Nearpost Football

Thursday, 7 June 2007

Sally Shipard says, "This is the Matilda's biggest game for years."

Sally Shipard is preparing for Sunday's crucial Olympic qualifier against DPR Korea in Coffs Harbour.

Football in the Capital caught up with Sally after training today.

"Well, obviously we are all disappointed with the 2-0 loss to Korea last week, but we are really focused on getting a good result on Sunday."

How was Korea?

"We'd heard a lot about it. We'd taken so much food for snacks and things because some of the girls who'd been before said the food was poor. But, it was fine, so we had all this food left over."

"We stayed in a secluded hotel away from the city. We got to go for walks and stuff. People were initially very private, but by the end everyone was very friendly."

"The people pay respect to leader Kim Lee Sung. They lay flowers at his statue. So the Matilda's went to visit the statue, we had to bow. We went to see what the locals do each day. Tommy (Coach) was in his thongs so wasn't allowed off the coach!"

The game was tough. I haven't played for the Matildas for eleven months. My hammies are a bit tight but I got through okay. It was a close game, we had our opportunities and their second goal was judged a handball which shouldn't have been given."

"The stadium held 25,000, but there were 40,000 men, women and children crammed in."

"We were disappointed after the game, but Cheryl (Captain Cheryl Salisbury) got us together immediately after the final whistle. She told us to forget the game, and really start to focus on Sunday's big game. I think that helped, and now we are really looking forward to the game."

"I think we'll get a good crowd. We had 2,000 against Hong Kong in Coffs when we beat then
12-0, but this is much bigger. We had a TV crew meet us off the plane, the game is live on TV and this really is a massive game."

"This is the Matilda's biggest game for years."

"We need to win. We have a lot of friends and family coming from around the country. Its going to be huge."

Thanks Sally, and good luck.

If you can't get to the game, you can see the biggest Matilda's game for years live on SBS at 3pm.

Carl Valeri nutmegged

Canberra's latest Socceroo is nutmegged by an Under 8 Pixie from Majura Soccer Club. Thanks Carl, guess what the girl talked about at school all day.
www.nearpost.blogspot.com

ACT/NSW Futsal teams to compete in Spain

A Capital Football – Futsal touring party comprising 16 players will depart from Sydney
on the 29th of June, destined for the North-East Mediterranean coast of Spain. Two teams
nominated in youth men and women age categories respectively will compete in the
prestigious Costa Dorada Cup, an international futsal tournament in Cambrils, attracting
team entries from Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy and elsewhere throughout Europe.

Boys team consists of:

Sam Workman-Brown (NSW), Chris Lee (ACT), Patrick Ross (ACT), Rory
Devlin (ACT), Cameron Burns (NSW), Ashley Collins (ACT), Kristian Collins
(ACT), Luke De Lorenzo (ACT), Santi Exposito (COACH).

Girls team consists of:

Aniko Berguno (ACT), Melissa Khoury (NSW), Lael Burke (NSW), Shona
Robson (ACT), Hayley Buckingham (NSW), Kim Irwin (NSW), Laura Elliot
(NSW), Lisa Sullivan (NSW), Sam Jarvie (ACT), Vanh Manthongsy
(COACH).

A great opportunity for all involved, don't know how they'll put up a trip to Barcelona!

Canberran Caitlin Munoz rejoins Matildas squad.

The Matildas squad in Coffs Harbour is:

Goalkeepers – Melissa Barbieri (Melbourne), Emma Wirkus (Adelaide)

Defenders – Di Alagich (Sydney), Rhian Davies (Sydney), Heather Garriock (Sydney), Kate McShea (Brisbane), Clare Polkinghorne (Brisbane), Cheryl Salisbury (Newcastle), Thea Slatyer (Sydney)

Midfielders – Lauren Colthorpe (Newcastle), Alicia Ferguson (Brisbane), Lana Harch (Brisbane), Collette McCallum (Perth), Joanne Peters (Newcastle), Sally Shipard (Canberra), Danielle Small (Sydney)

Forwards – Joanne Burgess (Sydney), Lisa DeVanna (Perth), Kate Gill (Newcastle), Caitlin Munoz (Canberra), Sarah Walsh (Sydney)

The big game is on SBS Live at 3pm. Will the Matildas win? Tell us what you think?

