Young Socceroos win ASEAN tournament

The team will now head to Saudi Arabia in November for the Asian Cup which acts as qualifiers for the Under 20 World Cup.

James Holland sealed the win in a penalty shoot-out. Take a look at the list of names and see who is already making an impact in the A-League..or not yet.

FFA report below.

Bangkok
Sunday 12 October 2008

The Qantas Young Socceroos have defeated the Korea Republic in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to win the ASEAN Football Federation U19 Championships in Thailand overnight.

Goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne was the hero for the Qantas Young Socceroos after making a number of fantastic saves during regulation time and three important saves during the penalty shoot-out.

The first half was an even affair with both teams creating chances but the goalkeepers at either end made a number of great saves. The Qantas Young Socceroos best chance came shortly after the half-hour mark when Mitch Nichols had his shot from inside the box well saved by the Korea Republic goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.

Torrential rain started after half time and continued for the remainder of the match which severely restricted the number of scoring opportunities for either side.

With the score-line locked at 0-0 and due to the extreme weather, both teams and the tournament organisers agreed to determine the result by a penalty shoot-out without going to extra-time.

Nathan Elasi took the Qantas Young Socceroos first penalty, which was saved by Kim Seung-gyu. Andrew Redmayne then saved the Koreans first penalty from Lee Chang-ho. Sebastian Ryall netted the Qantas Young Socceroos second penalty and Redmayne backed up with another fine save from Park Jong-woo’s attempt. Jason Naidovski extended the lead when he netted and Redmayne again produced another fine save to deny Yang Jun-a 's shot. Tahj Minniecon had the opportunity to seal the result but missed his attempt and Kim Jae-min converted for Korea. Qantas Young Socceroos captain James Holland sealed the result when he converted his penalty to give his team a morale boosting victory in the lead-up to the AFC U19 Championships later this month.

Qantas Young Socceroos Head Coach Jan Versleijen was very happy with his team’s overall performance as he looks towards the next important tournament.

“Every game we improved, the players had a better understanding of the combinations creating chances. It was pleasing to win the tournament.

“Now we have to prepare for the qualifiers and I can see improvement that will give us confidence leading into the qualifiers,” concluded Versleijen.

Earlier in the evening, China defeated Thailand 3-0, In the play-off for third place.

The Qantas Young Socceroos will focus their attention to the AFC U19 Youth Championships which will be held in Saudi Arabia from the 31 October – 14 November 2008. The top four nations from the AFC U19 Youth Championships will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup which will be held in Egypt from 10-31 July 2009.

-ends

Match Details:
ASEAN Football Federation U19 Championships - Final
Qantas Young Socceroos 0
Korea Republic 0
(Qantas Young Socceroos win 3-1 on penalties)
Saturday 11 October 2008
Supachalasai Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand

Qantas Young Socceroos line up: Andrew Redmayne (gk), Sebastian Ryall, Sam Munro (Nathan Elasi 68’), Matthew Jurman, Tahj Minniecon, James Holland (C), Milos Lujic (Jason Naidovski 75’), Mitch Nichols (James Brown 35’), Nikolas Tsattalios, Tom Oar, Ryan McGowan

Substitutes Not Used: Alex Cisak, Peter Cvetanovski, Milos Lujic, Andreas Govas, Luke De Vere, Andreas Govas, Dane Milovanovic, Scott Balderson.

Yellow Cards: Sam Munro 37’, Matthew Jurman 74’.

Red Cards: Nil

ENDS

Qantas Young Socceroos Squad List
ASEAN Football Federation U-19 Championships
5 – 11 October 2008

Scott Balderson (Stevenage Borough, UK), James Brown (AIS), Alex Cisak (gk) (Leicester City, UK), Peter Cvetanovski (Borussia Monchenlabach, Germany), Luke De Vere (Queensland Roar), Nathan Elasi (Melbourne Victory), Andreas Govas (Apollon Kalamarias, Greece), James Holland (Newcastle Jets), Matthew Jurman (Sydney FC), Milos Lujic (Melbourne Victory), Ryan McGowan (Hearts FC, Scotland), Tahj Minniecon (Queensland Roar), Dane Milovanovic (AIS), Sam Munro (Sydney FC), Jason Naidovski (Newcastle Jets), Mitchell Nichols (Queensland Roar), Thomas Oar (Queensland Roar), Andrew Redmayne (gk) (Central Coast Mariners), Sebastian Ryall (Melbourne Victory) and Nikolas Tsattalios (Sydney FC).


ASEAN Football Federation U-19 CHAMPIONSHIPS
Official Match Schedule

MatchDateFixtureVenue
1Sun 5 Oct 08Korea Republic 1:0 ThailandSupachalasai Stadium
2Sun 5 Oct 08Australia 3:1 China PRSupachalasai Stadium
3Tues 7 Oct 08Korea Republic 0:0 Australia Royal Thai Army Stadium
4Tues 7 Oct 08China PR 0:3 Thailand Royal Thai Army Stadium
5 Thurs 9 Oct 08China PR 0:1 Korea RepublicSupachalasai Stadium
6Thurs 9 Oct 08Thailand 1:2 Australia Supachalasai Stadium
7Sat 11 Oct 08Thailand 0:3 ChinaSupachalasai Stadium
8 (final)Sat 11 Oct 08Australia 0:0 Korea Republic
(Australia win 3-1 on penalties)Supachalasai Stadium

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Canberra United further signings

ActewAGL have signed up as front of shirt Canberra United sponsor. Good news.

And United Coach Robbie Hooker announced further signings this morning.

Local players Rebecca Kiting, Ellie Brush, Bronwyn Studman, Chrissy Walters, and Dubbo Matilda Ashleigh Sykes have all joined the club.

There are now 13 players on the books. ........


Four Queensland players will fly to Canberra to trial this weekend, and Robbie is still hoping to sign a player from the USA to play that centre midfield position.

Two weeks until the first game, still at least five further players to be signed. Clubs can have 18 or 20 at most and of course you can expect additional replacements to be drafted as players get injured as the season progresses.

"Having the first two games away is probably a good thing as it allows us to work on our performance and you want to win all games, but particularly the homes games and it will give us a little more time," said former Socceroo Robbie Hooker

"We've made a number of further signings today including Ashleigh Sykes who is currently away with the Promising Matildas. She's a bit raw, from the wild west of Dubbo, but has plenty of pace and she should improve," said Robbie.

Read More...

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Joeys and Young Socceroos reports

The Joeys are on track for a World Cup berth. They beat China 2-1 a couple of days ago, see reports below, and beat Turkmenistan 6-0 overnight.

One game to go. The Joeys must beat, Japan to book their place at the World Cup.

Also Young Socceroos beat Thailand 2-1. Notice the improving Thai football sides.

And Dane Milovanovic, Canberra's Young Socceroo without an A-League Youth Club. Why?
Rumour is he's off overseas...Denmark possibly.

THREE reports are below.

The Qantas Joeys have defeated Turkmenistan 6-0 in their final group match of AFC U16 Championships in Uzbekistan overnight.

Having already qualified for the quarter finals following their 2-1 victory over China PR on Tuesday night, Qantas Joeys Head Coach Martyn Crook used the match against Turkmenistan as an opportunity to rest a number of players in preparation for the knock-out stage.

The Qantas Joeys opened the scoring in the 7th minute when Ben Kantarovski finished from close range after a Trent Sainsbury flick on at the the near post from a corner.

Teddy Yabio doubled the lead just after the half hour mark with a diving header and Danai Gapre netted the Qantas Joeys third goal just before half time.

Five minutes after the break, Gapare scored his second goal of the evening with a well taken shot from inside the area. Dimitrios Petratos added to the total in the 63rd minute with a low finish and stand-in captain Marc Warren completed the scoring two minutes later with a long range shot which hit the underside of the cross bar and went into the net.

After the match, Martyn Crook was pleased with the overall performance of his team.

"It was a good game for us as the new players produced a good performance and we are definitely happy with the result at the end of the day," said Crook.

"We wanted to give some rest to the key players after securing our place at the top of the group. The new boys did well although they were playing for the first time together.

"We have a few injuries in the squad at the moment and while we used players in different positions, we also solved some problems.

"The performance in general was good although it is the first time that these players have played together. They are talented boys and we wanted to give them a chance to play international football,” concluded Crook.

In group D, Yemen defeated Japan 2-1 with a goal in the last seconds of the match. The result means that Japan will finish second in the group and will face Australia in the quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon at the MHSK Stadium (Kick-off 4pm UZT).


Match Details:
Qantas Joeys 6 (Ben Kantarovski 7', Teddy Yabio 32', Danai Gapare 43'/48', Dimitrios Petratos 63', Marc Warren 65')
Turkmenistan 0
Thursday 9 October 2008
MHSK Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Referee: Salem Mujghef (Jordan)
Assistant Referees: Awni Hassouneh (Jordan) & Fares Alshammari (Kuwait)
Fourth Official: Mukthar Al Yarimi (Yemen)
Crowd: 3,000

Qantas Joeys line-up: Aaron Lennox (gk), Ben Kantarovski, Marc Warren (C) (Petar Franjic 74'), Nathan Farrell, Trent Sainsbury, Teddy Yabio, Colin Wright, Cameron Edwards (Chahine Noujaim 57'), Mark Perrone (Chris Bush 61'), Dimitrios Petratos, Danai Gapare.

Substitutes Not Used: Zac Tubbs (gk), Robert Kolac (gk), Nikola Stanojevic, Jared Lum, Kamal Ibrahim.

Yellows Cards: Marc Warren 72'.

