seven matches in a row after being injured for a fair while and that's the most football I've played in a long time now.

"Hopefully I can score a couple more goals and we can win a few more games."

While Lia is expected to play as a left midfielder tomorrow, Beckham is more likely to play in the middle of the ground.

Should the opportunity arise, however, the former Young Socceroos captain said he was only too happy to take up a role as a central midfielder.

"He's probably not going to spend too much time on the right," Lia said.

"So I might have to go into the middle to find him.

"It should be good."

Wellington and the Galaxy kick-off at Westpac Stadium at 5.15 pm (AEDST) tomorrow.

BATTLE OF TITANS

 

David Beckham

Age: 32

Home town: Leytonstone, London

Clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy

Position: Midfield

International caps: 99 (58 as captain)

International goals: 9

Accolades: Six English Premier Leagues titles, two FA Cups, one UEFA Champions League title, one La Liga title

Represented England at the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cups

Represented England at the 2000 and 2004 European Cups

Runner-up in the 1999 and 2001 World Footballer of the Year award

Named in 1998 FIFA World Cup All-star team

 

Vince Lia

Age: 22

Home town: Shepparton

Clubs: South Melbourne, Melbourne Victory, Wellington Phoenix

Position: Midfield

International caps: Yet to make his senior debut

International goals: 0

Accolades: Represented Australia at the 2003 under20 World Cup (UAE)

Captained Australia at the 2005 under-20 World Cup (Netherlands)

Represented Australia's under-23 side on four times