Olyroos beat Jordan 4-0

Olyroos beat Jordan overnight 4-0 to qualify for the next stage of Olympic qualifiers.

Goals from Dario Vidosic, David Williams (2) and a Nick Ward header secured the win.

Olympic hopes now turn to Sunday for the Matildas massive qualifier against the DPR Korea.

Game is live on SBS at 3pm

That Mark Viduka song

Beautiful song, beautiful player.
Sung written by Alistair Griffin

Wednesday, 6 June 2007

There's only one Carl Valeri, one Carl Valeri....

We are delighted to announce Football in the Capital have signed Canberra's latest Socceroo Carl Valeri.

Carl joins Matilda's star Sally Shipard to give us their weekly insights into their world of football.

We think it's a pretty impressive line-up. We hope you enjoy their thoughts and views as the games keep coming.

Carl will write every week about the Socceroos, Grosseto and life under a Tuscan sky.

Carl spoke with Football in the Capital yesterday about his home Socceroos debut. See the full interview below.

John Howard: FTA please. Football is the world game.

A recent study scientifically observed by Lamprecht & Stamm SFB AG, a social research company based in Zurich showed that some 265 million male and female players and a further five million referees, coaches and other officials are involved in football, giving a grand total of 270 million people, or four percent of the world’s population.

Mr Blatter was happy. I wonder why?

“Football’s popularity remains undiminished and is actually increasing,” reflected FIFA President Joseph S Blatter. “If you count the relatives and close friends of active participants in football, who share in their passion for the game as fans and support them in other ways, the total number is even more impressive: well over a billion people worldwide are involved in football – at all levels of society and across all borders.”

Here are some of the most important findings of the Big Count 2006:The overall total of 265 million male and female players is almost ten per cent higher than the number recorded six years ago (242 million). Of the 265 million, 26 million or around ten percent are women;Since 2000, the number of registered male and female footballers has increased by around 23 percent to over 38 million;The growth in women's football is particularly striking, with the number of registered players up 54 percent to 4.1 million, while the number of registered players in the men's game has likewise seen an increase of 21 percent to 34.2 million.

That measures with about 500,000 Union players, 50,000 AFL and 10,000 League. Alright, alright I made those figures up.

And yet in Australia we can't get the Socceroos team on Free To Air. Good one Johnny.

In view of recent trends with Environment and IR, I'm expecting a committee to be formed by our Prime Minister, and then before the election an appropriate vote winning decsion to be announced.

If he can go all green on us now, why not backflip on FTA. Don't hold your breath......it's probably polluted anyway:)

Carl Valeri talks Socceroos

Football in the Capital caught up with a very relaxed Carl Valeri after his recent home debut for the Socceroos against Uruguay.

The first you thing you notice about Carl Valeri is his smile. You think he might be worried about not making the Asian Cup squad but he merely shrugs.
“What can I do? I thought I did well in the last two games. You can always do better, now I just have to wait and hope.” said Valeri.

Valeri has played the defensive midfield role in the last two Socceroo games, against China and on the weekend in Sydney, against Uruguay.

“I was pleased with my performance on Saturday. Disappointed that we lost, but I thought the team played well. Obviously Brad (Jones) made a big mistake, but he’s a great keeper and he’ll bounce back. It’s a tough position being a keeper, one mistake in the whole game and you can lose it, but Brad will be okay.”

Valeri who plays his football with Grosetto in Italy enjoyed playing in front of the 61,000 crowd.

“It was awesome. To have the whole crowd cheering for you felt great. I love playing for Australia. It was one of the biggest crowds I’ve played in front of, although I think when I played against Napoli for Spal, in Napoli, the crowd was bigger.”

“Uruguay was one of the best teams I’ve played against. Argentina in the (2004 Athens) Olympics was the best. They were amazing. We did well, only lost 1-0 and had chances to get a draw, but I don’t remember getting more than 8 touches the whole game. They had great players everywhere.”

“Arnie (Coach Graham Arnold) had us well prepared for Uruguay. He has scenarios for all the possible line-ups and changes during the game. His preparation is fantastic. Uruguay let you turn, so they draw you in. You think you have more time on the ball, then they pounce, trying to raid forward at pace.”