Red Cards: Nil


QANTAS JOEYS SQUAD
AFC U16 CHAMPIONSHIPS - UZBEKISTAN 2008
4-18 October 2008

Eli Babalj (WA), Chris Bush (ACTAS), Julius Davies (WA), Stephen Domenici (ACTAS), Cameron Edwards (WA), Petar Franjic (VIS), Nathan Farrell (SASI), Danai Gapare (ACTAS), Brendan Hamill (NSWIS), Kamal Ibrahim (VIS), Ben Kantarovski (Newcastle Jets), Robert Kolac (NSWIS), Aaron Lennox (NSWIS), Jared Lum (NSWIS), Chahine Noujaim (SASI), Mark Perrone (SASI), Dimitrios Petratos (NSWIS), Trent Sainsbury (WA), Nikola Stanojevic (NSWIS), Nicholas Tubbs (QAS), Marc Warren (NSWIS), Bailey Wright (VIS) and Teddy Yabio (VIS).


AFC U16 CHAMPIONSHIPS - UZBEKISTAN 2008
OFFCIAL MATCH SCHEDULE

Group A: BAHRAIN, I.R. IRAN, SINGAPORE, UZBEKISTAN

#DateMatchVenueKick-Off
14 Oct 2008 I.R. IRAN 2:0 BAHRAINPakhtakor Stadium20:00
24 Oct 2008 SINGAPORE 0:7 UZBEKISTANPakhtakor Stadium16:00
96 Oct 2008 BAHRAIN 3:0 SINGAPOREPakhtakor Stadium20:00
106 Oct 2008 UZBEKISTAN 1:2 I.R. IRANPakhtakor Stadium16:00
178 Oct 2008 I.R. IRAN 4:1 SINGAPOREMHSK Stadium15:00
198 Oct 2008 UZBEKISTAN 2:0 BAHRAINPakhtakor Stadium15:00


Group B: INDIA, INDONESIA, KOREA REPUBLIC, SYRIA

#DateMatchVenueKick-Off
34 Oct 2008 SYRIA 2:1 INDONESIAMHSK Stadium18:00
44 Oct 2008 KOREA REPUBLIC 5:2 INDIAMHSK Stadium14:00
116 Oct 2008 INDONESIA 0:9 KOREA REPUBLICMHSK Stadium14:00
126 Oct 2008 INDIA 0:3 SYRIAMHSK Stadium18:00
188 Oct 2008 SYRIA 1:1 KOREA REPUBLICPakhtakor Stadium19:00
208 Oct 2008 INDIA 1:0 INDONESIAMHSK Stadium19:00


Group C: AUSTRALIA, CHINA P.R., SAUDI ARABIA, TURKMENISTAN

#DateMatchVenueKick-Off
55 Oct 2008 CHINA P.R. 2:1 TURKMENISTANPakhtakor Stadium16:00
65 Oct 2008 SAUDI ARABIA 1:3 AUSTRALIAPakhtakor Stadium20:00
137 Oct 2008 TURKMENISTAN 0:4 SAUDI ARABIAPakhtakor Stadium20:00
147 Oct 2008 AUSTRALIA 2:1 CHINA P.R.Pakhtakor Stadium16:00
219 Oct 2008 CHINA P.R. 1:1 SAUDI ARABIAPakhtakor Stadium15:00
239 Oct 2008 AUSTRALIA 6:0 TURKMENISTANMHSK Stadium15:00


Group D: JAPAN, MALAYSIA, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, YEMEN

#DateMatchVenueKick-Off
75 Oct 2008 JAPAN 4:0 MALAYSIAMHSK Stadium14:00
85 Oct 2008 YEMEN 1:1 UNITED ARAB EMIRATESMHSK Stadium18:00
157 Oct 2008 MALAYSIA 1:1 YEMENMHSK Stadium14:00
167 Oct 2008 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 1:6 JAPANMHSK Stadium18:00
229 Oct 2008 JAPAN 1:2 YEMENPakhtakor Stadium19:00
24
The Qantas Joeys have booked a place in the quarter finals of the AFC U16 Championships campaign following their 2-1 victory over China PR in Uzbekistan overnight.

Jared Lum opened the scoring for the Qantas Joeys in the 15th minute when he converted a penalty after Nikola Stanojevic was brought down in the box from a challenge by two Chinese defenders.

Jin Jingdao equalised for China PR, also from the penalty spot, during injury time of the first half. The foul was conceded by Qantas Joeys goalkeeper Robert Kolac who tripped Jingdao in an attempt at a one-one save.

Kamal Ibrahim scored the match winner for the Qantas Joeys five minutes into the second half after he received the ball 30 metres from goal on the left side of the field, cut inside his defender, beat a second Chinese defender and then struck a bullet shot, from just outside the box, into top right hand corner of the goal.

The Qantas Joeys could have extended their lead five minutes later when Ben Kantarovski headed a Marc Warren free kick into the crossbar, but could not find the net.

The Chinese continued to push for another equaliser, but Robert Kolac was up for the challenge and made a great save to keep his teams lead.

A major concern for the Qantas Joeys occurred midway through the second half, when the Captain Brendan Hamill picked up an ankle injury and had to be substituted which involved a reorganisation in defence. The revamped formation held firm and a vital three points were collected by the Qantas Joeys to secure a place in the next round of the tournament

On the injured list, Jared Lum, who left the match early due to illness, looks to be able to participate in the quarter final along with Hamill who will miss the next group match to give himself the best opportunity to lead the Qantas Joeys in the knock-out stage. The prognosis is less encouraging for Eli Babalj who looks to be out of the tournament with a serious ankle injury.

Speaking after the match, Martyn Crook was extremely happy with the result and performance of his team.

"This win has secured us top spot in clearly the toughest group of the competition and the final round will determine our opposition in the quarter finals. We have the opportunity to rest some players and give a chance to other squad members to push for selection in the next round,” said Crook.

"The loss of Jared Lum, Eli Babalj and captain Brendan Hamill during the game tested our resources but there were many outstanding performances, particularly from Chris Bush and Ben Kantarovski. We now await medical advice on the condition of these 3 players and their roles for the rest of the tournament,” concluded Crook.

In the other group C match, Saudi Arabia defeated Turkmenistan 4-0. The Qantas Joeys will meet Turkmenistan in the their final group match at the MHSK Stadium on Thursday 9 October (Kick-off 3pm UZT).


Match Details:
Qantas Joeys 2 (Jared Lum 16’(pen), Kamal Ibrahim 50’)
China PR 1 (Jin Jingdao 46+’(pen))
Tuesday 7 October 2008
Pakhtakor Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Referee: Mohsen Torky
Assistant Referees: Joonmo Jang & Awni Hassouneh
Fourth Official: Mohamad Mansour
Crowd: 4,000

Qantas Joeys line-up: Robert Kolac, Chahine Noujaim, Petar Franjic, Brendan Hamill (C) (Trent Sainsbury 73’), Marc Warren, Nikola Stanojevic, Chris Bush, Jared Lum (Ben Kantarovski 28’), Kamal Ibrahim, Stephen Domenici, Eli Babalj (Teddy Yabio 46’).

Substitutes Not Used: Colin Wright, Aaron Lennox, Mark Perrone, Dimitrios Petratos, Nathan Farrell, Cameron Edwards, Danai Gapare, Zac Tubbs (gk).

Yellows Cards: Kamal Ibrahim 67’, Brendan Hamill 70’, Nikola Stanojevic 85’.

Red Cards: Nil

AFC U16 CHAMPIONSHIPS - UZBEKISTAN 2008
OFFICIAL MATCH SCHEDULE

Group A: BAHRAIN, I.R. IRAN, SINGAPORE, UZBEKISTAN

#DateMatchVenueKick-Off
14 Oct 2008 I.R. IRAN 2:0 BAHRAINPakhtakor Stadium20:00
24 Oct 2008 SINGAPORE 0:7 UZBEKISTANPakhtakor Stadium16:00
96 Oct 2008 BAHRAIN 3:0 SINGAPOREPakhtakor Stadium20:00
106 Oct 2008 UZBEKISTAN 1:2 I.R. IRANPakhtakor Stadium16:00
178 Oct 2008 I.R. IRAN vs. SINGAPOREMHSK Stadium15:00
198 Oct 2008 UZBEKISTAN vs. BAHRAINPakhtakor Stadium15:00


Group B: INDIA, INDONESIA, KOREA REPUBLIC, SYRIA

#DateMatchVenueKick-Off
34 Oct 2008 SYRIA 2:1 INDONESIAMHSK Stadium18:00
44 Oct 2008 KOREA REPUBLIC 5:2 INDIAMHSK Stadium14:00
116 Oct 2008 INDONESIA 0:9 KOREA REPUBLICMHSK Stadium14:00
126 Oct 2008 INDIA 0:3 SYRIAMHSK Stadium18:00
188 Oct 2008 SYRIA vs. KOREA REPUBLICPakhtakor Stadium19:00
208 Oct 2008 INDIA vs. INDONESIAMHSK Stadium19:00


Group C: AUSTRALIA, CHINA P.R., SAUDI ARABIA, TURKMENISTAN

#DateMatchVenueKick-Off
55 Oct 2008 CHINA P.R. 2:1 TURKMENISTANPakhtakor Stadium16:00
65 Oct 2008 SAUDI ARABIA 1:3 AUSTRALIAPakhtakor Stadium20:00
137 Oct 2008 TURKMENISTAN 0:4 SAUDI ARABIAPakhtakor Stadium20:00
147 Oct 2008 AUSTRALIA 2:1 CHINA P.R.Pakhtakor Stadium16:00
219 Oct 2008 CHINA P.R. vs. SAUDI ARABIAPakhtakor Stadium15:00
239 Oct 2008 AUSTRALIA vs. TURKMENISTANMHSK Stadium15:00


Group D: JAPAN, MALAYSIA, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, YEMEN

