The Joe Simunic interview: Simunic for England!

Joe Simunic England bound?

Croatian International Joe Simunic joined us in the Nearpost studio last week. Sound Producer Loui Psihogius, Majura Soccer Club players Eilis Fitt and Hannah Janssens and Guest Analyst Rob Janssens during a break in production.

Here is part of our interview with Joe Simunic. You can get the rest on the podcast of last weeks show.

Read part one below.

Joe Simunic started his football journey when he was 3 or 4. His godfather bought him a ball. His father, who wasn't particularly interested in football, seeing his son's enjoyment with the ball took him down to Canberra Croatia, (now Canberra FC) and signed him up.

Joe went to St Monika's Primary School, Evatt and then Daramalan College at Dickson before Ron Smith asked him to trial at the AIS.

Even in his Primary School days he was playing for 6 or 7 hours with a ball!

Joe started with Ajax briefly, before moving to Melbourne Knights, Hamburg, and he now plays at Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga, Germany.

Joe Simunic is a Croatian International, who has played at two World Cups, one European Championships and he's only 29.

How is your season going in Berlin Joe?

We've shown in our recent 0-0 draw against Bayern (Munich) that we have a good team. We have potential. For us mid-table this season would probably be a good result. We have a new coach and some new players. It takes time to get results.

We get an average 45,000 to our home games, if we were going better 55,000 would be possible.

Joe, you have three and a half years left on your Berlin contract. Is Germany the future for you?

I'd like to play in England. That's a goal of mine. Maybe in six months or a year it is definitely possible. I will probably get in trouble for saying this as I have three and a half years left on my contract but that is definitely a goal.

I'm a Celtic fan Joe, what about Scotland?

I'm a Celtic fan too, I wouldn't rule out Celtic or Rangers. They are both big clubs and I've seen some games in Scotland. But for me England would be perfect.

You're well known in England after the recent games for Croatia.

The game against England at Wembley was probably one of the biggest I have played in. We (Croatia) played England in a friendly in Ipswich a couple of years ago. Some of the English players refused to swap shirts. We used this to motivate us for that game.

We are a strong team. Anybody that beats England convincingly, 2-0 in Zagreb and 3-2 at Wembley is a strong side. We have some great players. Some good young players like Luka Modric, Vedran Corluka and Eduardo Da Silva. We also have some experienced players like myself, and a great coach in Slaven Bilic.

We have a great atmosphere and anything is possible for us at the Euro's. (Austria Switzerland 2008)

You're now 29, you've been a professional footballer for a long time. How do you keep yourself motivated?

I started out at Ajax on trial with Hayden Foxe (Perth Glory). But it was very hard, I did quite well but I was homesick.

I decided to get myself stronger physically and pyschologically so when I went back to Europe next time I would have a better chance to succeed.

I played in the National Soccer League with Melbourne Knights then signed for Hamburg at 19. It was very different culture. Very hard. I broke my fifth metatarsal four times in two years so it was very difficult start.

My father came over for the first few months. Having a close family is very important to me. They have helped me through the difficult times.

For me playing each week for Hertha Berlin is my job. You go to work and get your pay at the end of the month. I am a professional and always give 100%. I probably shouldn't see it like that, but that's how I see it. International football is full of passion.

To play for your country means a lot. When you put on that top, the passion and feeling you get is great. I will have some great memories when I look back on my career.

For me one of the biggest games to play is at the World Cup, it doesn't get any bigger than that. And that's why I was so disappointed to not make the second round in Germany.

I was glad Australia made it through, but I was very disappointed.

And those three yellow cards Joe, did you know?

I said for months after the World Cup that I didn't know, but I did. People will probably call me a cheat now. But it's up to the referee to enforce the rules, that's how I see it.

No worries Joe, because Australia won 2-2:)
It was a special night, a special game for many Australians and Croatians, how did you feel?

It was just another game. I spoke to Mark (Viduka) and Lucas (Neill) and Josip (Skoko) before the game. We just said let the best team win. But I was really disappointed to go out in the World Cup. But I was happy for Australia.

I watched Australia play Italy, the World Champions, and they were very unlucky to lose. I thought Australia played very well.

Australia football is often described as lacking in technical skills. how do you see it?

No, Australia should never hide before they play anyone. They should fear no-one. They have many players playing in the Premiership. I know many teams fear playing Croatia and Australia.

Most difficult opponent?

Wayne Rooney, he is always on the move that makes it very hard for defenders.

Also Christian Vieri (Italy) in Japan/Korea World Cup 2002. He was at the peak of his career and I didn't do to bad.

Most disappointing game?

England in Euro 2004 in Potugal. We lost 4-2. And the game in Germany against Australia as it meant we were out of the World Cup.

How do you relax away from football?

Golf and turn off my two mobile phones. I like to spend time with family.

You get the full interview on last week's podcast.