“I lost the ball once early, and they quickly created a scoring chance.”

“Arnie just told me to play my normal game. Switch it quickly and move the ball fast.”

“He’s a great coach. I’ve played under him with other teams when he has been the assistant, but its great to see him in the manager’s role. He brings a lot to the team. His preparation is amazing.”

“Although I can’t say I enjoy the recovery session. We have to sit in two-minute ice baths, and then a hot shower. We do it three times.”

Is it the same in Italy?

His eyes light up. “The Italians are more relaxed.”

Now Valeri must wait to see if he is chosen for the Asia Cup.

“I have no idea. I think I’ll know by the end of the week.”

“If I don’t make it, I’ll rest up and head back for pre-season. I’m still not sure where I’m playing next year but my preference is to stay with Grosseto and build my career.”

It was a hectic time for the Socceroos.

“I had to sign almost 800 shirts for fans. I’m an expert in getting a good signature on a shirt now!”

“I have good friends in the Socceroos. Brett Holman, Adam Federici and Paddy Kisnorbo are all good mates, and I room with Nicky Carle.”

And in September there is the Argentina game.

Valeri winces.

“I don’t know if my club will let me come. The season will have just begun. It’s along way and takes so much out of you. An athlete needs to be rested and fresh, to be at his best, and travelling to Australia from Europe to play, is difficult.”

So how does he view Australia’s move to Asia.

“Well the travel is hard. Not to China say, one flight is okay, but coming back to Australia, it’s such a long way. And, of course, playing for the Socceroos in Europe is easy. Everything is so close.”

“I’d love to make the Asian Cup squad, but if I don’t I’ll work hard and aim for the World Cup. I always dreamed of playing football, for the Socceroos, and at the World Cup. It’s funny how my dreams become a goal, and my goals are becoming reality.”

Even should Valeri miss the Asian Cup squad, based on his recent performances he’ll definitely be involved in helping Australia reach the 2010 South Africa World Cup.
Not bad for a boy from the Tuggeranong Valley.

(Next week: Carl talks Tuscano, England, Melbourne Victory and Inter Milan)

Adam Casey in Jordan with the Olyroos

Canberra's Adam Casey is in Jordan for tonights vital Olympic qualifier for the Olyroos.

The Qantas Under 23s require one point from the match to ensure progression to the third and final stage of qualifying which commences in August. Australia are on eight points, three ahead of Iran who host Saudi Arabia with the two matches being played simultaneously. Saudi Arabia on 12 points have already qualified while Jordan on two points are out of contention.

The third stage features 12 teams split into three groups and will be held from August 22 - November 21, with only the three group winners representing Asia at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Kristian Sarkies and Leigh Broxham are both unavailable due to a mystery bug.

The 19-man squad in Jordan is:

Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory), Nathan Burns (Adelaide United), Adam Casey (Sydney FC), Adam D'Apuzzo (Newcastle Jets), Bruce Djite (Adelaide United), Aaron Downes (Chesterfield, England), Ersan Gulum (Vestel Manisaspor, Turkey), Troy Hearfield (Newcastle Jets), Neil Kilkenny (Birmingham City, England), Adrian Leijer (Melbourne Victory), Trent McClenahan (Hereford United, England), Mark Milligan (Sydney FC), Kristian Sarkies (Adelaide United), Tando Velaphi (Perth Glory), Dario Vidosic (Queensland Roar), Danny Vukovic (Central Coast Mariners), Nick Ward (QPR, England), David Williams (Brondby, Denmark), Ruben Zadkovich (Sydney FC)

Socceroos lost in Sydney but we don't care!