#DateMatchVenueKick-Off
75 Oct 2008 JAPAN 4:0 MALAYSIAMHSK Stadium14:00
85 Oct 2008 YEMEN 1:1 UNITED ARAB EMIRATESMHSK Stadium18:00
157 Oct 2008 MALAYSIA 1:1 YEMENMHSK Stadium14:00
167 Oct 2008 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 1:6 JAPANMHSK Stadium18:00
229 Oct 2008 JAPAN vs. YEMENPakhtakor Stadium19:00
249 Oct 2008 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES vs. MALAYSIAMHSK Stadium19:00


Quarter Finals

#DateMatchVenue
QF112 Oct 2008 Winner Group A vs. Runner Up Group BPakhtakor Stadium16:00
QF212 Oct 2008 Winner Group B vs. Runner Up Group APakhtakor Stadium20:00
QF312 Oct 2008 Winner Group C vs. Runner Up Group DMHSK Stadium14:00
QF412 Oct 2008 Winner Group D vs. Runner Up Group CMHSK Stadium18:00


Semi Finals

#DateMatchVenue
SF115 Oct 2008 Winner QF1 vs. Winner QF3Pakhtakor Stadium15:00
SF215 Oct 2008 Winner QF2 vs. Winner QF4Pakhtakor Stadium19:00


Final

#DateMatchVenue
F18 Oct 2008 Winner SF1 vs. Winner SF2Pakhtakor Stadium16:00



The Qantas Young Socceroos had a 2-1 win over Thailand in Bangkok last night in the ASEAN Football Federation U19 Championships.

The first half was fairly evenly contested with both teams having good chances which were unrewarded.

At half time, coach Jan Versleijen made only one change bringing on Nikolas Tsattalios for James Brown. The Qantas Young Socceroos scored in the 53rd minute when Mitch Nicholls gathered the ball in the front half, ran to the top of the box and swept one neatly past the goalkeeper.

The pace stepped up when Tahj Minniecon was brought on for Andreas Govas in the 54th minute, with Minniecon making an impact six minutes later with a trademark run down the right, to sidestep the defence from just inside the box with a pinpoint cross to Nathan Elasi who made no mistake in giving Australia its second goal.

Thailand then stepped up a gear and tested the Australian defence with two impressive saves by Alex Cisak within one minute of each other. Thailand kept up the pressure and rewarded 11 minutes later when a well-worked move to the Thai striker at the top edge of the box went past Cisak.

Versleijen was pleased with another win.

"We have finished the group stage of the tournament in top position and that was our aim.

"In these first three games I have used as many players as possible, but now that we're moving into the knockout stage, I will be using the strongest possible team especially as we're also preparing for the Asian Championships later in the month."

Versleijen said that the second half was an improved performance on the first, and he was particularly pleased with the way the midfield worked hard to create chances.

ENDS

Match Details
Australia, 2 (Nicholls 53', Elasi 60') - Thailand, 1
Thursday 9 October 2008
Royal Thai Army Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand

Jason Naidovski (Newcastle Jets), Thomas Oar (Queensland Roar), Andrew Redmayne (gk) (Central Coast Mariners),

Qantas Young Socceroos line up: Alex Cisack (gk), Sebastian Ryall, Sam Munro, Matthew Jurman, James Holland (Dane Milovanovic 71'), Mitch Nicholls, Milos Lujic, Ryan McGowna, Nathan Elasi, James Brown (Nikolas Tsattalios 46'), Andreas Govas (Tahj Minniecon 54')

Substitutes Not Used: Scott Balderson, Peter Cvetanovski, Luke De Vere, Jason Naidovski, Thomas Oar, Andrew Redmayne (gk)

Yellow Cards: Holland 67', Milovanovic 71'

Red Cards: Nil

Qantas Young Socceroos Squad List
ASEAN Football Federation U-19 Championships
5 – 11 October 2008

Scott Balderson (Stevenage Borough, UK), James Brown (AIS), Alex Cisak (gk) (Leicester City, UK), Peter Cvetanovski (Borussia Monchenlabach, Germany), Luke De Vere (Queensland Roar), Nathan Elasi (Melbourne Victory), Andreas Govas (Apollon Kalamarias, Greece), James Holland (Newcastle Jets), Matthew Jurman (Sydney FC), Milos Lujic (Melbourne Victory), Ryan McGowan (Hearts FC, Scotland), Tahj Minniecon (Queensland Roar), Dane Milovanovic (AIS), Sam Munro (Sydney FC), Jason Naidovski (Newcastle Jets), Mitchell Nichols (Queensland Roar), Thomas Oar (Queensland Roar), Andrew Redmayne (gk) (Central Coast Mariners), Sebastian Ryall (Melbourne Victory) and Nikolas Tsattalios (Sydney FC).

ASEAN Football Federation U19 Championships
Match Schedule

MatchDateFixtureKick-Off TimeVenue
1Sun 5 Oct 08Korea Republic 1:0 Thailand5:00pm TST (9:00pm AEDT)Supachalasai Stadium
2Sun 5 Oct 08Australia 3:1 China PR7:30pm TST (11:30pm AEDT)Supachalasai Stadium
3Tues 7 Oct 08Korea Republic 0:0 Australia 5:00pm TST (9:00pm AEDT)Royal Thai Army Stadium
4Tues 7 Oct 08China PR 0:3 Thailand 7:30pm TST (11:30pm AEDT)Royal Thai Army Stadium
5 Thurs 9 Oct 08China PR vs. Korea Republic5:00pm TST (9:00pm AEDT)Supachalasai Stadium
6Thurs 9 Oct 08Thailand vs. Australia 7:30pm TST (11:30pm AEDT)Supachalasai Stadium
7Sat 11 Oct 083rd Position vs. 4th Position5:00pm TST (9:00pm AEDT)Supachalasai Stadium
8 (final)Sat 11 Oct 08Group Champion vs. Group R-up7:30pm TST (11:30pm AEDT)Supachalasai Stadium

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Warwick Hadfield: You've caved in

Warwick Hadfield on Nearpost Radio on Tuesday.

Despite what you read here, I'm very highbrow and enjoy listening every morning to Radio National's Breakfast programme with Fran Kelly. Love ya Fran, you are the best.

And at 7.35am every morning Australia's best all-round sports journo Warwick Hadfield fills us in, as only he can, on the days news in sport.

He's highly intelligent and unlike almost all other Australia journo's he's rarely pro or anti any particular code despite being a passionate lover of Geelong, AFL club.

Anyways up, Warwick has being calling football, well football, for some time out of respect for the organisation, the game and Warwick is just a smart observer of the times.

He does slip occasionally into the round-ball game or WorldGamearoos to seemingly avoid saying the dreaded word...football.

Well now after trying so hard, and here's me thinking it came naturally to Wazza, he's caved in.

He's now calling it soccer again. With confidence! And he seems to feel it fits right.

What you call the game doesn't concern me: What concerns me is why Warwick, our finest, has changed.

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Canberra United Squad named today!

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Adelaide beware

I remember watching Celtic defeat Real Madrid 2-0 in the home leg in 1984 in the old European Cup. Despite Laurie Cunningham's dazzling bending corners and a Scottish team nearly all home grown Celtic not only managed to beat the Mighty Madrid but beat them by 2-0.

There was bedlam in Glasgow that night!

Surely it would be enough in the Second Leg....It wasn't Celtic lost 3-0, how neat and the Hoops barely had a shot all night.

Adelaide's away form gives me hope they will score, but no football fan thinks this tie is over yet..even at 3-0.

It was just something about the whole game that leaves me worried. But 3-0 surely no team can lose from there.

Two-nil is the most dangerous lead in football, unless you are fans of Perth Glory or AC Milan I guess:)

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NSW Premier spot open

NSW Premier League has a spot for another team!

Remember Belconnen Blue Devils or Canberra Deakin taking the league by storm only to be given the boot.

Well on the NSW website they are calling for another team to replace the Penrith and Macarthur Rams sides.

So would Belconnen United or Canberra FC be ready to go round again? Would NSW support such a club from outside NSW:)....make that Sydney.

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Dubbo girl on debut for Matildas

Matildas beat Thailand 2-0 with two goals from Victoria Balomenos. And that caps a great week for Balomenos who is good friends I'm told with Fabian Barbiero the goal-scoring Asian Champions League semi-finalist with Adelaide United.

And Ashleigh Sykes the fastest player in the Matildas, it's official now as she made her debut yesterday. Good stuff.

Release below.

HO CHI MINH CITY
9 October 2008

The Westfield Matildas have had a first up win against Thailand in the ASEAN Football Federation Championships being held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Played in warm and humid conditions, Australia started off brightly with good possession with the first real chance coming in the 10th minute when a Lauren Colthorpe header, off a Ella Mastrantonio free kick, just went wide. Another attempt from Leena Khamis just a minute later also went wide.

With Tameka Butt (ankle injury) replaced by Ashleigh Sykes in only the 12th minute, the Westfield Matildas continued to pressure, and were disappointed when Khamis' shot found the back of the net in the 24th minute, ontly to be judged offside. While the pressure continued throughout the half, Thailand showed an improved defence and also moved the ball quickly for some counter attacking moves of their own.

Thailand came out the more lively in the second half with Williams tested in the 54th minute by a shot from just inside the box from Thailand.

Substitute Jenna Tristram replaced Colthorpe in the 61st minute and immediately made an impact with an angled attempt from the right collected by the Thai goalkeeper. Another substitution by Westfield Matildas coach, Tom Sermanni, saw Victoria Balomenos brought on for Khamis, with Amy Chapman and Balomenos combining well in moving forward.

