The Captain, Coach and star players of both the LA Galaxy and Oceania All stars held a joint press conference in Auckland today to talk about the upcoming exhibition match at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday night.

David Beckham was joined by Coach Bruce Arena and midfielder Eddie Lewis – representing LA, while Christian Karembeu, Coach Jim Selby and defender Ivan Vicelich spoke on behalf of OFC.

Beckham said he is looking forward to the match, and is enjoying his second visit to New Zealand.

"I hope to play well in the match, perform well in the match," said Beckham.

"We’re obviously happy and privileged to be here, knowing it’s a beautiful country and everyone treats us so well," he said.

Selby said that while many of the Oceania side may be unknown to the New Zealand public, they are role models and heroes in their respective communities.

Oceania All Stars Head Coach Jim Selby

“It gives the Oceania community and people the opportunity to gain some great experiences. Oceania has produced a lot of individually skilful players with flair and creativity but they haven’t been given the opportunity to pit those skills against some world class players and teams. This is that opportunity.

“They are also very humble players. They understand that all the proceeds from the game will go to some charities, including Kids Can and John Walker field of dreams

“It’s not going to be an easy game. With the different languages they’ve got between them we have a number of interpreters within our team which is really unique. The players know it’s not easy but regardless of what the score line might be they wouldn’t miss it for the world.

“This is part of a long term plan for Oceania that has been instigated by the OFC President and General Secretary to develop football in the region.”

For the LA Galaxy, Arena said it was about giving their young players some exposure and a chance to prove themselves as the Galaxy prepares for the 2009 season in the US.

“This game is critical for our young players and they’ll be judged harshly if they don’t fair well, so there should be some motivation for these players.

“Secondly, being here to help promote the game in Oceania is very important. I remember 20 years ago in the United States, our attempts to start building the game, and build our national team just like New Zealand is attempting to do now.

Press Conference at the WestIn on Lighter Quay in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour

Auckland City Captain and former All white Ivan Vicelich said he is excited for the young players in the squad and the Auckland public.

“It’s a big game for the community and the Oceania region and I encourage the Auckland public to come out and see a great spectacle.

Oceania ambassador Christian Karembeu is looking forward to mixing it with the stars and testing the talent in OFC.

“We are in the first stage and maybe in ten years we will have some presence on the world stage. It is also a great step for us to show that we can do something with big stars.”

photos: PHOTOSPORT