Nearpost Football

Thursday, 9 October 2008

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?

Wednesday, 8 October 2008

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

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.

Tuesday, 7 October 2008

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

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

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.

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:)

Monday, 6 October 2008

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

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

...

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.

Sunday, 5 October 2008

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!

Saturday, 4 October 2008

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:)

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.

Friday, 3 October 2008

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

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?

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.

Thursday, 2 October 2008

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:)

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)

Wednesday, 1 October 2008

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!

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.

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.

Tuesday, 30 September 2008

Tim Skinner: Remarkable young man goes Nearpost.

Nationally, we talk Asian Champions League, A-League Expansion, we hear from Young Matildas Coach Alen Stajic and we wrap the A-League.

Download

Locally Aaron Walker debuts in the host chair alongside Russ Gibbs.
Christine Ng looks forward to Canberra United and we hear the remarkable football story of Canberra returnee Tim Skinner.

Ghana, FIFA, Les Murray, HIV, Kenya, Volunteer, Canberra City, Watford FC Academy, Tim has an amazing football journey...so far!

Download

Canberra A-League: Your say in the club!

Having attended last nights Canberra A-League committee meeting I can tell you things are moving along at an impressive rate.

I can also tell you we are in the fight of our lives and, I believe, only the people of Canberra can secure this team.

Melbourne hae been handed a second spot for 2010.

That leaves Canberra, West Sydney (the elephant in the room) and Wollongong for the 12th spot.

There may well be 13 and 14 spots in time, but when and who wants to wait.

Money is not a problem! That is the message I took from last nights meeting, it will be a question of which investors we choose! Nice place to be.

So the fan base will also be important, very important.

At the moment we have 750 paid up foundation members. Wollongong have 500, signatures but not one has paid a cent! Who would you choose? Oh and we are the Capital of Australia.

West Sydney? No-one had heard anything from their 3 bids, but you can be sure they will end up with one cashed up bid, eventually.

But a second team in Sydney could kill Sydney FC, and no-one wants that do they?

So we need to show we want a team. 750 Members is a great start but we need more.

So Canberra and the Region it's up to us. Let's do it.

Foundation Members will get to attend FREE the night with Ned Zelic and of course free entry to the W-League games for 5 years and you get a representation on the board of the club. When did that ever happen in Canberra sport?

Nearpost Radio: Meet Canberran Tim Skinner

Canberra's full of football and tonights show is no different.

Nationally from 6.30pm we have an interviews with:
Young Matildas Coach Alen Stajic
Live in the studio Adelaide United fan foum moderator Nick Rundle.

And locally from 6.55pm we have:
Passionate women's football follower Christine Ng
and Tim Skinner.

Tim has a remarkable football story to tell.
He's from Canberra, former Canberra City and Burns Club player, and he's recently returned from Kenya where he did work on a football/HIV project.

Thought that was impressive. He's recently finished his dissertation on Ghanaian young players and the exploitation of these Africans when they head to Europe.
Also interviewed Les Murray for his resarch.

And want more? He wrote a business plan for Watford FC, the English team!

Hear Tim, Christine, Alen and Nick from 6.30pm tonight 98.3fm and catch it on the pod tomorrow.

Monday, 29 September 2008

Canberrans star in Young Matildas wins

Chrissy Walters played for the Young Matildas, most of whom are Under 18 against a China Under 20 side about to play at the World Cup.

China are a powerhouse in women's football but Australia won 2-1 on Saturday with a standout performance from Canberran Bronywn Studman, according to Coach Alen Stajic and 2-0 tonight.

Full report below. The team now head to Malaysia next month for the pre-Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Ante Juric will step into coach Sydney FC W-League side when Sydney's Head Coach Alen Stajic is away with the Young Matildas.

Westfield Young Matildas have successfully defeated China U20, 2-0, during the international friendly match in Canberra today.

The Westfield ‘Promising Matildas’ defeated China U20 2-1 on Thursday, while the Westfield Young Matildas also defeated their Chinese counterparts, 2-1, in Canberra on Saturday as well as this afternoon.

In today’s match, Tameka Butt opened the scoring in the 15 minute while Samantha Kerr secured the Young Matildas’ second goal in the 76th minute.

“This is another pleasing result, but possibly the most pleasing aspect is that there is still room for improvement,” said Westfield Young Matildas Coach, Alen Stajcic.

“Our defence held well when under pressure and the effort in both games was fantastic.

“For a lot of players these games were their first internationals.

This experience lays a good foundation, both technically and tactically,” said Stajcic

Many of the Westfield Young Matildas players will be in contention to participate in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U19 Championships to be held in Kuala Lumpur in October/November.