The Socceroos lost to Uruguay 2-1 in Sydney on Saturday night, but many Australian football fans could only smile as memories of the most exciting night in Australian sport came flooding back.
I’d never been to a Socceroos game before November 16, 2005 Well, maybe one, a 9-0 over Tahiti the early 90’s. In truth there weren’t many games over the years, and even fewer that meant anything. When you’d grown up in the cut and thrust of watching Old Firm games, Socceroos games lacked a certain fire.
So I was surprised when I found myself and my six-year-old daughter heading north to Sydney for the World Cup Qualifier against Uruguay on that spring day.
There isn’t much between Canberra and Sydney. 300km, a dried out Lake, and some sheep. Lots of sheep.
Man and daughter, tootling along. Me with spectacles, and receding hairline. I was keeping to the speed limit in my white Toyota Camry, once described as the most boring car in the world.
How I would have presented to the hoons that pulled alongside? I looked in the mirror, no other cars for miles. Four men. Leering. They slowed and pulled alongside.
The lad nearest looked pissed. He wound down his window. I did the same.
He was so close he could nearly touch me.
“Go the Socceroos,” he screamed.
“I hate (Alvaro) Recoba,” I screamed back. We all laughed.
Socceroo banter on the Federal Highway! What was happening in Australia?
At the game, you could feel it outside the ground. The buzz, the expectation. I met old students wandering in their Australian shirts. I never even knew they cared.
“I flew in from Malaysia especially,” said Grant from University.
Kids kicked balls on the forecourt. Uruguayan and Australian fans mingled, and sang loud and proud. There were no police in sight. It felt odd.
Recoba shot wide. Popovich survived a send-off appeal. Hiddink introduced Kewell. Bresciano scored. Penalties came. It was close to midnight.
My daughter lay on her seat. We were high up in the stand, the very last row. We watched each player take the walk, the long walk to the penalty spot. And Viduka missed!
“You can go to sleep if you want.”
“I don’t want to miss it.”
I ate an apple. All through the penalty shoot-out I ate an apple. I don’t know why.
John Aloisi scored and the crowd, oh the crowd. The roar of success.
England sing about thirty years of hurt since their last World Cup win, well we’d had thirty years of hell. Argentina, Iran, and Uruguay, one worse than the last. Each defeat weakening our domestic game kick by kick.
After Aloisi scored. He ran. All the Socceroos ran. The whole country ran.
Some laughed, some cried. Australia united like never before. We were stuck in the car park for hours. We didn’t care. No road rage here.
My daughter will never see a more important Australian sporting occasion as long as she lives.
It was the night our history changed, forever.
And so this time it didn’t matter. When Recoba egged the crowd, we jeered but not like before.
The Uruguayan national anthem was played in silence. Last time, with all the boos, who could hear it?
Mile Sterjosvki scored, but the Uruguayans hit back. Recoba, the crafty schemer found space and drilled a pass to the far post. Diego Forlan tapped home.
And then Brad Jones, the Australian keeper on his debut, dropped a cross. Not a dipping bending one, more a floating lob. It fell to Recoba, of course, who nodded home.
Uruguay won 2-1. I didn’t care, not this time. We’ve moved on.
Iran, I can laugh at the word now. It took eight years to stop the churn of the stomach when that word was mentioned.
Australia has problems. Not for the Asia Cup, but beyond. Our next generation are not Kewell and Viduka. Our golden boys.
The Socceroos pulled 20,000 more than The Wallabies Rugby match on the same night. Football has come along way.
Losing to Uruguay didn’t hurt. Honest!

This article first appeared at www.netfa.com

Tuesday, 5 June 2007

Nicky Carle tried this for Australia!

Nicky, we love skill, but not there in the last minute of the game.
Try it home and then you'll know why you don't try it in the last minute when you are 2-1 down for your national team.

Still the game needs humour, and I loved the way he laughed at the end

Good on yer Nicky, your laugh showed me its only a game!

Carl Valeri interview tomorrow

Carl Valeri will speak to Football in the Capital tomorrow. Check back for the full interview

Viduka offered $150,000 per week

Mark Viduka has been offered $150,000 per week by Birmingham City.

I lived in Birmingham for five years and I'd need at least double that to live there again.

Don't do it Mark, hold out for a real team.

I see Viduka at Manchester United, holding that ball up for the developing Rooney and Ronaldo.

Birmingham, Newcastle, Middlesboro, have all offered big pounds, but Viduka deserves a better place to end his top flight career.

Don't sign for Birmingham.

Where should Viduka go? Have your say.

Valeri to miss Grosseto party

Tommy from Grosseto, Italy, has wrote to inform Football in the Capital that there's a big party in Grosseto on 07/06/2007 for Serie B with all citizens and players.

