Some Golden Soft Sombrero Moments with Pablo Cardozo Cardozo on jelly donuts, fried chicken and 'thank you very much'… Diegos: " It was no accident that the Diegos mention you in the same breath as the late and great Elvis. Has anyone ever suggested to you that you bear an uncanny resemblance to the great man and is there any chance that you will now incorporate a little more hip swaying into your goal celebrations and a tribute to the King?" Cardozo: " Unfortunately, I have been told since I was about 18. An ex-coach of mine once told me that I should consider doing night sessions at a nightclub and ever since then it has stuck and unfortunately, I've got to live with it. As far as the hip swaying, it does come in handy off the pitch." Soft Sombrero Moment 2000
Diegos: " You finally, after much speculation, received your first call up to the Socceroos for the Chile tournament in February. From all reports you created a big impression from limited opportunities. Did your seemingly easy adaptation to international football surprise you and with the likes of Kewell, Viduka, Agostino and Aloisi vying for the strikers role in the World cup squad, what chance do you give yourself to make Farina's final team?" Cardozo: " That's a big step. Luckily, there were a number of locally based players who made it a little easier on our trip. Knowing the lads that were there and even knowing some of the guys from way back when we actually used to play against the Bosnich's in junior grade in Sydney. As for vying for a position against the likes of the Kewells' and Vidukas', I think that if you are informed, then you shouldn't be overlooked but we'll see what happens when the time comes. I think most of us who are locally based are, unfortunately, going to be second in the running no matter what. The overseas guys do have a bit of an advantage but, personally, I don't think there is too much difference except that they are lucky enough to be over there." Soft Sombrero Moment 2000
Diegos: " The Diegos have always regarded Sydney Olympic as the 'Spice boys' of Aussie soccer. The club has a reputation as a glamour club whose players in the past, it seemed, performed more consistently on the disco dance floors rather than the football ground. This season though the team seems to be made of sterner stuff and looking more like championship material. Is this fair comment?" Cardozo: " Probably in the past and occasionally in some games I think it's true that we go dancing instead of go playing. I do think that there is a stronger commitment especially in our defense and mid field this year, which has shown that we have probably one of the best defensive records, which has put us so far ahead. I think our defense this year has been outstanding." Soft Sombrero Moment 2000
Diegos: "There were reports this season of your imminent departure from our shores to link up with an overseas club. Was it your coach, Branco Culina's tears, begging you to stay that kept you from leaving or are you biding your time just looking for that special million dollar deal?" Cardozo: " The fact that it was the middle of the season kept me from going. The club didn't feel that it was in their best interests for me to go halfway through the season. If the offer had been a bit more lucrative, I would have accepted it but I thought it would be best to bide my time and wait until the end of the season and see what pans out for me then." Soft Sombrero Moment 2000
Diegos: "Your immensely talented teammate, Chi Chi Mendez last weekend experienced another tragic knee injury, his fourth serious one in his career. It's terrible luck for a guy who is having such a fantastic season. What's the feeling like around the club and are the boys setting themselves to win the championship for Chi Chi?" Cardozo: " There is a chance that he may be back for the finals. I have heard word that he may be out for six weeks but this is not for certain. We are still hoping that he will be back and ready to go for the finals but, if not, then we will definitely do our best to win it for him and try to get him a medal. There is no doubt that, if he were around for the rest of the season, we would be a much better team. He is definitely one of the most gifted players in the league. There is no better mid fielder going forward. He's got great vision, great dribbling. What more can you ask from a midfielder? Having him behind me was a luxury and I was certainly reaping the benefits. It will be tougher without him but we'll still plug away." Soft Sombrero Moment 2000
Diegos: "Tell us about your coach, Branco Culina. Is he the moody character that he appears to be in public?" Cardozo: "He's not the best person to be around when we lose to teams that we're not supposed to but that's no surprise from a coach who wants to see the best from his players. He definitely lets us know when we're not giving him that! He does wear his heart on his sleeve but I think that's understandable." Soft Sombrero Moment 2000 |