The Westfield Matildas' first goal came in the 71st minute after Colthorpe and Tristram traded passes, crossed to Chapman whose attempt on goal was fumbled by the Thai goalkeeper with Balomenos on had to tap it in at close range. Australia was in control of the game when, in the 86th minute, Tristram won the ball, passed it to Ashleigh Sykes on the right who split the Thai defence wit a precision pass to Balomenos in the box who finished with a low angled shot from 15 metres out.

Assistant Coach, Alistair Edwards, said a first-up win in a tournament is always good.

"We can build on that performance and learn from it," he said.

"We secured the result against a very well organised opponent, but there's room for improvement."

Edwards said he and Sermanni were particularly pleased with the performance given that the Westfield Matildas comprises many up-and-coming younger players.

"Ashleigh Sykes made her debut today, and was terrific. She set up the second goal and was a constant danger.

"Ella Mastrantonio also did very well for her first start in the senior team."

Australia's next match will be against the Philippines on Saturday at 5.45pm local time (9.45pm AEDT).

ENDS

Match Details

AFF Women's Championship 2008
9 October
Thailand v Australia
Thanh Long Sports Complex, Vietnam
3.30pm local

THAILAND 0 - AUSTRALIA 2 (Balomenos 71', 86')

STARTING LINE-UP: 18. Williams (GK), 2. Spence, 4. Polkinghorne, 7. Kellond-Knight, 10. Khamis (15. Balomenos, 67'), 11. Butt (22. Sykes, 12'), 13. Chapman, 14. Uzunlar, 16. Colthorpe (9. Tristram, 61'), 19. Carroll (C), 20. Mastrantonio
SUBS NOT USED: Barbieri (GK), Rollason, Glohe, Walters

YELLOW CARDS: Khamis (42')

RED CARDS: Nil

ASEAN Women’s Football Championships 2008
Remainder of Tournament

11 October
Philippines v Westfield Matildas
Than Long Sports Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Local kick off time 5.45pm (9.45pm AEDT)

13 October
Singapore v Westfield Matildas
Than Long Sports Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Local kick off time 5.45pm (9.45pm AEDT)

18 October
Semi finals
Than Long Sports Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Local kick off time 3.30pm and 5.45pm (7.30pm and 9.45pm AEDT)

20 October
3/4 playoff
Than Long Sports Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Local kick off time 3.30pm (7.30pm AEDT)

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Another Canberran to represent Australia?

Many Canberrans will know Steve Hogg and the wonderful player he was...well this isn't about him!

Rather Kahlia Hogg, Steve's daughter, has made the Australian Under 17 Squad. Well done Kahlia.

Like famous Canberran footballing names, Milovanovic, Giampaolo, Valeri, Lustica and others it has to be in the genes......Release below.

ACTAS footballer’s named in Junior and Senior National Squads Football Federation Australia (FAA) has announced their U/17 national squad for a camp to be held in Brisbane from 13 -17 October, with ACT Academy of Sport (ACTAS) trialling scholarship holder Kahlia Hogg being named in the squad.

Kahlia has been training with the ACTAS National Training Centre Program for the last 5 months and
was more recently offered a trial scholarship after discussions with the U/17 National Coach Gary
Phillips who wanted Kahlia to have the ‘opportunity to train in the best possible environment,
accelerating her education and enhancing her selection chances.’
The ACTAS and Canberra United W-League Head Coach Robbie Hooker says of her selection –

“Kahlia has benefited greatly from training with the ACTAS program. She was given an opportunity to
display her football skills and game awareness in the ACTAS team in a game against the U/17 National
squad a few weeks ago where Gary Phillips obviously liked what he saw.”

“Kahlia’s selection in the U/17 National squad continues the outstanding contribution of the ACTAS

Women’s Football Program at all national levels. “ Hooker also said.
In other news - National Head Coach Tom Sermanni has named his Westfield Matilda’s squad for the
ASEAN Women’s Football Championships to be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from 9 - 21
October. The squad includes three ACTAS and ACTAS/AIS Scholarship Holders.

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Fox Sport TV Deal to be re-negotiated

This is a blog, full of the blarney and here's the latest.

FFA are to renegotiate the Fox TV deal at Christmas. That's it no more no less. That's what I heard from those who know or think they do.

A new deal, including FTA, maybe with the league expanding a new deal is possible.

That said would any FTA station touch the A-League?

They won't show NRL or AFL live across the country and these codes are pumped across all media all the time, so why would they take A-League games which would not get big ratings on a Friday night across Australia in my opinion.

We need FTA, we also need better match commentators because in my view only Simon Hill fits the bit as a commentator of the required standard. Andy Harper and Paul Trimboli are great as the offsiders but we need quality commentators...or else FTA or not it's hard to stomach.

So come on you young Aussies get commentating on the games and entertain us. We football fans deserve the best, and we ain't getting it yet are we?

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Sydney FC: We're the best...on paper.

Great to see the confidence coming out of Sydney FC's W-League side.

Matildas star Sarah Walsh says, "We're probably the best on paper," and of course every other team will have something to say about that.

Full Sydney squad below. How strong? Verdict..on paper..very just like their menside:)

Sydney FC’s women count down to the W-League

Boasting a potent mix of experienced internationals, talented youth and the guiding hand of Young Matilda’s coach Alen Stajcic, Sydney FC’s inaugural Westfield W-League team is looking to shine on the National stage as the start of the Westfield W-League draws near.

With little over a fortnight remaining before kick-off, Sydney’s new mentor is confident his players can emulate the success of their male counterparts during their opening campaign.

“We have a lot of stars in the team and are looking to win the competition,” said Stajcic. “We are not afraid to say first position is what we are aiming for so hopefully we will be there on finals day.”

The Sydney squad boasts a number of Matildas, including Heather Garriock, Danielle Small and Sarah Walsh.

With women’s football absent from the National scene in recent years, Walsh believes the re-born league will provide renewed opportunities for young women to follow their football dreams.

“The W-League is going to keep a lot of people in women’s football that would otherwise have been lost from the game,” she said. “Later on this will obviously lead to added pressure and more competition for places in the Matlidas, which can only be good for the game.”

Walsh and FC team-mate Heather Garriock have been chosen in the draft for America’s upcoming Women’s Professional Soccer competition, but before taking up that challenge she has her sights set on taking the Westfield W-League trophy.

“I may be biased but I believe we are probably the best on paper, and if we can live up to our potential we should have a good season,” said Walsh.
Training alongside the Central Coast Mariners women’s squad, FC’s coach believes preparations are progressing well for his side’s first round match against the Perth Glory.

“The team is working well,” said Stajcic. “We have a big group of players so we play together quite regularly and things are shaping up nicely for the start of the competition.”

The Sky Blue women will face their first test when they take on the Glory in the opening match of the Westfield W-League season in Perth on October 25.

For more information please contact Sydney FC Media Manager, Terry Aylett by email at terrya@sydneyfc.com or on 0417226649.


Sydney FC Westfield W-League 2008/09 Squad
NameFormer ClubDate of Birth
Danielle SmallNSWIS7 February 1979
Linda O'NeillNSWIS25 May 1992
Alesha CliffordNSWIS16 September 1991
Yesim UzunlarNSWIS8 March 1989
Carlie IkonumouNSWIS29 October 1990
Nicola BolgerNSWIS3 March 1993
Kylie LedbrookMacarthur Rams20 March 1986
Leena KhamisNSWIS19 June 1986
Loren MahoneyNSWIS9 February 1992
Lisa GilbertNSWIS9 December 1978
Danielle BroganMacarthur Rams28 June 1988
Sarah WalshNSWIS11 January 1983
Jessica SeamanNSWIS17 June 1990
Samantha SpackmanNSWIS16 June 1991
Michelle HeymanIllawarra Stingrays4 July 1988
Jo BurgessQLD23 September 1979
Rachel CooperNSWIS14 March 1989
Nikki DieterAlbury Assoc.24 July 1991
Makkieh ElhusseiniSutherland22 August 1985
Heather GarriockNSWIS21 December 1982

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Adelaide United trailblazers

Tonight in Adelaide, new football, takes another step. Appropriately, to me, it is a team from the old NSL playing in a stadium used in the old NSL, that will take us to a place this game, in this country, has never ever been.

Semi-Final time. Of the Asian Champions League.

Whatever your sporting passion, when there is a prize on the line, the crowd swells, and the intensity lifts.

See Hawthorn in the AFL, even Manly in the NRL. Big crowds, big emotions.

Tonight Adelaide United will walk out to a full house against Zico coached Bunyodkor.

And look at the Aussies getting great experience.

Scott Jamieson, wallowing in Bolton reserves until recently. Lucas Pantelis, Travis Dodd lighting up Asia. Robbie Cornthwaite adding to his experiences. Eugene Galekovic dumped from Melbourne Victory now a Socceroo squad member. Paul Reid returned from years with Brighton nobody in lower league England, even Paul Agostino much maligned on this blog but finishing his career in his home town on a boy's own adventure.

While the A-League continues to provide a football pathway for many wannabee Socceroos and the National Youth League improves the player base further it is the Asian pathway, the Asian Champions League and World Cup Qualifier routes that has provided football in Australia with great opportunities.

It is Asia that will provide further revenue opportunities and secure the new game, the new clubs. slowly we're seeing the benefits, even if they aren't all financial yet.

Mid-week. A club game in Australia is sold-out. It can't happen in Rugby League, Union, or AFL. The players can't take club midweek games.

So football sneaks another advantage.

And international competition doesn't count, not in Asia, so the likes of the grumpy old men, Roy Masters and Peter FitzSimons would tell you?

Pull the other one. This is about building bridges with a part of the world many Australians have never been to, in some cases, never heard of. This is bigger than football.

And the Federal Government knows it.

Why else would they pour money into football, ripping it away from League and Union when all the AFL cronies are trying to tell them we don't deserve it. The Government both Howard and Rudd saw the future and went against the old Australia policy.

Anything but Football.