ENDS

Match Details

29 September 2008
AIS, Canberra

Australia U20, 2 (Tameka Butt 15’, Samantha Kerr 76’) - China U20, 0
Referee Chris Young

Westfield Young Matildas line-up. Samantha WOOD, Emily VAN EGMOND, Marianna TABAIN, Teresa POLIAS, Tameka BUTT, Angela FIMMANO, Alesha CLIFFORD, Kyah SIMON, Casey DUMONT (gk), Christine WALTERS, Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT.

Substitutes. Sian MCLAREN (gk), Ashleigh SYKES, Nicole SYKES, Samantha KERR, Linda O'NEILL, Sophie HOGBEN, Ella MASTRANTONIO, Karina ROWETH, Samantha SPACKMAN, Jessica SEAMAN, Ruth BLACKBURN, Nikki DIETER (gk), Rachel QUIGLEY.

China U20 starting line-up. Xiaohui CHI, Linglung WANG, Xiaoging RUAN, Dongyang LI, Wei ZLUI, Rui ZHANG, Wenjia XU, Jun MA, Xinzhi WENG, Yasha GU, Jiahui LOU.

Substitutes. Fengyue PANG, Xiulan ZENG, Shukun LIU, Liu LI, Zixiang MA, Shanghon QU, Yue ZHOWG, Peng HAN, Yahui YU.

Domenici, Bush, Gapare...making history?

Canberran Stephen Domenici opened the scoring for the Joeys in Tashkent yesterday. Danai Gapare also got game time. I'm assuming Chris Bush was injured.See release below.

Question: How many other Canberran or Goulburn Under 16's or younger have ever even been to Uzbekistan?
And who in that age range from this region,if anyone, has ever played a sporting contest in that country?

The Qantas Joeys have recorded a confidence boosting 3-0 victory in a friendly match against the Uzbekistan U16 National team in Tashkent overnight.

Qantas Joeys Head Coach Martyn Crook used the fixture to fine tune his teams preparations for the AFC U16 Championships, which kick-offs this weekend, and as a result gave the majority of the 23-player squad match time.

Stephen Domenici opened the scoring for the Qantas Joeys just after the half-hour mark and five minutes later Eli Babalj doubled the lead with a well finished goal.

Ben Kantarovski completed the scoring for the Qantas Joeys late in the match when he headed home a Marc Warren free kick at the far post.

The Qantas Joeys open their AFC U16 Championships campaign on Sunday 5 October when they face Saudi Arabia at the Pakhtakor Stadium in Tashkent.

Match Details:

Uzbekistan 0

Qantas Joeys 3 (Stephen Domenici 33’, Eli Babalj 38’, Ben Kantarovski 85’)

Pakhtakor Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Qantas Joeys line-up: Robert Kolac, Nathan Farrell (Chahine Noujaim), Brendan Hamill (C), Petar Franjic, Trent Sainsbury (Mark Perrone), Ben Kantarovski, Jared Lum, Stephen Domenici (Teddy Yabio), Nikola Stanojevic (Kamal Ibrahim), Cameron Edwards (Marc Warren), Eli Babalj (Danai Gapare).

Substitutes not used: Julius Davies, Bailey Wright, Dimitrios Petratos.

