Soccer: Fan closes in on passion

By AINSLEY THOMSON

Tony Beaton calls himself a "soccer nutter" whose passion is taking him to Japan to watch two World Cup games.

So big is his desire to watch England play that he is not the least bit concerned about not yet having tickets to the games, or for that matter any accommodation.

He just wants to be there at the world's biggest single athletic sports event, see the greatest players of the only truly global sport and glimpse the action live. Tell the kids he saw Beckham and Owen and Batitistuta even if in 20 years' time they will have other, newer soccer heroes.

The 47-year-old engineer from Blockhouse Bay plans to solve minor details such as his lack of tickets or accommodation when he arrives in Japan.

"Why do I need accommodation? I'm going to watch the football," he says airily.

After all, there will only be a million other fans expected to turn up to watch games in the host countries of Japan and Korea competing for tickets and accommodation.

Going to the World Cup is something Mr Beaton has always wanted to do, and he figured this would be as close to New Zealand as the 72-year-old tournament was likely to get.

His trip to watch England play Nigeria and Argentina has been four years in the planning.

He would have liked to include the final but he does not fancy England's chances.

Growing up in England and playing soccer from his early days left him with an "obsession" with the game.

But when he came to New Zealand with his young family 20 years ago he decided he would put an end to his all-consuming passion for the game. Try rugby, maybe.

It wasn't to be. He has managed and coached soccer teams here. Throughout the years he has remained a dedicated Arsenal fan. He has even been back to England for an FA Cup final.

Although he favours England, he thinks France will win the World Cup. After all, they have the most Arsenal players, he says.

France, the defending champions, will kick off the cup tonight with a game against Senegal; the first of 64 matches in the first World Cup to be held in Asia.



Soccer has invaded most aspects of Mr Beaton's life - he even refused to get married during the soccer season.

His family do not share his passion, although his wife, Gabrielle, says it can be like osmosis - it creeps up on you.

When asked to describe the importance of soccer to him, Mr Beaton quotes Bill Shankly - the famous Liverpool football club manager: "Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that."

Tonight millions will probably agree.

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

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