Nearpost Football

Monday, 23 June 2008

Adam Kwasnik leaves the Mariners

Lawrie McKinna and Amy Chapman on Nearpost Radio this week.

The Mariners are in Canberra this week for a couple of games, plenty of training and media/community work. See list of engagement and games below.

Coach Lawrie McKinna will join us on Nearpost Radio from 6:30pm 98.3FM Tuesday and no doubt we will discuss the shock move announced overnight of Mariners top all-time goalscorer Adam Kwasnik. Coached by McKinna since he was 12, Kwasnik has moved to the Wellington Phoenix!

Matildas star Amy Chapman will be also be with us in the studio, talking Asia and Peace Cup, from around 7pm.

Where to see the Mariners this week in Canberra.

Tuesday 24 June
ClubVisit
4.30pm – 5.30pm
Central Coast Mariners playing squad
Belconnen Soccer Centre,
cnr Owen Dickson Drive &
William Slim Drive, McKellar

Thursday 26
June Club Visit
4.30pm –5.30pm
Central Coast Mariners playing squad
Belconnen Soccer Club, Belconnen Way, Hawker

Saturday 28 June
Club Visit
10.30am – 11.20am
Central Coast Mariners playing squad
Belconnen Soccer Club,Belconnen Way, Hawker

Saturday 28 June
Club Visit
11.45am – 12.40pm
Central Coast Mariners playing squad
Giralang Playing Fields, Canopus Crescent, Giralang

Mariners training schedule:

Tuesday 24 June Training 2.30pm – 4pm
Belconnen Soccer Centre, cnr Owen
Dickson Drive & William Slim Drive,McKellar

Wednesday 25 June Training 10am –11am
AIS Multifield 1, Leverrier Crescent,Bruce

Wednesday 25 June
Match vs.BelconnenUnited7pm
Belconnen Soccer Centre, cnr Owen
Dickson Drive & William Slim Drive, McKellar

Thursday 26
June Recovery 9am –10am
AIS Recovery Centre, Leverrier
Crescent, Bruce

Friday 27
June Training 10am –11am
AIS Multifield 1, Leverrier Crescent,Bruce

Friday 27 June
Match vs. ACT
Rockets 7pm Deakin Football Centre, GroseStreet, Deakin

Saturday 28
June Recovery 8.30am –9.30am
AIS Recovery Centre, LeverrierCrescent

Sunday, 22 June 2008

Socceroos lack Chinese resources

A young Socceroos side lost 1-0 at home to China tonight at the ANZ stadium in Sydney in front of 70,000 fans.

And the performance showed, what most have always said about Australia, that we lack depth, real depth, beyond the first squad.

This is not a new situation.

Australia has never been able to put out a "second eleven" in it's football history and beat sides the quality of China.

Nor does the performance or result make these players bad player, indeed many of them would be able to perform as a bit player in a side full of Grella, Emerton, Neill and co.

Harry Kewell did well, but not enough. Again Harry was played inside, when a couple of Harry dazzles could have been enough our wide to create a clear chance.

Has it a Pim deal? Or is Harry afraid to gun it?

Jade North and Matthew Spiranovic showed promise. Jade North will play his role in the next round of qualifiers, Spiranovic may have to do a lot of travelling for the Socceroos during the length of his career on tonights performance. He can only get better.

Carl Valeri had less influence in this game early on. Australia needed Valeri to dictate the play in the opening minutes, something he was unable to do.

His mate alongside him, Mile Jedinak, has some work to do to gain a place at this level. Long, long balls heading to no-one, shots off target were features of his play.

James Troisi is loved by Pim Verbeek. And clearly has potential, but needs more club game time, in fact any game time, before he should be considered at International level.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley was exposed at full-back. He really appears to be a centre-back filling in wide, but he may well be needed at left-back in the coming World Cup campaign.

David Williams showed pace, but little composure.

Ruben Zadkovich maybe good enough for Derby County but he is no Socceroo. Erratic, full of energy, he again made a simple error, undoing much of his previous hard work. He fouled in the box asking the ref to make a decision. And he did a penalty was given and after a re-take missed.

It made no difference to the result.

Like Adam Griffiths before, would you trust either of these men at right-back?

Bruce Djite did well. He will improve and like the others showed that a bit part role is what he can have right now, even now.

James Holland, given his age, for me was the best of the new players. Neat possession and forward play. A young man with a strong future.

Michael Petkovic was more competent than in his previous International games. He could not be blamed for the goal, but in truth wasn't really tested.

Overall we learnt what?

That Pim starts games cautiously and again we got caught. Iraq at home, tonight China.

That Australia's international football stocks lack real high quality depth, that we shouldn't play seven or eight juniors at International level and expect to win.

But we also saw the future. 70,000 people flocked to the stadium.

Bruce Djite, James Holland, Jade North, James Troisi and Matthew Spiranovic showed enough. They will return to the scene in years to come.

Due to our depth, tyranny of distance and number of games, others may too. But there are no Lionel Messi's Wayne Rooney's in our midst.

But I guess we always knew that.

World Cup draw is on Friday,bring it on. The season finally ends. The A-League and Olympics start in August.

Let the season begin!

Heather Garriock: My priority is the National Women's League

Heather Garriock just back from the Peace Cup in Korea is looking forward to the start of the National Women's League as well as a hectic month with the Matildas in July.

" The National League is the number one priority for me. I really want to part of the very first National League. It's important all the big players play and maybe I'll look at playing professional again overseas come next year." said Garriock
from Sydney today.

Heather talks Peace Cup, Asia Cup, Kyah Simon, Matildas plans and more...

"The results (at the Peace Cup) were outstanding particularly given we had the harder group out of the two. We strung together some really good passes and passages of play unlike the Asia Cup. The results were a great reflection on the way we played.

"The difference between the Asia Cup and the Peace Cup, I think the team started to gel together as a unit. It's not always easy when you come into a competition and the team hasn't been together.

"We got a roll on and there was some good football played at the Peace Cup. It was unlucky we conceded a goal in the last fifteen minutes of the American game or else it would be us in the final.

Australia has played the No. 1 ranked USA three times in recent months and each time they have been beaten by an odd goal.

"We're a tough team to play and that's how they feel, I think they have respect for us now, as they should, given our results have been fantastic. We scored about eight goals against them in the last few matches.