Yellow Cards: Nathan Farrell

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

#
Date
Match
Venue
Kick-Off

1
4 Oct 2008
I.R. IRAN vs. BAHRAIN
Pakhtakor Stadium
20:00

2
4 Oct 2008
SINGAPORE vs. UZBEKISTAN
Pakhtakor Stadium
16:00

9
6 Oct 2008
BAHRAIN vs. SINGAPORE
Pakhtakor Stadium
20:00

10
6 Oct 2008
UZBEKISTAN vs. I.R. IRAN
Pakhtakor Stadium
16:00

17
8 Oct 2008
I.R. IRAN vs. SINGAPORE
MHSK Stadium
15:00

19
8 Oct 2008
UZBEKISTAN vs. BAHRAIN
Pakhtakor Stadium
15:00

Group B: INDIA, INDONESIA, KOREA REPUBLIC, SYRIA

#
Date
Match
Venue
Kick-Off

3
4 Oct 2008
SYRIA vs. INDONESIA
MHSK Stadium
18:00

4
4 Oct 2008
KOREA REPUBLIC vs. INDIA
MHSK Stadium
14:00

11
6 Oct 2008
INDONESIA vs. KOREA REPUBLIC
MHSK Stadium
14:00

12
6 Oct 2008
INDIA vs. SYRIA
MHSK Stadium
18:00

18
8 Oct 2008
SYRIA vs. KOREA REPUBLIC
Pakhtakor Stadium
19:00

20
8 Oct 2008
INDIA vs. INDONESIA
MHSK Stadium
19:00

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

#
Date
Match
Venue
Kick-Off

5
5 Oct 2008
CHINA P.R. vs. TURKMENISTAN
Pakhtakor Stadium
16:00

6
5 Oct 2008
SAUDI ARABIA vs. AUSTRALIA
Pakhtakor Stadium
20:00

13
7 Oct 2008
TURKMENISTAN vs. SAUDI ARABIA
Pakhtakor Stadium
20:00

14
7 Oct 2008
AUSTRALIA vs. CHINA P.R.
Pakhtakor Stadium
16:00

21
9 Oct 2008
CHINA P.R. vs. SAUDI ARABIA
Pakhtakor Stadium
15:00

23
9 Oct 2008
AUSTRALIA vs. TURKMENISTAN
MHSK Stadium
15:00

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

#
Date
Match
Venue
Kick-Off

7
5 Oct 2008
JAPAN vs. MALAYSIA
MHSK Stadium
14:00

8
5 Oct 2008
YEMEN vs. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
MHSK Stadium
18:00

15
7 Oct 2008
MALAYSIA vs. YEMEN
MHSK Stadium
14:00

16
7 Oct 2008
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES vs. JAPAN
MHSK Stadium
18:00

22
9 Oct 2008
JAPAN vs. YEMEN
Pakhtakor Stadium
19:00

24
9 Oct 2008
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES vs. MALAYSIA
MHSK Stadium
19:00

Quarter Finals

#
Date
Match
Venue

QF1
12 Oct 2008
Winner Group A vs. Runner Up Group B
Pakhtakor Stadium
16:00

QF2
12 Oct 2008
Winner Group B vs. Runner Up Group A
Pakhtakor Stadium
20:00

QF3
12 Oct 2008
Winner Group C vs. Runner Up Group D
MHSK Stadium
14:00

QF4
12 Oct 2008
Winner Group D vs. Runner Up Group C
MHSK Stadium
18:00

Semi Finals

#
Date
Match
Venue

SF1
15 Oct 2008
Winner QF1 vs. Winner QF3
Pakhtakor Stadium
15:00

SF2
15 Oct 2008
Winner QF2 vs. Winner QF4
Pakhtakor Stadium
19:00

Final

#
Date
Match
Venue

F
18 Oct 2008
Winner SF1 vs. Winner SF2
Pakhtakor Stadium
16:00

Adam Mark

Milovanovic

A great name! A great Canberra football name.

And congratulations to Dane Milovanovic and Sam Munro on being named in the Young Socceroos side to play in the upcoming ASEAN tournament.

But pity the Newcastle Jets. 4 injured on the weekend and James Holland and Jason Naidovski to head o/s as well.

Kaz Patafta to play:)

Qantas Young Socceroos Head Coach Jan Versleijen has selected a squad of 20 players for the upcoming ASEAN Football Federation U19 Youth Championships which will be held in Thailand from 5-11 October 2008.

“We recently held a short training camp in Europe to have a look at a number of overseas based players.

"As a result I have included a number of those overseas based players along with the Australian based players in this squad that will compete in Thailand,” said Versleijen

The ASEAN tournament will be used to strengthen the team for the AFC Championships which will be held in Dammam (Saudi Arabia) starting at the end of October.

“I believe we have a good team, with a mix of players with special qualities as well as good team players .

“With this mix, we are all looking towards qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt next year," concluded Versleijen.

Included in the squad are thirteen Hyundai A-League players as well as James Brown and Dane Milovanovic from the Australian Institute of Sport.

The Hyundai A-League players are Luke De Vere (Queensland Roar), Nathan Elasi (Melbourne Victory), Jason Hoffman (Newcastle Jets), James Holland (Newcastle Jets), Matthew Jurman (Sydney FC), Milos Lujic, (Melbourne Victory), Tahj Minniecon (Queensland Roar), Sam Munro (Sydney FC), Jason Naidovski (Newcastle Jets), Mitchell Nichols (Queensland Roar), Thomas Oar (Queensland Roar), Andrew Redmayne (Central Coast Mariners), Sebastian Ryall (Melbourne Victory) and Nikolas Tsattalios (Sydney FC).

Versleijen has also included five overseas based players in Scott Balderson (Stevenage Borough, UK), Alex Cisak (gk) (Leicester City, UK), Peter Cvetanovski (Borussia Monchenlabach, Germany), Andreas Govas (Apollon Kalamarias, Greece) and Ryan McGowan (Hearts FC, Scotland).

The Qantas Young Socceroos will play their play their first match of the tournament against China PR on Sunday 5 October (kick-off 11.30pm AEDT), and then face the Korea Republic on Tuesday 7 October (kick-off 9:00pm AEDT) before their final group match against Thailand on Thursday 9 October (kick-off 11.30pm AEDT).

