Matildas beat World Cup hosts China

WORLD CUP PREPARATIONS ON TRACK AS MATILDAS KNOCK OVER WORLD CUP HOSTS

The Matildas scored a dramatic 3-2 win overnight against World Cup hosts China in the team’s penultimate match prior to next month’s 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Prolific striker Sarah Walsh scored seven minutes from full-time to secure a famous win for the Matildas; just the fourth victory for Australia in 28 matches against one of the traditional superpowers of women’s football.

The result all the more noteworthy with Australia starting the match minus several experienced players including goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, midfielder Joanne Peters and captain Cheryl Salisbury.

The Matildas stunned the home side racing to a 2-0 lead after just 28 minutes in what was the first match ever to be played at the new Tianjin Olympics Center Stadium. Firstly, long serving defender Kate McShea scored just her second goal for Australia when she rifled in a low shot from 10 metres after a corner caused havoc in the penalty area.

Lisa De Vanna then scored the goal of the match, with the Perth-based striker picking up the ball in her own half and weaving past several defenders in the process before lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

The home side rallied with Han Duan scoring a double within the space of ten minutes soon after the interval to level the scores before Walsh’s late strike.

The winner coming with a deep corner from the left headed back across the goal by Kate Gill for Walsh to sweep the ball home from close range. Australia will now face China for a second time on Sunday again in Tianjin, with the team to complete their preparations with a five-day camp in Sydney immediately prior to the team’s\ndeparture to the World Cup on September 5.


Australia will open their campaign against Ghana on September 12 in Hangzhou, followed by the match against Norway on September 15 in the same city before the final group match against Canada on September 19 in Chengdu.

The top two teams in Australia’s group will progress to the quarter finals and meet the top two teams of Group D which features China, Denmark, Brazil and New Zealand.

Match Details:-Australia 3 (Kate McShea 22’, Lisa DeVanna 28’, Sarah Walsh 83’)China 2 (Han Duan 54’, 64’)

Australian line-up: Lydia Williams (Emma Wirkus h/t), Dianne Alagich (c) (Rhian Davies (h/t), Kate McShea, Thea Slatyer (Joanne Burgess 80’), Clare Polkinghorne, Lauren Colthorpe, Alicia Ferguson, Danielle Small (Cheryl Salisbury 70’), Heather Garriock, Lisa DeVanna (Sarah Walsh (h/t), Kate Gill (Caitlin Munoz 93’).

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Central Coast Mariners looking strong up front.

This is the fifth preview for the new season. If you missed the others just go to the link in the archives headed, A-League Previews.

And feel free to send in your final four and Grand Final winner tips before next Friday and the big kick-off. Football's back and I can't wait!

PREVIEW 5: Central Coast Mariners

The Mariners are always fit. Very fit.

They still think they should have won the very first Grand Final in Sydney. And they are right, they missed so many chances.

This year Dean Heffernan is back. Sasho Petrovski has signed from Sydney FC. Nik Mrdja is fit. And Greg Owens has come across from Adelaide United. And they all score goals, something the Mariners badly needed last year.

I expect them to score more goals this year, and Adam Kwasnik to finish in the top three top scorers in the country! He's fit, gets in all the right positions and with more support this year he may find goals easier to come by.

The Mariners play a simple game. Have few real stars, but they are always fit under Andrew Clark's conditioning regime. They look well-prepared again in pre-season and if they get off to a good start they should make the top four.

It's all about goals for the Mariners, but with Perth, Adelaide, Queensland, The Phoenix and Melbourne all improving in player depth then a few more goals may not be so easy to find.

A lack of spark from midfield may prove their stumbling block. Can Tom Pondeljak find some of the form of the first season? Who else can create for the Mariners? Andre Gumprecht?

They won't go down without a fight. And if they can sneak the odd early goal teams will have to match their fitness to win the game.

For the sake of the club and its outstanding development I hope they prove me wrong and cruise into the Grand Final.

A scrap for fourth place I reckon, but they may just make the finals.

Players to watch: Adam Kwasnik, Dean Heffernan, Danny Vukovic, Brad Porter, Andre Gumprecht, Alex Wilkinson and Tom Pondeljak.

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Meet Australian Joey Danai Gapare

Danai Gapare on the left, with his Joey team mates, Ben Harrington, Chris Bush, Steven Domenici and Capital Football Coach John Mitchell

Australian Joey Danai Gapare talks to Football in the Capital.

Danai is a winger with pace and skill. He has travelled to many countries including Scotland and Zimbabwe, but he found Japan very different.

"It was really hot, very different culture and different language. It was good to see how the country was," said Danai.

Danai played against Japan, USA (full game) and against Korea.

Did you score?