"I don't want to make excuses but the heat (in the Asia Cup) did have a lot to do with it. Obviously the other teams had the heat as well. The Asian nations are always much better technically rather than the Americans or Italy. We were very defensively disciplined in the last three matches, which Tommy (Sermanni) made it clear to us that's what he wanted.

"I think all the young players caught my eye, it's difficult to come into the National side and step up. Definitely Ellyse Perry and Kyah Symon. Kyah scored the last goal against Brazil, she's only sixteen years old, she had no expectations on herself and she killed it, she really did, same with Ellyse, same with the other youngsters but those two really caught my eye.

"We tour to China in twelve days, then play New Zealnd at home in Sydney on July 12th and then play fly to Japan for a one-off game later on in the month. Then come August we'll prepare hopefully for the start of the National League. We're not going to the Olympics but we've still got quite a lot on." said Garriock.

Garriock who plays in Denmark but is not expected to head overseas until next year.

"The National League is the number one priority for me. I really want to part of the very first National League. It's important all the big players play and maybe I'll look at playing professional again overseas come next year." said Garriock
from Sydney today.

Matildas back on the road

Matildas are heading back to China to take on Argentina in just 12 days time. Then its home to play New Zealand in Sydney, before flying to Japan for another game against the talented Japanese national side.

With the National League expected to start in October the stars of Australian football have plenty of games to keep them busy

Has Craig Foster gone soft!

Come back Craig we loved you as a critic:)

SBS Commentator Craig Foster has written a piece in the SMH, see full article below, on the Dutchification of Aussie football.

In general it's fine but there are a few glaring mis-placed passes.

While the Socceroos' performances against Iraq raise concerns about their ability against stronger opposition, Verbeek has answered every question put to him, and his management of the logistical challenges of Asia has been perfect.

Oh yeah Fozzie, Pim answered every questions put to him. Really? China away, Iraq at home, Iraq away. Very convincing answers...I think not. He got the results, but as you ALWAYS say it's about style not results, and these performancs had no style.

The Dutch blueprint is a dominant, tactically flexible, attacking style of football. For now, it suits us perfectly.

Tactically, flexible and attacking.

Well against China, the poorest international side playing at home in years, our Dutch master had no tactical flexibility against China. And excuse me, but where was the attacking flexible style away to Iraq.

And the new Dutch guy at the AIS might be fantastic, but Fozzie, have you ever heard of him? Or is it good enough just to take any old Dutch guy these days. And I mean old!

Come on Fozzie we're delighted we're through, we're happy to see improved methodology and coaching strategies from the FFA. But cart blanche approval of Verbeek and some unknown Dutch coach, surely we want a more critical football culture than that!

And the Dutch lost overnight..to Hiddink admittedly, is it time to employ Turks?

Fozzie writes:

It was a stellar week for Australia. Events in the Middle East and at Euro 2008 in the last seven days have reinforced the wisdom of applying the Dutch model to the development of the game here.

In Austria and Switzerland, the quality and verve of the Netherlands under Marco van Basten has been matched only by the speed and precision of Guus Hiddink's young Russians. In Qatar, the Socceroos progressed to the next stage of World Cup qualifying under the tutelage of Pim Verbeek.

If you add Zenit St Petersburg's recent UEFA Cup win under "dirty Dick" Advocaat, you have three examples - from very different footballing cultures - of teams being well managed by Dutch coaches.

While the Socceroos' performances against Iraq raise concerns about their ability against stronger opposition, Verbeek has answered every question put to him, and his management of the logistical challenges of Asia has been perfect.

The trick is to now leverage this progress into future development, and here it can get tricky. The natives will get restless if the trickle of Dutch coaches making their way to Oz turns into a flood. Just last week Jan Versleijen was flagged as the likely head coach of the Australian Institute of Sport's football program. But I hope the gates are opened even further.

The next step is to replace Rob Baan as national technical director when his contract expires at the end of the year. We must import a highly qualified Dutch technician with an even stronger CV in youth development. His job will be to expedite change at junior and elite levels, and to tie up a deal with the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) to import their coaching licence system - clearly among the world's finest.

But for all the progress at national level, the states' football appointments are as political as ever. So I say quicken the pace of Dutch imports - temporarily. During a five-year window, we must absorb as much knowledge as we can from these coaches. For every Dutch appointment, there must be national - not state - appointments of at least one, preferably two, Australian assistants. Then we adapt and improve.

There is a feeling that we have replaced a British footballing "mafia" with a Dutch one. But unlike the British influence, which set us back decades, the Dutch infiltration is strategic, short-term and based on specific gaps in our football education.

We need a clear direction for a limited period of time. After that, we can adapt those Dutch methods to our own circumstances and culture, and create an attractive, attacking - and winning - Australian style of football.It was a stellar week for Australia. Events in the Middle East and at Euro 2008 in the last seven days have reinforced the wisdom of applying the Dutch model to the development of the game here.

In Austria and Switzerland, the quality and verve of the Netherlands under Marco van Basten has been matched only by the speed and precision of Guus Hiddink's young Russians. In Qatar, the Socceroos progressed to the next stage of World Cup qualifying under the tutelage of Pim Verbeek.

If you add Zenit St Petersburg's recent UEFA Cup win under "dirty Dick" Advocaat, you have three examples - from very different footballing cultures - of teams being well managed by Dutch coaches.

While the Socceroos' performances against Iraq raise concerns about their ability against stronger opposition, Verbeek has answered every question put to him, and his management of the logistical challenges of Asia has been perfect.

The trick is to now leverage this progress into future development, and here it can get tricky. The natives will get restless if the trickle of Dutch coaches making their way to Oz turns into a flood. Just last week Jan Versleijen was flagged as the likely head coach of the Australian Institute of Sport's football program. But I hope the gates are opened even further.

The next step is to replace Rob Baan as national technical director when his contract expires at the end of the year. We must import a highly qualified Dutch technician with an even stronger CV in youth development. His job will be to expedite change at junior and elite levels, and to tie up a deal with the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) to import their coaching licence system - clearly among the world's finest.

But for all the progress at national level, the states' football appointments are as political as ever. So I say quicken the pace of Dutch imports - temporarily. During a five-year window, we must absorb as much knowledge as we can from these coaches. For every Dutch appointment, there must be national - not state - appointments of at least one, preferably two, Australian assistants. Then we adapt and improve.