The Qantas Young Socceroos will depart Australia on Wednesday 1 October and will use the AFF U19 Youth Championships Tournament as part of their preparations for the AFC U19 Youth Championships Which will be held in Saudi Arabia from the 31 October – 14 November 2008. The top 4 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

The Qantas Young Socceroos will be departing Sydney International Airport on Wednesday 1 October (check-in 1:30pm). Any media interested in interviewing or filming squad members should contact Adam Mark on 040... by 5.00pm Tuesday 30 September.

Qantas Young Socceroos Squad List
ASEAN Football Federation U19 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), Dane Milovanovic (AIS), Tahj Minniecon (Queensland Roar), 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
Official Match Schedule

MatchDateFixtureKick-Off TimeVenue
1Sun 5 Oct 08Korea Republic. vs. Thailand5:00pm TST (9:00pm AEDT)Supachalasai Stadium
2Sun 5 Oct 08Australia vs. China PR7:30pm TST (11:30pm AEDT)Supachalasai Stadium
3Tues 7 Oct 08Korea Republic vs. Australia 5:00pm TST (9:00pm AEDT)Royal Thai Army Stadium
4Tues 7 Oct 08China PR vs. 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

Sunday, 28 September 2008

Socceroos don't need Craig Moore!

Every journo in the country wants Craig Moore back in the Socceroos.

Every player says we need Moore. We don't, and I don't want him nor his thuggish style.

Craig Moore has played and achieved great things for Rangers and the Socceroos. But he came back to Australia younger than many.

Why?

Because he's slowing, and quickly. And the worst thing to see is Moory becoming thuggish.

Yesterday he crunched, or cheated, Archie Thompson out of the play on many occasions. And he's doing it every week to every pacey individual with skill and he's hurting the skill factor of the league.

He's such a great player, he's a true professional, he's great to watch, so say his chorus of mates in media world.

No, he's a cheat, who hits players, defends off the ball with a kick or an elbow. He's lucky to survive when other players are getting sent-off and booked for what.

A dodgy hand held card, a bit of verbals or some other minor dismeanor.

And Moory for the National team. What next Kevin Muscat or Danny Tiatto? Give it up.

In his last game against Qatar,in the second-half he embarrassed the national jersey. And do you think he's got faster since then?

Kevin Muscat reduced many internationalists to mere karate mates as his international career waned, and Moory is/would do the same.

I don't want to see him in the Australian shirt again. It's not the way we want to get to the World Cup.

He's retired, Pim leave him retired and him and me keep the Craig Moore, Socceroo memories in tact.

Sent-Off...Melbourne again!

Wellington won, honest they beat the leaders Sydney FC. I kid you not. And Victory had another sent-off, for what I don't know.

Central Coast thumped Perth, will Dave Mitchell be sacked after Pim Verbeek's vote of confidence, and the youngsters shine for the Kruse less Roar.

Queensland Roar are better away. But Frank Farina needs to change the style of play at home. It's simple.

Defend well away and with speed on the break they can create chances and they do. That's what all A-League sides can do, bar Wellington and Perth.

And didn't you love Kevin Muscat getting skinned by Michael Zullo at the end and scoring.

But Indigneous Taj Minniecon stole the show with an even better goal, squeezed into a narrow gap.

Victory were laboured, and without Carlos Hernandez next week not to mention Ney Fabiano and Michael Theokiltos they will struggle further...maybe.

Sydney lost to Wellington in a shock! But Sydney have been flattering all season and even with Pele I mean John Aloisi in the side they got beat by the cellar dwellars.

and didn't Lei Lei Gao prove what he can do. Play him Ricky, love him and play him. At least he's a footballer!

Two great Aussie Coaches?

Gary Van Egmond is still the best, but Aurelio Vidmar is on the move...and quick.

Van Egmond's side were a goal down to Adelaide and having used their three subs and when Jason Hoffman got injured they were down to ten.

But Van Egmond did what few coaches ever do even when they have a full complement.

He pushed men forward going for the equaliser.

Ricky Herbert can't you get Fox in New Zealand:)

In Tarek Elrich he has a potent weapon. Elrich sped into the box, beat a couple and brought a wonderful save from Adelaide United's starman Eugen Galagovic. Great football.

And later Elrich produced some more magic.

Adelaide scored another late on, but Ante Covic was to blame not the coaches aggressive attacking policy.

Pity they couldn't show such energy and verve when they had eleven mind you.

As for Adelaide Vidmar is an astute coach, as his Asian record shows.

He still has a bit to go to get the same versatility from his team as Van Egmond but he's moving his pieces in games, very very effectively and no doubt Asia is teaching him a lot.

He's young, and even after losing Bruce Djite and Nathan Burns he has created a new team which can only get better.

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