"No, I set up Stevie (Domenici) twice." smiled Danai.

Did you tell him after?

"Yeah,"

Often?

"Yeah often," he laughed.

Danai admires Thierry Henry and would love to play professionally.

Danai attends Deakin High, in Canberra. And his goals are clear.

"I want to stay in the squad and go to the (World Cup) qualifiers in Singapore in October."

He found the attention of being a Joey interesting to say the least.

"We were asked to sign stuff. A lot of stuff."

Like what?

"Shirts, scarves, books"

How did that feel?

"It felt sick, really sick," laughed Danai.

Here's hoping it's the start of many autograph moments for Danai and his Joey mates.

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Matildas in China: Sally Shipard writes from Tianjin

Matildas Star Sally Shipard writes every week for Football in the Capital.

With the World Cup just a few weeks away Sally gives us all the news on the Matildas preparations.

Hi Guys,

It's now Thursday and we have been in camp for 1 week. We spent the first 4 days in Coffs Harbour at the usual resort preparing for our final Olympic Qualifying match against Chinese Taipei.

This was the first time we had all been together as the 'official' World Cup squad. It felt great to know exactly who your team-mates were going to be for the next month and a half during our WC campaign.

It was an exciting weekend in Coffs Harbour considering we would be leaving for China on the Monday afternoon. It was topped off by our comfortable win, 7-0 over Taipei.

We flew to Sydney, Melbourne, and Hong Kong then to Tianjin. All up, we travelled for 24 hours.

The hotel we are staying at in China is pretty flash, plus the foods fantastic (it's always a bonus).

We all have the same room-mate for the duration of this tour. I am fortunate enough to have a great gal to share with, Matildas striker, Katie Gill.

We are both studying at Uni so that works out well. Most of the free time we have we complete some kind of uni work. The majority of the time Katie is reading over her lecture notes, which in turn makes me feel guilty, so I do the sameJ

The pollution is so thick here in Tianjin and the temperature is very warm with very high humidity. We arrived on Tuesday afternoon at 3:30pm and it was still 34 degrees. We had our first training session yesterday morning. We experienced what the Socceroos must have gone through at the Asian Cup.

We play China tonight and then again this Sunday, before heading home to Australia for a short break. We then fly back to China for the World Cup in September. These two games will be beneficial for our WC preparation and will help our bodies acclimatise to the warmer weather conditions.

Stay tuned for the results.

See ya

Sal

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Meet Australian Joey Stephen Domenici

Stephen Domenici is far right. From the left Danai Gapare, Ben Harrington, Chris Bush and Capital Football Coach John Mitchell.

Stephen Domenici talks to Football in the Capital.

Stephen enjoyed staying in two hotels in two different cities in Japan.

"We didn't have much free time. It was packed in. We went for breakfast in the morning, a bit of recovery, training, video analysis, and training in the afternoon." said Stephen.

First time for video analysis?

"No, we usually do it with the ACT."

What about the playing training schedule.

"It was pretty hard, took a lot of energy out of us especially as it was so hot."

So you weren't there for a holiday?

"No," replied Stephen, "It was training training and more training. It was really good, I love it."

"I'd love to play professionally for Arsenal."

Stephen attends Daramalan College in Canberra. He played in an all ACTAS, Joey's wing attack with his ACT mate Danai Gapare on the right wing.

How did it feel to play with four Capital Football boys in the Australian national team?

"Fantastic, got your friends. Met lots of other guys. Hopefully we can all stay in the squad, make the World Cup.

"First game I played half a game against a school team. I played against Japan, Korea and Japan."

Anything else to report.

"The girls in Japan were really good! Especially the American girls which came to our hoel one time!"

At this point the parents standing nearby started to listen a little more attentively.

But Steve like most young lads quickly let the interview with a nod and a smile!

Good luck Steve.

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Jets have backfired, or have they?

Oh dear!

With over 24,000 fans backing them. And a 2-0 victory over Sydney FC in the semi-final last year, Newcastle had the chance to build a long and large supporter base. Just what the A-League need.

A team with a passionate supporter base in regional Australia.

But the wonderful Nicky Carle has gone. Charismatic Milton Rodriguez has gone. And the classy if ageing Paul Okon has gone.

Jorge Drovandi an Argentinean has arrived. Scott Tunbridge is back from Scotland, and an exciting but risky venture has seen Brazilian International Mario Jardel arrive.

Is he Brazil's answer to Stan Collymore? The FFA clearly don't think so as they've allowed this transfer to go through.

Joel Griffiths and Olyroo Mark Bridge will trouble all defences but will they get the ball?

Last season everyone loved to watch the Jets, but they will struggle to keep their large supporter base happy if the expected Nicky Carle replacement doesn't measure up. And he hasn't arrived yet!