Football can do more for Australia than any other sport. In the years to come as our young men and women travel across Asia, networks and friendships will form. They already are.

Joeys in Uzbekistan this week, Young Socceroos in Thailand, Young Matildas and Matildas head to Vietnam and Thailand in the coming days. Coaches, players, administrators and fans all adding to the depth of experience

And of course Adelaide take on Bunyodkor in a humdinger tonight. Go Adelaide, I'd loved to see league's most entertaining side over the first three years in the Final.

Bit of work to be done yet....

You'd be mad to miss it.

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Caitlin Munoz plays in UAE

Nearpost Radio heard from Caitlin Munoz last night and her recent football journey to play in a seven-a-side tournament in the United Arab Emirates. How times are female footballers.

Unfortunately our local show failed to podcast this week.

Michella, Fitsum and myself talk Adelaide United, Socceroos and A-League and dedicate the show to Raiders CEO David Furner.
Download

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Socceroos: Guess who's out!!

Got it in one did you?

Yes, Harry Kewell's got a club now, and he's injured so he's not coming. Heard it all before haven't you.
More worryingly Marco Bresciano, Vinny Grella are also injured with Carl Valeri suspended our centre midfield looks a tad weak.

Jason Culina is back but will Jacob Burns or even Stuey Musialik/Mile Jedinak provide the super 2 manscreen that we always seem to need in front of a Pim led team. Full squad below.

We'd better win:)

Qantas Socceroos Head Coach Pim Verbeek has confirmed his final squad of 28 players for the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier round 4 match against Qatar in Brisbane on Wednesday 15 October (Kick-off 7.30pm AEST).

Lucas Neill will line-up for the Qantas Socceroos along with Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer, Brett Emerton, Scott Chipperfield, Jason Culina, Luke Wilkshire, Josh Kennedy and Scott McDonald.

Scott McDonald returns to the Qantas Socceroos squad fresh from scoring for Celtic in his teams’ 4-0 defeat of Hamilton in the Scottish Premier League over the weekend.

Queensland Roar Captain Craig Moore will also return to the Qantas Socceroos squad after coming back from international retirement. Moore has enjoyed a solid start to the Hyundai A-League season and has the experience and form to help the Qantas Socceroos in this important qualifying match against Qatar.

Sydney FC’s Stuart Musialik will have a chance to make his senior international debut after netting a last-gasp equaliser against the Queensland Roar on Saturday night in Sydney.

The Adelaide United quartet of Eugene Galekovic, Robert Cornthwaite, Scott Jamieson and Paul Reid will join the Qantas Socceroos squad in Brisbane on Thursday after they take on Kuruvchi/Bunyodkor in the first leg of the AFC Champions League 2008 Semi-Final at Hindmarsh Stadium tomorrow night.

Unfortunately, Mark Bresciano, Vincenzo Grella and Harry Kewell have been omitted from the final squad due to injury concerns, whilst Shannon Cole, Ante Covic, Matt Simon and Alex Wilkinson have also missed out on selection.

The Qantas Socceroos will arrive in Brisbane tomorrow and will train together at Ballymore in the afternoon.

Tickets for this crucial upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier are available from Ticketek online (www.ticketek.com.au), by phone (132 849) or at any outlet.

All Qantas Socceroos matches are broadcast live and exclusive on FOX Sports.



QANTAS SOCCEROOS SQUAD – Wednesday 1 October 2008

NameClubCountryA-Internationals (goals)
Jacob BURNSFC Unirea ValahorumRomania8 (0)
Tim CAHILLEvertonEngland28 (13)
David CARNEYSheffield United FCEngland15 (1)
Scott CHIPPERFIELDFC BaselSwitzerland57 (12)
Robert CORNTHWAITEAdelaide United Australia0(0)
Chris COYNEColchester United FCEngland4 (0)
Jason CULINAPSV EindhovenNetherlands33 (1)
Bruce DJITEGenclerbirligi SKTurkey7 (0)
Brett EMERTONBlackburn RoversEngland68 (14)
Eugene GALEKOVICAdelaide United Australia0(0)
Richard GARCIAHull City FCEngland2 (0)
Brett HOLMANAZ AlkmaarNetherlands19 (1)
Scott JAMIESONAdelaide UnitedAustralia0 (0)
Mile JEDINAKCentral Coast Mariners Australia3 (0)
Josh KENNEDYKarlsruher SCGermany8 (4)
Scott MCDONALDCeltic FCScotland9 (0)
Craig MOOREQueensland RoarAustralia39 (3)
Stuart MUSIALIKSydney FCAustralia0 (0)
Lucas NEILLWest Ham United FCEngland44 (0)
Jade NORTHNewcastle JetsAustralia22 (0)
Michael PETKOVICSivassporTurkey6 (0)
Paul REIDAdelaide UnitedAustralia0 (0)
Mark SCHWARZERFulham FCEngland61 (0)
Matthew SPIRANOVICFC NurnbergGermany2 (0)
Shane STEFANUTTOFC Lyn OsloNorway1 (0)
Mile STERJOVSKIDerby County FCEngland37 (7)
Archie THOMPSONMelbourne VictoryAustralia30 (21)
Luke WILKSHIREFK Dinamo MoscowRussia29 (0)


ENDS

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Is Mark Viduka finished? I hope not.

It's October and the English season in full flight but "The Duke," Australia's greatest ever forward is back in Australia.

Why? To get treatment on his ongoing injury problem so we are told. Viduka would be the first to acknowledge he is no longer able to run beyond the defence.

And with an achilles injury and with Viduka being a notorious slow returnee to best playing fitness, Viduka could be looking at a very long lay off.

Why else is he here?

If it's a long lay-off maybe recovery in the Aussie spring is better for the soul and body than lying on physio tables in Northern England.

And more worryingly for Viduka his contract with Newcastle is up at the end of this season. If he's not back playing and playing well before March expect to see Viduka on the move again.

Is the best of Viduka now long gone? There's nothing worse than seeing a great striker lose his pace and watch his slow decline.

Just ask Sydney FC fans, and for that matter Adelaide United's as well.

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Adelaide's greatest footballer?

Rivaldo: Is he the best footballer ever to play a competitive game in Adelaide?
Romario...way past his best, anyone else?
Mark Viduka?

Don't miss tomorrows's historic Asian Cup Semi-Final. Adelaide v Punyodkor..Rivaldo v Dodd...not Agostino:)

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Canberra bid on SBS

David Basheer ran a great story on the Canberra A-League bid yesterday.

Ivan Slavich, Walter Valeri and Anthony Hatton put the Canberra/SNSW bid forward on SBS yesterday.

Watch the video here

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Canberrans shine in Tashkent.

Chris Bush (Goulburn) Danai Gapare and Stephen Domenici (2 goals) all played a part in the Australian Under 16 first game in their attempt to qualify for the Under 17 World Cup.

Australia 3 Saudi Arabia 1: Details below

Tashkent
Monday 6 October 2008

The Qantas Joeys have begun their AFC U16 Championships campaign with a 3-1 victory over Saudi Arabia in Uzbekistan overnight.

A first half double from Stephen Domenici helped set up the win with captain Brendan Hamill securing the result early in the second half with a well taken volley from inside the penalty box.

The Qantas Joeys opened the scoring in the 14th minute when goalkeeper Robert Kolac kicked long to find Eli Babalj deep in the opposition half. Babalj then flicked on to Domenici who neatly finished his one-on-one opportunity against the Saudi goalkeeper.

Domenici added his second on the half hour mark when he received the ball on halfway, on the left side, and attacked, beating two defenders and placing his stinging shot inside the near-post from inside the box.

Shortly after the start of the second half, a Jared Lum corner found Trent Sainsbury who flicked on to Brendan Hamill inside the box. Hamill controlled with his chest and then volleyed his shot into the bottom right corner of the goal to give his team a three goal lead.

Faisal Al Ghamdi scored a consolation goal for Saudi Arabia late in the match, but the Qantas Joeys had done enough to take all three points.

Qantas Joeys Head Coach Martyn Crook was pleased with his team’s opening match performance.

"It’s important to get off to a good start in any tournament especially against good opposition, a great result.

"A win against China will guarantee a quarter final appearance and closer to a place at the 2009 FIFA U17 World Cup.

“We will do a recovery session now and focus on this match,” concluded Crook.

In the other group C match, China PR defeated Turkmenistan 2-1. The Qantas Joeys will meet China PR in the their second group match on Tuesday 7 October (Kick-off 4pm UZT).


Match Details:
Saudi Arabia 1 (Faisal Al Ghamdi 83’)
Qantas Joeys 3 (Stephen Domenici 14’/30’, Brendan Hamill 49’)
Sunday 5 October 2008
Pakhtakor Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Referee: Valentin Kovalenko (Uzbekistan)
Assistant Referees: Viktor Serazitidinov (Uzbekistan) & Joonmo Jang (Korea Republic)
Fourth Official: Minoru Tojo (Japan)
Crowd: 3,500

Qantas Joeys line-up: Robert Kolac, Chahine Noujaim, Petar Franjic, Brendan Hamill (C), Trent Sainsbury (Nathan Farrell 61’), Kamal Ibrahim, Jared Lum, Chris Bush, Nikola Stanojevic, Stephen Domenici (Cameron Edwards 70’), Eli Babalj (Danai Gapare 70’).

Substitutes Not Used: Teddy Yabio, Colin Wright, Aaron Lennox, Mark Perrone, Dimitrios Petratos.