There is a feeling that we have replaced a British footballing "mafia" with a Dutch one. But unlike the British influence, which set us back decades, the Dutch infiltration is strategic, short-term and based on specific gaps in our football education.

We need a clear direction for a limited period of time. After that, we can adapt those Dutch methods to our own circumstances and culture, and create an attractive, attacking - and winning - Australian style of football.

To understand how crucial the uniformity of approach is, witness Qatar's ill-fated approach to their development program. Qatar appointed a French coach in every academy at the under-13s level, a Dutchman at the under-15s level and an Italian at the under-17s. But they discovered that each coach preached a method suited to his individual culture. Of course, they failed to divine a cohesive method from the chaos.

The Dutch blueprint is a dominant, tactically flexible, attacking style of football. For now, it suits us perfectly.

The Dutch blueprint is a dominant, tactically flexible, attacking style of football. For now, it suits us perfectly.

Friday, 20 June 2008

The Weekender: Should the AIS stay in the VPL?

The Weekender: Where else can the players from the AIS play?

Paul Mavroudis is a passionate South Melbourne fan and football blogger. and Paul is making the journey to Canberra this weekend for his sides Sunday VPL clash with the AIS.

Paul writes the Weekender this week:On Saturday, I and 30 odd other South Melbourne fans will be making the trip up to Canberra by bus.....

On Saturday, I and 30 odd other South Melbourne fans will be making the trip up to Canberra by bus, to watch our team play the AIS in a Victorian Premier League clash. If you predicted this scenario a few years back, you'd have been locked in the crazy house, and rightly so. But it's true, and here we are now, two sides with very different goals and cultures, yet aiming for the moment at least for the same prize.

The inclusion of the AIS in the VPL has not been one universally welcomed by the league's regular clubs. They bring no crowds, exacerbating a problem which already hurts the VPL enormously.

The regular clubs require expensive trips up north for which the expenses allocated for it come up short. The AIS pays no transfers and no wages. It does not need to maintain the costly standards that other clubs are required to do, of press boxes, lighting and everything else that comes with running a club.

Worse still, there was the feeling that last year at least, the AIS mixed and matched its squads too frequently, as part of its quest to develop players rather than win championships.

Of course, this ended up producing quite varied results and performances, where teams would be blown off the park one day, and then come up with an easy win. And further adding to the uncertainty they create is the possibility of them leaving the competition, or even perhaps getting relegated.

The former scenario means that especially if they leave their decision to leave until late, a relegated club who may receive a stay of execution for a year due to that decision may have already lost several players to other clubs.

If as in the latter scenario the AIS do get relegated - which is highly unlikely this year, but was a possibility last season – no one in their right mind would have them playing amongst the clubs in Victoria's State League 1 competition, therefore meaning that a club that finished higher on the table may get relegated. Not an ideal situation.

There are good and bad rationales for them being in the VPL in the first place. The good is that they get to play regularly against sides looking for wins, in what is probably Australia's best 2nd tier competition, against bigger and more experienced bodies, and indeed against players with NSL or A-League experience.

One complaint that comes up about junior players is that because they spend too much time playing against each other, they are then unable to make the step up to senior competition.

The bad is that for perhaps similar reasons to those mentioned earlier, Football NSW doesn't want them, where their inclusion would make more economic sense, and many people down here in Victoria believe that their inclusion in the VPL is not only detrimental to the league and its clubs, but was made as part of a solution to the messy problem of who would get relegated in 2006, a situation many see the FFV as largely responsible for.

And yet, where else can the players from the AIS play? Participating in the National Youth League, as they used to do in the NSL days seems like the obvious solution, and it'd give Canberra some default if not ideal national representation.

But if the costs are near prohibitive for travelling to Victoria every 2nd week, how would they cope with travelling to Perth and Adelaide on multiple occasions? In the NSL days, the AIS played against predominantly NSW based opposition, but that is not an option in these times.

With the deal with the Wellington Phoenix seemingly falling through, the kids need to play somewhere - and even in the NYL, 18 games a year would probably not cut it - but it appears until there's a sudden injection of funding to make that possibility a reality, the AIS are here to stay in the VPL, bringing with them all their anomalies.

Two ACTAS make the Joeys

AACTAS players Chris Bush and Ben Harrington have made the Joeys for the upcoming AFC Under 16 Champs in Jakarta. ACTAS release below.

Two ACT Academy of Sport (ACTAS) Footballers selected onto the Qantas Joeys

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has just confirmed that ACTAS Player's Ben Harrington and Chris Bush have been selected onto the Australian National Under 16 Team for the upcoming AFF U16 Championships, Jakarta Indonesia.

Key dates -
• 2 July 2008 – Players leave Australia for Jakarta
• 3 - 8 July 2008 – Pre tournament camp in Jakarta
• 9 July 2008 – Australia V Bahrain
• 11 July 2008 – Australia V Indonesia
• 13 July 2008 – Australia V Malaysia
• 15 July 2008 – Australia V Singapore
• 19 July 2008 – Finals

Further info on the QANTAS Joey's and match information please visit –

Thursday, 19 June 2008

Australia 1 Brazil 0

Canberra's Amy Chapman in action against the USA earlier this week at the Peace Cup in Korea.
What a lovely headline! And the Matildas have beaten Brazil in the Peace Cup today in Korea. Heather Garriock linked with Kyah Simon to score the only goal in injury.

Despite two wins out of three the Matildas bow out of the tournament.
FFA report below.

The Matildas have scored a famous 1-0 win against 2007 World Cup runners up Brazil courtesy of a injury time strike from teenager Kyah Simon at the 2008 Peace Cup in Suwon, South Korea.

Sydney 16-year-old Simon scored the dramatic goal in the dying seconds of the match overturning the result from last year's World Cup in China when Brazil ended Australia's historic run at the quarter final stage.

Brazil hit the crossbar in the first half with Australian skipper Cheryl Salisbury doing likewise on the hour mark in what was a tight contest throughout.

The Matildas though were denied a place in Sunday's final after the world's top ranked team USA defeated Italy 2-0 in the late match. The USA now meet Canada in Sunday's final in a repeat of the 2006 final of the prestigious eight nation tournament.

“It was a superb performance from the team and a great way to finish the tournament," said coach Tom Sermanni.