Coach Gary Van Egmond may look enviously at the planning and community development projects of his near neighbours the Mariners.

No, the Jets are in big, big trouble. A lack of planning has hit the club and the progress of the Jets as a consistent quality club may be set back some years.

No excuses! Everyone knew Carle could go. Everyone knew Rodriguez would not accept the lowly A-League salary and of course Okon had discussed his retirement many times.

So how had Newcastle prepared?

A media stunt with the arrival of high profile player Jardel? Time will tell.

The Jets may struggle to create that special Novacastrian atmosphere this season, which would be a great shame.

The league needs a vibrant Newcastle.

Happy to be proved wrong but there is no finals place for the Jets this year, unless Jardel performs like a younger man, and the mysterious play maker turns out to be a play maker.

Players of interest:

Mark Bridge, Joel and Adam Griffiths, Big Mario Jardel, Stuart Musialik, Troy Hearfield, Jade North, Jorge Drovandi(?), Scott Tunbridge

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Australian Joey Ben Harrington is aiming high

Ben greeted by his family at Canberra Airport after playing for Australia in Japan

Ben spoke to Football in the Capital after a long flight back from Japan.

Ben plays left or right midfield and was called into the squad as a late replacement for an injured team-mate.

"I was delighted to get the call. I felt bad for the guy who missed out but I was delighted to get the chance," said Ben.

Ben has been overseas to play football before, with his club Belwest to Fiji, but this was as step up.

"The fields were better, the quality of team-mates was better, it was much quicker."

Ben came on against Japan, USA and started against Korea.

"It felt really good to start. Japan was really hot, but we got used to it."

Ben is a Liverpool fan, who admires Harry Kewell.

"I'd like to play in England, and represent Australia at a World Cup."

A Kaleen High student Ben hasn't had chance to talk to his school mates since he got called up.

Where next Ben?

"Hopefully get to go to the U16 tournament in Singapore in October."

More time off school?

"Not sure, hopefully!"

Ben took some time out from the game recently. Like many young people sometimes you just need a break. Fortunately his Coach John Mitchell welcomed him back with open arms when he decided to return.

We look forward to following Ben's football journey wherever it takes him.

Whatever happens Ben like his team-mates can say they played for Australia.

How many of us ever get to say that?

Well done Ben.

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There’s only one Perth Glory

The Glory is on the rise.

New owners. New money and a squad assembled before a ball is kicked. Times are a changing in the West.

Ron Smith, the Coach, has recruited well. But it really hurts, no it really hurts, to see Jamie Harnwell as a striker.

I know he's scored a few goals. But he's big, and an ugly player. It makes me weep.

How can Ronnie do this? Why would Ronnie do this? And him an ex-AIS Coach. Interestingly Smith is one of the few guys in Australian football Harry Kewell listens to!

But the Glory has improved across the park.

New signings Hayden Foxe (now injured), Nikolai Topor-Stanley added to David Tarka should improve the defence. But there are four goalkeepers and few defenders. The squad seems a little short of defenders. Especially with Topor-Stanley away for the Olyroos, Tarka Foxe injured and Stan the man left in limbo.

Tricky Nicky Rizzo is back from England.

Up front they also look light, but Leo Bertos is still there to create and weave his magic.

But can they score? Not sure unless the new signing from Croatia Mate Dragicevic is the business.

Young gun Nikita Rukavytsva caught my eye late on last year. He'll need time to improve his consistency but he may cause a few problems with his pace and skill. And he's tall for a wideman.

Encouragingly, for everyone who has a warm spot for a club who had 45,000 fans rock up to Glory finals games in the old NSL, the Glory made the Pre-season final.

Stan the Man, Lazaridis may not be banned for his illegal drug use or aledged use, but if the FFA don't make a decision soon, Stan will miss most of the season anyway.

Get on with it FFA. Charge him or release him!

Perth need a good season. I think they will improve, but with their strike force I can't see them making the four.

Can you?

Players to enjoy? Tricky Nicky Rizzo, Leo Bertos, Nikita Rukavysta, Stan Lazaridis,Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Anthony Danze, but not Jamie HarnwellJ

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FFA want $4 million dollars a year!

Football Federation Australia require money. Everyone knows that.

Put the pieces together.

Why else has Graham Arnold been allowed to stay in the main job despite a disappointing Asia Cup?

Why did Arnold even take the team to the Asia Cup?

Why else is there no National Women's League?

Why else is there no National Youth League?

Why else has the Technical Report not been released?

Football has a cash flow problem at best and a long-term funding/revenue problem at worst.

The Argentina game was delayed. That's three million waiting to arrive.

But where has the 15 million plus 4 million loan from Government gone?

