New Zealand will be desperately hoping star striker Shane Smeltz can take his A-League form from last season into this summer’s Olympic Games in London as the team look to upset live soccer betting predictions.
The striker hit 17 goals for Perth Glory last season, finishing second in the A-League’s goalscoring charts and establishing himself as one of the best forwards in Australia.
Now, the experienced frontman will head to London looking to lead the All Whites to the same sort of glory they experienced at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
In South Africa two years ago, Smeltz scored the equaliser in the Kiwis’ famous soccer betting tips defying 1-1 draw with then world champions Italy.
Following the season he’s just had, Smeltz will be one to watch when the soccer gets under way at the upcoming Games.
The Perth forward admitted his delight at winning a call-up to the squad as one of their over-age players.
The 30-year old will now have the chance to build on his prolific form for the Glory and try and achieve something with this New Zealand team looking to shock the world again.
“I had a meeting with the New Zealand coaching staff a few months ago, so I knew there was a possibility of selection,” Smeltz said.
“But nothing was confirmed until a couple of weeks ago, so it was really great to get the call and I am very proud to be representing my country at the Olympic Games.”
“We’re still considered the underdogs, but we showed in South Africa two years ago we can cause some upsets,” added the well-travelled striker.