Yellows Cards: Nathan Farrell 62’

Red Cards: Nil


QANTAS JOEYS SQUAD
AFC U16 CHAMPIONSHIPS - UZBEKISTAN 2008
4-18 October 2008

Eli Babalj (WA), Chris Bush (ACTAS), Julius Davies (WA), Stephen Domenici (ACTAS), Cameron Edwards (WA), Petar Franjic (VIS), Nathan Farrell (SASI), Danai Gapare (ACTAS), Brendan Hamill (NSWIS), Kamal Ibrahim (VIS), Ben Kantarovski (Newcastle Jets), Robert Kolac (NSWIS), Aaron Lennox (NSWIS), Jared Lum (NSWIS), Chahine Noujaim (SASI), Mark Perrone (SASI), Dimitrios Petratos (NSWIS), Trent Sainsbury (WA), Nikola Stanojevic (NSWIS), Nicholas Tubbs (QAS), Marc Warren (NSWIS), Bailey Wright (VIS) and Teddy Yabio (VIS).


AFC U16 CHAMPIONSHIPS - UZBEKISTAN 2008
OFFCIAL MATCH SCHEDULE

Group A: BAHRAIN, I.R. IRAN, SINGAPORE, UZBEKISTAN

#DateMatchVenueKick-Off
14 Oct 2008 I.R. IRAN 2:0 BAHRAINPakhtakor Stadium20:00
24 Oct 2008 SINGAPORE 0:7 UZBEKISTANPakhtakor Stadium16:00
96 Oct 2008 BAHRAIN vs. SINGAPOREPakhtakor Stadium20:00
106 Oct 2008 UZBEKISTAN vs. I.R. IRANPakhtakor Stadium16:00
178 Oct 2008 I.R. IRAN vs. SINGAPOREMHSK Stadium15:00
198 Oct 2008 UZBEKISTAN vs. BAHRAINPakhtakor Stadium15:00


Group B: INDIA, INDONESIA, KOREA REPUBLIC, SYRIA

#DateMatchVenueKick-Off
34 Oct 2008 SYRIA 2:1 INDONESIAMHSK Stadium18:00
44 Oct 2008 KOREA REPUBLIC 5:2 INDIAMHSK Stadium14:00
116 Oct 2008 INDONESIA vs. KOREA REPUBLICMHSK Stadium14:00
126 Oct 2008 INDIA vs. SYRIAMHSK Stadium18:00
188 Oct 2008 SYRIA vs. KOREA REPUBLICPakhtakor Stadium19:00
208 Oct 2008 INDIA vs. INDONESIAMHSK Stadium19:00


Group C: AUSTRALIA, CHINA P.R., SAUDI ARABIA, TURKMENISTAN

#DateMatchVenueKick-Off
55 Oct 2008 CHINA P.R. 2:1 TURKMENISTANPakhtakor Stadium16:00
65 Oct 2008 SAUDI ARABIA 1:3 AUSTRALIAPakhtakor Stadium20:00
137 Oct 2008 TURKMENISTAN vs. SAUDI ARABIAPakhtakor Stadium20:00
147 Oct 2008 AUSTRALIA vs. CHINA P.R.Pakhtakor Stadium16:00
219 Oct 2008 CHINA P.R. vs. SAUDI ARABIAPakhtakor Stadium15:00
239 Oct 2008 AUSTRALIA vs. TURKMENISTANMHSK Stadium15:00


Group D: JAPAN, MALAYSIA, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, YEMEN

#DateMatchVenueKick-Off
75 Oct 2008 JAPAN 4:0 MALAYSIAMHSK Stadium14:00
85 Oct 2008 YEMEN 1:1 UNITED ARAB EMIRATESMHSK Stadium18:00
157 Oct 2008 MALAYSIA vs. YEMENMHSK Stadium14:00
167 Oct 2008 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES vs. JAPANMHSK Stadium18:00
229 Oct 2008 JAPAN vs. YEMENPakhtakor Stadium19:00
249 Oct 2008 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES vs. MALAYSIA

...

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W-League draw announced

Canberra United start their campaign with two away games before their first home game against the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday Nov 9th at MacKellar.

Canberra play Melbourne, Queensland, and Central Coast all twice and Sydney, Newcastle and Perth and Adelaide once.

Canberra's ABC TV live games are expected to be Queensland (away) 2nd Round and Adelaide (HOME) round 5

Full fixtures below.

WESTFIELD W-LEAGUE - 2008/09 SEASON DRAW
Current as @ 3 October 2008
© 2008 FFA. This fixtures list, and any part thereof, must not be reproduced without the permission of FFA.

WESTFIELD W-LEAGUE - 2008/09 SEASON DRAW
Current as @ 3 October 2008
© 2008 FFA. This fixtures list, and any part thereof, must not be reproduced without the permission of FFA.
RD 1 FIXTURE VENUE
LOCAL
KICK-OFF
AEDT
KICK-OFF
Sat, 25 Oct 08 Perth Glory v Sydney FC Members Equity Stadium 1.00 pm 4.00 pm
Sat, 25 Oct 08 Melbourne Victory v Central Coast Mariners Telstra Dome 4.00 pm 4.00 pm
Sat, 25 Oct 08 Queensland Roar v Adelaide United QSAC 5.00 pm 6.00 pm
Sun, 26 Oct 08 Newcastle Jets v Canberra United Wanderers Oval 1.30 pm 1.30 pm
RD 2 FIXTURE VENUE
LOCAL
KICK-OFF
AEDT
KICK-OFF
Fri, 31 Oct 08 Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets Hindmarsh Stadium 4.45 pm 5.15 pm
Sat, 01 Nov 08 Queensland Roar v Canberra United Perry Park 3.00 pm 4.00 pm
Sat, 01 Nov 08 Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory Parramatta Stadium 4.00 pm 4.00 pm
Sat, 01 Nov 08 Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory Parramatta Stadium 6.00 pm 6.00 pm
RD 3 FIXTURE VENUE
LOCAL
KICK-OFF
AEDT
KICK-OFF
Sat, 08 Nov 08 Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory Bob Jane Stadium 4.00 pm 4.00 pm
Sat, 08 Nov 08 Newcastle Jets v Queensland Roar Oakes Oval, Lismore 7.00 pm 7.00 pm
Sun, 09 Nov 08 Adelaide United v Sydney FC Hindmarsh Stadium 2.30 pm 3.00 pm
Sun, 09 Nov 08 Canberra United v Central Coast Mariners McKellar Park 5.00 pm 5.00 pm
RD 4 FIXTURE VENUE
LOCAL
KICK-OFF
AEDT
KICK-OFF
Sat, 15 Nov 08 Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets Campbelltown Stadium 4.00 pm 4.00 pm
Sat, 15 Nov 08 Perth Glory v Adelaide United Members Equity Stadium 4.00 pm 6.00 pm
Sat, 15 Nov 08 Central Coast Mariners v Queensland Roar Campbelltown Stadium 6.00 pm 6.00 pm
Sat, 15 Nov 08 Melbourne Victory v Canberra United Bob Jane Stadium 7.00 pm 7.00 pm
RD 5 FIXTURE VENUE
LOCAL
KICK-OFF
AEDT
KICK-OFF
Sat, 22 Nov 08 Canberra United v Adelaide United McKellar Park 4.00 pm 4.00 pm
Sat, 22 Nov 08 Queensland Roar v Melbourne Victory Spencer Park 5.00 pm 6.00 pm
Sat, 22 Nov 08 Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners Campbelltown Stadium 6.00 pm 6.00 pm
Sun, 23 Nov 08 Newcastle Jets v Perth Glory Wanderers Oval 3.00 pm 3.00 pm
RD 6 FIXTURE VENUE
LOCAL
KICK-OFF
AEDT
KICK-OFF
Sat, 29 Nov 08 Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory Hindmarsh Stadium 2.30 pm 3.00 pm
Sat, 29 Nov 08 Queensland Roar v Sydney FC Perry Park 3.00 pm 4.00 pm
Sat, 29 Nov 08 Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets Campbelltown Stadium 6.00 pm 6.00 pm
Sun, 30 Nov 08 Perth Glory v Canberra United Members Equity Stadium 4.00 pm
RD 7 FIXTURE VENUE
LOCAL
KICK-OFF
AEDT
KICK-OFF
Sat. 06 Dec 08 Adelaide United v Central Coast Mariners Hindmarsh Stadium 3.30 pm 4.00 pm
Sat, 06 Dec 08 Canberra United v Sydney FC McKellar Park 6.00 pm 6.00 pm
Sat, 06 Dec 08 Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets Epping Stadium 7.00 pm 7.00 pm
Sun, 07 Dec 08 Perth Glory v Queensland Roar Members Equity Stadium 4.00 pm 6.00 pm
RD 8 FIXTURE VENUE
LOCAL
KICK-OFF
AEDT
KICK-OFF
Sat, 13 Dec 08 Melbourne Victory v Queensland Roar Bob Jane Stadium 4.00 pm 4.00 pm
Sat, 13 Dec 08 Sydney FC v Perth Glory Parramatta Stadium 4.00 pm 4.00 pm
Sat, 13 Dec 08 Central Coast Mariners v Canberra United Parramatta Stadium 6.00 pm 6.00 pm
Sun, 14 Dec 08 Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United Wanderers Oval 5.00 pm 5.00 pm
RD 9 FIXTURE VENUE
LOCAL
KICK-OFF
AEDT
KICK-OFF
Fri, 19 Dec 08 Adelaide United v Perth Glory Hindmarsh Stadium 7.30 pm 8.00 pm
Sat, 20 Dec 08 Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC Campbelltown Stadium 4.00 pm 4.00 pm
Sat, 20 Dec 08 Queensland Roar v Central Coast Mariners QSAC 5.00 pm 6.00 pm
Sat, 20 Dec 08 Canberra United v Melbourne Victory McKellar Park 6.00 pm 6.00 pm
RD 10 FIXTURE VENUE
LOCAL
KICK-OFF
AEDT
KICK-OFF
Sat, 27 Dec 08 Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory Parramatta Stadium 4.00 pm 4.00 pm
Sat, 27 Dec 08 Sydney FC v Adelaide United Parramatta Stadium 6.00 pm 6.00 pm
Sat, 27 Dec 08 Canberra United v Queensland Roar McKellar Park 6.00 pm 6.00 pm
Sun, 28 Dec 08 Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets Members Equity Stadium 4.00 pm 6.00 pm
WESTFIELD W-LEAGUE 2009 SEMI FINALS VENUE
LOCAL
KICK-OFF
AEDT
KICK-OFF
Sat, 10 Jan 09 Team 1 v Team 4 To Be Advised TBC TBC
Sun, 11 Jan 09 Team 2 v Team 3 To Be Advised TBC TBC
WESTFIELD W-LEAGUE 2009 GRAND FINAL VENUE
LOCAL
KICK-OFF
AEDT
KICK-OFF
Sat, 17 Jan 09 Winner Semi Final 1 v Winner Semi Final 2 To Be Advised TBC TBC
* NOTE: Match dates and kick-off times subject to change without notice.

