Abu Dhabi: After playing a stellar role in Auckland City FC's 2-0 win over UAE champions Al Ahli, Ian Hogg said he will have to ask his wife to postpone his 20th birthday bash planned back home.
The 19-year-old Hogg, who impressed both in defence and with his searing runs to join the attack told Gulf News in an exclusive chat, "My wife has organised a bit of a bash back home, but I will have to call her and put it off now. Maybe my friends will not mind it".
Hogg, who has played for the New Zealand under-20 team and the Olympic team in the 2008 Olympics, turns 20 on December 15 and is hoping his team will progress past tomorrow's clash with Mexico's Atlante.
"Either way we will for sure be celebrating together," said the Auckland FC defender, who is studying Property Management in University and is one of a team full of amateurs.
"It is a big day for us. Our first win here and beating a professional team. This is great for New Zealand football," said Hogg, who is likely to catch the eyes of the national team selectors while picking the squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Hogg said his previous big game was in the 2008 Olympics against Brazil which had Ronaldinho playing. "That was my biggest game, playing against Brazil with Ronaldinho in the team."
"But this is equally amazing, a big stage for me to play and win. I hope it continues," said Hogg, who almost had a hand in his team's opening goal when he worked his way into Al Ahli box and passed neatly to Adam Dickinson but the latter shot into the Ahli keeper.
Hogg, who apart from keeping a tight vigil on Brazilian striker Bare and company, said the next match against Atlante will be tougher.
"It will be a whole lot harder and we will also be playing in a new stadium [Zayed Sports City]. But hopefully we will try to go on and win again," said Hogg, who is looking to compete at the highest levels of international football in future.