Well costs have soared. Under the original request for $15 million plus $4mill (now unpaid) loan there was no Asia in that plan.

We hadn't been accepted, nor applied to be accepted.

Now we are and nine, yes nine National teams head off to Asia.

Under 17's Under 20's, Matilda's and Under 23's are all in or back from an Asian game or tournament this week alone.

The cost is blowing out by the week.

So $4 million a year is required for four years.

Is it enough? Have the FFA got a plan for the four years? Will they need further funding four years on? What will they spend the money on?

Rumours suggest the FFA case is not strong. It's up to the Prime Minister and he's not keen.

Not keen! Make sure the plan is strong. Make sure the cultural, social, economics and football benefits are loud.

Let's hope they get it.

If they don't? Forget a new coach, a women's league, a Youth league, more marketing, an AIS team playing in the Victorian League.

Maybe even forget training camps, and god forbid, teams competing in some international tournaments.

It's a crises, but no-one is saying it just yet.

What do you think? Do we have a problem?

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The return of the forgotten Australian U20's Captain

Canberra's Shaun Ontong can't wait to get going again.

If you think footballers have it easy spare a thought for Canberra’s Shaun Ontong.

Product of the AIS and Australia’s Under 20 Captain, Ontong headed off overseas on the same plane with a certain Matthew Spiranovic to German side FC Nurnberg after the last World Cup.

Hopes were high for both players. Spiranovic signed, played against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, and ended up winning a German Cup winners medal. Oh and he was then called in to the Socceroos squad for the Uruguay game in June.

How did Ontong go? Ontong pulled a groin muscle in the trial and ended up coming home to Australia. He captained the under 20 side in Korea in the Asian Championships in November last year. He then was without a club. He trained with Melbourne Victory for a month before heading to Switzerland for a week’s trial with FC Sion.

“The week, became a month and no offer was forthcoming,” said Ontong

“What do you do? Do you come home? The A-League is over for another year. Or do you stay and hope to pick up a club, and at this stage of the year it could be any club.”

“It was always a dream to play overseas. I felt to go home was to fail. I was determined to stay. I rang anyone I knew in football to try and get a club, a chance,” said Ontong.

“I ended up in Slovenia, with Maribor. You are only allowed three foreigners and they had five. I made six so I was never going to get a chance. From there I went to Bela Krajina.”

“It was crazy. I was living in a backpackers. I was trying to train. But I was having to guard my gear, to protect if from being stolen. At one point I got the girl behind the bar to guard my gear so I could go for a run.”

“I had a trial but hadn’t played for a month so wasn’t fit. I’m the sort of player that goes 120% and I pulled my groin again.”

“The club provided no treatment for foriegners, so I was looking on the internet trying to figure out how to treat myself. Things were pretty bad.”

“So I came back to Australia. South Melbourne invited me down to train, and I was off for a trial with Wellington, when Adelaide stepped in.”

So what is the injury status now.

“Well, I pulled my groin 3 times in twelve months, but I expect to be fully fit for the start of the A-League season. I’ve reassessed where I’m at. I’m delighted to get an opportunity with Adelaide.”

“I got great mates here. (Kristaian) Sarkies, Nathan Burns and Bruce Djite are all here.”

“Football is a funny game. Things can change so quickly. I saw Burnsy playing for the Socceroos recently. I felt emotional for him. It was great.”

“I’m just hoping to get playing again with Adelaide.”

When you play Kaz Patafta at Melbourne Victory will it be like the junior football days in Canberra?

He laughs, “You mean Belwest v Belnorth. Yes it will. They were great days. There were no football worries then.”

“I’ve learnt a lot by going overseas. And it’s made me stronger. I’ve got my love of the game back and I’m getting ready to play again. I’m with a professional club, they are protecting me, not rushing me back before my injury heals. I’ve just started jogging. Things feel good.

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Joey's from Canberra: Our future Socceroos?

Canberra's Australian Under 17 Representatives.

From the left: Danai Gapare, Ben Harrington, Chris Bush, Capital Football Coach John Mitchell, and Steven Domenici.


Chris Bush (Goulburn) Danai Gapare, Stephen Domenici, and Ben Harrington all arrived back in Canberra this morning fresh from the Australian Under 17 Youth international tournament in Japan.

Every footballers dream surely!

And when you think who has gone before them. KazPatafta, Shaun Ontong, Carl Valeri, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Ned Zelic and Matthew Kemp to name a few from Canberra alone.

Where will these guys end up?

For now the enthusiasm and joy could be seen by all.

Four boys from John Mitchell's Capital Football representative squad, and Milan Milanovic's ACTAS side is a massive achievement for the Coaches, and football in Canberra.

Well done to the Coaches.