"We have now had ten tough matches in the last month and have been on the road for a long time but this match once again shows the character and ability of our team.

"The strength and resilience we showed in these circumstances was outstanding and I am proud of the players.

"Brazil gave us a tough game as expected, they are quick and very aware in a football sense, but they are also physically strong and resilient. That we managed to keep a clean sheet is a bonus.

"We have beaten one of the best teams in the world, and this is a great milestone in our rebuilding stage towards our next major tournaments."

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

Match Details:-

Australia 3 (Kyah Simon 91')

USA 0

Australian line-up: Melissa Barbieri (gk); Di Alagich, Kate McShea, Cheryl Salisbury, Ellyse Perry, Lauren Colthorpe, Collette McCallum (Kim Carroll 92'), Joanne Burgess (Amy Chapman 61'), Heather Garriock, Caitlin Munoz (Kyah Simon 74'), Lisa De Vanna

Subs not used: Lydia Williams, Clare Polkinghorne, Kate Gill, Karla Reuter, Amber Neilson, Jenna Tristram
Cautions: McCallum 85'

Peace Cup
Australia v USA 1-2
Sunday 15 June

Australia v Italy 3-0
Tuesday 17 June

Australia v Brazil
Thursday 19 June

Final
Saturday 21 June

Group A comprises Argentina, Canada, New Zealand and host nation South Korea with the final to be played between the two group winners at the Suwon World Cup Stadium.

The Peace Cup is held every two years in South Korea and is considered one of the premier women's football tournaments outside the World Cup with $200,000 USD on offer for the winning team.

Socceroos; Tuggers boys to start?

Tuggeranong United fans are heading to Sydney in big numbers for the Australia China game on the weekend.

And they are expected to be rewarded by seeing Carl Valeri and his former Under 11 Tuggers team-mate Nikolai Topor-Stanley in the starting line-up.

What the Armchair Aussies want, we get. So consider it done. Squad below.

SYDNEY, June 19 AAP - Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has picked a youthful 18-man squad, including four uncapped players, to play China in the World Cup qualifying dead rubber on Sunday.
Harry Kewell will again captain the side at ANZ Stadium, in a new-look squad from the 3-1 win in Qatar on Sunday, which guaranteed Australia's progression to the next phase of qualifying.
The win has allowed Verbeek to rest key stars including Brett Emerton, Mark Bresciano and Vince Grella from the team to play China, who are already out of qualifying.
Verbeek has retained qualifying campaign regulars including Kewell, Jade North, Michael Beauchamp and Carl Valeri.
But he has drafted in a host of young stars including Danish-based striker David Williams, Leeds midfielder Neil Kilkenny, Adelaide striker Kristian Sarkies and Sydney FC recruit Stuart Musialik.

Williams, Musialik, Derby County's Ruben Zadkovich and Melbourne Victory defender Rodrigo Vargas are in line to make their senior debuts.

Dutch-based striker Brett Holman, who starred against Qatar, was expected to be retained for the match but he has not been named, paving the way for a possible first international start for Bruce Djite.

Teenage sensation Matthew Spiranovic is in line for his second senior appearance after making his debut in the friendly win over Ghana last month.
Michael Petkovic and Ante Covic will fight it out for a place in between the sticks with Mark Schwarzer suspended for the match.
Squad
Michael Beauchamp, Ante Covic, Bruce Djite, James Holland, Mile Jedinak, Harry Kewell, Neil Kilkenny, Stuart Musialik, Jade North, Michael Petkovic, Kristian Sarkies, Matthew Spiranovic, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, James Troisi, Carl Valeri, Rodrigo Vargas, David Williams, Ruben Zadkovich.

ATTACKING TALENT TO TERRORISE MARINERS

Russ Gibbs writes: With only nine days until the big match with the Central Coast Mariners, the ACT Rockets....

By Russ Gibbs

With only nine days until the big match with the Central Coast Mariners, the ACT Rockets held their third training session at the AIS Football Fields on a mild, yet cool, Wednesday evening on the 18th June.

Coaches Dean Ugrinic and Scott Conlon were all too aware that time is swiftly running out to mould an eclectic group of talented individuals into a team to strike fear into the hearts of their illustrious visitors.

The scourge of the unavailability of players to make sessions reared its head again with Canberra Olympic midfielder Trent Flanigan and Queanbeyan City standby striker Goran Josifovski, who has been in scintillating form in recent weeks, unable to make training.

Indeed, it’s been a tough week for Ugrinic and Conlon with original selection David Brouwer (O’Connor Knights) forced to withdraw from the squad after tearing a medial ligament in his knee. The highly talented Canberra Olympic stopper Lucas Roth is drafted in to take his place.

With Steve Rezzo also doubtful it’s a big blow for the Rockets preparations. “We have unfortunately lost David (Brouwer) for the Mariners match,” Ugrinic confirmed, “but in Lucas Roth we believe we have a great replacement who should fit in nicely with our game plan. Steve may make the match, but at the moment it’s unclear.”

The evening sessions once again focused on possession and the need to keep the ball and move it at pace to really test out the Central Coast Mariners movement.

Canberra Olympic midfielder/striker Travis Dries is under no illusions about how tricky the game will be. “We know that their decision making and fitness will be that much higher than ours but we are working on rectifying that,” he commented.

The twenty-five year old attacking player has been impressed with the way the Rockets have approached the task to date. “Dean (Ugrinic) has been focusing on what is required to compete on Friday week,” Dries continued, “and that is the ability to step up our game to their level and try and match it with them across the field.”

Dries, who won the ACT Golden Boot from an advanced attacking midfield role back in 2006 is conscious of how he can improve his game. “I definitely need to work on my fitness!” he said. “I would say that my speed is my greatest asset and at Olympic we have tried to isolate defenders so I can run at them – that was where I got a lot of goals from in 2006.”

One player who will be familiar with the way the Mariners set about the game next week is central midfield lynchpin Marcin Zygmunt. The Woden Valley captain had a trial with the Mariners a year ago and talks glowingly of their set-up.

“It went really well,” he said. “It opened up my eyes to what is required to make it at the highest level of the game. The professionalism and intensity that they show in each session has had a marked improvement on my own game. On and off the field their set-up and training is first rate.”

The former Canberra Olympic playmaker, having had a taste of what is on offer, is understandably keen to get another shot. “I want to see how far I can go in the game,” Zygmunt responded when asked what his goals were.