Tommy a mad Grosseto fan hopes Carl Valeri will be present. Unfortunately Valeri's Socceroo duties mean he is unlikely to leave Australia until he knows if he is in the Asia Cup squad.

Valeri is thought of very highly in Grosseto. Tommy, for one, is desperate for him to stay and help the team in Serie A.

After seeing Valeri on Saturday night I can think of many clubs, with a pot of money, in need of a decent defensive midfielder.

Should Valeri stay with Grosseto next season? What do you think?

Monday, 4 June 2007

Adelaide United expect crowd to grow.

Adelaide United are expecting all games to sellout within two years. With this in mind the club are looking at expanding Hindmarsh Stadium to 26,000 capacity.

The expansion involves building a second story to increase capacity by 10,000. Adelaide United board member Peter Gregg told the Independent Weekly that the club is looking at where it will be physically and financially in 10 years."We reckon that within two years every game is going to be a sellout" said Gregg.

With Sydney FC director Anthony La Paglia reported in the Sun Herald yesterday as saying he and Souths (Rugby League) owner Russel Crowe are looking to build a purpose stadium in Sydney for their clubs, and Melbourne Victory to get their own 31,000 stadium in two years the signs for football continue to be encouraging.

Any more news of stadium growth around the country? Let us know.

Carl Valeri on his Uruguay performance.

Football in the Capital caught up with Carl Valeri this morning.

Fresh from his home debut for the Socceroos against Uruguay, in Sydney on Saturday night, Valeri seemed relaxed to be back in Canberra.

"I was pleased with my performance on Saturday night. I thought I did okay. Obviously I wasn't happy with the result but hopefully I've done enough to make the Asian Cup squad."

Football in the Capital will have more from Carl Valeri on this site on Wednesday.

Matildas lose against North Korea

Matildas go down to DPR Korea

The Matildas lost 2-0 overnight in their vital Olympic qualifier in Pyongyang. The loss makes Sunday’s return game in Coff’s Harbour absolutely crucial.

The home side scored either side of half time in front a boisterous capacity crowd of 30,000 at the Yanggakdo Stadium. DPR Korea captain Ri Kum Suk scored both goals for the home side in the match played in warm and humid conditions.

The Matildas must win if they are to go to the Beijng Olympics. Hopefully they get a big home support and the team gets the victory.

With the Matildas superior goal difference a win would set them up nicely for the last two games.

The Matildas will be without the services of influential attacking defender Heather Garriock who will be forced to sit out the match having received a second caution of the qualifying campaign.

The Matildas fly back on Wednesday and will be desperate to get the win next Sunday.

Sunday’s game will be shown live on SBS at 3pm. It is the Matildas most crucial game for years.

DPR Korea are Asia’s highest ranked team listed at 5 on the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, while Australia are now ranked at an all-time high of 14.

Did you see the flab on Saturday night?

Did you see the flab?

Did you see Diego Forlan stripped bare on Saturday after the game. Torso, toned and not an ounce of body fat. An athletic body looking razor sharp. Ready to run forever.

Nicky Carle, shirt off, a little chubby to say the least.

Now I’m no expert, but should Carle be leaner and meaner. His work rate was excellent this season in the A-League. He was fit enough to run 80 metres with the ball, in the last minute of a game against Adelaide, and still have the energy to guide the ball into the top corner.

But, would he be even better if he was leaner?

What do you think? Would Nicky Carle be more effective if he had less body fat. Or is it just his body shape?

Nicky Carle, why did you do it?

Nicky Carle

Oh Nicky you’re so fine you blow my mind oh Nicky!

Did you see what Nicky Carle did on Saturday night against Uruguay. Therre was one minute on the clock. He was in the box, in a fantastic position with room for across.

Australia were 2-1 down and instead of kicking it with his right foot he tired to put his left foot behind and do a fancy dan kick. He tripped and fell flat on his face tapping the ball out for a goal kick.

Carle had been wonderful since coming on. His touches were superb and effective. Recently players, confusing the opposition. You even felt we might equalise.

The A-Leagues player of the year gave Australia a different dimension in attack…and then his miskick.

“That’s ridiculous,” said Fox Sports Simon Hill.