I'll have interviews with each of the boys during the week as they discuss football, dreams, Japan and female fans in Japan!

And a footnote:

And perhaps we should be adding Alex Meibush to that list of future stars. Alex was selected in the original thirty players. Although he wasn't picked to go this time, he can't be too far out of the picture. Let's hope he makes the next trip in October to Singapore.

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New Zealand off the bottom…at last.

Day Two of the season previews: Here's the Wellington Phoenix. Each day this week and next I'll be previewing each A-League team.

Send through your predictions on your top 8 and Grand Final winners.

Well the FFA will be desperate to see the Wellington Phoenix do well.

So will I.

I'm sick of watching New Zealand sides struggling to produce any chances in front of a handful of people.

So here we go again or do we?

This time its different, no truly it is.

We have a new name, a new city, a new supporter base, a whole new team.

Check out http://yellowfever.co.nz/

And this time we've got an NZ Coach in Ricky Herbert, a fair few NZ players and four Brazilians.

No, that already sounds better to me.

They've already pumped Sydney in pre-season and snatched an away win in Melbourne.

So is this the real deal.

Let's hope so. And let's hope the New Zealand community gets behind them.

Or else NZ kids will have to watch Rugby forever and ever Amen. And where's the good in that!

A minimum 6,000 at every game and competitive performances across the park, and the season and Aussie A-League fans will be content.

If The Phoenix can achieve this, next year they can aim for the four, and to increase their crowds.

But it won't be easy. The squad looks weak to me, unless the Brazilians are all of the quality of Fred!

I've no idea how good the Brazilians are. But given the trio that came to Victory I expect them to be closer to Alessandro than Fred!

Here's hoping Ross Aloisi gets up the other players, and teams, and we see a few sparks fly.

Just above the Jets in seventh place. But surely they will be better than the Knights.

But in their first year it won't be easy.

Good luck to our friends from across the Tasman.

Players to watch: Well Ross Aloisi, the Brazilians because they are Brazilian and I haven't seen them play. Other than that who will excite me. Maybe Steven O'dor and Jeremy Christie will give me some interest. Shane Smeltz? No there is not much to get excited about, unless the Brazilians do the job…let's hope so.

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Adelaide United: To entertain us all once more.

Each weekday I'll have my short preview of the chances of each A-League team this season.

You've got two weeks to post your predictions of the final eight positions and the Grand Final winners.

Well let's start with the Pre-Season Cup winners. I always enjoy watching Adelaide United. And who wouldn't they have some of the best young talent in the country.

Nathan Burns and Bruce Djite now have Kristian Sarkies, and Shaun Ontong alongside. Add ball players of the calibre of Jason Spagnuola and Bobby Petta. This team has talent to burn.

Will Paul Agostino be fit? Will Dez Giraldi come good? Will Petta last the season?

With so many Olyroo games many United players will be missing this year and this may disrupt the rhythm.

They've also had a huge clear out, but Coach Vidmar has had time in the Asian Champions League and pre-season to make his mark. And he has.

In comes Paul Agostino, Canberra's Shaun Ontong and Brazilian Cassio to name a few. The competitive Diego is still here. The team has class and pace across the park.

With new Coach Aurelio Vidmar in his debut season and players missing due to injuries and Olyroo duty, predicting a Grand Final berth for Adelaide this time is difficult, but not impossible.

It is asking a lot of the young players, but if they get into the four, and Burns and Djite perform even stronger than last year, expect confidence to rise. And any team with confidence can go all the way.

Expect great football. Individual excitement. And if it was David Carney and Adrian Leijer leaving the A-League this year, than surely next it will be Burns and Djite.

So make sure you enjoy them and their development while they are here.

Prediction: Adelaide to make the four. But no Grand Final this year.

Players to watch: Nathan Burns, Jason Spagnuola, Travis Dodds, Bruce Djite, Ange Costanzo, Cassio, Paul Agostino, Dez Giraldi, Shaum Ontong and Kristian Sarkies,and Bobby Petta.

I reckon they've got heaps of players to get you thinking. Can't wait for Adelaide to get going.

Any thoughts?

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First ever podcast. A bit rough but enjoy!

Ok running a big experiment here. Five minutes of football talk.

We're not polished, we not much really, but we're having a go!

click on the link, it can only get better:)


Running Time 5 mins

1. Victory fans talk Kaz Patafta

2. Why Craig Foster is wrong! Dwight Yorke may be a better marquee than Juninho.

Juninho: Better than Yorke? Listen here

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Caitlin Munoz scores a hat-trick for the Matildas.

Caitlin hits three for Matildas

Canberra's Caitlin Munoz, who set aside time to coach local Canberra side The Leopards on Wednesday night, scored a hat-trick for The Matildas today.