“I would love another go at the Mariners and obviously would like an A-League contract! I realise though that it will take an enormous amount of hard work and dedication to get there, but I will try my best and see where it takes me.”

What has stood out in the practice sessions to date has been the venom that Zygmunt manages to impart into his shooting, off either foot, when afforded the chance. “Well I used to be a forward,” he said. “So I like to think that shooting is one of my strengths as well as being able to distribute the ball. As far as weaknesses go I need to work on my aerial ability. For a guy my size I should be winning more headers than I do!”

It’s evident that the concept of the Rockets appeals to the competitive nature of the players. Both Travis Dries and Marcin Zygmunt were enthusiastic supporters of the idea.

“It’s brilliant playing with the best players in Canberra,” Zygmunt mentioned. “It really means I have to step up my game and I thoroughly enjoy the technical side of the coaching we receive here. You don’t get many opportunities to play at this level, so I enjoy the intensity.” Dries concurred with his new team mate saying, “I get along well with all the lads here and it’s great to have the chance to play against an A-League team.”

Across the damp outfield coach Ugrinic was busy putting strike duo Goran Veljanovski and Paul Ivanic through their paces, hoping to build a rapid understanding that will terrorise the Mariners defence. It’s a partnership that Canberra FC striker Paul Ivanic is looking forward to.

“I think Goran and I will compliment each other well,” Ivanic said. “We are trying to work off each other and he has been banging in the goals this season.”

The tall forward is no slouch in front of the net either having ten ACT Premier League goals to his name already this term. “I am happy with the way I am playing but I always expect better from myself,” Ivanic continued. “Hopefully both Goran and I can get on the scoresheet next Friday and we can cause some problems. I like to break naturally from deep and take advantage of any space that is available so whether I get the chance to do that on Friday, we will wait and see!”

After growing up at Canberra Deakin (now Canberra FC) and playing all his local football there, Ivanic had spells at the Canberra Cosmos, Sydney United and the Belconnen Blue Devils so he knows what it’s like to be selected amongst the playing elite of the region.

“It’s good to be selected as it means the people that matter, the coaches, believe you to be the best in your position in the League,” he told us. “Playing with all these guys is great. They are a good group and everyone gets on well together.”

At twenty-five Paul is realistic about what the future holds for him as a footballer. “At this time of my life I need to look after my work commitments and that sort of thing.

However, if I do get a decent offer on paper then of course I would seriously consider it,” he smiled. With excellent strength and speed and poise in front of goal Ivanic looks to be the archetype of the modern centre-forward, so what aspects of his game does he feel he needs to work on?

“My concentration,” he replied. “Sometime during matches I drift in and out a little bit so I would like to be able to focus fully for the full ninety minutes.”

Judging by the way the majority of chances that Ivanic and Veljanovski were planting past Nathan Denham last night, given an iota of space the striking duo could help provide a massive sporting upset at Deakin Oval. Countdown to lift off continues……

Olyroos Matildas to take on Japan and Argentina

http://www.the-afc.com/eng/articles/viewArticle.jsp_167182878.html

TOKYO: Japan’s men’s and women’s Olympic teams will play two friendlies against Australia and Argentina to prepare for the August Beijing Olympics.

The Japanese men’s team will face Asian rivals Australia in Hyogo on July 24, preceded by the clash between the women’s teams of both the countries.

Wednesday, 18 June 2008

Socceroos to Canberra?

With four blockbuster World Cup Qualifier's planned for Sydney, Melbourne and maybe Brisbane before next July, the Asian Cup Qualifier home games of which there are at least two before July, will possibly go to regional centres.

Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle or Canberra. So why not Canberra? If we bid now, we might get a game...eventually.

Got to be in it to win it.

Canberra A-League: Can someone ask Terry?

Canberra's Terry Snow made it onto the BRW Rich list. $560 million!

Apparently the local business community were sceptical when Terry bought the airport for around $65 million in 1998. We know who has had the last laugh.
And wouldn't Terry like to get the ball rolling for a Canberra A-League side. Surely?

Has anybody asked him?

Gunghalin: How cool is that!

From the Gunghalin Football Club website.

Twenty very lucky U10/U11 Gungahlin United Football Club junior players have been selected to participate in the On Ground Entertainment Small-Sided Games display prior to the Qantas Socceroos v China World Cup Qualifying Match on 22 June 2008 at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

The U10 Galaxy and U11 Combination Team will represent GUFC, demonstrating their skills in two 5v5 Small Sided Games. This is part of the Football Federation Australia (FFA) promotion of the benefits of Small Sided Games.

Amy Chapman scores for Matildas...again!

From FFA Website: Matildas knock down Italians at Peace Cup

The Matildas have bounced back to win its second game at the Peace Cup, a 3-0 result over Italy being played in Suwon, South Korea.

Two goals in two minutes from Heather Garriock midway through the second half and a goal just before the end from Amy Chapman, secured the win and sets up a titanic final clash with World Cup finalists Brazil.

With scores locked 0-0 at the break, the Matildas grabbed the initiative in the 66th minute, when Garriock scored from close range, after a cross in from Kyah Simon.
From the re-start, Australia gained possession; moved upfield and Garriock was again on the spot to tap inside the far post, after Katie Gill had mis-kicked her attempt at goal.

Chapman added the third, capitalizing on the good work by Amber Neilson and Caitlin Munoz and Karla Reuter.
With coach Tom Sermanni making numerous changes for this match, the Matildas struggled for cohesion early.
However it was Kate Gill with the best chance early on, her 17th minute header, after a good run and cross by Lisa De Vanna, was blocked by the keeper.
The Matildas though can thank goalkeeper Lydia Williams for keeping the scores level at the break with two crucial saves.
In the 26th minute, Italy were through with Williams parrying the initial shot and the rebound was cleared off the line by Reuter. The with just minutes to go before the break, Williams again parried away a one-on-one chance to deny the Italians and opening goal.
The Italians continued to apply the pressure early in the second half, with Williams again to the rescue on the hour mark, turning a shot around the post.
But from then on it was all Australia, with Garriock’s quick double knocking the stuffing out of the Italians.
Tom Sermanni was obviously delighted with the win after a scratchy start, saying, “We were a little bit awry in first half, as we changed personnel and that affected us a bit. We lacked some cohesion; were fortunate to be 0-0 at the break and Lydia made a couple of great saves to keep us 0-0 at half time.
“We predicted that we would finish physically stronger and that’s what happened; as the second half went on we looked most likely to win the match. Our first goal was very important, but then to be followed up so quickly by the second knocked the Italians down a bit.”