Did Nicky Carle’s chances of making the Asia Cup squad disappear with that attempt at unnecessary flamboyance?

Should Carle be included in the squad?

Junior football. Are you happy with your club?

Junior football. Are you happy with your club?

Problems persist at some clubs, certainly in Canberra, with the implementation of the Mitchell technical report.

Clubs are encouraged to follow the report. With no goalies and only five on the field for the Under 6 and 7’s at least one local club has reverted to goalkeepers and seven on the field. When coaches introduced an extra player on the weekend if was quickly ruled out, and seven a side was reintroduced!

Coaches seem to hate having subs in the earlier age groups. Having to concentrate on giving everyone fair game time seems to cause some coaches extra hassle.

Pitch lengths have been readjusted for Under 9 and 10’s. At one club the pitch ahs been lengthened! Complaints of overcrowding have been given as the reason.

Watching an under 9 game on the weekend I saw a team full of enthusiasm but little skill. One boy on the team had heaps of talent but his little legs and lack of support meant he and his team-mates were never going to get to the other goal, never mind score.

That team lost 6-0, as apparently they do every week. Increasing the length of the pitch in such cases gives weaker teams even less chance of scoring a goal never mind winning. The guys don’t seem to mind losing but never getting near the other goal is pretty heart breaking.

I’m a believer in less players and smaller pitches. As a former teacher and football nut, the more kids touch the ball during the game, the better their experience. If they enjoy the game, they keep healthy and will stay with the game longer. As their skills improve they will feel more comfortable when they get to the older age groups. They will also feel better about sport and, should they drop out of football, they may well feel comfortable having a go at another sport.

Wherever you are at in Australia tell us what is happening at your club. Has the game format changed or not? Are you happy with the current system?

Football on the radio in Canberra

Football on the radio in Canberra

A proposal for a community football radio program is being put to the board at 2XX in Canberra.

With over 11,000 juniors playing football in Canberra, the group behind the proposal believe the time is right to bring a sports program onto 2XX community radio for the first time.

If you are interested in assisting this program, presenting, interviewing or technical support email us at Football in the Capital and we’ll pass your details on.

Sunday, 3 June 2007

Carl Valeri v Uruguay

Carl Valeri played the Vinny Grella role in front of the back four. He screened the defence from Uruguay's attack. He pushed forward to support the forwards particularly in the second half.

At times under considerable pressure from a mobile and pressing Uruguay front six, Valeri showed excellent composure, great touch and cool distribution.

He certainly did not look out of his depth in this company.

He has been criticised this morning for not supplying killer balls to his forwards, notably by Four Four Two, but I think that misunderstands what is expected of Valeri and his importance to the team.

He is the link man, he provides release for the defence and build the momentum forward.

I think Valeri can be pleased with his performance. There is always room for improvement. A wayward tackle here and there, a misplaced pass, but this is a man who is learning his international game.

Tellingly, Arnold left him on for the full ninety. This, with his performance against China in March suggests to me that he'll be in the Asia Cup squad as back-up for Vinny Grella.

What did you think of Carl Valeri's performance?
Will Carl Valeri make the Asia Cup squad? What do you think?

Australia v Argentina Sept 11, MCG

Football Federation Australia today confirmed that the highly-anticipated match between the Socceroos and former world champion Argentina at the MCG had been re-scheduled for Tuesday 11 September 2007.

Should be a cracker.

Can the Socceroos beat Argentina? Only if we have a full strength side. What do you think?

Saturday, 2 June 2007

Australian parents are not happy John!

Talking to Parents at the local football oval this morning and the mood is not good!

"Ben wants to be a Socceroo."
"Yeah I'm gonna play for Australia,"says Ben in his Socceroo top.

He moves away and does a few step overs and such.

"Hey the Socceroos aren't on telly tonight. They are on Fox. As if I'm gonna take him to the pub, besides we have to leave at 9pm as he's too young."

"Who do I write to? It's just wrong."

And the Asia Cup?

"Is that on Fox as well?"

Four different parents in a matter of moments. All with kids, all football players, and passionate Australian fans.Helen Coonan might think she's sorted it, but the mum's and dad's of Australia, the battlers are not happy John.