Sally Shipard also had a good 67 minutes on the field hopefully ensuring her injury problems are behind her.

The Matildas secured a comprehensive 7-0 win over Chinese Taipei at the BCU International Stadium in Coffs Harbour in what was the team’s final home match prior to next month’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in China.

Australia dominated from the opening exchanges and held a 3-0 lead at half time before rounding out the scoring with four unanswered goals in the second period.

Munoz led the way with a hat-trick while there were also goals for Sarah Walsh, Heather Garriock, Joanne Peters and substitute Kate Gill. Australia hit the frame of the goal on several occasions while Garriock and Gill also had goals disallowed.

For more match details see www.footballaustralia.com.au

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Kaz Patafta: A Victory view

Kaz Patata: Up for a big season?

Walking away from Olympic Park, Melbourne last night, a couple of friends rang me to tell me Sydney had won the pre-season game against Victory 1-0.



They were not happy with roly-poly Coata Rican Carlos Hernandez contribution.



"Can't pass, can't run," was how Sarah, a Victory member, described his performance.



What about Canberra's Patafta.



"Fantastic, beautiful feet."



Is he good?



"Oh my word is he, he is wonderful."



And the man from Victory added,



"He won't just be the best young player in the League this year. He'll be the best player in the league."



Now that is a big call. But class is easy to spot.



Here's hoping the Victory observers are right.



For the record Alex Brosque scored the winner in Sydney's 1-0 Victory.

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Fox Sport: The new man?

Fox Sports get it all wrong.

Ever heard of Richard Prior?

He's the new guy on Fox Sports Premier League Show.

Now I can't complain about his accent. Somewhere down South in England.

But I will complain about his appointment.

Why oh why do Fox Sport need another Englishman to be the resident expert.

Australia is full of knowledgeable football fans and ex-players.

Simon Hill, English and a great commentator. Robbie Slater played Premier League for years is fine. But Richard Prior has traipsed around the Premier League with about ten clubs.

So what is so special about him?

In discussing Manchester United's exciting signings last night, Prior's response was, "I'm worried they'll miss Alan Smith. Smith gets stuck in."

You are having a larf aren't you Richard. Alan Smith, the striker who never scores. Alan Smith noted for ...well his aggression.

In a team where they've just signed Nani, Tevez and Anderson, He's worried about Alan Smith. Give me a break.

And of course when discussing the signing of Liverpool's Fernando Torres, he immediately discusses how important Steven Gerrard is.

Another Englishman with little knowledge of footballers outside the Premier League.

Fox get a female on, get an Aussie on. For crying out loud, we live in Australia at least give us an Aussie feel to the show.

Big Big mistake, oh and good luck Richard!

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Weekends Shorts!

John Aloisi saga goes on. He currently has no club! The market place has hit Aloisi hard.

Demanding too much money from Sydney, Juninho has taken his place and money!

And now Aloisi is left without a club.


Wellington Phoenix are hoping to get 15,000 for their first A-League game against Melbourne Victory for their opening game of the season at the Cake Tin, Wellington's home ground.

With over 6,000 for a pre-season game against Sydney FC, Wellington may well reach their target.

But little coverage in the local media in Wellington has local football fans complaining. Sounds like it's hard work over in NZ to get any traction for football in the local media.

Still if they get 15,000 for the first game, media coverage will follow.

14 Aussies are playing in the EPL this year. The biggest ever number of players from Australia.

And there are over 150 playing in Europe. Imagine the quality of the A-League if we had most of these players back home. Of course it would never happen, but League, Union and AFL would struggle if they lost some of their best players.

It's amazing the A-League is so strong given we lose so many players.

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A-League club profiles start here Monday

So you think you know you're football?

Now's the chance before it all starts to tell us just what you know!

With just under two weeks until the start of the A-League thought it was time to tell you what I know!

I'll have a quick analysis of all the A-League teams starting Monday.

Each day I'll tell you how one of the eight teams will perform and why.

I'll also tell you who will win the League and who will come last.

And because its football everyone can disagree:)

In alphabetical order, so Victory fans don't have to stomach my Sydney predictions and vice-versa.

So on Monday I'll have Adelaide United, Tuesday whoever is next, providing I can work it out by then.

And you can send your final eight positions, or just your Grand Final winner if you prefer.

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Fox Sport EPL Coverage is amazing this year

Now I don't watch the English Premier League because I'm an Aussie football fan through and through.



But I'm amazed to see you can now choose one of five EPL games on your TV in Australia.



And if Chelsea are boring you to death, you can switch to Derby or Birmingham or Everton or Middleboro.



No thanks, technologically it's amazing, but I'd rather watch the Aussie A-League.