Match Details
Matildas 3 (Heather Garriock 66’/68’, Amy Chapman 89’)
Italy 0

Australian line-up: Lydia Williams (gk); Kim Carroll, Kate McShea, Clare Polkinghorne (Ellyse Perry h/t), Karla Reuter, Joanne Burgess (Amy Chapman h/t), Amber Neilson, Heather Garriock (Caitlin Munoz 76’), Kyah Simon (Lauren Colthorpe 67’), Katie Gill, Lisa De Vanna

Subs not used: Melissa Barbieri (gk), Cheryl Salisbury, Dianne Alagich, Collette McCallum, Jenna Tristram
Cautions: Carroll (53’)

South Melbourne fans coming to Canberra

And thirty loyal fans are making the journey. Paul Mavroudis writes a South Melbourne FC blog and he sent the pre-match travel report which you can read below.

These were the teams when South Melbourne and Man Utd met in the World Club Championships in Rio in 2001. Just seven years later the furthest they travel is Canberra. This week they play the AIS on Sunday in Canberra!

Man Utd: Van Der Gouw, P Neville, Higginbottom, Berg, Wallwork, Cruyff, Wilson, Greening, Fortune, Solskjaer, Cole. Subs: Bosnich, Rachubka, G Neville, Irwin, Silvestre, Stam, Beckham, Butt, Giggs, Yorke, Keane.

South Melbourne: Jones, Iosifidis, De Amicis, Blatsis, Clarkson, Panopoulos, Trimboli, Curcija, Anastasiadis, Lozanovski, Liparoti. Subs: Udvaracz, Roche, Coveny, Alagich, Cuzzupe, Magnacca, Goutzoulis, Tsekinis, Psonis, Mustafa, Culibrk.

Paul wrote:

The game is on Sunday. We'll be leaving 10pm Saturday night, about 30 of us, and some more travelling up in their own cars. We're going to have a couple of stops on the way. We were hoping to be able to have lunch at the Hellenic club, but their dress code would probably exclude a whole bunch of blokes (and one brave lady) almost exclusively attired in football supporters gear. I hope we can find a way to get around that, seems like a good venue.

So the plan is get to Canberra sometime in the morning, see some of the sights, embassies and other places more juvenile minds like to go. Maybe have a bbq in lieu of a more formal lunch, then catch the game, then basically straight back with hopefully a radio broadcast of the Socceroos-China game.

A lot of bus companies when they found out we were from a soccer club/South Melbourne didn't want to deal with us or bumped up the prices significantly.

So we're having to take a self drive option which means limited sinking of piss for those who like to do so.

Personally as a non-drinker, I'm glad that the bus won't be an esky on wheels. It should be an absolute belter of a trip.

I haven't been interstate in about 9 years, and never been to Canberra!

There's a dvd player on the bus so we'll be playing some highlights of the previous two years and some early to mid 1990s stuff, real Australian top flight golden era stuff, the 91 GF, the clash of the titans, Heidelberg's many beltings at our hands...

Will be even better if we can manage to sneak a point of the game :)

Canberrra: MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL by Russ Gibbs

There’s something about watching football under floodlights that stirs the soul.

There’s something about watching football under floodlights that stirs the soul. Maybe it’s because most of the iconoclastic matches that sit in the memory were played under lights. Matches such as the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich or the ill-fated 1997 World Cup Qualifier with Iran, or more recently of course the momentous 2005 World Cup Qualifying victory over Uruguay.

Whatever the intangibles may be the sight of twenty-two players going for goal on the green swathe under the glare of the halogen lights brings out the best in almost everyone.

Out of necessity ADFA play many of their scheduled ACT State League fixtures under floodlights. Now this can cause headaches for managers, coaches and players at the lower levels who may find it difficult to get off work in time for 6pm kick offs, of which there are a few.

But when you are greeted by the sight of the RMC pitches at Duntroon bathed in that golden glow the heart is lifted and the imagination soars. So much so that great deeds and great goals become the norm, rather than the exception.

Last night Tuggeranong United State League Five, under the stewardship of the enigmatic Jake Padrotta, had the fortune to play under the lights, kicking off at the more reasonable time of 7pm. Trailing 0-1 at half-time to a well-organised ADFA the Tuggeranong boys, after a spirited pep-talk from the coach at the interval upped the ante.

Steve Diggle slotted home his 8th goal of the season after a goalmouth scramble to level matters before Keon Ansell lashed in a spectacular half-volley to give the visitors the lead. A brace of goals from the livewire Nathan Henry completed a remarkable turn around and keeps the tight-knit Tuggeranong team in the hunt for a finals spot.

The quality of the football was excellent and the poise and panache showed by both teams, in particular Tuggeranong in the second half was a credit to the respective clubs.

So, is there a possibility that in the future we may see more matches played under lights on a Monday? The idea of a big Premier League match may appeal to some and certainly is an idea to be thought of.

There are, or course, disadvantages. Mostly to the largely amateur players who would need to back-up from a hard day at work to play in the evening, but if it is good enough for the lower leagues maybe it could be trialled further up?

Belconnen United have enjoyed mixed success for their early Saturday evening fixtures at McKellar this season, could this be the alternative?

• What are your thoughts? Would Monday Night Football work in the ACT? Which matches played under floodlights stick out in your memory? Let us know.

Tuesday, 17 June 2008

Nearpost Podcast fails!

There is no recording of this weeks Nearpost Radio show. The computer failed to record the show. Apologies to all our regular listeners.

Matildas 3 Italy 0

Report to follow, Australia now play Brazil on Thursday who lost to the USA 1-0. The winners of Brazil Australia will go through.

Asian Cup Qualification...easy I reckon:)

Although it's unlikely we will have any overseas guys back, so maybe not so easy.