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Aloisi the new Zdrillic?

Sydney drew with Queensland Roar last night 1-1. A good game and with the Roar leading 1-0, Australia's fattest import Charlie Miller heading towards goal with a minute to play....there could be only one winner.

Charlie, okay I'm a Celtic fan, and the wee Ger is scoring goals galore despite his girth, was sure to score to make it 2-0 at the death.

Much like Michael Zullo did last week in Melbourne. But he struggled to get to the ball and blasted into the small group of Roar fans behind the goals.

Nay bother, game over.

But as often happens in the A-League this season a goal comes in the last ten seconds.

Sydney had played "Fosteresque" nice passing football all night particularly once they'd gone behind early in the second half. But in truth their forward play where it counts was woeful.

Hardly a shot all night nor an attacking ball of note.

In fact not since John Aloisi's played, who had his best game last night, has Sydney mark 4 looked potent.

This was a team that put three past the Central Coast early on. Without Aloisi!

Anyway the ball was slung in and fell to Musialik who placed it home. 1-1 Cue delirium in the stands, but really Sydney offered little.

Just after half-time Charlie Miller, the slowest man on the field, had found space behind Stuey Musialik and touched the ball about ten times before the Sydney defence thought "hey up, this guy can score from here," but it was too late as Charlie wellied it past Clint Bolton 1-0.

What an import the Roar have in Miller, not to mention his five goals. Good work Charlie, I'm loving it.

And Aloisi, cut his hair to be like Zdrillic and now looks like him and is starting to play like him.

Tries hard, runs a lot just not very fast, is strong but just can't score.

And when you see Charlie Miller scoring, Reinaldo creating havoc with his mobility, Bruce Djite last season, Cristiano for Adelaide it seems the older reputable Aussie striker can't make it in the young mans A-League.

David Zdrillic, Ante Milicic, Paul Agostino, and now John Aloisi.

Aloisi is not a lone striker, never has been in my view....or Gus Hiddinks.

And his lack of pace is playing right into defenders hands.

Gary Van Egmond recognised this in last years Grand Final, every club must be delighted to see Aloisi setting up for an afternoons stroll around the box.

Sure if he gets a chance he may well score, but he hasn't yet.

And Sydney are now dropping points, or maybe still saving them.

Alex Brosque is restricted now by Aloisi's central position. Mark Bridge slung wide as well.

Against the Mariners it was the creativity of Brosque, Bridge and Corica than appealed. Movement across positions. Hard to track and players appear faster when moving with some freedom.

When Aloisi is in pole position Sydney's assets appear stunted. Bridge and Brosque told to toe the line. Stevie Corica and John Aloisi lacking pace to hurt any team.

Shannon Cole has been moved from an attacking position to full-back although he still got more balls into the box then any other player.

Adam Casey has wicked pace, Adam Biddle is strong and quick, Brendan Santalab too. As the game went on Kossie needs to play his bench. At least two of the pacey young players could be called on. It wouldn't hurt the impact surely. Ask Frank Farina.

So what will Kossie do?

Persevere and hope Aloisi scores? He will score eventually. But enough?

And more importantly will Sydney score enough with Aloisi the so-called main strike weapon.

Seven games gone and Aloisi has shown little for anyone to fear.

More significantly he is restricting the Sydney style of play and potential creativity and excitement this Sydney side could produce.

Don't believe me?

Look at what Archie Thompson is doing for Melbourne this year. For that matter Danny Allsopp.

Two strikers. Mobile.

If Aloisi is to succeed the formation needs to change. Two strikers. But in the pacy modern game who can risk that when the slowing Steve Corica is just behind.

Not to mention Stuey Musialik still some way off the pace of the games and Terry McFlynn a player of some note, but still limited in forward play.

Queensland the ever-ready men didn't look so ever-ready last night. In the last 15 they couldn't get forward. Not so energetic after all.

But a great game of cat and mouse but Sydney need to revisit the attacking plan and dare I say it, leave Aloisi on the bench.

Or are we about to see another Zdrillic unfold.

And remember Aloisi is three times the cost and is signed up for next year.

And he won't be any quicker then will he?

Maybe the Gold Coast should buy him!

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Sun Herald talk Canberra A-League

Matthew Hall from Sun Herald

All media is good, so some say, particularly for Canberra at this stage. 442, SBS on Sunday at 5pm, radio stations showing interest so the message that Canberra is serious is slowly building.

We could argue that there's little to do in Canberra except leave so there should be no problem in drumming up support. That's something the Canberra bid sort of agree with. A bid group from the capital issued a press release last week claiming over 15,000 people will turn up to each home games.

Feel free to tell Matt, whatever you like:)

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Mariners Magic

Were you watching Perth and Wellington?

Canberra Ref Ben Williams sent-off Carlos Hernandez last week.....for what I'm still unsure, but last night it got worse...that said the Mariners proved why they are the biggest little team in the league....once more.

Ben Williams gifted Adelaide a penalty in the 6th minute. Pedj Bojic won the ball and his follow through felled Cristiano..and that's a penalty!

Williams is a FIFA Referee and with Mark Shields retiring we are desperately in need of better from our best.

Adelaide were cruising at 2-0 but ran out of puff and the wonderful Mariners showed Perth and Wellington what can be done when you are behind.

It's all about effort and self-belief at 2-0 down never mind 3-0 as they were 10 minutes into the second-half.

In truth they were never that bad. A shocking Referee decision plus a dreadful keeper error from Andrew Redmayne gifted a 2-0 lead and only the brilliance of Eugene Galekovic stopped it being 2-2 at the break. Adrian Caceres fluffing opportunities in front of goal.

Adelaide tired, the Mariners showed their quality and depth.

Brad Porter is improving, Mile Jedinak scored two, and the wonderful all-action Matt Simon has quickly replaced the loss, I'm told it's a loss, of John Aloisi:)

Adelaide at 3-0 up had the game won, so they thought but fight and determination matched to a team who have players dying to improve their individual performances and that of their team show what can be achieved.

The greatest fightback in A-League history?

Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix, learn from this...and Adelaide need a quick re-think before Wednesday's Asian Champions League semi.

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Canberra A-League not $3 mill to Sydney AFL

Canberra Raiders CEO Don Furner said,

'It could be going to local sporting teams, it could be going to the new A-League team.''

The ACT Government are considering paying $3 million dollars per year to sponsor the Sydney Swans. Now the Canberra A-League team don't need more handouts but this is clearly ridiculous. Pouring money into a Sydney team!

And the Brumbies and Raiders CEO's are concerned. As they should be.

But with Andrew Fagan signing on as a Foundation Member and Raiders CEO Don Furner clearly supporting a Canberra A-League team, the Brumbies Raiders and Canberra A-League not only have a large number of common supporters, "TEAM CANBERRA" may yet unite the three.

In administration, promotion and sponsorship. Time will tell, but thanks Dave Furner we appreciate the support.

Go the Raiders, for that matter go the Brumbies as well.

Sydney Swans..don't we hate Sydney in Canberra?


http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/sport/afl/raiders-brumbies-wary-of-afl-pledge/1324528.aspx

Canberra Raiders chief executive Don Furner has questioned the ACT Government's election promise to inject more money into an out-of-town AFL club.
ACT Sports Minister Andrew Barr this week guaranteed a re-elected Labor government would ensure the ACT continued to host AFL games beyond next year, when the territory's three-year deals with the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne expired.

He also floated the prospect of a semi-ownership deal with the new western Sydney club, similar to the $15 million agreement Tasmania has with Hawthorn.

Such a deal would cost significantly more than the $828,000 the Government outlayed in return for Melbourne and the Bulldogs to play one premiership game each at Manuka Oval until the end of next year.

Furner said the Government should focus more funding on Canberra-based clubs, rather than paying ''out-of-town teams'' to play in the territory.

''I'm just concerned that sometimes the teams that are based in the city can be overlooked for visiting teams,'' Furner said.

''I think it's much more beneficial for Canberra as a city to support the teams that are based here.

''They spend their money here, the players are employed here, they buy houses and cars here.''

Furner said the club was happy with the level of support the Government had given it.

''We've got a great rapport with the ACT Government and they support us a lot, there's no problems there.

''But a team based in a city is worth a lot more than a team that just visits and then goes away.

''It's not a league versus AFL thing for me, it's about a team based in a community rather than one that just visits and takes the money out of town.

''I'm not putting my hand out and saying the money should go to us and the Brumbies.

''It could be going to local sporting teams, it could be going to the new A-League team.''

Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said there was room for the Government to finance out-of-town teams playing games in Canberra.

But he said the funding needed to be handled diligently.

''I'd love for Canberra to host teams across a range of sports playing in professional leagues,'' Fagan said. ''But only to the extent that we can afford to do so.