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Matildas star inspires next generation

Caitlin Munoz gave these young girls a real thrill

Back row From Left: Rachael Watson, Anna Corkery, Amy McGlynn, Caitlin Munoz, Victoria Jamieson

Brooke Michalowski, Ruth Kravis, Tjanaya White, Simone Ellacott

Matildas star Caitlin Munoz took time our from her World Cup preparations to Coach the Majura Leopards Under 11 girl's side on Wednesday night this week.

Apparently the girls have never trained so hard in their life! They were inspired. So were the parents.

And now the girls will be able to watch their special coach live on SBS in the World Cup from China in September.

What a marvellous way to encourage the young girls.

Well done Caitlin. And thanks from all the girls, parents and Majura Soccer Club.

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Sydney FC have sold over 40,000 tickets

for the game against David Beckhams LA Galaxy in November.

Amazing for a friendly.

Should be Sydney's biggest ever home attendance!

Hopefully many of these fans will turn up for Sydney's first real game of the season against the Mariners on Friday week.

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John Aloisi tactics backfired

Who will Aloisi end up with?

John Aloisi had signing talks with Sydney FC and Queensland Roar recently.

According to Sydney Coach Branko Culina, Aloisi wanted a three year deal and more money than Robbie Fowler.

Then we heard Swansea were interested. Presumably as his agent tried to entice Sydney back to the table.

Now its a Scandinavian club.

And so Aloisi will not come back to Australia for love nor money.

Imagine. He chose Swansea or a Scandinavian team over Sydney FC.

Once again the Australian players show their desperation to come back and help the game in Australia.

This time Sydney did the right thing and now we have Juninho.

But where will Aloisi end up? I'd still like him to stay and add to the quality of the league.

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Sally Shipard talks Matildas

Sally Shipard is off to the World Cup.

Matildas Star Sally Shipard discusses the Matildas pre-World Cup preparations

Sally Shipard writes:

The squads been announced and yes I have been selected. How exciting.

You can never assume or be certain of your position within the team until it’s officially announced. I along with two other local Canberra girls, both Lydia Williams and Caitlin Munoz will be off to compete at the World Cup Finals in September.

Those who were selected received the squad list via email. Those who were not selected were contacted by Tommy(Sermanni).

What a tough gig, I’m glad I’m a player and not the coach.

It must have been terribly hard to cut the squad down.

We head up to Coffs Harbour today. We have our final Olympic Qualifying match against Chinese Taipei on Sunday.

Now this may confuse some but we have to play the game even though we didn’t qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games.

We will be using the game to prepare for the World Cup.
On Sunday we fly out to China for two games against the Chinese National team, arriving back in Australia on the 21st of August. This trip is short but the games against China will provide us with some competitive matches before our first game at the World Cup on the 12th of September.

We will be flying back to China on the 5th of September, after our final camp in Sydney which begins on the 1st of September.

I won’t be paying a visit to university any time soon. I will be able to access lecture notes via the internet and will complete several exams upon my return. This is the situation for most of the girls at university, I’m assuming a few textbooks and lap-tops will be coming along for the ‘ride’.

I will be keeping you guys posted while we are over in China over the next couple of weeks. Will chat more about the actual World Cup in my next blog. Stay tuned

Cheers Sal.

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Carl Valeri season kicks off

Socceroo Carl Valeri's Grosseto season kicks off this weekend when his newly promoted side take on Genoa in the Italian Cup.

Carl has had some difficulties with his internet connections. But he will be writing each week from Italy just as soon as the net gets sorted.

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Joe Simunic: The best player Canberra has ever produced.

Who is Canberra’s most successful male footballer?

He speaks three languages, has business investments, and has played in two World Cup finals, a European Championships and week to week plays his football in the German Bundesliga with Hertha Berlin.

Joe Simunic. For my money he is the best Canberra has ever produced. He started life, like many other locals, local side Canberra Croatia, now called Canberra FC. Simunic, 29, currently has a five year contract with Hertha Berlin in Germany.
For many young players, Simunic is living the dream. A European football contract in a beautiful German city. It sounds ideal.

With the German league about to start, Simunic spoke from his home in Berlin.

“I loved my time at the AIS, with Ron Smith in Canberra. I’d come home from school and couldn’t wait to go training. That was maybe my best time,” reflects Simunic.

“I left for Ajax in Holland when I was 16. After three or four days I was home sick. After playing with Melbourne Knights I eventually went to Hamburg. I was better prepared because of my Ajax experience. But it was still a huge culture shock.”

“I’m Australian. Australian born. I love Australia. Aussies are so down to earth. Going to Hamburg, there was no more fun and games. Football is a business. You’re paid well, but it’s hard. There is a lot of criticism, no-one likes that, and if you don’t perform there is always someone else ready to take your spot.”