Draw is on July and five teams in each group and two go through from each group.
THE SEEDINGS AND POTS

Pot 1 Pot 2 Pot 3 Pot 4
1. Japan 6.China 11. Oman 16. Yemen
2. Australia 7. Thailand 12. Malaysia 17. Kuwait
3. Iran 8. Indonesia 13. Jordan 18. Singapore
4. Uzbekistan 9. UAE 14. Syria 19. India
5. Vietnam 10. Bahrain 15. Hong Kong 20. Lebanon

Games start in Feb 2009. Not long:)

Mate..he's Dutch

FFA appointed a new Ref's Assessor to look at the whole Refereeing stuff. Yep, he's Dutch.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced the appointment of Mario Van der Ende to conduct an independent review of Australian match officiating standards, systems and practices.

“This is the review we had to have,” said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley.

“Referees are a critical component of any sport and have an important role to play in the game.”

Buckley said that Van der Ende will identify the gaps and areas for improvement in the development of match officials at all levels of the sport and recommend strategies to address any shortcomings.

The scope of the review will include elite level officiating, education and development, recruitment and retention and cultural attitudes towards officials at all levels of the game. It will take place in two stages with an early focus on the elite level, followed by the entire game including grassroots football, with final recommendations due in August.

Buckley said that Van der Ende is highly qualified to undertake the review.

“We’re delighted that Mario could assist us with this review.

“He was a top level referee for more than 25 years, including 12 years and 135 matches as an international FIFA referee,” Buckley said.

Van der Ende has officiated at the FIFA World Cup and ‘Euro’ on multiple occasions, and was on the prestigious FIFA Referees’ Committee for four years until last year.

He has been a referee instructor across the world including throughout continental Europe, England, Northern Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Surinam, Turkey and New Zealand to name just a few.

“Mario’s appointment is a fantastic opportunity for FFA and the rest of the football family to enhance the role of referees to the game.

“Ultimately, we want to ensure that referees have the skills and training they need to perform their role with confidence, that we attract more people to refereeing and that referees’ contribution to the game is recognised and valued by players, administrators and spectators.”

Van der Ende will consult with all Hyundai A-League clubs and will meet with Australia’s elite referees at a forum to be held next week.

Canberra's Amy Taylor hosts football show

Pim Verbeek: A-League better than German Training?

So Aussie Pim reckoned training in Germany was better than playing in the A-League.

Fair enough we thought, but after watching A-League representative Jade North up against Bundesliga's Michael Beauchamp in the last three World Cup Qualifiers,

it's the A-League for me.....by a long way. What say you Pim?

Monday, 16 June 2008

Youth League update: Sydney FC.

The Youth of Sydney, and Australia, are on the march.

"There is plenty of talent in Sydney that's for sure," said Sydney FC Coach Steve O'Connor.

"We're trying to put in place pathways so the youth of Sydney know the way to the A-League."

For the first time in many years, a National Youth League will start in September. This time there is a real contract, a real pathway, and a professional televised league at the end of the rainbow.

With James Holland bursting into the Socceroos, Nathan Burns, Dario Vidosic and Michael Zullo all filling newpaper columns, a Youth team contract never meant so much.

Sydney FC are putting together a Youth team, and an Academy beneath that, as they attempt to find the future stars of Sydney kids most popular participation sport.

Imagine a Nathan Burns or Bruce Djite. No longer heading for Adelaide and overseas. But through an Academy, a Youth team and then into the Sydney FC A-League side.

And who knows Sydney could be banking the $1.5 million dollars that Adelaide have for the sale of these two players, when and if the players do head o/s. With sell-on fees as well. Australian Club's need your boys.

Train them, play them and sell them may become the message.

As much as we don't want to see players go overseas too quickly, if they do, the increased revenues to the Australian clubs will be welcome.

No other code has such a player drain, or alternatively, an overseas transfer revenue stream.

So Sydney FC have started trials. 40 boys turned up last week on Monday night, another 40 or so this week.

It's a slow process, with most NSW Premier League not too keen to release their talent. Sydney FC or not. These clubs want to ensure their NSW Premier League survival or fight for trophies.

It's early days but Sydney FC are already behind the Mariners. The "little club" from the North have raided Sydney territory already. On a number of occasions.

Sydney are full with their Under 20 A-League players, and have little financial ways to move with older players on long contracts.

But Steve O'Connor is very confident in the quality of the talent available.

"There's plenty of players, plenty of good talent out there, I'm not worried about that."

And that's encouraging news for the fans. A new Nathan Burns, David Carney, Bruce Djite and more should be flowing through in greater numbers than ever before.

The pathway is becoming clear for the talent of Australia, playing weekend football in their hundred's of thousands.

Are you after any players from Canberra Steve?

"I'm not going to tell you that!"

Nearpost Radio: Armchair talk.

This week, Tuesday 6.30pm: Nationally we cover the Socceroos and the World Cup from an armchair perspective. Quiz, news and dedication.

USA Pilot Stacey talks about her Matildas passion
Terry from the Tropics finds THE indigenous community in the NT.

Locally from 7pm Russ and Chris' big interview is with the head of Coever Coaching (Australia) Jason Lancsar. Junior football: Did you know Martin Roberts,Gold Medal Swimmer is coaching kids football in Canberra? And all the news of men and women's premier league action.

Armchair fans win it for Australia

Australia 3 Qatar 1

Australia marched into the next round of the World Cup thanks to the loud and passionate "Armchair Aussies."

Pessimistic Pim played it safe last week against Iraq, got criticised by all the armchair fans back home, and saw his team lose 1-0.
Tonight he played a few attackers and the Aussies romped home 3-1.

So fire up and look forward to some fantastic football in the next group stage. Can't wait.

It was reasonably comfortable in hindsight. Brett Emerton scored in 19th minute, playing further forward he benefited from Brett Holman, Marco Bresciano and Harry Kewell's forward movement early on. Where was that last week?

And maybe Verbeek realised despite the stunning first half performance of Qatari striker Sebastian Quintano, that Iraq are a far superior time.

Hence Pim's decision to remove the ultra- defensive line-up which had included Chris Coyne.

Goals
Brett Emerton 2 and Harrry Kewell for Australia.

Missing next week, all suspended

Mark Scharzwer, David Carney and Luke Wilkshire.

Key Performances
Harry Kewell, Brett Holman, Marco Bresciano, Mark Scharzwer and Jade North stood out for me.

Concerns
Michael Beauchamp was exposed for pace too many times for my liking, and David Carney almost conceded an attackers penalty.

A solid performance, a more attacking line-up saw the Aussies qualify with a game to go.