''I think it's important that we don't create competition to the extent that we begin to cannabalise the existing teams, whether it's the Raiders, Brumbies, Capitals or whatever

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A-League weekend: Sydney to lose again?

Sydney to lose at home, Mariners to do wha Japanese Champs Kashima couldn't..and defeat Adelaide, Melbourne to give Perth a hiding and the Jets to draw with the Wellington mob.

In Canberra news, will Kaz Patafta start this weekend, and what's wrong with Socceroo..make that former Socceroo Nikolai Topor-Stanley....


Adelaide United take on Central Coast Mariners tonight. New Socceroos Robbie Cornthwaite and Scott Jamieson on show again, also Matt Simon and Mile Jedinak for the Mariners.

Scott Jamieson, like Shannon Cole are the full-back finds of the season, even giving Nikolai Topor-Stanley the boot from the Socceroos squad this week.

Should be a great game at Hindmarsh. The Mariners hoping to take advantage of the Reds focusing on the Asian Champions League Semi on Wednesday.

In other games, Melbourne should punish Perth at home. Perth have too many problems, are too demoralised, and on the wane it seems.

Sydney v Queensland... should be a cracker. 24 year old Shannon Cole continues to outshine, outentertain $1 million John Aloisi and the cracks in Sydney's so-called stellar side could be simply exposed by the Roar.

The Roar have the perfect away game. Craig Moore to kick the bejaysus out of anything that moves and pace across the midfield and on the bench to win the game late on.

Sydney despite many wins have yet to convince me that they are a great side. This will be a true test of their home form.

Queensland to win.

And spare a thought for the Newcastle Jets. So many players out, they must be relieved they are playing Wobbly Wellington. Could I bare to watch Wellington again? I don't think so. Not even after last weeks win.

And Canberra's Kaz Patafta could be close to getting a start this or next week for the Jets with so many players out. Let's hope so.

and Nikolai Topor-Stanley dropped from the Socceroos reflecting the widespread belief that Nikolai is a tad disillusioned with playing at Perth, possibly carrying an injury, or just had too much football after his Oympic sojourn.

Why don't Perth play him at Centre-Back?

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Perth Glory to get the boot?

4,500 people at the recent Perth Glory/Wellington Phoenix has sent the FFA into realism mood.

Lift the game Perth or you are OUT!

Can the Perth Glory franchise stay in the league? They have the franchise until 2010 but if the crowds don't improve, to 8 or 9,000 (yes just 8 or 9,000)the Glory could be given the boot.

And here's the debate on ABC Perth if you want an update.

So if they get the boot, another place for Canberra up for grabs?

And interestingly one criticism is that the owners have money but have no passion for football. Canberra take note.

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Aussie Football: SOLD OUT!

I like my football, with a passionate crowd, something on the line, plenty of skill and the stadium sold out.

They said we didn't care about Asia, and it's football. Who's they? Well all those Aussie enlightened sports journo's; you know who they are...the ones that give football a fair go...not!

Adelaide United v Bunyodkor is SOLD OUT next Wednesday...enjoy the game..Rivaldo v Australia's greatest attacking indigenous footballer Travis Dodd.

Aussie football on the rise:)

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Chrissy Walters: Our latest Matildas

And the "Dubbo Dasher" Ashleigh Sykes is called up too, well that's nearly Canberra...at a short dash.

Great to see a player from Regional New South Wales make the breakthrough and good to see another Canberran in the full squad.

Amy Chapman and Lydia Williams are the other Canberra United players in the squad.

Full release below.

Westfield Matildas coach, Tom Sermanni, has named 18 players for the upcoming ASEAN Women’s Football Championships to be held in Ho Chi Minh City, from 9-21 October.

The squad includes experienced campaigners as well as some of the up-and-coming younger players who recently participated in the international friendly matches against China.

"What is pleasing about the squad is that it highlights just how much talent we have in women's football in Australia," said Sermanni.

"This tournament gives the next generation of players coming through for the Matildas the opportunity to gain some valuable international match experience, as well as step up to the next level."

Sermanni said that it was an exciting time for women's football in Australia with the Westfield W-League set to kick-off soon after the end of the ASEAN Championship on Friday 24 October.

The Westfield Matildas will meet Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore in their group matches. They depart for Vietnam on Monday.

Westfield Matildas Squad


NameHome CityPosition
Victoria BALOMENOSAdelaideForward
Melissa BARBIERIMelbourneGoalkeeper
Tameka BUTTGold CoastMidfielder
Kim CARROLLBrisbaneDefender
Amy CHAPMANCanberraMidfielder
Lauren COLTHORPEBrisbaneMidfielder
Lyndsay GLOHESydneyDefender
Elise KELLOND-KNIGHTBrisbaneMidfielder
Leena KHAMISSydneyForward
Ella MASTRANTONIOPerthMidfielder
Clare POLKINGHORNEBrisbaneDefender
Renee ROLLASONSydneyMidfielder
Brooke SPENCEBrisbaneDefender
Ashleigh SYKESDubboForward
Jenna TRISTRAMBrisbaneForward
Yesim Servet UZUNLARSydneyMidfielder
Christine WALTERSCanberraDefender
Lydia WILLIAMSCanberraGoalkeeper




ENDS

Match Details

ASEAN Women’s Football Championships 2008

9 October
Thailand v Westfield Matildas,
Than Long Sports Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Local kick off - 3.30pm (7.30pm AEDT)

11 October
Philippines v Westfield Matildas
Than Long Sports Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Local kick off time 5.45pm (9.45pm AEDT)

13 October
Singapore v Westfield Matildas
Than Long Sports Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Local kick off time 5.45pm (9.45pm AEDT)

18 October
Semi finals
Than Long Sports Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Local kick off time 3.30pm and 5.45pm (7.30pm and 9.45pm AEDT)

20 October
3/4 playoff
Than Long Sports Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Local kick off time 3.30pm (7.30pm AEDT)

Final
Than Long Sports Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Local kick off time 5.45pm (9.45pm AEDT)

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Zed Seselja signs on, Canberra united in sport and politics.

Andrew Barr signed up early, as did Kate Lundy and Jon Stanhope. Shane Rattenbury paid up and Gary Humphries, Steve Dozspot, football legend, and Opposition Leader Zed Seselja became a Foundation Member, along with some other local sports identities Phil Lynch, Adam Friend, and Andrew Fagan.

Go the Brumbies that's we in the football community say and thanks for the support.

And Brumbies memberships go on sale today. And make history and join the Canberra A-League bid today. You get to vote on the board!

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15,000 to Canberra A-League games

Interesting response from fans of football on FourfourTwo website. In fact there are pages of responses!

A NEW A-League club in Canberra would draw in 15,000 to home games, according to a new study by the backers of the capital's bid.

Transact CEO Ivan Slavich today released the results of Orima Market Research recently undertaken for the Canberra A-League Bid Committee.



"It's very positive news for Canberra, regional New South Wales football, and our A-League bid," said bid leader Transact CEO Ivan Slavich.

"More than 15,000 people are expected to attend every home game. And almost 70% of households are saying they would consider going to games.

"Football is booming across Canberra, New South Wales and Australia and we are seeing the results in our research. Interestingly support is strong from both males and females.

"It matches the anecdotal evidence we've gathered from around the junior clubs of Canberra."

He added: "We expect an increase in positive responses when we are accepted into the league for 2010 and build towards our first game.

"And further research will include all the fans from regional New South Wales who would come to the games. The Brumbies get almost 15% of their support from outside Canberra, we'd aim to match or improve on this."

Canberra United FC play their first game in the new Westfield Women's League in October and the A-League bid team hope they can create a development pathway for local boys too.

"Football is the biggest participation code in Canberra and the region," said Slavich.

"More than 17,000 play every week in Canberra alone, and the capital of Australia should have a team in the National League."

Football Federation Australia is expected to discuss Canberra's 2010/11 bid in mid-October along with West Sydney and Wollongong.

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FFA: Go call those games 98.3FM!

Football Federation Australia announced today can call all the Canberra W-League games live.

Canberra football's Number One Commentator Russ Gibbs will be calling live, with the help of other "experts" (not me I am disappointed to share:) all the Canberra United Women's games.

And with the W-League Websites expected to go live Monday, TV deal to be announced and further signings to be announced...hold on to your hats as the W-League prepared for take off.

Canberra United news below.....Second Window Opens for Local Talent




The second registration period has opened this morning with the CFMEU Canberra United looking to secure its local footballing talent ahead of kick off in the inaugural Westfield W-League later this month.

With eight players, all current or former national team members on the books already, head coach Robbie Hooker is now looking towards the group of ACTAS and local Club Pink Premier League players to fill the majority of the remaining spots on the team.

“The local Premier League girls have joined the ACTAS squad for the last couple of weeks so we’ve had a core group of 20 to 25 players in contention,” said Hooker.

“We need to sign a minimum of 18, we’ll be looking for a further ten players between now and the end of the month.”

The calibre of the backline and forward line look promising with the first signings of local Matildas Caitlin Munoz, Lydia Williams, Amy Chapman and Grace Gill along with interstate players Rhian Davies, Thea Slatyer, Hayley Crawford and Sasha McDonnell - focus now turns to the centre of the park.

Hooker commented that “we need to try to find certainly a key player for our central midfield.”

“We’ve got more wide midfield players, so our priority is to sign a specialist central midfielder to make sure we fill that important area of the park.”

With ten spots up for grabs, Hooker isn’t ruling out the possibility of securing a couple more interstate players to further boost Canberra United’s chances of claiming the inaugural Westfield W-League title.

“It’s looking likely that those spots will be filled by local players from the Premier League and ACTAS squads but there might be one or two from interstate still but that will be determined whether or not they accept the contracts.”

With less than a month until kick off, expect further announcements.

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