“If I could go back ten or eleven years and know what was ahead I would think long and hard about my decision to go and play overseas. “

“You have to be tough to survive.”

And they don’t come much tougher than Joe Simunic. World Cup games for Croatia in 2002 against Chirstina Vieri’s Italy, European Championship games in 2004 against Theirry Henry’s France and In Germany 2006 he was up against a Ronaldo led Brazil attack. He’s played at the highest level.

And of course there was that never to be forgotten day when Simunic lined up against his Australian friends in the 2006 World Cup. Croatia v Australia. 2-2. A great game.

Many people criticised you at the time in Australia for choosing Croatia, how did you see it?

“I am Australian, I’m proud of that. But I also feel Croatian. My Grandparents and Parents had a very tough time in Croatia. It was a long time ago. My parents came to Australia for a better life. I am so glad they came to Australia.”

“But I had to make a decision when I was young. Financially I would have been better to choose Australia, but my heart told me Croatia. There is no right or wrong decision.”

“I was criticised by some media, but I think it was overboard. I’d like them to say it to my face. But my family had no problems within Australia. People are respectful in Australia. Australia is an open society and I’ve always valued that.”

“The game against Australia was hard. Mark (Viduka) is a very tough opponent. Australia were fitter than us. They deserved to go through. I went to congratulate Ron Smith immediately the game was over. Then I went to the Australian dressing room and congratulated each player.”

“I was very disappointed to go out, but if a team had to beat us, I would want it to be Australia.”

International football never stops for Simunic. Simunic has just played against Gus Hiddinks Russia as Croatia attempt to qualify for Euro 2008 through a group that contains England. A side Croatia defeated 2-0 last year.

“We played 0-0 v Russia in June, and next up we have a friendly against Bosnia in September.”

Advice for young Canberrans?

“Well you need to stay healthy. Train and always have fun. It’s important to study and finish school. And try to get into the Representative sides, maybe the AIS. From there the A-League is a good way to go before you go overseas."

Will you stay in Germany?

“I’ve had offers form England before. All the players in Europe want to play in England at the moment. I’ll stay in Germany unless I could move to England, Spain or Italy. I’d like to play in England one day. But Berlin is a beautiful city so it’s good.”

Do you see yourself playing in Australia again?

“I’d like to. I have business investments in Canberra. My family are there. So I’d like to come home. The A-League is going well, so if there was an A-League side in Canberra, maybe. I’ll stay in football. It’s my life. Maybe I can give something back to younger plays when I finish.”

But before all that Simunic has at least four more years in one of the toughest leagues in the World. Not bad for a boy from Canberra FC.

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A week in football for Sydney FC.

Interesting times at Sydney Fc.

With David Carney going and Mark Milligan on a flight to England, things were looking bleak.

Now with Milligan back, Brazilian Juninho signed, two new major sponsors signed up this week, and Memberships expected to increase to a record level for Season 3; things are buzzing.

No doubt the A-League need a competitive Sydney and Melbourne Victory.

Watch the AFL Grand Final TV ratings plummet if Sydney aren't in this years final.

Similarly an A-League Grand Final without Sydney or Melbourne would not be expected to break TV viewing records.

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Three Canberrans in Matildas squad

Caitlin Munoz, Sally Shipard and Lydia Williams have made the Matildas World Cup squad.

Congratulations to them.

The team have one final Olympic qualifier against Chinese Taipei in Coffs Harbour this weekend before they start to focus on next month's World Cup in China.

All Matildas World Cup games are live on SBS.

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How to promote the women's game?

Lots of players. From Under four to Under Eighteens and increasing all the time.

Across Australia there has been 100,000 more female players this year alone.

And yet very little media coverage. And I'm not just talking about the Matildas. With SBS and newspaper coverage they are getting their best coverage ever.

How to promote your girls or women's league or State Leagues. How do you get your information out? No longer do we have to rely on a local journo, or space in the paper.

What do teenage girls want to know about football. Where do they get their information from?

Any ideas, any questions or thoughts. Let us know. Maybe you've seen something from another female sport. Lets nick it!

With Youtube, Flickr, blogs and webpages there are many innovative ways to get the news of the women stars in your league out.

Anyone started?

In Canberra we're looking at new strategies to reach our growing number of female players.

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Capital Football out to find the best strikers.

Capital Football is looking to find the best striking partnership for each junior age group in the ACT.

The 4v4 play is a fast flowing game with only one mindset "TO SCORE GOALS"

Capital Football would like to see all clubs represented and enjoy the fast, fun goalscoring action.

Please see www.capitalfootball.com.au for more details

Or call Capital Football Technical Director Ian Shaw on Ph:6260 4000

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