You just don't get it do you. This is the the most popular national team bar maybe and only a maybe, the cricket team.Would you see them taken off Free-To-Air?

John, you better fix it as last time I looked you had a few problems in the polls. Imagine if Australia win the Asian Cup. You thought your ratings were bad now!

What are you going to do for the battlers John Howard?

Tell us what you think about the Australian team playing Asia Cup games at 7;30 at night AEST only on Fox?

Matildas 2 China 2

The Matilda’s biggest fan, Tilda Fone has been sent by Football in the Capital to follow the team wherever they go. She arrived in Beijing a little late,

but managed to catch the team before they cross into DPR Korea.

Ni hao, well it was so hush hush I missed the kick-off. The Matildas played China behind closed doors...except for the little gate down the back where a very nice man, very nice, let me in:)

Not a great way to watch a game. I had to climb out of view to the top of some rather rickety scaffold-type structure just outside the fence, to get a more elevated look over the ground.

Suddenly, I was joined by some young lads, where from I don't know. As more and more piled on, we started to look uneasily at each other, would this thing hold up? Then when it was overflowing, with bodies and limbs hanging off at every angle, we started joking about those ferries that are meant to carry around 80 people sinking and around 300 people disappear. Chinese engineering must be better than it looks, as we all happily swayed, yes swayed, and watched the whole game without incident. Wish I had a photo.

Oh yes, the game finished 2-2. Couldn't quite see the scorers, too busy holding on, but Matilda's looked in fine form.

The Matilda's fly to Pyongyang today and I'm still to get clearance. But I've had some positive noises.

So I'm off to the Airport and have been told to wait, whatever that means!

I'll get my report out come what may, you watch.

Matilda's to win

see ya

Tilda

Where is Harry Kewell?

Mark Viduka is missing tonight's Uruguay game, he's tired after a long season. Fair enough

Alvaro Recoba, not noted for his work rate is here and keen to play..after along hard season with Inter Milan

Tim Cahill is injured, but he's here in Camp.

Where is Harry Kewell? He's played three games or bits of them this year. He can't be tired, in fact you'd think he'd want the match practice.

Where is he? Why isn't he playing?

Anybody got a clue? Let us know.

Friday, 1 June 2007

Walter Valeri, your son is a Socceroo

Spare a thought for Walter Valeri this weekend.

He's played football all his life. He's played all across Australia. He's coached and managed teams. He's managed his own son's teams. He was President of Capital Football for four years only stepping down due to the increasing demands of his own job and that of Capital Football. His life has been about football.

On Saturday he'll be in the stands to watch his son Carl take the field (I expect) for his home debut for the Australian national side.

Of course he's seen him play for Australia before. At the U17 World Cup in Trinidad, U19 World Cup in United Arab Emirates and Athens Olympics to name a few occasions.

This is different.

Carl has been overseas from the age of 18, he's now 23. Imagine going yourself, or sending your young man/women off to a foreign country.

Every parent wishes the best for his kids, but seeing his son go overseas and the difficulties that brings for parents and son is never easy. Italy is a long long way away.

When Carl walks out on Saturday don't be surprised to see a few tears amongst Walter and his family. Only they will know how hard it has been for Carl to get this far.

Carl started at Tuggernanong United Juniors, so when you're wandering around your local oval this weekend have a look, you might be passing another future Socceroo

And maybe the next time a Canberran walks out for the Socceroos he will have done it by playing in his own country for an A-League side. There's a thought!

ACT girls squad tba next Thursday

ACT girls under 17 squad have their final trials next Wednesday with the final squad for both the u17's and u15's to be named next Thursday. The teams are preparing for their national championships in Coofs Harbour form July 7th .

Full list will be here on Thursday.

Shorts on Friday

Mark Viduka said to be signing for Newcastle United..don't do it Mark. This is your last big contract, hold out for a better run club..sorry Geordie John (He's my next door neighbour!)

Rangers star Michael Mols is said to be signing with Perth Glory according to Simon Hill.

Big big games this weekend:

Socceroos v Uruguay..Sat 8pm in Sydney. Watch Canberran Carl Valeri on his home debut for Australia.

And even bigger

DPR Korea v Matildas on Sunday in crucial Olympic qualifier.

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