V-League marches on post-World Cup (19-07-2006) Three men and a ball: Da Nang's Rogerio (left) and Le Hong Minh (right) at their last V-League match in Binh Duong a month ago before the World Cup break. The league leaders are in action again today against Misustar Hai Phong on home ground at Chi Lang Stadium. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vu HA NOI — The V-League Da Nang team will have to defend their top ranking when teams resume the 20th round of matches today. Though Da Nang led with 29 points after round 19, trio Pisico Binh Dinh, defending champion Gach Dong Tam Long An (GDT-LA) and Mikado Nam Dinh trailed by only one point. Coaches of the V-League teams said they faced difficulties in keeping their players fit and ready for the championship during the league's 45-day break during the World Cup. The break began after the conclusion of the 19th round on June 6th. Even with the advantage of playing at their own Chi Lang Stadium, Da Nang will have to perform well to … [Read more...] about V-League marches on post-World Cup
Betting on rugby world cup
How much will Vietnamese gamblers bet on the World Cup?
With the World Cup to kick off in Germany tomorrow, millions of Vietnamese fans, just as those in other countries, will combine their two passions - football and betting. After a high profile betting scandal that cost a deputy minister and minister their jobs, it goes without saying that football betting is illegal in Vietnam, forcing many gamblers to meet with illegal bookmakers. Legal profits … [Read more...] about How much will Vietnamese gamblers bet on the World Cup?
New Zealand wins rugby World Cup on home ground
New Zealand's All Blacks pulled off a historic 8-7 victory against France Sunday, taking the Rugby World Cup in front of a home crowd and winning the title of world champions for the first time in 24 years. For the home team it was undoubtedly the biggest game of their lives -- a chance to hold aloft the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time since they last held it after the very first Rugby World Cup final against France in 1987. The French had derailed New Zealand's championship dreams twice before in 1999 and 2007 -- and they came within one point of thwarting the All Blacks' ambitions again on Sunday. Nerves were showing on the pitch in the first half at Auckland's Eden Park and the All Blacks' Piri Weepu missed opportunities for eight points, sending two penalties and a conversion wide of the posts. The French put on a determined face from the start, lining up in a V-formation and marching forward as the All Blacks performed their traditional pre-match haka. But Les … [Read more...] about New Zealand wins rugby World Cup on home ground
New Zealand tourism expects significant extra income from Rugby World Cup
New Zealand tourism companies should expect significant extra income from an estimated 85,000 visitors when the nation hosts the Rugby World Cup next year, according to the Ministry of Tourism.The event in September and October spans the “shoulder” season in early spring when foreign arrivals are at a seasonal low, the ministry said in an e-mailed report. As well, the spending profile of those attending the tournament is likely to be higher, it said, without providing any details. New Zealand’s economy could get a NZ$535 million ($385 million) boost from hosting the tournament, Radio New Zealand reported last month, citing an analysis by Market Economics. Spending on tourism makes up about 10 percent of the economy. The 85,000 visitors will include about 75,000 supporters and 10,000 players, officials, media and guests of sponsors, the ministry estimates. The visitor count is likely to peak at about 43,000 for the final week of the event, rising from 20,000 during the … [Read more...] about New Zealand tourism expects significant extra income from Rugby World Cup
Rugby World Cup 2011 introduced to Vietnam
New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key joined in a party at the Park Hyatt Hotel and introduced the 7th Rugby World Cup 2011 to Vietnam while visiting Ho Chi Minh City on October 29. Addressing the event, PM John Key confirmed New Zealand will create a festival featuring the country's character. Meanwhile, New Zealand's commercial counsellor in Vietnam, said the presence of PM John Key will create opportunities for people who care about Rugby, to take part in the global tournament, and discover multilateral business cooperation potential in many other fields. Attendees were New Zealand's Foreign Minister Murray McCully, the country's ambassador to Vietnam, Heather Riddell, and many other high-ranking officials. On the Vietnamese side were leaders of HCM City's Departments of Foreign Affairs, Culture, Sports and Tourism and many businesses. The 7 thRugby World Cup 2011 will take place in New Zealand from September 9 to October 23. It is scheduled to attract over 85,000 … [Read more...] about Rugby World Cup 2011 introduced to Vietnam