Some Golden Soft Sombrero Moments with Archie Thompson

Thompson on being the world record holder of the number of goals ever scored in an international match….

Diegos: "Congratulations on being the only man ever, in the history of world football, to score 13 goals in one World cup game.

Right there in the Guinness Book of Records next to the record for the 'Most Hungarian Goulash eaten in a 24 hour period' (record held by SBS TV's Les Murray and Johnny Warren), will be your name.

What's it feel like to be a world record holder?"

Thompson: "Diegos I don't mind saying that I'm pretty wrapped. It's not everyday that you get a world record thrown your way whilst representing your country. As far as the Guinness Book of Records is concerned, to be mentioned with the likes of Les Murray and Johnny Warren would be an honor."

Diegos: "You notched your first goal against American Samoa in the 12th minute, then followed up with seven more in a devastating 22 minute spell before cooling down with a lazy five goals in the second half to finish things off nicely.

At what stage of the game did you feel it was going to be your day?"

Thompson: "I think once I got my sixth goal I knew that I was in for a big day. Having said that, the thought of scoring 13 goals never crossed my mind. The opposition wasn't that great but to their credit they just keep battling away."

Diegos: "We know that the American Samoans are a religious lot.

How did they react during the game to each other and to you? Did they try any specific ploys to stop you from scoring? Any talk of calling an exorcist to solve their problem?"

Thompson: " No nothing like that. They were pretty much laughing with each other every time I scored. No disrespect but I just think the Samoans were badly coached.

Coming from such a small country they don't have the same opportunities to improve their game that we have. They did give 110% but I suppose it was too much to ask them to compete with the players that we have in our squad."

Thompson on cashing in on the achievement…

Diegos: "Most world record holders are inundated with endorsement opportunities. Any companies approached you yet? The Diegos reckon a good product fit for you would be Rexona Sport deodorant because your ability to remain 'cool' in the heat of World cup battle.

Are you up for a shower scene in a Rexona ad?"

Thompson: " No not quite yet. The shower scene would be good but I don't think anyone has thought of that yet. I'd love to seal a deal with Rexona though. I'm really sick of buying my own deodorant."

Thompson on attracting overseas interest after the record…

Diegos: "Thirteen goals in any game, let alone a World cup qualifier, is more than enough to attract the attention of dodgy, greasy haired, fast talking player agents the world over.

How's the response been from overseas clubs to your achievement and is Belgium super-club, Anderlecht now regretting they didn't sign you on the cheap a few months ago?"

Thompson: "I think everyone in the game recognizes that we played against poor opposition but I'm glad that the team score and my achievement received worldwide coverage. I'm happy that my name is out there at least. Hopefully something comes of it at the end of the season."

Thompson on being axed by Socceroo coach, Frank Farina for the next match after securing his 13-goal world record….

Diegos: "After setting the world record against American Samoa, Frank Farina rewarded you by axing you from the starting line up for the danger game against Fiji.

When you did come on for the final 20 minutes you had a goal drought and failed to hit the back of the net.

In the end the Socceroos only got away with a 2-0 win.

Was there ever any worry in the Aussie camp during the game that the Fijians were going to cause an upset?"

Thompson: "We knew that we needed to get that first goal to take some of the pressure off. Unfortunately it took us nearly until the end of the first half to get the one we wanted.

To Fiji's credit they played really well and gave us a real battle. I suppose we were confident that we could do it but we always had in mind that the Fijians could cause an upset so we were on guard for that."

Diegos: " Has Frank given any indication about whether you will be selected for the Confederation cup and the Oceania final in June?"

Thompson: "No, not really. I guess I've got to keep scoring and keep playing well. Hopefully a break will come my way. I know it's going to be tough to get into the final squad with players like Mark Viduka and Paul Agostino but I think if I give it my best I might be a chance."

Soft Sombrero Moment April 2001

Thompson on being born to score goals….

Diegos: "Archie its clear that you were born to score goals.

At Gippsland Falcons (Eastern Pride) you were young and inexperienced but you still scored goals.

At Carlton, you were penniless and hungry but you still scored goals.

Now at Marconi, you're eating all the veal parmagiana you like at the Stallion's bistro but you still continue to score goals.

It's an incredible record.

Do you ever get worried that one day the goals will dry up?"

Thompson: "At the moment I'm quite happy scoring. I just don't think about not scoring. It's happening so much at present that when I go out on the field I'm confident enough to think that I'm going to score in every game. It's a good feeling too have."

Soft Sombrero Moment February 2001

Thompson on his special relationship with Marconi coach, Eddie Krncevic….

Diegos: "Your partnership with Marconi coach, Eddie Krncevic has always been mutually productive.

You scored four goals on debut for him at Carlton and continue to score for fun at Bossley Park under his tutelage and in return, he has shown you all the best nightclubs and fashion houses in Australia.

It's clearly a special caring, sharing relationship.

How much influence has he had on your development as a player?"

Thompson: "He's a great coach. He is always giving me hints about forward play, which I take on board because he was such a great striker himself in his day, playing in Europe for 14 years.

You have to listen to what he has got to say because he has been there and done that. He is such a great guy to everyone in our team, especially to me, so I also have great motivation to want to the job for him each week."

Soft Sombrero Moment February 2001

Thompson on the cash-strapped Carlton Soccer Club…..

Diegos: "The Carlton saga was tough on everybody, fans and players alike.

Rumour has it that owner Peter Jess at one stage even had you wearing a 'for sale' sandwich board in the hope that the funds from your sale would save the club.

Did you feel the pressure at the time to transfer at any cost?"

Thompson: "There was a lot f pressure on me and Simon (Colosimo) at the time. A lot was made of the future of the club relying on the transfer of us both. It did take its toll and it wasn't a pleasant experience. It's not something that I would like to experience again."

Diegos: "Did you take anything from Carlton in those last days? Strips? Shorts? The portrait of Lou Sticca and Peter Jess? John Markovski's KFC vouchers? Perhaps lessons learnt from the whole tragic experience?"

Thompson: "Our squad at Carlton was a quality squad. I learnt something from each player and tried to mould it to my game. The whole experience, I feel, has just made me stronger."

Soft Sombrero Moment February 2001

Thompson on choosing to play for Australia rather than New Zealand….

Diegos: "The Kiwi's have got a real gall.

Ok, we stole Crowded House and Spit Enz but that doesn't give them the right to try and convince you to play for the All Whites rather than the Socceroos.

You've rightly chosen the Green and Gold and remained a Diego's icon in the process but was there ever any doubt in your mind which country you'd play for?"

Thompson: "No not at all. Australia is becoming such a big soccer nation with big stars, like Viduka, Kewell and Bosnich, making a real name for themselves in Europe. I really want to be playing next to these sorts of players. In the end it was an easy choice for me to make."

Soft Sombrero Moment February 2001