Brett Emerton's energy further forward proved crucial. Last week Verbeek played him full-back to counter the pace of the Iraqi attack.

Clearly Pim felt Qatar were no Iraq. And his team selection reflected that.

Pim produced a team that scored three goals. An away win.

An that is no mean feat in International football.

So well done to the Armchair Aussies, bringing the points home for Australia.

And they are cheaper too! Who needs a national coach, Dutch or not?

Sunday, 15 June 2008

Matildas edged out by USA

Interestingly despite some relatively heavy losses to Japan and North Korea in the Asia Cup recently Australia seem to run the World Number 1, USA, close, again and again and again.

Recent 4-3 and 3-2 losses in the US have been followed up by a narrow 2-1 defeat in the Aussies Peace Cup opener in Korea today.

MATILDAS PUSH WORLD NUMBER ONE USA AT PEACE CUP

A goal 13 minutes from full time has denied the Matildas a draw against world number one USA in their opening match at the 2008 Peace Cup in South Korea.

The USA won 2-1 with the winner from Abby Wambach after Matildas midfielder Heather Garriock equalised in the 58th minute cancelling out Natasha Kai's first half opener for the reigning Olympic champions.

"It was a disappointing result in the end because we looked quite comfortable for much of the game with the USA only rarely able to create goalscoring opportunities," sais Matildas Coach Tom Sermanni.

"On the positive side I'm pleased with the overall performance and we matched the USA in most areas.

"Generally speaking we were far better than we were at times at the recent Asian Cup and it was a much improved performance defensively and also in general play."

Last month Australia were twice denied by injury time goals in their two match series in the USA losing 5-4 and 3-2.

Australia have never defeated the USA in 22 matches between the two nations stretching back to their first meeting in 1987.

Australia will now meet Italy on Tuesday followed by their final Group B match against World Cup runners up Brazil on Thursday.

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

Match Details:-

Australia 1 (Heather Garriock 58')

USA 2 (Natasha Kai 35', Abby Wambach 77')

Australian line-up: Melissa Barbieri (gk); Clare Polkinghorne, Cheryl Salisbury (Kate McShea 72'), Di Alagich, Ellyse Perry, Lauren Colthorpe, Collette McCallum (Amber Neilson 85'), Heather Garriock, Joanne Burgess (Amy Chapman 50'), Lisa De Vanna, Caitlin Munoz (Kate Gill 74').

Cautions: Alagich 9', Munoz 55'

Peace Cup
Australia v USA
Sunday 15 June

Australia v Italy
Tuesday 17 June

Australia v Brazil
Thursday 19 June

Final
Saturday 21 June

Group A comprises Argentina, Canada, New Zealand and host nation South Korea with the final to be played at the Suwon World Cup Stadium.

The Peace Cup is held every two years in South Korea and is considered one of the premier women's football tournaments outside the World Cup with $200,000 USD on offer for the winning team.

ACT Premier League: Ivanic scores Macor misses

Canberra FC stamped their authority on the ACT Premier League with a 1-0 win over Belconnen United at MacKellar Stadium on Saturday night.

All the news and scores as the results come in with special thanks to Russ Gibbs.

Paul Ivanic scored the only goal of the game for Canberra FC in the match of the round, ney the season!

Danny Macor missed a crucial penalty for Belconnen who are now five points adrift of the leaders.

Canberra Olympic 4 ANU FC 0

Trent Flanigan (2) and Scott Barsley (2) saw off the challenge of ANU at North Oval.

Coach Ian Heyward despite missing several players thought "it was good result. ANU always defend well, make it hard for teams to play."

Heyward who takes pride in the defensive qualities of the sides he manages noted, "we've conceded 7 goals all season, none against sides lower than us. We've got Canberra City next week and it gives us the chance to establish ourselves in the top four."

Canberra City 1 Queanbeyan City 2

Queanbeyan's push up the table continues. Coach Goran Neveski, who is leaving the club for the rest of the season to visit family overseas, was happy with the win.

0-0 at half-time, City's David Dexter was sent-off for a deliberate handball early in the second half. Mishko Naumoski converted.

Goran Jovanovski scored again for Q'beyan and Tim Malysaik scored a consolation for the young City side.

Zmejko Trakkoski will take over the coaching role for Q'beyan for the rest of the season.

Woden Valley 1 Tuggeranong United 1

John Caggiano scored for the Valley before Simon Gemmell equalised for Tuggers with his fourth of the season.

Tuggers Coach Scott Conlon was not best pleased. Tuggers had heaps of chances but couldn't convert.

In other news
Canberra Olympic/Belconnen United's Round 11 game scheduled for 29th June has been put back due to Olympic's young side being heavily involved with The Rockets/Mariners clash.

Belconnen were not concerned, but the game will now be played on 13th July.

The spirit of football

Referee Danny Parker said, "despite the 10-1 scoreline in the Third Division game between O'Connor Knights and Canberra FC, the game was played in the best spirit."

Sixth Grade: Tuggers v Uni Canberra Pumas

Meanwhile lower, much lower, down the Leagues Nearpost Football experts, Russ Gibbs and Chris Gottaas's sides battled it out.

Russ Gibbs said, "Football was the winner on the day, I scored one, you got that, and Chris didn't turn up to play. Injured or got a sniffle or something. But he was there on the sideline watching his team go down. Tuggers Div 6 beat UC Pumas 2-0, put that on your blog. Our resident Kiwi Api Pou scored the other."

"And I've got ligament trouble, but still made it on the field for the 9th Grade side later in the day. I scored a hat-trick in that one! Ben Morphy got two. We beat ADFA 5-2. We had a minutes silence for the ADFA's boy's involved in the crash during the week. They really are a great group of lads the ADFA guys," said Russ.

Tuggers Uber Coach Steve Beattie was reported to be very pleased with the third win on the spin.

Asia World Cup Groups decided

With only one place still to be decided, Iraq or Qatar, time to look at the Aussie path to South Africa. Australia. South Korea, Iran, Saudia Arabia, Japan, Uzbekistan, North Korea, Bahrain, UAE are all through.

With Australia seeded one, with luck we could be up against Iraq assuming they beat Qatar, Bahrain, North Korea and Japan.

Or Iran, Japan, Uzbekistan and North Korea..yikes!!

Get all Matildas news/footage on youtube

Matildas at the Peace Cup on youtube

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